Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Scientists use 'sticky' DNA to build organized structures of gel blocks

Scientists have used strands of microscopic DNA to direct the self-assembly of hydrogel blocks that can be seen by the naked eye. The hydrogel blocks are so far the largest objects programmed by DNA to form organized structures.

January 31, 2022 Read more

Artificial muscles made of proteins

A research team has developed the first material made of natural proteins that contracts autonomously.

January 28, 2022 Read more

A molecular framework to bridge experimental and computer sciences for peptide-based materials engineering

Researchers have developed a framework that solves the challenge of bridging experimental and computer sciences to better predict peptide structures. Peptide-based materials have been used in energy, security and health fields for the past two decades.

January 27, 2022 Read more

Improved retinal transplant technique ready for clinical trials

Researchers have used a genetic modification to improve human-derived retina transplants grown in the lab. After transplant into damaged mouse retinas, timed removal of certain cells from the grafts allowed better connections to host retinas, which resulted in more responsiveness to light in the damaged eyes.

January 27, 2022 Read more

Illuminating a biological light switch

Using an innovative new imaging technique, researchers have revealed the inner workings of a family of light-sensing molecules in unprecedented detail and speed. The work could inform new strategies in the burgeoning field of optogenetics, which uses light pulses to alter the activity of individual neurons and other cells.

January 26, 2022 Read more

Fat-burning hydrogel fights obesity (w/video)

Scientists have developed a new therapeutic approach to obesity and related metabolic disorders that in laboratory experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in body fat, body weight, and improvement in the blood markers that accompany these disorders.

January 26, 2022 Read more

Landing therapeutic genes safely in the human genome

Researchers predict and validate genomic safe harbors for therapeutic genes, enabling safer, more efficient and predictable gene and cell therapies.

January 24, 2022 Read more

Researchers develop novel microscopic picoshell particles

Bioengineers have created a new type of petri dish in the form of microscopic, permeable particles that can dramatically speed up research and development timelines of biological products, such as fatty acids for biofuels.

January 21, 2022 Read more

Scientists build 'valves' in DNA to shape biological information flows

Scientists have developed new biological parts that are able to shape the flow of cellular processes along DNA.

January 21, 2022 Read more

Seek and ye shall find: comprehensive detection of on- and off-target mutations

Researchers design a software program that reliably detects and classifies a variety of intended and off-target mutations induced by a targeted genomic mutation strategy.

January 20, 2022 Read more

Researchers track the lifespan and myriad functions of mRNA

It took a global pandemic, but the critical role of messenger RNA in all of life's functions has taken center stage in the past year with the successful rollout of mRNA vaccines to combat the SARS-Cov-2 virus.

January 19, 2022 Read more

Novel hydrogel promotes neural regeneration after spinal cord injury

Researchers have developed a multifunctional scaffold to effectively regulate the immune microenvironment after spinal cord injury and reduce secondary injury effects.

January 18, 2022 Read more

Bone growth inspired 'microrobots that can create their own bone

Inspired by the growth of bones in the skeleton, researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening. The material is initially soft, but later hardens through a bone development process that uses the same materials found in the skeleton.

January 17, 2022 Read more

Shape guides the growth of organoids

Bioengineers have developed new methods for successfully guiding the stem cells to grow into intestinal tissues with real-life 3D structure and function.

January 12, 2022 Read more

Scientists expand CRISPR-Cas9 genetic inheritance control in mammals

Biologists achieve gene conversion in male mice, broadening potential for human disease research and environmental applications.

January 12, 2022 Read more

Artificial intelligence predicts RNA and DNA binding sites to speed up drug discovery

Researchers developed an artificial intelligence-driven solution that uses data on the structure of RNA or DNA molecules to identify sites on them where interaction with potential drug candidates can occur. Knowledge of these binding sites allows pharmaceutical companies to discover new medications - including antiviral agents - in a much more focused and efficient manner.

January 11, 2022 Read more

Genome research: Finding the invisible

Researchers have developed a method to extract more information from sequencing data. This will afford deeper insights into biology.

January 11, 2022 Read more

Cancer therapy using on-site synthesis of anticancer drugs

An international research group has successfully treated cancer in mice using metal catalysts that assemble anticancer drugs together inside the body.

January 10, 2022 Read more