Biotechnology - Newslocker

China’s Rise in Drug Development Looms Over U.S.

Sun, 31 May 2026 18:07:00 +0200

Clinical trials in China are getting attention at an international oncology gathering in Chicago. China’s surging biotechnology industry is fueling alarm that U.S. dominance in the field is waning.

Reprogramming halophilic life for low-salt biomanufacturing

Sat, 16 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200

By reengineering Halomonas bluephagenesis to grow and produce polyhydroxybutyrate under low-salinity, open conditions, Sun et al. transform salinity from a fixed physiological constraint into a bioprocess variable. This study reframes halophilic chassis design for more flexible and sustainable industrial biomanufacturing.

Blue at the edge

Thu, 07 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200

‘Blue at the Edge’ was created using C-phycocyanin (C-PC)-containing total soluble protein extract from extremophilic Galdieria. The painting portrays a moonlit desert, a quiet terrain that appears lifeless, but in a vibrant living blue made from algae. This visual contrasts the acidic, high-temperature environments where Galdieria thrives—inhospitable habitats that actually sustain metabolically versatile life. This alga thrives under elevated CO2 in complete darkness and very low pH on a

The Rich and Powerful Want to Live Forever

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:02:00 +0200

From the Kremlin to Silicon Valley, some of the most powerful people in the world now want something more: eternal life.

Scientific breakthrough versus successful startup: teaching scientists to navigate bench to business

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0200

Scientific breakthroughs infrequently translate into startups without structured training. Stanford’s BioEntrepreneurship Bootcamp teaches a practical framework for navigating bench-to-business translation. The curriculum integrates instruction on intellectual property, team formation, risk assessments, milestone-based funding, and investor communication, with the goal of equipping scientists to advance discoveries into viable ventures.

How to Turn a Chicken Egg Into a Drug Factory

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0100

A biotech start-up is testing a novel way of efficiently producing pharmaceutical drugs.

Utilizing biomolecular condensates as electrochemical reactors

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Liquid–liquid phase separation and biomolecular condensates have received massive fundamental research interest in recent years. Yu et al. engineered self-assembling, genetically encoded biomaterials that function as electrochemical reactors. Their work demonstrates the great utility of these materials in nanoparticle synthesis, pollutant degradation, and inhibition of bacteria through artificial ferroptosis.

David Botstein, Gene-Mapping Pioneer, Dies at 83

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:25:00 +0100

His method of locating genes in human DNA allowed researchers to find disease-causing genes, and later to map the entire, sprawling human genome.

Omega-based mini prime- and base-editing systems in Escherichia coli

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Obligate mobile element-guided activity-based prime-editing and base-editing systems represent a significant advancement in gene editing and targeted mutagenesis, enabling precise, programmable mutations in target genes. These compact, high-efficiency systems seamlessly integrate with multiple high-throughput screening technologies, significantly accelerating directed evolution processes and offering powerful tools for genetic engineering and biotechnological applications.

Characterization and engineering of highly efficient Cas12j genome editors

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100

This study identifies and engineers compact Cas12j genome editors from viral metagenomes. By enhancing their activity through exonuclease fusion and enabling precise base editing via deaminase coupling in mammalian cells, these advances expand the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) toolbox and support the development of genome-editing strategies suited for delivery-constrained therapeutic applications.

A new strategy to stabilize gene circuits

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100

The stability of synthetic gene circuits is limited by cellular growth and division. Zhang et al. demonstrated how engineered condensates of transcription factors can stabilize gene expression and enhance bio-based production. This work establishes the spatial organization of transcription factors through phase separation as a powerful strategy for robust gene expression.

Control of properties and nutrient content of cultivated foie gras tissues via scaffold and media factors

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100

We present a proof-of-concept avian cultivated fatty liver prototype inspired by foie gras, using edible, plant-based 3D scaffolds to support chicken hepatocyte lipogenesis. The system reproduces key physical and chemical features of foie gras while enabling nutritional enhancement, providing a scalable and ethical foundation for future species-specific cultivated foie gras development.

F.D.A. Faces Upset Over Denials of New Drugs

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:01:00 +0100

Agency officials promise fast reviews of new treatments while vowing they will not be a “rubber stamp” for the industry. But patients with rare diseases view recent decisions as signs that the doors are closing on their options.

Henrietta Lacks’s Family Settles Suit With Novartis Over Use of Her Cells

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:47:00 +0100

Ms. Lacks’s family accused Novartis of profiting from her cells, which were taken from her without her consent in 1951, when she was dying of cervical cancer.

