All Synthetic Biology articles
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News
Microbe dietary preferences influence the effectiveness of carbon sequestration in the deep ocean
The movement of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surface of the ocean to the deep ocean depends on a number of seemingly small processes - including the dietary preferences of bacteria that feed on organic molecules called lipids.
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Computer-aided biology can be deployed to develop tailored microbe communities
Researchers inspired by natural lichens want to develop the microbial networking manifested here as an example for future applications, as a contribution toward establishing interdisciplinary methods and technologies for CO2-negative processes.
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UC Santa Barbara to lead $22M NSF-funded center on exceptional microbes
UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside, and Cal Poly Pomona receive a six-year, $22 million grant to establish a first-of-its-kind BioFoundry that focuses on largely untapped and unexplored extreme microbes.
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Breakthrough in the synthesis of fungal bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications
Researchers have developed an efficient method to synthesize eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C, two promising bioactive compounds that are produced by fungi.
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It’s not just humans — bacteria have memory too
Beneficial bacteria — used in probiotics and biological pest control to fight harmful bacteria — possess memory, and even pass information on to future generations.
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Use of synthetic microbial communities has stalled - but we can get moving again
Use of synthetic microbial communities outside the lab is rare - but a more systematic approach could improve confidence in their long-term behaviour and address ethical considerations. Source: Sarah Keetch and Alex Fedorec That’s the message from a review of the field by scientists at University College ...
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Synthetic biology reveals the secrets of life without oxygen
Long before photosynthesis brought free oxygen into the world, the earth was already populated by numerous organisms. Oxygen was life-threatening for them and therefore they developed completely different metabolic pathways to those we know from plants, animals and humans. Source: Gulimila Shabuer / Leibniz-HKI and EMZ Jena Scanning ...
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Researchers develop new way for beneficial microbes to survive extreme conditions and space exploration
The team’s formulations allow microbial therapeutics to maintain their potency and function over time despite extreme temperatures, harsh manufacturing processes, and radiation exposure.
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Experts identify hazards of AI research for engineering biology
Hazards posed by using data-centric methods to engineer biology have been identified by experts with the aim of making future research safer.
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Uncovering ‘Blockbuster T cells’ in the gut wins major prize
Kazuki Nagashima developed a method with which to zero in on individual gut bacterium’s impacts on T cells. His work showed that – contrary to what has been thought – some T cells in the gut can interact with multiple bacteria.
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Functional predictability of universal gene circuits in diverse microbial hosts
By developing a quantitative framework to explore the universality and reliability of biological parts in non-model organisms, the team characterized universal genetic parts in four microbial hosts that can be used to build biological circuits in living cells.
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Novel method for synthesis of coral-derived compound offers hope for non-toxic fouling agents
Researchers have developed a novel total synthesis method for scabrolide F, a natural compound derived from corals, and revealed its antifouling properties.
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Caffeine-degrading microbes could tackle coffee pollution - and produce valuable pharmaceutical compounds
Caffeine-degrading microbes could offer vital bioremediation services as well as upcycling coffee waste into valuable pharmaceutical compounds, a new review suggests.
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Living bioelectronic device monitors and manages psoriasis in mice
Coupling skin bacteria-laden hydrogel and electronics, researchers have introduced a bioelectronics system that can deliver management and adaptive treatment of skin inflammation. They test this approach in a mouse model of psoriasis.
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5S-Heudelotinone alleviates experimental colitis by shaping the immune system and enhancing the intestinal barrier
A new study discusses how 5S-Heudelotinone alleviates experimental colitis by shaping the immune system and enhancing the intestinal barrier in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.
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An adjuvant made in yeast could lower vaccine cost and boost availability
Scientists have wielded the power of synthetic biology to produce the active ingredient of soap bark, a molecule called QS-21, in yeast - a more environmentally friendly way to produce a key ingredient of vaccines.
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Marriage of synthetic biology and 3D printing produces programmable living materials
Researchers have 3D printed a bioink containing plant cells that were then genetically modified, producing programmable materials. Applications could someday include biomanufacturing and sustainable construction.
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Careers
Single-celled fungi could assimilate CO2 and change the world
Fresh from placing in the top of inaugural The Future is Fungi awards, William Newell of Imperial College London opens up on his pioneering work which aims to use fungi for electromicrobial CO2 fixation.
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Scientists deploy synthetic amyloids to figure out ways of targeting biofilms
New research being presented at the Letters in Applied Microbiology ECS Research Symposium this May will reveal how scientists are investigating how macrophages can be used to break down amyloid plaques in biofilms.
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Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup
A synthetic droplet may give researchers clues on how the simplest forms of life on the planet could navigate their surroundings.