Innovation
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NewsScientists repurpose gene editing tool to help uncover hidden microbial diversity
Pioneering research has repurposed a gene editing tool to help shed light on the true biodiversity present in natural environments. The study could help pave the way for more productive soils and improved health.
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NewsControlling starch levels in algae could have biotechnology and sustainability benefits
Researchers have found a new method to control starch storage in algae - a finding with potential applications in areas such reducing greenhouse gases. Modifying a blue light-activated signalling pathway makes it possible to regulate storage, they say.
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NewsNo more copy-pasting: DNA base editing for better Lactobacillus strains
Scientists were able to edit the DNA of Lactobacillus strains directly without a template from other organisms. This technique is indistinguishable from natural variation and enabled them to create a strain that doesn’t produce diabetes-aggravating chemicals.
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NewsOpen benchmarking of CycloneSeq™ for complete bacterial genomes
Benchmark data and analysis of new CycloneSEQ using novel nanopore sequencing technology demonstrates the ability to sequence complete bacterial genomes.
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NewsInfectious disease surveillance platform BEACON launches as a new open-source global resource
The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON), an open-source infectious diseases monitoring tool powered by AI and human experts, has been launched.
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NewsResearchers develop innovative solution for tracking antibiotic resistance genes
Scientists have developed a computational tool, Argo, designed to accurately track ARGs in environmental samples, providing insights into their dissemination and associated risks.
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NewsLiving fungus-based building material repairs itself for over a month
Engineers have developed a building material that uses the root-like mycelium of a fungus and bacteria cells. They show that it is capable of self-repairing and could eventually offer a sustainable alternative for high-emission building materials like concrete.
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NewsGlycan-coated magnets: A game-changer for safer food supply chains
A new method using glycan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (gMNPs) is poised to change the way we detect foodborne pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella in complex food matrices such as melons, lettuce, and raw chicken.
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NewsResearchers develop UV and machine learning-aided method to detect microbial contamination in cell cultures
This is the first novel technology that utilises machine learning to analyse unique ultraviolet light “fingerprints” on cell cultures to quickly identify the presence of contamination.
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NewsEngineered bacteria emit signals that can be spotted from a distance
Engineers have found a way to read out bacterial signals from as far as 90 meters away. This work could lead to the development of bacterial sensors for agricultural and other applications, which could be monitored by drones or satellites.
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NewsNew platform leverages AI and quantum computing to predict salmonella antimicrobial resistance
A recent study presents a novel approach to predict Salmonella antimicrobial resistance, a growing concern for public health. The research combines large language models (LLMs) and quantum computing to develop a predictive platform.
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NewsA new tool for parsing the ‘metabolic dialogue’ between microorganisms
Scientists have developed an innovative system – called MetaFlowTrain – that allows the study of metabolic exchange and interactions within microbial communities under different environmental conditions.
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NewsScientists develop special agar for isolation of Escherichia albertii and its evaluation with food samples
Scientists have developed a novel E. albertii selective differential medium, XRM-MacConkey medium containing cefixime, tellurite, phosphate, and soy peptone, which differentiates E. albertii (colorless) from E. coli (red) by colony color.
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NewsNovel breath test shows promise for diagnosing and monitoring bacterial infections
A new, non-invasive breath test has emerged as a potential breakthrough for rapidly diagnosing bacterial infections and tracking treatment effectiveness.
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NewsA new smartphone-sized device can test for tuberculosis - here’s why that matters for children
Scientists have designed the first-of-its-kind portable device to deliver fast, low-cost TB results — no lab required — to fight the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
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NewsBreakthrough gene therapy offers hope for rare, deadly heart disease in young men
Researchers have designed a gene-therapy strategy that could transform the treatment of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5), a rare and deadly heritable disease that particularly affects young men.
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NewsScientists develop nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine
Scientists have pioneered an influenza virus vector-based nasal spray vaccine platform and developed a nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine.
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NewsSpinning into the future: fidget spinner revolutionizes bacterial detection
The plasmonic fidget spinner (P-FS) integrates nanoplasmonic technology with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to provide ultra-fast and precise bacterial identification.
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NewsBacteria-enhanced graphene oxide nanoparticles for triple-action tumor eradication
Researchers developed graphene oxide nanoparticles that combine chemotherapy, immune activation, and photothermal heating to effectively destroy tumors. The novel GO nanocomposite is enhanced with bacterial components.
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NewsNovel point-of-care technology delivers accurate HIV results in minutes
Scientists have developed new technology that could lead to the creation of a rapid point-of-care test for HIV infection competitive with traditional lab-based HIV testing in a fraction of the time and without the need for a stressful wait.