Nylons made from shrimps
Scientists are investigating how shell waste from crustaceans could be turned into polymer precursors as a substitute to petroleum-derived solutions.
Feb 7th, 2013
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Biotechnology News – Latest Headlines
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3D printing breakthrough with human embryonic stem cells
A team of researchers from Scotland has used a novel 3D printing technique to arrange human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) for the very first time.
Feb 5th, 2013
Read moreScientists succeeded in describing in molecular detail the architecture of the central scaffold of human TFIID
The Human TFIID is a megadalton-sized multiprotein complex composed of TATA-box-binding protein (TBP) and 13 TBP-associated factors (TAFs). Despite its crucial role, the detailed architecture and assembly mechanism of TFIID remain elusive.
Feb 4th, 2013
Read moreA macromolecular shredder for RNA
Max Planck Researchers unravel the structure of the machinery for RNA disposal.
Feb 4th, 2013
Read moreResearchers reveal mechanism to halt cancer cell growth, discover potential therapy
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) researchers have uncovered a technique to halt the growth of cancer cells, a discovery that led them to a potential new anti-cancer therapy.
Feb 4th, 2013
Read moreImaging unveils temperature distribution inside living cells
A research team in Japan exploring the functions of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) - a molecule that encodes the chemical blueprint for protein synthesis - has discovered a way to take a close look at the temperature distribution inside living cells. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of diseases, such as cancer, which generate extraordinary intracellular heat.
Feb 2nd, 2013
Read moreCaught in the act: Researchers capture key moments in cell death
Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have for the first time visualised the molecular changes in a critical cell death protein that force cells to die.
Feb 2nd, 2013
Read moreResearchers synthesise the first biologically effective perfume for partner selection
Max Planck researchers crack the olfactory code for partner selection and synthesise the first biologically effective perfume.
Feb 1st, 2013
Read moreMapping the living cell
New technique pinpoints protein locations, helping scientists figure out their functions.
Feb 1st, 2013
Read moreBioelectric signals can be used to detect early cancer
Biologists at Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences have discovered a bioelectric signal that can identify cells that are likely to develop into tumors. The researchers also found that they could lower the incidence of cancerous cells by manipulating the electrical charge across cells' membranes.
Feb 1st, 2013
Read moreDiscovery in synthetic biology takes us a step closer to new 'industrial revolution'
Scientists report that they have developed a method that cuts down the time it takes to make new 'parts' for microscopic biological factories from 2 days to only 6 hours.
Feb 1st, 2013
Read moreSequencing hundreds of chloroplast genomes now possible
New method allows plant biologists to 'capture' and sequence the DNA of hundreds of complete chloroplast genomes at 1 time.
Jan 31st, 2013
Read moreProtein origami: Quick folders are the best
The evolutionary history of proteins shows that protein folding is an important factor. Especially the speed of protein folding plays a key role.
Jan 31st, 2013
Read moreResearchers unveil first artificial enzyme created by evolution in a test tube
There's a wobbly new biochemical structure in Burckhard Seelig's lab at the University of Minnesota that may resemble what enzymes looked like billions of years ago, when life on earth began to evolve - long before they became ingredients for new and improved products, from detergents to foods and fuels.
Jan 30th, 2013
Read morePathway for membrane building blocks
Biomembranes consist of a mosaic of individual, densely packed lipid molecules. These molecules are formed inside the cells. But how do these building blocks move to the correct part of the membrane? Researchers from Technische Universit�t M�nchen (TUM) have discovered a mechanism to show how this is done.
Jan 30th, 2013
Read moreGenetic Circuit Challenge winners announced
UCL's SynBioSoc announced the winner of their 2012 Genetic Circuit Challenge, an engineering design competition using life science 'ingredients' and sponsored by UCL Engineering.
Jan 30th, 2013
Read moreA better way to culture central nervous cells
A protein associated with neuron damage in Alzheimer's patients provides a superior scaffold for growing central nervous system cells in the lab. The findings could have clinical implications for producing neural implants and offers new insights on the complex link between the apoE4 apolipoprotein and Alzheimer's disease.
Jan 29th, 2013
Read moreQuadruplex DNA found in human cells
60 years after Watson and Crick's ground breaking paper described the double helix structure of DNA, researchers at the University of Cambridge have observed four-stranded DNA structures within human cells. The discovery could open the door to novel cancer therapies and a new era for personalised medicine.
Jan 29th, 2013
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