Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Bioengineered tooth restoration in a large mammal

The approach used involves the autologous transplantation of bioengineered tooth germ into a canine jawbone; the in vivo artificially created tooth has the structure, composition and physiological characteristics of a natural tooth.

March 20, 2017 Read more

Computer simulation of protein synthesis reveals awesome complexity of cell machinery

The model system, based on E. coli, contained the bare minimum for assembling proteins: 241 chemicals undergoing 968 reactions for 1,000 seconds. Many of these chemicals twice reached steady concentrations, only to be suddenly depleted at a later stage.

March 16, 2017 Read more

From skin to brain: Stem cells without genetic modification

New study yields neural crest cells from adult skin cells, and could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's and other brain illnesses.

March 16, 2017 Read more

When proteins court each other, the dance moves matter

On the biological dance floor, careful choreography may decide how well a suitor is able to woo a partner.

March 16, 2017 Read more

Protein dosage compensation mechanism unravelled

Scientists have discovered which genes from the yeast genome exhibit dosage compensation - the ability to temper protein production when the corresponding encoding gene's copy number increases. In addition, they identify the underlying process to be protein degradation, and link the mechanism to stoichiometric buffering of protein complex subunits.

March 15, 2017 Read more

One synthetic molecule, two doorways into cell

A synthetic ion channel provides different-shaped paths into a cell. This could offer insight into how these unique channels function in living organisms.

March 13, 2017 Read more

A three-dimensional map of the genome

Gene mapping technique promises to unlock the power of proximity to find genes implicated in diseases.

March 10, 2017 Read more

New biomimetic glue shows high-strength bonding under water (w/video)

An adhesive that works under water and is modeled after those created by shellfish to stick to surfaces is stronger than many commercial glues created for the purpose.

March 9, 2017 Read more

First fully artificial yeast genome has been designed

Scientists have completed the design phase for a fully synthetic yeast genome. Once completed, yeast cells carrying a fully artificial genome will prove invaluable for both academic and industrial applications.

March 9, 2017 Read more

New technology platform propels the use of 'organs-on-chips'

A research team has developed a novel technology platform that enables the continuous and automated monitoring of so-called 'organs-on-chips' - tiny devices that incorporate living cells to mimic the biology of bona fide human organs.

March 8, 2017 Read more

New material regrows bone

Procedure could potentially treat patients with injuries to the skull.

March 8, 2017 Read more

Paper pumps power portable microfluidics, biomedical devices

Biomedical engineering researchers have developed inexpensive paper pumps that use capillary action to power portable microfluidic devices, opening the door to a range of biomedical tools.

March 8, 2017 Read more

Researchers push the limits of organic synthesis

Researchers achieved a new understanding of dendritic molecules which could play a role in drug and gene delivery and antimicrobial resistance.

March 7, 2017 Read more

World-first synthetic receptor mimics how cells 'talk' to the world around them

Researchers have found a way to mimic the way cells in living organisms 'talk' to the world around them by creating a world-first synthetic receptor which can respond to chemical signals just like its natural equivalent.

March 6, 2017 Read more

Biophysicists propose new approach for membrane protein crystallization

For the first time, the scientists showed that membrane proteins trapped in synthetic patches of cell membrane called 'nanodiscs' can be transferred into the lipidic cubic phase and crystallized.

March 6, 2017 Read more

Researchers uncover mechanisms of biofuel production in microalgae

Biofuel produced by microalgae: The perimeter of lipid droplet in their cells is an important place for oil synthesis.

March 3, 2017 Read more

A better way to measure the stiffness of cancer cells

Laser technique peers through individual cells to gauge stiffness with unprecedented speed.

March 1, 2017 Read more

Super plants need super ROOTS

A new program hopes to develop better crops - super plants that are drought-resistant, use less fertilizer and remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

February 28, 2017 Read more