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Golden Gate method enables rapid, fully-synthetic engineering of therapeutically relevant bacteriophages

Researchers from New England Biolabs and Yale University have developed a first fully synthetic bacteriophage engineering system using the High-Complexity Golden Gate Assembly platform. This method simplifies strain engineering techniques, allowing for rapid creation of tailored therapeutic strains to overcome antibiotic resistance.

SourceNew England Biolabs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026

Review: Foundation models in bioinformatics

Researchers identified recent advancements in bioinformatics foundation models, enhancing understanding of molecular landscapes and providing practical foundations for innovation in molecular biology. The models are versatile and essential tools for various downstream tasks, including genomics and drug discovery.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 21, 2025

New Reichman University study: Advances in cancer treatment and research: ChiTaRS 8.0 database of chimeric genes launched to facilitate the precise adaptation of treatments to specific cancer types

The ChiTaRS 8.0 database is the world's largest collection of chimeric genes found in humans with cancer and other chronic diseases. It enables the precise adaptation of treatments to specific cancer types, improving treatment success and minimizing side effects.

SourceReichman University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 1, 2025

Welcome Evo, generative AI for the genome

Evo, a generative AI model, uses patterns in microbial genomes to write new genetic code, expanding the length of sequences models can process and improving resolution. Researchers use Evo to understand microbial and viral genomes, fashion new proteins, and reprogram microbes for remarkable tasks.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2024

Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage

A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2024

Reduce, reuse, reflycle

Scientists at Macquarie University propose using genetically engineered black soldier flies to transform waste management and sustainable biomanufacturing. The flies can consume large volumes of waste quickly, producing valuable industrial inputs such as enzymes and lipids.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 13, 2024

AI-based Alphafold: Its potential impact on predictive medicine

AlphaFold's groundbreaking ability to predict protein structures is set to transform predictive medicine, enabling the development of personalized vaccines and adaptive clinical trials. However, the review also highlights crucial challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI integration with clinical data.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Precision Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

Experts call for global genetic warning system to combat the next pandemic and antimicrobial resistance

A global genomic surveillance system using latest technologies and a 'One Health' approach can detect novel pathogens like avian influenza and antimicrobial resistance, catching epidemics before they start. This can inform vaccination campaigns, targeted treatments, and public health responses to prevent epidemics.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 25, 2024

‘Junk DNA’ no more: Johns Hopkins investigators develop method of identifying cancers from repeat elements of genetic code

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a novel approach to identify cancer-causing repeats in DNA sequences, enabling non-invasive detection and monitoring of cancers. The ARTEMIS method uses machine learning to analyze cell-free DNA and distinguish between tumor and normal tissues with high accuracy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2024

SeqScreen can reveal ‘concerning’ DNA

SeqScreen, an open-source software toolkit, accurately characterizes short DNA sequences to detect pathogenic sequences. The program uses a curated database of thousands of gene sequences representing 32 types of virulence functions.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Expanding the genetic code with quadruplet codons

Researchers have developed a quadruplet codon system that could encode 256 distinct amino acids, allowing for the creation of proteins with tailored characteristics. The system uses tRNAs to translate information from DNA and RNA into amino acid building blocks, with promising results in translating segments of a protein.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Computer-generated genomes

The Christen Lab has successfully produced a fully artificial genome, the Caulobacter ethensis-2.0, with over 580 functional genes. This breakthrough demonstrates the promise of synthetic biology in producing designer genomes for industrial and health applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2020

Five new artificial yeast chromosomes set stage for first synthetic eukaryotic genome

Scientists construct five new artificial yeast chromosomes, representing over one-third of yeast's entire genome, paving the way for building the first fully synthetic complex organism. The successful assembly demonstrates genetic plasticity and potential applications in gene therapy, biofuel production, and medicine.

First fully artificial yeast genome has been designed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed a fully synthetic yeast genome, dubbed Sc2.0, which is smaller and more customizable than the natural yeast genome. The artificial genome allows scientists to study genetic questions that are difficult to answer with natural yeast, enabling new discoveries in biotechnology.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017

J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., will receive Pitt's Dickson Prize at Science 2011: Next Gen

J. Craig Venter will receive the Dickson Prize in Medicine for his groundbreaking contributions to human genome mapping and synthetic biology, including the completion of the first draft of the human genome and construction of a synthetic bacterium. The award recognizes his innovative work as a scientist, researcher, and entrepreneur.