Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines

I quit sugar: making biofactories that run on waste

Scientists have found a way to use waste products as yeast feed. This exciting discovery opens up the possibility of fuelling biofactories without devoting arable land to producing sugars for them, but also because of the larger role methylotrophic organisms play in the environment.

November 5, 2020 Read more

A novel process that turns branches and prawn shells into nutritional supplements and medicine

Scientists devised a method to turn shells from prawns and crabs into L-DOPA, a widely used drug to treat Parkinson's disease. A similar method can be used to convert wood waste to Proline, which is essential for the formation of healthy collagen and cartilage.

October 29, 2020 Read more

An artificial cell on a chip

Scientists have developed a precisely controllable system for mimicking biochemical reaction cascades in cells. Using microfluidic technology, they produce miniature polymeric reaction containers equipped with the desired properties.

October 28, 2020 Read more

Stay focused: Algae-inspired polymers light the way for enhanced night vision

Researchers synthesize an elastic polymer from low-cost, sustainable materials, that can be used it to fabricate lenses that help keep infrared cameras focused in the dark.

October 27, 2020 Read more

Scientists develop genetic 'monitors' that detect when genes are active

New genetic sensors could function as a lab test device and even as a live monitoring system inside living cells.

October 26, 2020 Read more

Cyanobacteria: Small candidates as great hopes for medicine and biotechnology

Cyanobacteria are among the oldest forms of life and are of great ecological importance. Genome sequencing will help to unlock the genetic potential of unusual cyanobacteria for the production of new active agents and to explore the potential for applications in biotechnology.

October 23, 2020 Read more

Coating implants with artificial bone to prevent inflammation

Superior coating performance achieved compared to existing clinical products while reducing production cost and time.

October 23, 2020 Read more

Boost to develop microalgae into health foods

A new discovery may provide the crucial link that helps accelerate development of microalgae into beneficial human health supplements.

October 20, 2020 Read more

Magnetic field and hydrogels could be used to grow new cartilage

Using a magnetic field and hydrogels, researchers have demonstrated a new possible way to rebuild complex body tissues, which could result in more lasting fixes to common injuries, such as cartilage degeneration.

October 19, 2020 Read more

Scientists turn pineapple waste into high-value aerogels

A new process uses pineapple leaf fibres to create ultra-light, biodegradable aerogels. They are effective as oil absorbents and for heat and sound insulation. They also have potential applications in food preservation and wastewater treatment.

October 14, 2020 Read more

Mechanical forces of biofilms could play role in infections

Studying bacterial biofilms, scientists have discovered that mechanical forces within them are sufficient to deform the soft material they grow on, e.g. biological tissues, suggesting a 'mechanical' mode of bacterial infection.

October 13, 2020 Read more

Circular economy for plastics: Biotechnological solutions for degradation and recycling of plastics

A critical discussion of the state of current research and suggests strategies for a bio-based circular economy for plastics.

October 13, 2020 Read more

Making bones is less difficult than was previously thought

The way in which bone formation occurs needs to be redefined. It turns out that bone formation does not require complex biomolecules in collagen at all. This means that the production of bone substitutes and biomaterials is less complicated than was previously thought.

October 8, 2020 Read more

Deep learning takes on synthetic biology

Computational algorithms enable identification and optimization of RNA-based tools for myriad applications.

October 7, 2020 Read more

Liquid crystals give red blood cells mechanical squeeze

Researchers have created a way of using synthetic liquid crystals to squeeze red blood cells and gain new insight into individual cells? mechanical properties. The process also illuminates minuscule differences between cells within a large population as each cell reacts to the same strain or force, revealing just how diverse the cells are.

October 6, 2020 Read more

The heat is on for building 3D artificial organ tissues

Bioengineers are devising a hot new technology to remotely control the positioning and timing of cell functions to build 3D artificial, living tissues.

October 5, 2020 Read more

Cyanobacteria as 'green' catalysts in biotechnology

Researchers show how the catalytic activity of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can be significantly increased. This brings biotechnological and thus eco-friendly application a big step closer.

October 5, 2020 Read more

Lending color to dead cells - a novel natural dye for screening cell viability

Scientists discover a natural food pigment that can distinguish between living and dead cells in cell cultures.

September 28, 2020 Read more