All Synthetic Biology articles
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NewsBacteria can deliver on promise of climate-neutral chemicals of the future
To explore the potential of synthetic methylotrophs for the biotechnological production of industrially relevant bulk chemicals, researchers have equipped the bacteria with additional genes for four different biosynthetic pathways.
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NewsKeynote speakers at Letters in Applied Microbiology ECS Research Symposium announced
Applied Microbiology International has announced the keynote speakers at the Letters in Applied Microbiology Early Career Scientist Research Symposium
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NewsStudy identifies protein responsible for gas vesicle clustering in bacteria
Scientists have presented the first identification of a protein that can regulate the honeycomb patterning of gas vesicles packed within microbes.
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NewsScientists create 3D image of the symbiotic communities around plant roots
Researchers report that microbial community composition varies along the root and that this is influenced by the root spatial metabolism.
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NewsStudy reviews valorization of depolymerized lignin using microorganisms
Lignin is an abundant natural polymer which is eliminated as a byproduct in the pulp and paper industry. A recent review article explored different microbial processes available for sustainable lignin valorization, yielding not only environmental, but also economic benefits. Researchers highlighted the current advancements as well as ...
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NewsEngineered yeast strain can selectively overproduce carotenoids
To meet the increasing demand for cost-effective natural compounds in carotenoid synthesis, researchers have developed an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain capable of selectively overproducing carotenoids.
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NewsScientists reveal transferability of extracytoplasmic function switches across bacterial species
A study exploring the bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti identified extracytoplasmic function sigma factor switches with cross-species functionality, constructed genetic circuits, and provided a toolbox for universal synthetic biology applications.
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NewsResearchers open new leads in anti-HIV drug development, using a compound found in nature
Researchers have successfully modified a naturally occurring chemical compound in the lab, resulting in advanced lead compounds with anti-HIV activity.
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NewsScientists harness fungal bioluminescence to create glow-in-the-dark plants
Synthetic biologists have reported the discovery of multiple plant enzymes – hispidin synthases – that can perform the most complex reaction of the bioluminescence pathway.
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NewsResearch team creates novel rabies viral vectors for neural circuit mapping
Scientists have created 20 new recombinant rabies viral vectors for neural circuit mapping that offer significant advantages over existing tools, including the ability to detect microstructural changes in models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease brain neurons.
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NewsSynthetic antimicrobial molecule is highly effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria
Cresomycin – a novel synthetic molecule – demonstrates remarkably robust efficacy against multiple, evolutionary divergent forms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), researchers report.
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NewsRoot microbes may be the secret to a better tasting cup of tea
Researchers have found that microbes in tea roots affect their uptake of ammonia, which influences the production of theanine, which is key for determining a tea’s taste.
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NewsLow-cost microbe can speed biological discovery
Researchers have created a new version of a microbe to compete economically with E. coli – a bacteria commonly used as a research tool due to its ability to synthesize proteins – to conduct low-cost and scalable synthetic biological experiments.
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NewsUK government awards £13m for biotechnology research to address environmental challenges
A new research centre, the first of its kind in the UK, is being formed to enhance and develop the natural abilities of micro-organisms in cleaning up our planet.
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NewsScientists develop new biocontainment method for industrial organisms
Researchers have found that by adding an estradiol-controlled destabilising domain degron (ERdd) to the genetic makeup of baker’s yeast, they can control survival of the organism.
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NewsMicrobial division of labor produces higher biofuel yields
Scientists have found a way to boost ethanol production via yeast fermentation, a standard method for converting plant sugars into biofuels, using careful timing and a tight division of labor among synthetic yeast strains.
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NewsGrant facilitates production of valuable fuels and chemicals using microbial cell factories
A new project will pioneer a novel method for creating a large number of genetically engineered strains of gas-consuming bacteria and compile a knowledge base that will accelerate engineering of cell factories.
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NewsSynthetic communities slash herbicide use for weed control
Synthetic microbial communities have been found to not only suppress the growth and yield of agricultural weeds, but also substantially strengthen infested wheat production.
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NewsModified phage DNA can kill deadly pathogens
DNA modified from a bacteriophage and put inside Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to bypass the pathogen’s defense mechanisms to assemble into virions, which sliced through the bacterium’s cell to kill it.
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NewsResaerchers design thermostable vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers report the design of a synthetic antigen that can be manufactured as a potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate - it is effective against all current strains of SARS-CoV-2 and can be quickly adapted for future variants as well.
