Metabolic modelling becomes three-dimensional
An international research consortium developed the first computer model to include 3D in the representation of human metabolic processes.
Feb 22nd, 2018
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Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines
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New tool tells bioengineers when to build microbial teams
Framework guides complex bioengineering tasks between multiple cell populations.
Feb 21st, 2018
Read moreIn living color: Brightly-colored bacteria could be used to 'grow' paints and coatings
Researchers have unlocked the genetic code behind some of the brightest and most vibrant colours in nature.
Feb 19th, 2018
Read moreOrgan-on-chip technology enters next stage as experts test hepatitis B virus
Scientists have tested how pathogens interact with artificial human organs.
Feb 14th, 2018
Read moreChemists develop motion capture-like technology for tracking protein shape
Researchers have demonstrated a motion capture-like technology that tracks how proteins fold and change shape using fluorescent probes. The research could lead to improvements in drugs used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, as well as new methods of imaging that may also allow for earlier detection.
Feb 13th, 2018
Read moreCell membrane as material for bone formation
The burst of cells forming cartilage is associated with mineralization during the early stages of bone formation, and nanofragments of the cell membranes can act as nucleation sites for amorphous calcium phosphate.
Feb 13th, 2018
Read moreNew sustainable production method could advance plastics and pharmaceuticals
Chemical engineers have developed a new, cost-effective method for synthetically producing a biorenewable platform chemical called triacetic acid lactone (TAL) that can be used to produce innovative new drugs and sustainable plastics at an industrial scale.
Feb 12th, 2018
Read moreScientists create functioning kidney tissue
Scientists have successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism which is able to produce urine, a first for medical science.
Feb 9th, 2018
Read moreSweet route to greater yields
A promising technique that makes maize more productive even in droughts has now been unpicked and looks set to do the same for a range of other crops, including wheat and rice.
Feb 8th, 2018
Read moreRecreating liver tumors as organoids for faster, more accurate drug screening
Researchers have grown organoids from liver tumors on specially engineered 3-D scaffolds. These organoids replicate important features of the original tumor, including genetic changes and intra-tumor heterogeneity, and could serve as tumor avatars for high-throughput drug screening.
Feb 8th, 2018
Read moreBiotechnologists look to bacteria in extremely cold environments for 'green' detergents
Despite subzero temperatures, increased UV radiation, little liquid water, and few available nutrients, bacteria living at Earth's poles thrive. They manage it thanks in part to molecules called biosurfactants, which help them separate the complex substrates they feed on into easy-to-metabolize droplets.
Feb 7th, 2018
Read moreWorkbench for virus design
Researchers have developed a technology platform that allows them to systematically modify and customise bacteriophages. This technology is a step towards making phage therapies a powerful tool for combating dangerous pathogens.
Feb 6th, 2018
Read moreBacterial superheroes may save the day for crops
Genetic analyses of a desert bacterium show it could help to improve crop production in arid lands.
Feb 5th, 2018
Read moreEdible QR code can be the medicine of the future
Researchers have developed a new method for the production of medicine. They print medical drugs in QR coded patterns onto an edible material. The production can be tailored to fit each patient and has the potential to protect against wrong medication and fake medicine according to the researchers.
Feb 2nd, 2018
Read moreBlood vessel-on-a-chips show anti-cancer drug effects in human cells
Researchers report a new organ-on-a-chip technology for the study of blood vessel formation and drugs targeting this event.
Jan 30th, 2018
Read moreVitamin C in the body can be tracked by fluorescence
Scientists tracked ascorbic acid levels in mice using a complex molecule called R2c. Using some clever chemistry, the team designed this probe to react with ascorbic acid molecules in the body.
Jan 24th, 2018
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