Innovation
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NewsRice research team creates universal RNA barcoding system for tracking gene transfer in bacteria
An interdisciplinary group of researchers at Rice University has developed an innovative RNA “barcoding” method to track gene transfer in microbial communities, providing new insights into how genes move across species.
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NewsMagnetic microalgae on a mission to become robots
A team of researchers has developed a green algae-based biohybrid micro swimmer covered with magnetic material, whose swimming ability is largely unaffected by the coating.
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NewsUltra-low dose CT aids pneumonia diagnosis in immunocompromised patients
Denoised ultra-low dose CT can effectively diagnose pneumonia in immunocompromised patients using only 2% of the radiation dose of standard CT, according to a study.
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NewsBacteria key to solar-powered method to convert sewage sludge into green hydrogen and animal feed
Scientists have developed an innovative solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge — a by-product of wastewater treatment — into green hydrogen for clean energy and single-cell protein for animal feed.
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NewsResearchers announce breakthrough in next-generation polio vaccines
Researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus, but are empty inside.
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NewsClove oil yields new Pickering emulsion formulation with enhanced antibacterial properties
Researchers developed a sustainable Pickering emulsion using carbon quantum dots (CQDs), promising solid particles for food applications, derived from clove essential oil residue. They found that CQDs with 40% ethanol demonstrated the highest emulsifying efficacy.
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NewsMicrobiome: Researchers improve bacterial analysis for clinical applications
Different extraction methods can obtain the DNA of certain bacterial species differently, which can significantly distort the determined microbiome composition. Scientists have developed a computer-based method for correcting extraction bias.
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NewsScientists develop low-cost handheld sensor test for airborne bird flu
Researchers have developed a prototype sensor that detects a virus that causes bird flu (H5N1) in air samples. The low-cost handheld sensor detects the virus at levels below an infectious dose and could lead to rapid aerosol testing for airborne avian influenza.
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NewsPackets of freeze-dried bacteria grow biocement on demand
Researchers report a freeze-drying approach that preserves biocement-producing bacteria, potentially allowing construction workers to use powder out of a packet to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells or strengthen the ground for makeshift roads.
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NewsInsilico Medicine deploys the first bipedal humanoid AI scientist in fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory
Insilico Medicine, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering generative AI for drug discovery and development, has announced the deployment of the first bipedal humanoid in its AI-powered fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory.
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NewsNew biosensor can detect airborne bird flu in under 5 minutes
A new biosensor for monitoring aerosol particles of H5N1 works within five minutes, preserving the sample of the microbes for further analysis and providing a range of the pathogen concentration levels detected on a farm.
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NewsNew COVID-flu vaccine platform could provide broad, lasting protection
Researchers have developed a new vaccine platform that could provide more robust, longer-lasting protection from both COVID-19 and influenza, and broader immunity to different flu strains.
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NewsResearchers develop enhanced method for wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistance
To better monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, researchers have developed a CRISPR-enriched metagenomics method for the enhanced surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes, ARGs, in wastewater.
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NewsSynthetic microbiome therapy suppresses bacterial infection without antibiotics
A synthetic microbiome therapy, tested in mice, protects against severe symptoms of a gut infection that is notoriously difficult-to-treat and potentially life threatening in humans. Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and colon inflammation.
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NewsWorld first clinical trial will study specialized ‘poop pills’ to improve treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer
A world-pioneering fecal microbiota transplantation pill will undergo a clinical trial, aiming to improve immune responses by remodifying the gut microbiome in patients with advance pancreatic cancer.
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NewsNew method developed to dramatically enhance bioelectronic sensors
In a breakthrough that could transform bioelectronic sensing, researchers have developed a new method to dramatically enhance the sensitivity of enzymatic and microbial fuel cells using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).
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NewsA rapid and reproducible method for generating germ-free Drosophila melanogaster
Scientists have introduced a refined method for the production of germ-free Drosophila, complemented by a straightforward verification process to ascertain its efficacy.
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NewsA*STAR spin-off NalaGenetics implements nationwide drug reaction screening for leprosy patients in Indonesia
NalaGenetics, a spin-off from A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS), will be transforming leprosy treatments in Indonesia with a nationwide genetic screening programme with their PGx1301 diagnostic kit.
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NewsNew paper-based device boosts HIV test accuracy from dried blood samples
Scientists have trialled a more precise medical device to measure HIV viral loads by engineering a paper device with wax-printed patterns that create precise channels and collection spots, ensuring it consistently collects the same volume of blood.
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NewsLaser-powered device tested on Earth could help us detect microbial fossils on Mars
Scientists hoping to identify fossil evidence of ancient Martian microbial life have now found a way to test their hypothesis, proving they can detect the fossils of microbes in gypsum samples that are a close analogy to sulfate rocks on Mars.