Innovation
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NewsMethod probing dark matter uncovers hundreds of new bacteria, and two potential antibiotics
A new approach to exploring untapped soil resources circumvents the need to grow bacteria in the lab by extracting very large DNA fragments directly from soil to piece together the genomes of previously hidden microbes, and then mines resulting genomes for bioactive molecules.
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NewsScientists report the first use of CRISPR activation to treat a cardiac disease in mice
Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that CRISPR-based gene activation (CRISPRa) can be used to treat genetic heart disease in vivo. The study paves the way for novel targeted therapies for patients with genetic cardiac disorders.
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NewsResearchers capture new antibiotic resistance mechanisms with trace amounts of DNA
Scientists have developed a method to isolate genes from amounts of microbial DNA so tiny that it would take 20,000 samples to weigh as much as a single grain of sugar.
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NewsWorld-first koala chlamydia vaccine approved
In a world first, a vaccine has been approved to protect Australia’s endangered koalas from infection and death caused by chlamydia.
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NewsLiving ink containing bacteria could help rebuild coral reefs
Researchers created a living material that encourages coral larvae to attach and settle down. Bacterial Reef Ink (BRINK) is a photopolymerized hydrogel hosting two native Hawaiian settlement-inducing bacterial strains.
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NewsResearcher developing electronic nose to detect foodborne illness
A researcher is working on developing an electronic nose (e-nose) to detect abnormalities from their version of the sniff test. The method would revolutionize food safety by relying on what the e-nose can detect rather than only the appearance of the food.
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NewsBlood test identifies HPV-associated head and neck cancers up to 10 years before symptoms
Researchers show that a novel liquid biopsy tool called HPV-DeepSeek can identify HPV-associated head and neck cancer up to 10 years before symptoms appear.
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NewsCoral-inspired pill offers a new window into the hidden world of the gut
Marine corals have evolved intricate, porous structures that shelter diverse microbial communities. Researchers have borrowed this biological blueprint to create an ingestible pill that can sample bacteria from one of the most inaccessible regions of the human body: the small intestine.
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NewsPeanut shell biochar composite shows promise for removing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from aquaculture wastewater
Researchers have developed a novel, low-cost catalyst that efficiently removes antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from aquaculture wastewater, offering a potential new solution to one of today’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges.
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NewsBiodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels
The PET-alternative PDCA is biodegradable and has superior physical properties. A team of bioengineers has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound from glucose at unprecedented levels and without byproducts — and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future of bioengineering.
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NewsResearchers develop first-of-its-kind RNA tool to advance cancer and infectious disease research and treatment
Scientists have developed a powerful tool capable of scanning thousands of biological samples to detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications — tiny chemical changes to RNA molecules that help control how cells grow, adapt to stress and respond to diseases such as cancer and antibiotic‑resistant infections.
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NewsTherapeutic vaccination against HPV-related tumors: Nanoparticles make the difference
Researchers have developed a therapeutic vaccination concept that can mobilize the immune system to target cancer cells. Virus peptides coupled to silica nanoparticles can elicit effective T-cell responses against HPV-related tumors. In a mouse model, the nanoparticle-based vaccine was able to partially or completely suppress HPV-related tumors.
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NewsNew pimple patches deliver a powerful remedy to unwanted zits
Researchers have designed a two-stage pimple patch set with an array of tiny spikes that grabs onto the pimple and delivers antibacterial or anti-inflammatory compounds. Human clinical trials confirmed that the pimples disappeared after seven days of treatment.
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NewsChronic wound infection model is much closer to real life - and cuts back on animal testing
Thousands of lab animals are used every year to test wound treatments. But one lab in Wales is pointing the way towards a more humane model of research, with the work it is carrying out on in vitro/animal replacement models.
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NewsResearchers use generative AI to design compounds that can kill drug-resistant bacteria
With help from artificial intelligence, researchers have designed novel antibiotics that can combat two hard-to-treat infections: drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
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News‘Controlled evolution’ dramatically boosts pDNA production for biomedical manufacturing
Researchers have controlled the evolution of E. coli bacteria in the lab in order to dramatically increase the amount of plasmid DNA (pDNA) these modified bacteria produce. pDNA is an essential – and expensive – ingredient in many gene therapies.
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NewsPortable spectroscopy enables detection of vaginal microbes
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy can rapidly and noninvasively detect specific bacterial species in vaginal fluid, enabling early identification of microbiome imbalances.
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NewsFast, accurate, low-cost diagnostics - and no lab required
Researchers have developed a breakthrough diagnostic tool that could transform how quickly and reliably we detect illnesses like COVID-19, Ebola, AIDS or Lyme disease. The test uses just a single drop of blood, costs a couple of dollars and delivers results in only 15 minutes.
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NewsNew hydrogel-based treatment accelerates infected wound healing and balances skin microbiota
A novel ε-poly-L-lysine-loaded sodium-alginate/gelatin hydrogel (PSG15) has shown exceptional promise in accelerating the healing of infected wounds. The injectable hydrogel delivers antibacterial properties while regulating macrophage polarization and stabilizing the skin microbiota.
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NewsNanoparticles that self-assemble at room temperature could transform vaccine delivery
Researchers have engineered polymer-based nanoparticles that form with a simple temperature shift—no harsh chemicals, no specialized equipment, and no processing needed. They can self-assemble at room temperature and deliver RNA to living cells.