https://phys.org/biology-news/biotechnology en-us The latest science news on biotechnology Rice University scientists used a commercially available mixed-reality headset with custom-designed software to measure and analyze forest floor vegetation, demonstrating a correlation between animal diversity and the mapped habitat of a Tanzanian national park. According to the paper published in the journal Ecology, the greater the microhabitat surface area, the richer the biodiversity of its mammals. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-scans-tropical-forest-mixed-reality-device.html Ecology Biotechnology Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:02:03 EDT news616950121 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of cell surface proteins in humans. These receptors, which can be seen as "traffic directors," transmit signals from the outside to the inside of cells and are involved in many physiological processes. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-function-human-cell-surface-protein.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:38:04 EDT news616930681 A microscopic discovery will not only enable scientists to understand the microbial world around us but could also provide a new way to control CRISPR-Cas biotechnologies. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-scientists-uncover-viruses-bacteria.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:00:02 EDT news616844968 A research group from the University of Turku and Turku Bioscience Center together with Misvik Biology Ltd in Finland have developed a new method for studying how cancer cells function in softer and stiffer tissue environments. This insight challenges the existing paradigm, opening up new possibilities for research in cancer biology and tissue engineering. The results of the study have been published in PNAS. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-secrets-cell-behavior-soft-substrates.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:31:03 EDT news616843861 Increasingly limited land and water resources have inspired the development of precision agriculture, which is the use of remote sensing technology to monitor air and soil environmental data in real time to help optimize crop output. Maximizing the sustainability of such technology is critical to proper environmental stewardship and cost reduction. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-sustainable-smart-agriculture-biodegradable-soil.html Biotechnology Agriculture Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:38:03 EDT news616768682 An innovative paint that contains oxygen-producing bacteria capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) has been created by scientists from the University of Surrey. Researchers suggest this paint, known as a "biocoating," could be used in extreme environments, such as space stations. This study was published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-bacteria-pave-oxygen-capturing-carbon.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:02:13 EDT news616752131 One double-helix strand of DNA could extend six feet, but it is so tightly coiled that it packs an entire sequence of nucleotides into the tiny nucleus of a cell. If that same DNA was instead split into two strands and divided into many, many short pieces, it would become trillions of uniquely folded 3D molecular structures, capable of bonding to and possibly manipulating specifically shaped molecules—if they're the perfect fit. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-hydrogel-aptamers-chemical-antibodies-days.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:26:21 EDT news616742774 A novel glycoengineering platform, created by the laboratory of Assistant Professor Chris Lok-To Sham from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), is poised to revolutionize future production of vaccines and therapeutics to fight infectious diseases. Glycoengineering aims to manipulate sugars to produce useful carbohydrates. This innovative platform simplifies the customizing and production of sugar carbohydrates known as glycans that plays a crucial role in various therapeutic applications. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-potential-genetic-glycoengineering-advance-vaccines.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:07:38 EDT news616676856 One of the building blocks of ocean life can adapt to cope with the effects of climate change, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). https://phys.org/news/2023-10-climate-coping-mechanism-algae.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:00:01 EDT news616665726 Penn State College of Medicine researchers are using advanced imaging techniques to study how life functions at the atomic, cellular, tissue and organism levels. These research projects are driven by diseases observed in clinic, and the discoveries scientists are making in the lab could someday lead to new treatments for patients with skin diseases, cancers, neurological conditions and other disorders. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-advanced-imaging-front-row-view.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:49:13 EDT news616668550 Two new enzymes can break down one of the most common single-use plastics, according to the study "Modulating biofilm can potentiate activity of novel plastic-degrading enzymes" by Brunel University London published in the journal npj Biofilms and Microbiomes. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-plastic-eating-enzymes-pollution-problem.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:20:34 EDT news616666789 One of the primary goals of bioprocess engineering is to increase the yield of the desired material while maintaining high production rates and low raw material utilization. This optimization is usually accomplished by controlling the behavior of microorganisms used in the process and ensuring that their biological capabilities are fully utilized. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-proof-of-concept-method-advances-bioprocess-smoother.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:02:39 EDT news616327354 In a recent study published in iScience, researchers have optimized the Tet-On system to improve the efficiency of generating skeletal muscle cells and other differentiated cell types from iPSCs for various basic and clinical research purposes. The team was led by Associate Professor Hidetoshi Sakurai (Department of Clinical Application) and Associate Professor Knut Woltjen (Department of Life Science Frontiers). https://phys.org/news/2023-10-optimizing-tet-on-homogeneous-ipsc-myogenic.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:21:03 EDT news616324861 A novel biomaterial developed at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil can help solve two problems at once. As a bioparticle, it can act as a drug carrier, delivering medication directly to the gastrointestinal tract of fish in order to circumvent resistance to conventional antibiotics, for example. In addition, it is administered orally in powder form and is highly palatable to fish, increasing the probability of effective treatment while at the same time reducing the waste and pollution inherent in the medication of these animals. