Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Freshly squeezed vaccines

Microfluidic cell-squeezing device opens new possibilities for cell-based vaccines.

May 26, 2015 Read more

Researchers discover molecular approach to promote cancer cell death

Lung cancer researchers have discovered a novel strategy to exploit apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, for the treatment of lung cancer. The protein Bcl-2 is a known target for cancer treatment since it allows cancer cells to evade cell death via apoptosis.

May 22, 2015 Read more

New biotechnology for high efficiency purification of live human cells

Cell therapies require a purification step that isolates the desired cell types from contaminating cells. Normally cell surface receptors are used as markers to distinguish cell types, but undesired cell types also show these receptors, compromising purification. Evidence suggests microRNA may be a better marker. New biotechnology, miRNA switches, purifies different cell types based on miRNA markers at levels suggesting applicability to patient care.

May 22, 2015 Read more

New platforms genetically barcode tens of thousands of cells at a time

Two separate research teams have developed high-throughput techniques to quickly, easily and inexpensively give every individual cell in a sample a unique genetic barcode.

May 22, 2015 Read more

'Measuring stick' standard for gene sequencing now available

The world's first reference material to help ensure laboratories accurately 'map' DNA for genetic testing, medical diagnoses and future customized drug therapies is now available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

May 22, 2015 Read more

Body's 'serial killers' captured on film destroying cancer cells (w/video)

A dramatic video has captured the behaviour of cytotoxic T cells - the body's 'serial killers' - as they hunt down and eliminate cancer cells before moving on to their next target.

May 19, 2015 Read more

Designing better medical implants

Optimal size and shape allow implantable devices to last longer in the body.

May 19, 2015 Read more

Pactamycin analogs offer new, gentler approach to cancer treatment

Researchers are pursuing a new concept in treatment of epithelial cancer, especially head and neck cancer, by using two promising 'analogs' of an old compound that was once studied as a potent anti-tumor agent, but long ago abandoned because it was too toxic.

May 18, 2015 Read more

What hundreds of biomolecules tell us about our nerve cells

Researchers successfully measured metabolic profiles, or the metabolomes, of different brain regions, and their findings could help better understand neurodegenerative diseases. The metabolome represents all or at least a large part of the metabolites in a given tissue, and thus, it gives a snapshot of its physiology.

May 18, 2015 Read more

Scientists discover how microbes acquire electricity in making methane

Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about methanogens, unique microorganisms that transform electricity and carbon dioxide into methane. They demonstrate for the first time how methanogens obtain electrons from solid surfaces. The discovery could help scientists design electrodes for microbial 'factories' that produce methane gas and other compounds sustainably.

May 18, 2015 Read more

Synthetic biology reveals mechanism of gene-overexpression to induce cell reprogramming

Scientists have devised a theoretical expression of cell reprograming and proved the idea by using synthetic-biology experiments where simplified genetic circuits were constructed in living cells.

May 15, 2015 Read more

Hydrogels boost ability of stem cells to restore eyesight and heal brains

Researchers show that engineered hydrogels not only help with stem cell transplantation, but actually speed healing in both the eye and brain.

May 14, 2015 Read more

Fusion protein controls design of photosynthesis platform

A central part of photosynthesis takes place in a specialized structure within chloroplasts, the thylakoid membrane system. Despite its apparent important function, until now it was not clear how this specialized internal membrane system is actually formed. Researchers have now identified how this membrane is generated.

May 13, 2015 Read more

Scientists regenerate bone tissue using only proteins secreted by stem cells

Scientists have discovered a way to regrow bone tissue using the protein signals produced by stem cells. This technology could help treat victims who have experienced major trauma to a limb, like soldiers wounded in combat or casualties of a natural disaster. The new method improves on older therapies by providing a sustainable source for fresh tissue and reducing the risk of tumor formation that can arise with stem cell transplants.

May 12, 2015 Read more

Molecular chaperones help with folding

Researchers demonstrate how so-called chaperones collaborate to create barrels for protein folding.

May 12, 2015 Read more

Deciphering the neural code that links food to aging

A new study has found that serotonin and TGF-beta hormone levels in specific neurons of C. elegans communicate information about food abundance in roundworms. These signals from the nervous system influence the animal's lifespan, thus mediating the effects of food on ageing.

May 12, 2015 Read more

Biofuels: plant the right crop in the right place

Corn, wheat and rapeseed can be used to produce biofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. According to recent findings by environmental scientists, the location of the agricultural lands used to grow these biofuel crops has a major impact on the greenhouse gas emission they ultimately produce.

May 12, 2015 Read more

Photosynthesis has unique isotopic signature

Geochemists report that photosynthesis leaves behind a unique calling card in the form of a chemical signature that is spelled out with stable oxygen isotopes. The findings suggest that similar isotopic signatures could exist for many biological processes, including some that are difficult to observe with current tools.

May 11, 2015 Read more