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Researchers use CRISPR to edit DNA outside of the cell for the first time

Scientists have developed a potentially breakthrough CRISPR gene-editing tool. It could allow researchers to take fragments of DNA extracted from human cells, put them into a test tube, and quickly and precisely engineer multiple changes to the genetic code.

Apr 19th, 2018

Molecular motor: Four states of rotation

With the help of ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum mechanical calculations, researchers have characterized the complete rotational cycle of the light-driven, chemical motor molecule hemithioindigo.

Apr 19th, 2018

Cancer drug observed at work

Using a Raman microscope, researchers have studied at which targets the cancer drug Neratinib binds in cells and how its chemical structure changes. Compared with other techniques, this method offers a considerable advantage, as it is not necessary to apply a label to the drug that would indicate its distribution indirectly; rather, the drug itself can be monitored.

Apr 19th, 2018

The enzyme designers

Simulation of the AsqJ enzyme opens up new options for pharmaceutical chemistry.

Apr 17th, 2018

Engineering a plastic-eating enzyme

Scientists have engineered an enzyme which can digest some of our most commonly polluting plastics, providing a potential solution to one of the world?s biggest environmental problems.

Apr 17th, 2018

Artificial antimicrobial peptides could help overcome drug-resistant bacteria

With aid of computer algorithm, researchers develop peptides more powerful than those found in nature.

Apr 16th, 2018

Peptide-based biogenic dental product may cure cavities

Researchers have designed a convenient and natural product that uses proteins to rebuild tooth enamel and treat dental cavities.

Apr 12th, 2018

Sensor strategy a boon for synthetic biology

Synthetic biologists have introduced a new technique to dial up or down the sensitivity of two-component systems - a class of proteins that bacteria use to sense a wide variety of stimuli.

Apr 12th, 2018

Artificial molecules that mimic DNA

Not only can synthetic molecules imitate the structures of their biological counterparts, they can also assume their functions and even outcompete them.

Apr 3rd, 2018

New innovations in cell-free biotechnology

New platform could lead to improved production of protein therapeutics and biomaterials.

Mar 23rd, 2018

First proof a synthesized antibiotic is capable of treating superbugs

A 'game changing' new antibiotic which is capable of killing superbugs has been successfully synthesised and used to treat an infection for the first time -- and could lead to the first new class of antibiotic drug in 30 years.

Mar 23rd, 2018

Researchers use light to turn yeast into biochemical factories

Researchers have used a combination of light and genetic engineering to controlling the metabolism, or basic chemical process, of a living cell. Building on techniques that already have transformed the field of neuroscience, the researchers used light to control genetically-modified yeast and increase its output of commercially valuable chemicals.