Industrial perspective validation of a neutralizer-free l-lactic acid production process by engineered acid-tolerant yeast Pichia kudriavzevii

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100

l-Lactic acid (l-LA) is one of the most important three-carbon chemicals in the world. Its crucial role as the precursor of polylactic acid (PLA) (see Glossary) has led to a soaring demand for l-LA [1]. The global demand for l-LA is estimated to reach $2.67 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030 (https://www.qyresearch.com/industry-news/7036/l-lactic-acid). Microbial fermentation is an industrial production strategy for l-LA. Corbion, NatureWorks, and Henan

Establishment of a nonhomologous end joining-mediated genomic library in Fusarium fujikuroi for high-level production of gibberellic acid

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100

NHEJ-mediated genome-wide insertional mutagenesis enables rapid discovery of functional genetic targets and stable integration sites in Fusarium fujikuroi, providing a versatile platform for metabolic engineering and strain improvement.

Biosensor-guided indexing of genome evolution for boosting microbial chemical synthesis

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100

This study developed a biosensor-driven genome evolution (BRIDGE) workflow that enables marker-free engineering of microbial hosts. As an example, protocatechuic acid (PCA) overproduction in Pseudomonas putida was achieved by BRIDGE. Considering the great variety of available biosensors, BRIDGE may represent a generalizable framework for biosensor-driven evolution of microbial cell factories.

Growth-coupled evolution accelerates efficient biosynthesis of natural products

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Microbial natural product biosynthesis often suffers from metabolic burden and genetic instability. Bushin et al. introduce a synthetic C1 feedback loop that couples xanthommatin production to cell survival, enabling adaptive laboratory evolution to achieve gram-scale production. This strategy offers a generalizable route to engineer cell factories for complex natural products.

Engineering Halomonas for low-salt, open, and unsterile production of polyhydroxybutyrate

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Wild-type Halomonas bluephagenesis TD1.0 was engineered to generate an iterative SSM series highly adapted to low-salinity conditions. The multiple strategy approach included genetic engineering, adaptive evolution, production module, and process engineering. Together, these synergistic strategies enabled the construction of broadly salinity-adaptive Halomonas chassis suitable for low-salinity, open, and nonsterile biomanufacturing.

In vivo continuous evolution via phenotypic sorting to alleviate metabolic bottlenecks in β-alanine production

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100

This study uses a T7 RNA polymerase-deaminase fusion editor-based in vivo evolution platform, coupled with a biosensor for simultaneous mutagenesis and screening, to enhance the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme in β-alanine biosynthesis, thereby offering a scalable strategy for optimizing microbial cell factories.

An immune-inspired intelligent aptasensor with broad detection capability

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Biosensor performance is constrained by suboptimal aptamers and conventional aptamer-material combinations. This study introduces an immunity-inspired biomimetic strategy fundamentally refactor aptamer engineering. A core biosensing mechanism is established through target-induced self-assembly of DNA nanosphere-Cu(II) nanozymes. Integrated with a smartphone-based detection platform, the aptamer-nanozyme-based biosensor demonstrates broad detection capabilities.

Elucidation of odd-chain dicarboxylate metabolism in Acinetobacter baylyi and application to polyethylene upcycling

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

An integrated approach combines chemical degradation and biological conversion of postconsumer polyethylene waste into a value-added bioproduct in the nonmodel bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1. This study provides the genetic basis for applying synthetic biology and systems biology to construct a versatile microbial chassis for bio-upcycling plastic waste, thereby contributing to sustainable biomanufacturing.

Broadening art–science collaboration in biotechnology: integrating design

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

This article extends recent conversations on art–science collaboration in biotechnology to include design and biodesign. We highlight the rise of biodesign, tinkering with design, and more-than-human approaches in fostering innovative, sustainable outcomes for contemporary biotechnology, illustrating these opportunities through case studies in transdisciplinary partnership.

Systematic engineering of Micromonospora echinospora cell factory for gentamicin C1a overproduction

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Xu et al. establish an integrated strain–process engineering framework for efficient gentamicin C1a biomanufacturing. By combining genome-scale metabolic modeling, multi-gene regulatory optimization, metabolomics-guided flux analysis, and Bayesian-driven fed-batch control with in situ adsorption, the study reveals redox and energy metabolism as key constraints and enhances yield and productivity.

Image-guided volumetric bioprinting

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Image-guided volumetric bioprinting allows for the adaptive fabrication of complex structures for tissue engineering. Seminal work by Florczak et al. introduces Generative, Adaptive, Context-Aware 3D Printing, a workflow that uses computer vision to automatically generate functional, vascular-like networks that conform to living cells within hydrogels, improving their functionality.

Precision insect control using programmable modular phage therapy platforms

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

The Modular Phage-based Symbiont Targeting system targets gut symbionts of Spodoptera frugiperda, rapidly reversing insecticide resistance. It reduces chemical pesticide use and residue while increasing control efficacy, offering a precise, adaptable, and eco-friendly solution for sustainable management of resistant agricultural pests.

