Articles tagged with Synthetic Biology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A two-step approach to gene expression creates more resilient producers of nanostructures for advanced sensing and therapeutics. This new genetic regulatory system ensures host cells remain healthy while producing functional nanostructures.
A team from the University of Illinois developed a photobiocatalytic platform that enables Escherichia coli to produce complex molecules through light-driven enzymatic reactions. This breakthrough broadens the capabilities of biomanufacturing, offering a promising avenue for sustainable production of chemicals and materials.
A living biosensor made of bacteria detects acetic acid levels in wine, alerting wineries to potential spoilage. The sensor works in real-time and can detect volatile acetic acid in the air above wine bottles, enabling early intervention before damage is done.
A new study suggests that physical properties guided life before genes did. Phospholipids with more unsaturated bonds were more likely to merge and grow under freeze-thaw cycles.
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.
Researchers developed a new technique called CLASSIC that enables large-scale testing of complex DNA circuits in human cells. The approach uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze vast numbers of complete circuits at once, providing scientists with a clearer picture of the rules governing genetic part behavior.
A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.
Researchers create a novel mathematical framework to control biological noise, enabling precise single-cell control. The 'Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation' technology suppresses stochastic fluctuations while maintaining stable average behavior, with promising applications in cancer therapy and synthetic biology.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Stanford University develop a new artificial metabolism that converts waste carbon dioxide into acetyl-CoA, a universal metabolite used by all living cells. The system, called Reductive Formate Pathway (ReForm), uses engineered enzymes to perform metabolic reactions never seen in nature.
A Danish research group has designed proteins that can detect specific DNA sequences and produce light, which can be captured by a phone's camera. This breakthrough enables quick and affordable analysis of samples in various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Researchers have created a novel synthetic enzyme that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid, opening up new possibilities for biotechnological production of valuable chemicals and fuels. The enzyme, FAR, tolerates high concentrations of formate and is stable in both living cells and cell-free systems.
Researchers at Aarhus University equip artificial cells with tiny motors mimicking the bacterium's actin polymerization mechanism, creating a functional internal skeleton and network of protein filaments. The study demonstrates how motion and structural organization can emerge in synthetic systems.
Leading synthetic biologists share hard-won lessons from their decade-long quest to build the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome. The insights could accelerate development of climate-resilient crops and custom-built cell factories.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have created phages with synthetic genetic material, allowing them to add and subtract genes. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer phages to target specific bacteria, offering new hope for combating antibacterial resistance.
Genetic engineers design gene circuits to program cells with new functions, but dilution causes loss of function. Researchers use liquid-liquid phase separation to form transcriptional condensates around genes, protecting genetic programs and maintaining stability across cell generations.
The RODIN project aims to discover the subtle key structural features that cells engrave into materials when they are driven to produce specific tissues. The team will learn from this 'architectural wisdom' of cells to design new generations of higher performance biomaterials.
Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.
Australian researchers have developed tiny compartments to help supercharge photosynthesis, enabling plants to fix carbon more efficiently. The team engineered encapsulins that can house the enzyme Rubisco in a confined space, allowing for fine-tuning of compatibility for future use in crops.
Researchers have developed new calcium channels that can be precisely controlled to study cellular signaling. The channels, built using artificial intelligence, were designed to mimic natural calcium channels and demonstrate their potential as tools for biomedical research.
Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a new way to make yeast cells more efficient 'cell factories' for producing valuable plant compounds. The advance enables the sustainable manufacturing of plant-derived chemicals used to help plants defend against disease, repel pests, attract pollinators, and withstand environmental stresses.
Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a soft material with a nerve net that mimics how simple living systems coordinate motion. The material responds to chemical reactions, producing mechanical movement without electronics or motors.
Researchers will investigate the role of invasive intestinal bacteria in disrupting the intestinal barrier and develop a novel mucin-on-a-chip to study inflammatory bowel disease. The study aims to provide insights into limiting bacterial drivers of IBD, proposing targeted therapies for chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that allows for precise control over the expression of synthetic genes in cells. The DIAL system uses a promoter editing mechanism to establish desired protein levels, which can be edited after delivery. This technology has the potential to improve gene therapy and cell reprogramming appli...
