Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines

A roadmap for pure organ cells

A new strategy minimizes the cellular contaminants that usually plague the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.

June 18, 2014 Read more

Researchers identify mechanism that could help old muscle grow

Researchers identify a muscle-building mechanism that could be important in addressing sarcopenia.

June 17, 2014 Read more

Engineered bioscavengers could help neutralize chemical weapons

Scientists are a step closer to creating a prophylactic drug that would neutralize the deadly effects of the chemical weapons used in Syria and elsewhere.

June 16, 2014 Read more

Bionic pancreas controls blood sugar levels in adults, adolescents with type 1 diabetes

The latest version of a bionic pancreas device has been successfully tested in two five-day clinical trials - one in adults, the other in adolescents - that imposed minimal restrictions on patient activities.

June 16, 2014 Read more

Protein transport by 'hug-and-kiss'

The first direct observation of a key molecular transport mechanism in cells challenges previous models of the process.

June 13, 2014 Read more

Scientists find trigger to decode the genome

Scientists have identified an important trigger that dictates how cells change their identity and gain specialized functions.

June 12, 2014 Read more

Researchers use human stem cells to create light-sensitive retina in a dish

Using a type of human stem cell, researchers say they have created a three-dimensional complement of human retinal tissue in the laboratory, which notably includes functioning photoreceptor cells capable of responding to light, the first step in the process of converting it into visual images.

June 12, 2014 Read more

The transmission of information via proteins could revolutionize drug discovery

A new study reveals the existence of information highways that connect and correlate distant sites within a single protein.

June 12, 2014 Read more

Elucidating optimal biological tissue shape during growth

A new study investigates the role of cells' alignment in shaping biological tissue.

June 11, 2014 Read more

Implanted infection prevention

Scientists have developed a bone substitute with integrated protection against infection.

June 11, 2014 Read more

Bacteria help explain why stress, fear trigger heart attacks

Scientists believe they have an explanation for the axiom that stress, emotional shock, or overexertion may trigger heart attacks in vulnerable people. Hormones released during these events appear to cause bacterial biofilms on arterial walls to disperse, allowing plaque deposits to rupture into the bloodstream.

June 10, 2014 Read more

Eye evolution: a snapshot in time

Scientists are studying the visual system of marine annelids to gain insights into the evolution of eyes.

June 10, 2014 Read more

Making new species without sex

Plants can transfer their entire genetic material to a partner in an asexual manner.

June 10, 2014 Read more

Researchers explain mechanism that helps viruses spread

Scientists explain how RNA molecules found in certain viruses mimic the shape of other molecules as part of a strategy to 'hijack' the cell and make more viruses.

June 9, 2014 Read more

The quest for long-lasting blood

A team of scientists at the University of Essex are hoping to develop a one-size-fits-all, third generation artificial blood substitute.

June 9, 2014 Read more

Beer brewing waste could help bone regeneration

Researchers have developed biomaterials for bone regeneration from beer brewing waste.

June 9, 2014 Read more

POSS key ingredient in synthetic organ work

A key molecule developed at Hybrid Plastics now forms a main component in an effort to develop synthetic human organs for medical treatment. Such organs include tear ducts, blood vessels and windpipes.

June 6, 2014 Read more

Better tissue healing with disappearing hydrogels

When stem cells are used to regenerate bone tissue, many wind up migrating away from the repair site, which disrupts the healing process. But a research team makes use of hydrogel polymers in keeping the stem cells in place, resulting in faster and better tissue regeneration.

June 6, 2014 Read more