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DNA triggers shape-shifting in hydrogels, opening a new way to make 'soft robots'

Biochemical engineers have used sequences of DNA molecules to induce shape-changing in water-based gels, demonstrating a new tactic to produce soft robots and 'smart' medical devices that do not rely on cumbersome wires, batteries or tethers.

Sep 18th, 2017

More efficient use of raw materials with the aid of 'molecular conveyor belts'

Biotechnologists have succeeded in optimizing sugar utilization in baker's yeast.

Sep 18th, 2017

Better, cheaper bio-ink may be used to create artificial organs

Researchers investigate gelatin-based hydrogel for regenerative medicine.

Sep 18th, 2017

First step towards the detection of bacteria with gravimetric biosensors

Researchers have taken the first steps towards the development of a sensor for the detection of bacterial meningitis in real time by combining gravimetric sensors with synthetic antibodies giving, as a result, a sensitive, rapid and affordable method.

Sep 15th, 2017

Measuring morphogenesis of organs

A new statistical-based method provides insight into how developing organs morph into their mature shapes.

Sep 15th, 2017

Making blood from skin

Despite being very different kinds of cells, skin cells have been used to make blood cells in mice.

Sep 15th, 2017

Red fluorescence in two steps

Scientists have identified the mechanism that allows fluorescent proteins to switch colour in two phases. They are thereby laying the groundwork for new applications in microscopy and functional analyses in biological research.

Sep 13th, 2017

Artificial enzymes for hydrogen conversion

A new review article summarizes the development of artificial maturation of hydrogenases and how this invention has opened up new avenues in the study of these enzymes, and describe the impact of these findings on energy research in the future.

Sep 12th, 2017

Outside-in reprogramming: Antibody study suggests a better way to make stem cells

Scientists have found a new approach to the reprogramming of ordinary adult cells into stem cells.

Sep 11th, 2017

Evolution in the lab

Experiments with bacteria show that genes can fuse together, leading to the production of novel proteins.

Sep 8th, 2017

Maximum precision in protein synthesis

Scientists have investigated the mode of action of a molecular chaperone vital to protein synthesis. They were able to demonstrate that the speed of protein synthesis is associated with the function of the Ssb chaperone.

Sep 8th, 2017

Researchers break through the wall in bacterial membrane vesicle research

Scientists investigated membrane vesicle formation in the model Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The team was able to visualize the release of membrane vesicles by using live cell imaging techniques and state-of-the-art electron cryotomography.

Sep 7th, 2017

Vitamin B12 fuels microbial growth

Scarce compound is key for cellular metabolism and may help shape microbial communities that affect environmental cycles and bioenergy production.

Sep 5th, 2017

Scientists developed 'smart fertilizer'

Researchers combined traditional fertilizer with a biodegradable polymer, which allowed to slow down the process of decomposition and release of a nutrient into the soil. As a result, the use of fertilizers has been improved and the pressures on the environment have been reduced.