Innovation
-
NewsNew test could save lives from deadly fungal infection that spiked during pandemic
A new lateral-flow test could one day save lives across the world through early detection of a deadly fungal disease which dramatically spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
NewsVaccine disguised as a virus tricks the body into stronger immunity
A simple addition to mRNA vaccines can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Scientists have shown that mice develop a stronger and longer-lasting immune response when the mRNA vaccine is disguised as virus-like particles.
-
NewsNew RNA test for African trypanosomiasis in livestock aids control efforts
A new state-of-the-art diagnostic test for animal African trypanosomiasis could detect sentinels of infection in domestic animals and aid control efforts.
-
NewsEnzymes from fungi can help extract plant components for biofuels and bioplastics
Plant cell wall components such as cellulose are abundant sources of carbohydrates that are widely used in biofuels and bioproducts. Investigators have found that a combination of fungal enzymes can efficiently degrade plant biomass to allow for extraction.
-
NewsMachine learning method helps bring diagnostic testing out of the lab
A new point-of-care biosensing method, dubbed LOCA-PRAM, improves the accessibility of biomarker detection by eliminating the need for technical experts to perform the image analysis.
-
NewsStudy validates DenovAI’s platform for programmable de novo-designed protein therapeutics
Researchers introduce a new class of experimentally validated AI-driven protein design tools that have the potential to accelerate drug development.
-
NewsIlluminated changes: Enhancing D-lactic acid output with UV irradiation
Researchers have developed a Komagataella phaffii (K. phaffii) yeast strain that can efficiently produce D-lactic acid, a raw material for pharmaceuticals and bioplastics, from methanol.
-
NewsAI could accelerate protein engineering – key for developing new medicines
An AI approach developed by researchers from the University of Sheffield and AstraZeneca could make it easier to design proteins needed for new treatments.
-
NewsInstant AI-assisted test for viral infection
A non-DNA based test could identify viral infections in patients in minutes. Scientists designed a test that confirms the presence of live virus by pushing particles through a nanopore, one at a time, and measuring their electrical conductivity, which varies with size and surface charge as well as the unique molecular structure of the virus.
-
NewsDrone-based tech deployed to detect subtle signs of rice blast disease
Scientists have developed a novel vegetation index—the Rice Blast Index (RBI)—using drone-based hyperspectral remote sensing technology, to rapidly and non-invasively detect subtle signs of rice blast disease and achieve precise field management.
-
NewsUltra-selective aptamers give viruses a taste of their own medicine
Inspired by the way viruses attach to cells, scientists have developed a method for engineering ultra-selective aptamers. The synthetic molecules bind to targets like viral spike proteins, making them useful for biomedical diagnostics and treatments.
-
NewsNew AI reimagines infectious disease forecasting
A new AI tool to predict the spread of infectious disease outperforms existing state-of-the-art forecasting methods. The tool could revolutionize how public health officials predict, track and manage outbreaks of infectious diseases including flu and COVID-19.
-
NewsResearchers develop dissolvable battery using probiotics
A new paper shows the potential of using probiotics — live microorganisms that offer health benefits when ingested but are otherwise harmless.
-
NewsResearchers pioneer nanoparticle approach to fight poultry disease
Researchers have demonstrated that a novel protein-based nanoparticle can make mRNA vaccines more effective to tackle a troublesome pathogen in chickens.
-
NewsNew platform can diagnose infectious disease immune protection using one drop of fingertip blood
Researchers have developed a compact diagnostic platform that can evaluate antibody protection against COVID-19 using only a single microliter of fingertip blood. It delivers a comprehensive immune profile in just 40 minutes.
-
NewsNanoparticle smart spray helps crops block infection before it starts
As climate change fuels the spread of plant diseases worldwide, a new nanoparticle smart spray could help crops defend themselves by blocking harmful bacteria from entering through tiny pores in their leaves.
-
NewsAirborne disease detection made easier with new, low-cost device
A new, small, low-cost device, nicknamed ABLE, could make the collection and detection of airborne hazards much more efficient. ABLE has immediate applications in hospitals, where viruses, bacteria and nanoplastics can be detected directly from the air.
-
NewsLight-controlled bacteria can tackle antibiotic resistance or become ‘bacterial robots’
A groundbreaking technique uses light-sensitive materials to control bacteria, allowing them to sense light and convert light energy into electrical signals across their membranes without the need for any genetic modification.
-
NewsScientists deploy multi-scale features and attention mechanisms to optimize apple disease identification
A new machine learning algorithm-based disease recognition model elevated the accuracy of apple leaf disease identification to 96.76%, significantly outperforming mainstream models. It allows farmers to swiftly implement targeted treatments via mobile apps.
-
NewsNew cell-sorting platform accelerates discovery of high-value microbes
Researchers have developed an advanced, high-throughput single-cell sorting platform that enables direct isolation of living cells with targeted metabolic profiles from large mutant libraries.