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-biomaterial-medication-fish-gut.html Biotechnology Agriculture Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:53:03 EDT news616247581 DNA, RNA, and proteins are three pillars of molecular biology. While DNA holds genetic instructions and proteins put these plans to action, RNA serves as the messenger and interpreter. DNA is transcribed to RNA, which then decodes those instructions to synthesize proteins. But large portions of RNA don't proceed to produce proteins, with a vast majority remaining just as RNA. What these molecules do or why they exist in such a state is still not fully understood. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-illuminating-rna-ultrabright-x-rays.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:51:12 EDT news616236667 Scientists have used gene editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-gene-edited-chickens-bird-flu.html Biotechnology Agriculture Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:46:04 EDT news616160761 Researchers have unpicked the mechanism behind a marine feeding strategy that could provide a valuable renewable source of biofuel. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-predator-prey-defense-mechanisms-key-marine.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:34:02 EDT news616160041 Sourcing some materials closer to home may be a good practice not only in the produce aisle but also the synthetic biology lab. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-tool-gene-therapies-locally-sourced.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:46:52 EDT news616070809 As anyone who has ever skimmed a book or magazine can tell you, sometimes you don't have to read every word to grasp the essence. Inspired by this notion, scientists are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable a form of "speed reading" in microscopy. This could revolutionize the way researchers acquire data and allow them to preserve the integrity of precious samples. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-artificial-intelligence-scientists-self-driving-microscopy.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:41:03 EDT news615717661 Two studies by scientists at the University of Chicago have demonstrated a new way to look into the inner workings of cells—in particular, to track the flow of ions inside the many tiny organelles inside the cell. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-chemists-sensors-track-potassium-sodium.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:39:03 EDT news615717541 To produce plant-based cheeses that feel and taste like dairy cheese, scientists have their sights set on fermentation. In a new research result, University of Copenhagen scientists demonstrate the potential of fermentation for producing climate-friendly cheeses that people want to eat. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-ancient-technology-plant-based-cheese.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:12:04 EDT news615651122 For reasons of food security and economic incentive, farmers continuously seek to maximize their marketable crop yields. As plants grow inconsistently, at the time of harvesting, there will inevitably be variations in quality and size of individual crops. Finding the optimal time to harvest is therefore a priority for farmers. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-ai-drones-successfully-crops-ideal.html Biotechnology Agriculture Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:02:06 EDT news615632522 The University of Cincinnati's Jiajie Diao and Yujie Sun have a simple approach to research: Keep an open mind, and follow the data wherever it leads. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-fluorescent-radiometric-probes.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:04:06 EDT news615564241 As the internet quickly fills with viral videos of futuristic robots darting and racing around like the animals they're built to mimic, Duke researchers say that there's an element of their movement's programming that should not be overlooked: rhythm. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-power-rhythm-element-evolution-robotics.html Evolution Biotechnology Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:52:04 EDT news615552722 Similar to humans and animals, which adapt their diet or behavior to given environmental conditions, the function and protein composition of single cells also depends on which resources are available in their immediate environment. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-cell-proteome-context-tissue.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:35:04 EDT news615548101 Rare earth elements are essential components of electric cars, wind turbines and smartphones. Retrieving these metals from raw ore requires processing with acids and solvents. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-metal-loving-microbes-green-refine-rare.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:23:53 EDT news615464627 A new CRISPR-based gene-editing tool has been developed which could lead to better treatments for patients with genetic disorders. The tool is an enzyme, AsCas12f, which has been modified to offer the same effectiveness but at one-third the size of the Cas9 enzyme commonly used for gene editing. The compact size means that more of it can be packed into carrier viruses and delivered into living cells, making it more efficient. https://phys.org/news/2023-09-newly-crispr-enzyme-dna-patient.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:00:01 EDT news615197905 Our cells have a complex relationship with the body's microenvironment. It has been studied in the lab, but, to date, most studies leave out dynamic changes to the microenvironment. In other words, they look at cell life in a static world. https://phys.org/news/2023-09-redesigning-hydrogels-cell-responses-body.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:45:04 EDT news615203101 A team of microbiologists at Montana State University has developed a way to use a cutting enzyme and an RNA repair enzyme to modify the genome of an RNA virus. They describe their technique in Science Advances. https://phys.org/news/2023-09-enzyme-rna-virus-genomes.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:03 EDT news615200396 Molasses, a broad term used to describe concentrated sugarcane or sugarbeet juice solutions after removal of sucrose crystals, are an industrial byproduct of the raw sugar production process. Natural molasses have variable compositions that are not entirely known. This knowledge gap is a hindrance to both scientific research and industry, where molasses are used in several processes, including production of fuel ethanol from molasses by fermentation with brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). https://phys.org/news/2023-09-formula-synthetic-sugarcane-molasses-fully.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:28:04 EDT news615036481