Engineered coatings containing cyclic peptides from cyanobacteria delay the development of a stable macrofouling community

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Bio-based antifouling coatings incorporating cyanobacterial natural products inhibit biofilm formation and mussel larval settlement at lab scale, outperforming a commercial biocide under real marine conditions by promoting an antifouling–effective biome. This technology provides a promising route toward sustainable, eco-safe antifouling solutions with potential applications across marine ecological management.

Connector-enabled integration of Golden Gate Assembly and yeast recombination for streamlined multigene pathway construction in the biofoundry workflow

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Microbial bioconversion is a key driver in the modern biotechnology industry, enabling sustainable production of foods, chemicals, fuels, and nutraceuticals [1–3]. Central to this capability is metabolic engineering, which strategically rewires microbial metabolism to synthesize value-added bioproducts [4]. Achieving high-yield production of molecules of interest in microbial hosts often requires introducing heterologous metabolic pathways, enhancing precursor supply, eliminating competing rea

In situ engineering of synthetic yeast consortia for cross-species metabolic conversion of crude glycerol and byproducts into circular renewable bioenergy

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Shi et al. engineer a synthetic yeast consortium to valorize crude glycerol, a biodiesel waste, into isopropanol. By integrating metabolic cross-feeding with in situ cell pairing and immobilization, this platform establishes a robust, scalable route for transforming industrial byproducts into sustainable energy resources.

Pipeline and insulated dual-reporter system to predict and quantify strong terminators from RNA-seq datasets for metabolic engineering

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Limited research on transcription termination and a few terminators hinder the efficient construction of microbial cell factories (MCFs). This study develops a pipeline to predict strong genome-wide terminators using RNA-seq data and an insulated dual-reporter system (IDRS) for quantification, offering integrated tools for precise transcription regulation in MCFs.

Exploring substrate cofeeding for enhanced acetogenic C1 bioconversion with AneVO, a low-cost anaerobic parallel bioreactor platform

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0100

We developed AneVO, a low-cost benchtop system for growing oxygen-sensitive bacteria, and used it to discover that combining methanol and carbon monoxide as feedstocks synergistically improves microbial growth and chemical production. This advance could enable more sustainable, efficient biomanufacturing of fuels and chemicals from renewable carbon sources.

Reimagining colour with synthetic biology

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Colour is an integral part of the consumer experience, added to most products we use in our daily lives. Globally, approximately 2 million tons of petroleum-based synthetic dyes and pigments are produced each year, with 40% consumed by the textile industry alone. While the production of these dyes and pigments has a considerable environmental footprint, their application as dyes, inks, and coatings is even larger, requiring significant amounts of heat, energy, and auxiliary chemicals to achieve

Industrialization of 3D hiPSC-cardiac microtissues for high-throughput cardiac safety and drug discovery screening

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0100

This work establishes scalable, automated methods for producing and screening 3D human stem cell–derived heart tissues. High-throughput screening of more than 2000 compounds shows that this model can predict drug effects on heart rhythm and contractility, paving the way for its use in drug safety and discovery pipelines.

Holistic ecosystem strategies for boosting biopharma start-up success

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Biopharma start-ups drive pharmaceutical innovation, relying on local ecosystems that connect key actors, resources, and enabling factors. This article synthesizes literature and expert insights into a framework that outlines five pillars—networks, technology transfer, funding, education, and culture—to guide policymakers and stakeholders in building thriving biopharma clusters and accelerating innovation.

Techno-economic assessment-guided biofoundry for microbial strain development

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0100

A robotics-assisted biofoundry platform was applied to synthetic biology, using robot-assisted module (RAM)-based workflows optimized with the Experiment Price Index (EPI). Demonstrated through the development of biofoundry workflows, the EPI framework was further extended to techno-economic analysis for evaluating annual biofoundry operations.

Discovery, characterization, and application of chromosomal integration sites in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Integration sites in Sulfolobus islandicus M.16.4 were identified using the CRISPR-COPIES pipeline, prioritized with multi-omics data, and validated with a β-galactosidase assay. These characterized sites expand the genetic toolbox for Sulfolobus and enable its domestication for industrial biotechnology and drug delivery applications.

Comparison of technologies for manufacturing extracellular vesicles for therapeutic applications

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Yield and contents of extracellular vesicles (EVs) are impacted more by cell culture method than donor variability. Three culture methods are compared, finding that microcarriers are the most scalable and reproducible. Microcarrier-derived EVs also yield more proangiogenic, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory proteins and RNAs, which may lead to enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Glutaraldehyde-induced porcine model mimics human chronic wounds: insights into pathophysiology and therapeutic applications

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

This study introduces a novel porcine model of chronic wounds mimicking human pathology, enabling better evaluation of therapies. It offers insights into wound mechanisms, critical for developing more effective treatments to improve healing outcomes in patients with chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers.