Researchers designed proteins with autonomous decision-making capabilities, controlling their localization based on environmental cues. This breakthrough enables more finely targeted drug delivery, reducing off-target effects and improving therapy efficacy.
A recent study highlights the need for improved biosecurity screening in AI-assisted protein engineering, where vulnerabilities in current software allow proteins of concern to evade detection. The authors developed software patches that resulted in improved detection rates without increasing false positives.
Researchers designed and lab-validated synthetic proteins using generative AI tools, outperforming natural proteins in editing the human genome. The study's findings have significant implications for improving gene editing tools and developing new therapies for cancer and rare diseases.
A team led by Carnegie Mellon researchers has developed an innovative at-home urine test to detect over 30 types of early-stage solid tumors. The technology, combining synthetic biology and nucleic acid nanotechnology, aims to provide a precise and convenient way to screen for cancer.
The study reveals that balance is key in engineering cells to produce more chemicals without antibiotics or complex methods. The team designed genetic circuits using negative feedback systems to optimize cell factories, increasing function by threefold and cumulative chemical production over time.
Scientists have created a novel method to synthesize all 21 types of transfer RNA (tRNA) simultaneously in a test tube using the tRNA array method. This breakthrough allows for precise control over protein synthesis and has significant implications for the development of artificial molecular systems with self-reproducing capabilities.
A new review in Microbial Biotechnology highlights microbes as allies in various industries, from food fermentation to biofuels. Films such as French Kiss and The Martian showcase microbes as positive forces, challenging the traditional villain stereotype.
Researchers developed photo-inducible binary interaction tools (PhoBITs) to precisely control gene expression, cell signaling, and immune responses. PhoBITs enable targeted treatment with minimal side effects, opening new avenues for cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.
University of Iowa researchers have created an underwater hydrofoil with a coiled spire design that reduces drag and creates more lift, enabling it to move with ease in any underwater environment. The technology mimics the skin, muscles, and tissue of an octopus, allowing for increased portability and maneuverability.
Researchers have created a new technique to control synthetic cells using magnetic fields, enabling precise targeting of medicines for cancers or bacterial infections. This approach reduces side effects and increases effectiveness, with potential applications in treating tumors or detecting bacteria.
A team of researchers developed a scalable biological signal-processing framework that uses synthetic operational amplifiers to convert mixed cellular inputs into clean, orthogonal outputs. This enables precise, predictable control of complex biological systems, with applications in biomanufacturing and signal decomposition.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Researchers created a detailed list of molecular parts necessary for Mycoplasma pneumoniae survival, accelerating the development of 'living medicines'. The study's highest-resolution essentiality map can predict how tweaks to the microbe's genome slow growth or stress the cell.
Researchers found that biological neural systems are more efficient in learning with limited samples, outperforming deep reinforcement learning algorithms in a Pong simulation. This breakthrough suggests actual intelligence may be biological.
A new artificial biosensor developed by University of California, Santa Cruz's Andy Yeh can accurately measure cortisol levels across all relevant ranges for human health. The sensor uses a smartphone camera to detect light emissions, providing high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting small molecule analytes.
Researchers successfully colonized the gut microbiome with engineered bacteria, reducing oxalate levels in animal models and human patients. However, persistent colonization and horizontal gene transfer events compromised the strain's therapeutic function, highlighting challenges in strain stability and biosafety.
A research team led by Professor Joongoo Lee successfully expanded ribosome range to produce ring-shaped backbones in proteins. This breakthrough could open doors to novel therapeutics and advanced biomaterials.
Researchers from Pusan National University have developed engineered bacterial vesicles that use a novel surface-displaying protein to selectively target and eliminate E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. These vesicles, derived from lactic acid bacteria, offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
The University of Illinois team created a user-friendly process to improve enzyme performance using AI and automated robotics. By predicting sequence changes and testing variants, they increased the activity of two key industrial enzymes by up to 26 times and 90 times.
