Scientists unravel the mystery of marine methane oxidation
Researchers uncover how microorganisms on the ocean floor protect the atmosphere against methane.
Nov 12th, 2012
Read more
Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines
Subscribe to our Biotechnology News feed
Nottingham part of GBP 20m investment for UK synthetic biology
In a move that could potentially revolutionise major UK industries and help us to meet serious social and environmental challenges, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has announced an unprecedented GBP 20m worth of synthetic biology projects.
Nov 12th, 2012
Read moreHow bacteria attack their host cells with sticky lollipops
T�bingen and Berlin scientists investigate pathogens by help of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Nov 12th, 2012
Read moreScientists discover new method of gene identification
Scientists studying the genes and proteins of human cells infected with a common cold virus have identified a new gene identification technique that could increase the genetic information we hold on animals by around 70 to 80 per cent. The findings could revolutionise our understanding of animal genetics and disease, and improve our knowledge of dangerous viruses such as SARS that jump the species barrier from animals to humans.
Nov 12th, 2012
Read moreResearchers develop light-based 'remote control' for proteins inside cells
Scientists at Stanford University have developed an intracellular remote control: a simple way to activate and track proteins, the busiest of cellular machines, using beams of light.
Nov 8th, 2012
Read moreMicro RNAs in plants: Regulation of the regulator
A phosphate switch to fine-tune the protein production in the cells.
Nov 8th, 2012
Read moreGene find turns soldier beetle defence into biotech opportunity
New antibiotic and anti-cancer chemicals may one day be synthesised using biotechnology, following CSIRO?s discovery of the three genes that combine to provide soldier beetles with their potent predator defence system.
Nov 8th, 2012
Read moreChocolate genome research good for farmers, environment, sweet lovers
With the help of information technology (IT), Penn State professor Mark Guiltinan makes the world a sweeter place.
Nov 7th, 2012
Read moreNew portable device enables RNA detection from ultra-small sample in only 20 minutes
A new power-free microfluidic chip developed by researchers at the RIKEN Advanced Science Institute (ASI) enables detection of microRNA from extremely small sample volume in only 20 minutes. By drastically reducing the time and quantity of sample required for detection, the chip lays the groundwork for early-stage point-of-care diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Nov 7th, 2012
Read moreMedical devices powered by the ear itself
For the first time, researchers power an implantable electronic device using an electrical potential - a natural battery - deep in the inner ear.
Nov 7th, 2012
Read moreA test method for the measurement of soil microbial diversity
The doctoral dissertation of Milja Veps�l�inen, M.Sc. (microbiology), prepared at the Finnish Environment Institute, involved developing a test pattern designed to measure soil biological diversity. The aim is to measure the activity potential of enzymes produced by soil microbes.
Nov 7th, 2012
Read moreThe latest findings in molecular evolution
A team of scientists researching the effect of long-term molecular evolution (the study of DNA, RNA and proteins) have produced findings which suggest most amino-acid substitutions have different fitness effects in different species. This is an important breakthrough as there is now evidence to show that a genetic background determines whether a modification, which is the main factor regulating evolution at the level of proteins, is beneficial, harmful or inconsequential.
Nov 6th, 2012
Read moreDiscovery may help nerve regeneration in spinal injury
Scientists at the Universities of Liverpool and Glasgow have uncovered a possible new method of enhancing nerve repair in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
Nov 5th, 2012
Read moreNew guideline for DNA sequences could prevent erroneous data
DNA sequence data is an indispensable source of research information in biology. But not all data are reliable. Almost 10% of all fungal DNA sequences are, for example, incorrectly identified to species level. A international team of researchers, with it?s core at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has therefore prepared a guide to assist the scientific community in the quality control process.
Nov 5th, 2012
Read moreSuperbug MRSA identified in US wastewater treatment plants
University of Maryland-led study is first to document environmental source of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States.
Nov 5th, 2012
Read moreA faster, more economical method for detecting bioterror threats
Texas Biomedical Research Institute scientists in San Antonio have developed a faster, less expensive route to screen suitable tests for bioterror threats and accelerate the application of countermeasures.
Nov 5th, 2012
Read moreComputers 'taught' to ID regulating gene sequences
Johns Hopkins researchers have succeeded in teaching computers how to identify commonalities in DNA sequences known to regulate gene activity, and to then use those commonalities to predict other regulatory regions throughout the genome. The tool is expected to help scientists better understand disease risk and cell development.
Nov 5th, 2012
Read moreThe first thought-controlled bionic leg
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago research participant Zac Vawter made history on Sunday, November 4, 2012, by climbing 103 floors of Chicago's Willis Tower using the first "thought-controlled bionic leg", a neural-controlled prosthetic leg driven by his own thoughts.
Nov 5th, 2012
Read more