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Uncovering the science of Indigenous fermentation

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 2020

Rebirth of the Japanese black tea market: challenges for entrepreneurial green tea farmers

The Japanese black tea market has seen a resurgence in recent years, driven by innovation and demand for high-quality products. However, the shift towards direct-to-consumer sales presents unique challenges for farmers, including access to feedback from consumers and adapting production techniques to meet evolving consumer preferences.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Economic Structures·DateJun 18, 2019

New consolidated bio-saccharification technique for lignocellulose conversion developed

A new consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) technique has been developed to improve lignocellulose conversion efficiency and reduce costs. The CBS process integrates enzyme production, cellulose hydrolysis, and fermentation in one step, resulting in a 50% reduction in processing time and increased sugar yield.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateFeb 26, 2019

Microbes help make the coffee

Studies show that lactic acid bacteria positively impact coffee fermentation, yielding fruity notes and enhancing flavor. Microbial communities also affect the build-up of fermentation-related metabolites on coffee beans, influencing overall quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2019

I will drink to that

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2018

Biofilm reactor promises to cut production costs on vitamin K

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to enhance fermentation of Menaquinone-7, a potent form of vitamin K, using biofilm reactors. The new process is expected to reduce production costs and increase efficiency, making it a promising alternative for industrial-scale production.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateOct 2, 2018

Metabolic engineering of E. coli for the secretory production of free haem

Engineered E. coli strains have successfully produced extracellular free haem using a novel strategy, overcoming previous limitations in production efficiency and yield. The optimized metabolic pathway enables high titer production of haem, paving the way for its use as a bioavailable iron-supplying agent in medical applications.

One-step production of aromatic polyesters by E. coli strains

Researchers developed a novel strategy to produce aromatic polyesters from Escherichia coli strains using microbial fermentation and synthetic biology. The engineered E. coli strain can produce various high-valued aromatic polyesters from renewable biomass, offering a sustainable alternative for the bio-plastic industry.

Bristol scientists turn beer into fuel

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed technology to convert widely-available ethanol into butanol, a more efficient fuel alternative. The breakthrough uses catalysts to convert beer's ethanol content into butanol, paving the way for sustainable petrol production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

The microbiological art of making a better sausage

A team of Italian investigators found that commercial starter culture produced sausages with higher acidity, but inferior taste, as compared to spontaneous fermentation. The study used Next Generation Sequencing techniques and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to analyze the microorganisms and metabolic pathways involved.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 1, 2017

BioLEGO

The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

Better chocolate with microbes

A team of Belgian researchers has discovered a yeast species that significantly improves chocolate fermentation, resulting in better and more consistent chocolate. The new method allows for the creation of specialty chocolates with unique flavors.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2015

Pigs gain the same with corn-ethanol co-product as with corn-soybean meal diet, says study

A recent study found that pigs fed diets containing corn-ethanol co-products, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), had no significant differences in growth performance compared to those fed a traditional corn-soybean meal diet. The study showed that conventional, high-protein, or uncooked DDGS can be safely included at...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 20, 2015

Jailbreaking yeast could amp up wine's health benefits, reduce morning-after headaches

University of Illinois scientists have engineered a 'jailbreaking' yeast that increases wine's health benefits and reduces toxic byproducts. The new technology allows for precise metabolic engineering, enabling the addition of bioactive compounds from other foods and improving malolactic fermentation.

Bioplastic -- greener than ever

A new method to produce lactic acid from glycerol, a waste feedstock, has been introduced, reducing CO2 emission by 30% compared to conventional fermentation. The process also lowers production costs, increasing the potential profit by 17-fold.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014

Biochemistry detective work: Algae at night

Scientists at Carnegie Institution for Science have discovered crucial biochemical pathways in single-cell alga Chlamydomonas that allow it to generate energy from stored sugars without taking up oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 10, 2014