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Rice research team creates universal RNA barcoding system for tracking gene transfer in bacteria

A new RNA barcoding method allows researchers to track gene transfer in bacterial communities without disrupting their natural environment. The technique has potential applications in predicting antibiotic resistance outbreaks, engineering microbiomes for pollution cleanup, and programming microbes for specific tasks like producing bio...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 18, 2025

Engineering biological reaction crucibles to rapidly produce proteins

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new technique that traps together cellular machinery to increase protein production rates. This approach uses synthetic disordered proteins to form compartments called biological condensates, which enhance the rate of protein production by bringing together biomolecular machinery...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Breakthrough AI model can translate the language of plant life

A pioneering AI model has been developed to understand the genetic 'language' of plants, allowing for precise predictions about RNA functions and identification of functional patterns. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop improvement and the next generation of AI-based gene design.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

Diagnostic tool identifies puzzling inflammatory diseases in kids

A Cornell University-led collaboration has developed a machine learning model that uses cell-free molecular RNA dregs to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The diagnostic tool accurately determines the patient's condition while monitoring organ health.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024

A new addition to the CRISPR toolbox: Teaching the gene scissors to detect RNA

Researchers have developed a new method called PUMA that uses CRISPR-Cas12 nucleases to detect RNA biomarkers. This technology overcomes limitations of existing methods by reprogramming tracrRNAs to recognize specific RNA targets, enabling precise detection without requiring a specific recognition sequence.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Photosynthetic secrets come to light

Researchers at John Innes Centre used cryo-EM to visualize the structural architecture of chloroplast RNA polymerase and build a detailed atomic model. The study reveals new insights into transcription, a fundamental step in making photosynthetic proteins, and how these proteins interact with DNA and mRNA.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2024

Unlocking long-term genetic memory: Dormant bacterial spores offer key insights into evolutionary survival strategies

Researchers discover a central chromosomal domain that enables dormant spores to revive and activate essential genes, shedding light on bacterial survival in harsh conditions. The study's findings have broader implications for sustaining long-term transcriptional programs across diverse organisms.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Synthetic sRNAs to knockdown genes in medical and industrial bacteria​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new sRNA tool that can effectively inhibit target genes in various bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The BHR-sRNA system was shown to suppress pathogenicity in antibiotic-resistant pathogens and improve industrial strains for high-value-added chemical production.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 9, 2023

James Chappell wins NSF CAREER Award

James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.

Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines and her research group uncovers new class of medicinal compounds that target RNA

A team of researchers led by Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines has uncovered a new class of compounds that can target RNA and disrupt its function. The discovery identified a chemical scaffold that could be used to develop RNA-targeted medicines for various diseases.

SourceOhio University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2023

Microscopy reveals mechanism behind new CRISPR tool

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new CRISPR system called Craspase, which has the potential to develop promising antiviral and tissue engineering tools in animals and plants. The study uses cryo-electron microscopy snapshots to explain how Craspase identifies RNA targets and activates proteases.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2022

New tool uncovers ‘elegant’ mechanism responsible for antibiotic tolerance in golden staph

Researchers used a new tool to capture hundreds of undiscovered mechanisms of gene regulation in MRSA, revealing a previously unknown layer of gene regulation. The study identified a regulatory RNA that promotes an enzyme involved in cell wall thickening, potentially identifying new targets for antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2022

Precision antibacterials

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed precision antibacterials using mRNA technology, targeting specific genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The study shows that these active agents can effectively block only one specific gene, and reducing their size to nine base pairs can minimize non-specific binding.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Gastrointestinal issues linked with anxiety, social withdrawal for kids with autism

A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2022

A deeper insight into the bag of tricks of bacteria

Researchers led by Cynthia Sharma explore a vast universe of RNA-binding proteins in bacteria, which play crucial roles in stress response and virulence control. The team aims to advance understanding of these proteins, revealing fundamental biological principles that could lead to novel biotechnological methodologies or antimicrobial ...

MU scientist links epigenetic biomarkers to gastrointestinal issues for kids with autism

A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2022

A sponge playing in defense

A team of scientists at the University of Würzburg has identified a previously unknown RNA sponge, OppX, that mimics a key regulator of bacterial membrane permeability. The discovery sheds light on how bacteria evade antibiotics and could lead to the development of new therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Peanut studies reveal surprising truths about RNA and open the door to better understanding epigenetic mechanisms in plants

Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

By capsule through the bloodstream: How intestinal bacteria communicate with the body

An international research team discovered that intestinal bacteria can distribute their metabolic products throughout the body via the bloodstream using membrane vesicles. The study found that these vesicles can overcome the blood-brain barrier and enter brain cells, suggesting a new method for delivering drugs or vaccines.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

Small molecules with a dual function

Researchers discovered a small RNA molecule that regulates both the production of the cholera toxin and the metabolism of the cholera bacterium. This finding provides a new target for developing treatments against cholera and has implications for biotechnological applications.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Cell-analysis technique could combat tuberculosis

Researchers developed a cutting-edge method to analyze how individual immune cells respond to Mtb, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The study found an almost perfect correlation between the fitness status of the bacterium and the transcriptional profile in the host cell.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2021

Stop the genetic presses!

Researchers at Penn State discovered a new mechanism for terminating transcription of DNA into RNA in bacteria, facilitated by proteins NusG and NusA. The study found that these proteins together facilitate termination at about 88% of intrinsic terminators, expanding our understanding of gene regulation and potential antibiotic targets.