Innovation
-
NewsHuman Organ Chip technology sets stage for pan-influenza A CRISPR RNA therapies
Human lung alveolus chip infection model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy.
-
NewsSafer, more effective vaccines with new mRNA vaccine technology
A new messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology could make future vaccines safer, more effective, and less burdensome for patients. The new approach uses albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA precisely to lymph nodes while bypassing the liver.
-
NewsScientists unbolt gateway to sharper CRISPR gene editing
Identifying the passwords for a certain CRISPR tool is a major stumbling block in discovering and characterising the CRISPR tool - but a team of scientists has cracked the code.
-
NewsResearchers developing new easy-to-use viral biosensor test, giving patients more accurate and immediate results
An interdisciplinary team of researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect HIV & Hepatitis B and C simultaneously, that may be used in resource-limited settings. With quicker and more accessible results, the test has potential to save lives.
-
NewsScientist invents MICROCAP, an algae-based oxygen generator that removes CO₂ and purifies indoor air
A lecturer in Thailand has invented the MICROCAP air purifier, which uses photosynthetic algae to absorb carbon dioxide and produce 20 times more oxygen than trees.
-
NewsRevolutionizing bioplastics: a microbial platform for fully bio-based long-chain polyesters
Researchers have developed a scalable, end-to-end microbial process transforming plant oils into sustainable polyesters comparable to petroleum-based plastics.
-
NewsFrom glucose to gourmet: engineered bacteria churn out key food additive
Researchers used E. coli as the chassis to produce inosinic acid (IMP), a popular umami enhancer. By reprogramming the metabolic flux network of E. coli and introducing amino acid mutations in the key enzymes in the synthesis pathway, the yield was significantly increased.
-
NewsChemobiological platform enables renewable conversion of sugars into core aromatic hydrocarbons of petroleum
Researchers have developed a chemobiological platform that converts renewable carbon sources such as glucose and glycerol into oxygenated precursors, which are deoxygenated in the same solvent system to yield benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene (BTEX).
-
NewsEngineered bacterial therapy activates immune response in cancer preclinical studies
Researchers have developed a new bacterial immunotherapy that delivers immune-activating proteins directly to solid tumors, which can often suppress the immune system. ACTM-838 targets phagocytic immune cells within the tumor microenvironment.
-
NewsProtein nanorings designed to detect and neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus
Scientists have generated a new ring-shaped protein nanomaterial capable of strongly binding to and neutralising the SARS-CoV2 virus. The new nanomaterial is formed by a scaffold based on recombinant ring-like proteins (RLPs), to which mini proteins were incorporated.
-
NewsIn a nasal spray, gold nanoparticles deliver a targeted treatment to the brain
In the form of a ‘nasal spray’, tiny gold particles act as carriers, delivering a treatment directly to the brain: a new nanotechnological device for the treatment and prevention of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and infections.
-
NewsSoil bacteria and minerals form a natural ‘battery’ that breaks down antibiotics in the dark
Researchers have unveiled a surprising new way that soil microbes can use sunlight energy. The team developed a “bio-photovoltage soil-microbe battery” that can capture, store, and release solar energy to power the breakdown of antibiotic pollutants in the dark.
-
NewsNew antibiotic targets IBD — and AI predicted how it would work before scientists could prove it
The new antibiotic, enterololin, attacks and kills only a specific group of disease-causing bugs, which includes the type of E. coli that drives Crohn’s disease. It is a promising new treatment option for people affected by Crohn’s and other IBD-related conditions.
-
NewsGenetic ‘Trojan horse’ selectively kills cancer cells linked to Kaposi’s sarcoma
A highly targeted gene therapy that could revolutionize treatment for cancers linked to a common herpesvirus harnesses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver a genetic “Trojan horse” into infected cells.
-
NewsGene editing, traditional crossbreeding produce disease-resistant cacao plants
Researchers reported that they edited the gene TcNPR3 in cacao plants, ultimately resulting in disease-resistant cacao plants that had 42% smaller disease lesions when infected with phytophthora, compared to non-edited plants.
-
NewsEngineers use bacterial nanowires to create first artificial neurons that could directly communicate with living cells
Engineers have created an artificial neuron with electrical functions that closely mirror those of biological ones. Using protein nanowires synthesized from electricity-generating bacteria, the discovery could herald immensely efficient computers built on biological principles.
-
NewsBacteria transform waste polystyrene into nylon precursors
Scientists have succeeded in getting bacteria to break down the molecular building blocks of polystyrene and convert them into useful chemicals.
-
NewsBalance is key: Strategies to boost protein production from engineered cells
New research demonstrates how to engineer ‘cell factories’ that last longer and produce more chemicals, without needing antibiotics or complex engineering methods, paving the way for sustainable biotech that lasts.
-
NewsNew one-hour, low-cost HPV test could transform cervical cancer screening in Africa and beyond
A team of researchers has developed a simple, affordable human papillomavirus (HPV) test that delivers results in less than an hour with no specialized laboratory required.
-
NewsScientists develop a virus cocktail to combat superbugs
Researchers have developed a bespoke phage therapy, Entelli-02, a five-phage cocktail designed specifically to target Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), a group of bacteria responsible for severe, often difficult-to-treat infections.