A new Center for Protein Design at the University of Copenhagen aims to create artificially designed proteins with tailored properties to tackle diseases, environmental issues, and industrial applications. The centre will drive fundamental research and translate basic findings into concrete solutions.
Scientists from Institute of Science Tokyo create photo-switchable binding of DNA nanostructures that generate two distinct directional motions. The research paves the way for innovative fluid-based diagnostic chips and molecular computers.
Researchers used time-restricted feeding to restore microbial rhythms in mice fed a high-fat diet, identifying bile salt hydrolase as a key enzyme protecting metabolic health. Engineered gut bacteria showed improved glucose control and reduced body fat in mice, suggesting potential targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes.
Melissa Cregger and Carrie Eckert lead CBI's research on non-food feedstock crops and cost-effective biomass conversion methods. The appointments aim to boost domestic supply chains and energy security while providing job growth in rural areas.
Scientists replace toxic additives in hydrogels with D-sorbitol, a safe sugar alternative found in chewing gum, to create bioelectronic devices that are soft, safe, and integrated with natural tissue. The new material has increased biocompatibility and improved electronic performance.
Researchers at Colorado State University have created a programmable plant circuit that can turn genes on and off, allowing farmers to time harvests and adapt to drought. The breakthrough could lead to automated genetic circuit design through machine learning, revolutionizing agriculture.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the German Electron Synchrotron mapped the internal structure of blacktip sharks in unprecedented detail, discovering a microscopic 'sharkitecture' composed of densely packed collagen and bioapatite. This intricate structure gives cartilage surprising strength while allowing flexibility.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed protein cages that can package and deliver chemotherapy drugs with greater precision. The technology has the potential to reduce side effects associated with current treatment methods.
Researchers used generative AI to design diverse mitochondrial targeting sequences, achieving a 50-100% success rate in yeast, plant cells, and mammalian cells. The AI-generated sequences showed improved targeting abilities compared to existing ones, with potential applications in metabolic engineering and therapeutics.
Researchers created a miniaturized, portable bio-battery using living hydrogels that can be 3-D printed. The bio-battery generates electricity from bacterial metabolism, enabling self-charging and precise control over bioelectrical stimulation.
Researchers at UC San Diego create a simple approach to rapidly check on human gene changes by turning everyday bacteria into living test tubes. This technique, called LEICA, uses E. coli as the host bacterium and relies on its growth rate to reflect human enzyme performance.
A study published in Science Advances has revealed promising alternative pathways to overcome photorespiration, which can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%. The researchers identified mechanisms that could improve plant productivity while adapting to climate change and growing global food demands.
A new study by researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo hints that calcium ions played a crucial role in shaping life's earliest molecular structures. The team discovered that calcium dramatically alters how tartaric acid molecules link together, favoring homochiral polymers and potentially influencing the emergence of life.
A new reverse genetics system for African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been developed, enabling rapid vaccine development and research into the virus's biology. This technology can be adapted for other viruses, including lumpy skin disease, Zika, chikungunya, and Ebola viruses.
Researchers at MIT successfully triggered a key enzyme in starfish egg cells using different patterns of light, prompting predictable movements and contractions. The study provides a new optical tool for controlling cell shape in its earliest developmental stages.
Researchers at Heidelberg University successfully produced nanotubes folded into cytoskeleton-like structures using the RNA origami technique. This breakthrough enables synthetic cells to manufacture their own building blocks, opening new perspectives on directed evolution.
Researchers developed FAST-NPS, a new automated method to discover and scale up bioactive natural products from Streptomyces. The method uses self-resistance genes as markers to prioritize biosynthetic gene clusters with bioactivity.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive water contamination detection tool using a cantilever-based test that can detect metals like lead and cadmium at concentrations down to two and one parts per billion. The technology merges synthetic biology and nanotechnology, enabling rapid detection of chemicals in water.