Biotechnology

A functional, multi-organ, serum-free system to culture P. falciparum—a protozoan that typically causes severe and fatal malaria—in order to establish innovative platforms for the development of therapeutic drugs was developed by Michael J. Rupar and a team of researchers at Hesperos Inc. in Florida, U.S. For the purpose of simulating an infection, the platform contained four human organ constructs, including hepatocytes, splenocytes, endothelial cells, and recirculating blood cells. The group utilized two types of P. falciparum: the 3D7 strain, delicate to chloroquine, a deep-rooted enemy of malarial medication, and the W2 strain, safe to chloroquine. They kept up with practical

In a "self-organized" environment, the genetic material (DNA) and proteins of the living cell contain physiologically relevant components. The underlying mechanism of living matter's self-organization can be revealed by comprehending this self-assembling process. Droplets of water and oil (w/o) or water and water (w/w) can be used to study cellular self-assembly as prototypes or "models" that mimic cells. Biomedical research will also greatly benefit from these models. Although complicated and expensive equipment can be used to create cell mimics, the associated methods are costly, time-consuming, and difficult. Now, "microgels"—uniform gelatin-based cell mimics—have recently been created by Japanese researchers in a

Diamond Light Source and the University of Bristol's researchers have discovered how moths use biosonar to hide their identities. Adaptations for Bio-Inspired Urban Environments: What Bugs Can Show Us About Managing Commotion) was driven by Teacher Marc Holderied, Teacher of Tangible Science, a tactile environmentalist and bio-acoustician. He has spent more than two decades researching bats and their remarkable echolocation skills for navigating and catching prey. He has embarked on a mission to develop bio-inspired sound absorbers to assist in making the world quieter and healthier, drawing lessons from an anti-echolocation stealth cloak he discovered in the insect world. A

Recombinant spider silk protein hydrogels have a lot going for them, according to a new study from the Karolinska Institutet. By simply incubating at 37°C, they enable the encapsulation of cells and bioactive molecules. The fibrillar network imitates that of the extracellular matrix, and their transparency makes it possible to observe encased cells. These hydrogels can be utilized for continuous drug release because their mechanical properties are comparable to those of various tissues. Artificial spider silk is a promising biomaterial if it is produced from proteins produced in heterologous hosts. A biomimetic production method for spider silk, developed by researchers

According to quantum biologists from the University of Surrey, unlocking the potential of DNA created in the laboratory, also referred to as synthetic DNA, holds the key to revolutionary advancements in a variety of fields. Synthetic DNA, in contrast to naturally occurring DNA, may make it possible for researchers to create new genes or modify existing ones, thereby opening the door to revolutionary possibilities in biotechnology and medicine. Additionally, synthetic DNA may be able to support Darwinian evolution, opening the door to exciting new insights into genetic systems. Surrey quantum biologists looked at how protons move in hachimoji DNA, a

Innovative battery experts have figured out how to create 3D photos of the unstable but promising lithium metal battery as it cycles in real-time. A team from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has successfully observed the behavior of the lithium metal in the cell while charging and discharging. The new technique could lead to batteries in our upcoming vehicles and technology that are safer and have a higher capacity. “We've opened a new window in order to understand and in the long term to optimise the lithium metal batteries of the future. When we can study exactly what happens

The process of pyro-catalysis (pyroelectric catalysis) can transform temperature variations in the environment into pure chemical energy, such as hydrogen. But because ambient temperature changes occur slowly, pyro-catalysis is less effective than other popular catalysis methods like photocatalysis. Recently, utilizing targeted plasmonic heat sources to quickly and efficiently heat up the pyro-catalytic material and allow it to cool down, a team co-led by researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) produced a pyro-catalytic reaction that was noticeably faster and more effective. The discoveries open up new doors for effective catalysis for biological applications, the removal of pollutants, and the generation

A diverse microbiome of plastic-degrading fungi and bacteria in the coastal salt marshes of Jiangsu, China, has been discovered in a new study that was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials by researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and partners. Polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polyester commonly used in the production of various polyurethanes, was broken down by 184 fungal and 55 bacterial strains, according to the international research team. Other petroleum-based polymers—natural or synthetic chains of molecules bound together—can be further degraded by bacterial strains belonging to the genera Jonesia and Streptomyces. In May 2021, the plastic-degrading microorganisms

Cows overall face significant wellbeing dangers from an exceptionally irresistible viral infection that times of immunization and different precautionary measures have neglected to contain. Researchers from the private, public, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln are working together to develop a virus-resistant gene-edited calf as a new line of defense. The gene-editing method has the long-term potential to cut down on the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials in the cattle industry if subsequent research confirms its effectiveness. According to veterinary epidemiologist Brian Vander Ley, an associate professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,