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A team from the Universitat Jaume I formulates a biostimulant composition that protects crops from adverse conditions and improves harvest yields

A team from Universitat Jaume I creates a biostimulant composition using proline particles encapsulated in silica, enhancing plant tolerance to drought, high temperatures and salinity. The new compound's production process is scalable, cost-effective and reproducible, with potential for industrial-level application.

New Study: Cybersecurity isn’t just a safeguard — it can help businesses perform better

A new study by Binghamton University School of Management reveals that businesses can improve their performance when they openly discuss and address cybersecurity issues. The research found a positive correlation between cybersecurity readiness and firm performance, suggesting that proactive measures can lead to better outcomes.

SourceBinghamton University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

UTA, TEES open biomanufacturing hub

The University of Texas at Arlington and TEES launched a new biomanufacturing training and research hub in Dallas, providing hands-on training and state-of-the-art lab space. The National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing satellite campus strengthens North Texas' biotech workforce and expands research opportunities.

Behind the 2025 “shroom boom” hides a bad trip

The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalFinance and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

‘Controlled evolution’ dramatically boosts pDNA production for biomedical manufacturing

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a controlled evolution technique that dramatically increases plasmid DNA (pDNA) production in E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of gene therapies and expedite research, making pDNA resources more accessible.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMicrobial Cell Factories·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2025

Effects of cultivating biotech maize GG2 and glyphosate treatment on the rhizospheric microbial community structure

This study analyzed changes in bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil around GG2 treated with glyphosate, revealing temporary effects on diversity and richness. The integration of transgenic genes had no impact on microbial diversity, while seasonal changes and soil indices such as pH and organic matter significantly ...

Simon Fraser University awarded $22.9 million to lead National Invention to Innovation (I2I) network expansion

Simon Fraser University has received a $23 million grant to expand its Invention to Innovation (i2I) programs, providing bilingual innovation and entrepreneurship training for graduate students, researchers, and faculty. The program aims to bridge the gap between invention and innovation, equipping researchers with skills to thrive as ...

Bacteria for climate-neutral chemicals of the future

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce chemicals using bacteria that feed on methanol, a renewable resource. The microbes can efficiently convert methanol into desired biochemical substances, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based chemicals.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJan 31, 2024

Boosting PET recycling with higher standards for laboratory experiments

Researchers establish new standards for laboratory experiments to improve PET recycling efficiency. Four engineered enzymes were tested, with LCC-ICCG outperforming the others in terms of depolymerisation rate and enzyme requirement. The study aims to accelerate the development of industrial-scale solutions for PET waste management.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2023

Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies

A new review paper highlights the potential of fungal biotechnology to advance various industries. By manipulating fungal genomes, researchers can develop bioinformatic tools and create sustainable biomaterials, such as machine learning algorithms for predicting mycological patterns or fungal batteries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Fungal Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2023

Academic institutions receive lower financial returns from biotechnology licenses than commercial firms

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that academic institutions receive significantly lower royalty rates, total payments, and pre-commercial payments for biotechnology licenses compared to commercial firms. The disparities were observed even after accounting for differences in product stage development.

SourceBentley University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2023

Harnessing nature to promote planetary sustainability

The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2023

Urine could play key part in future biotech systems

Researchers have developed a method that uses urea from urine to trigger the production of proteins in bacteria, replacing costly 'inducer' molecules. The new system produces similar quantities of protein as standard methods while being cheaper and easier to use, opening up new avenues for biotech industries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

How protists crack the walls of algae

A team of researchers from the University of Cologne identified a possible key enzyme that enables algae-eating protists to dissolve algal cell walls. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals new insights into the molecular toolkit used by these organisms to interact with their prey.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

How cells control their borders

A team of biochemists at the University of Groningen discovered that membrane thickness, lipid phase, and sterol type are key factors in determining permeability. This knowledge can help companies optimize microbial production and improve drug design.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Roswell Biotechnologies demonstrates molecular electronics sensors on a semiconductor chip in peer-review paper

Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.

SourceRoswell Biotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Creating more sustainable fragrances with biotech

Companies are pivoting to biotechnology to manufacture scents and flavors using fermented microbes, which are more sustainable than traditional methods. This approach allows for the creation of new fragrance molecules with consistent flavor and smell, meeting consumer demand and reducing environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 10, 2021

Key to rubustness of plants discovered

Researchers at Graz University of Technology and Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology have discovered the mechanism behind Apiose production, a key factor in plant robustness. The enzyme UAXS selectively catalyzes four reaction steps, enabling plants to build strength properties.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·DateNov 26, 2019

Why transporters really matter for cell factories

Researchers found that certain transporter proteins, such as MAE1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, can improve the secretion of dicarboxylic acids in baker's yeast with minimal energy expenditure. Building a comprehensive library of transporters will enable more efficient strain development and precise drug development.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2019