Leveraging stability dynamics of spore germination for microbially enhanced mineralization of bioconcrete

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

The current study attempts to mitigate the huge carbon footprint generated by the construction industry during cement production. This was achieved by using EPS-coated bacterial spores to make bioconcrete structures. These spores led to microbially enhanced biomineralization that resulted in self-healing of bioconcrete and improved mechanical properties.

Gene therapy strategies in tissue engineering: advances and applications for regenerative therapy

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Gene therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for tissue regeneration, offering the potential to address the limitations of conventional treatments. In this review we present an overview of applications of gene therapy in tissue regeneration, emphasizing recent advancements and future directions. Our work addresses gaps in the current literature by examining developments in molecular biology and genetics, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing,

Creating artificial miR2118a/b to boost yield and broad-spectrum resistance in soybean via CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutation

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

This study uses clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas9) to mutate miR2118a/b-5p, generating amiR2118a/b mutants, altering pre-amiR2118a/b structures, reducing the levels of mature miR2118a/b and phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), upregulating growth/defense-related genes under normal and Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea (Psg)-infected conditions, and enhancing soybean field yield and broad-spectrum resistance, thus offering a n

Kleptosomes: biotechnological blueprints for organelle engineering

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Kleptosomes – specialized organelles in sea slugs that hijack chloroplasts – illuminate pathways for synthetic organelle engineering. Their unique mechanisms of organelle integration, energy coupling, and stress-responsive adaptation offer potential blueprints for bioenergy and medical applications, merging fundamental research and cutting-edge biotechnology to address global sustainability and health challenges.

New technologies for production of recombinant spider silk

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Natural spider silk cannot be harvested on a commercial scale due to the spiders' cannibalistic nature. Recombinant spider silk provides a scalable alternative to traditional silk production by using microbial fermentation of spider silk proteins, overcoming the challenge of farming spiders, thereby making spider silk – a holy grail of biomaterials – available on a large scale. This biotechnology-based approach replicates the properties of natural spider silk for diverse applications, includ

Intramuscular delivery of mRNA-encoded single-chain variable fragments prevents myotoxin II-induced skeletal muscle damage in a preclinical model

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Snakebites cause over 140 000 deaths and 400 000 disabilities globally each year. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the severe effects of envenomings. In this study, we examined the potential benefits of using mRNA technology to express toxin-specific antibody fragments in local tissues and showed their effectiveness in reducing venom-induced muscle damage.

Elevated carbon dioxide stimulates efficient organic carbon consumption for the unicellular alga Galdieria

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Contrary to standard fermentation, elevated CO2 triggers efficient organic-carbon consumption in Galdieria during heterotrophy, enabling high-yield biomass and timing C-phycocyanin accumulation. Stable-isotope analysis revealed CO2 as a metabolic trigger, rather than a carbon source, but illumination can enable mixotrophic carbon consumption and increased substrate to biomass ratios.

Coexistence and collaboration: engineering encapsulation for whole-cell biosensors

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

The emerging field of biosensors exploits the abilities of cells to identify specific molecules, presenting improved sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection. Whole-cell biosensors (WCB) are organisms specifically engineered to detect a target analyte and express a reporter in response. In biomanufacturing, they can be used for monitoring of key substrate and metabolite concentrations or strain engineering, while in medicine, they can be used to diagnose disease or report on human–micr

Solar-driven PHB synthesis from wastewater by engineered semiconductor–bacteria biohybrids

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Industrial wastewater contaminated with sulfate, heavy metal ions, and complex organic compounds poses a significant threat to the environment [1]. Although chemical or physical methods, including chemical coagulation, advanced oxidation, and membrane separation, have been used to treat sulfate-rich metal-laden wastewater (SRMLW), such biological treatment presents economic and environmental challenges when degrading sulfate and removing metal ions from SRMLW [2]. SRB can utilize sulfate as the

Dual enhancement of mycoprotein nutrition and sustainability via CRISPR-mediated metabolic engineering of Fusarium venenatum

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Improvements in nutrition and sustainability for Fusarium venenatum mycoprotein (MP) has been achieved through CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout technology without introducing exogenous genes. The gene-edited strain exhibits favorable performance at industrial fermentation scale. This work provides compelling evidence for the functional enhancement of environmentally friendly gene-edited MP foods.

Scientists Grow More Hopeful About Ending a Global Organ Shortage

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0100

At an international conference, researchers at the forefront of animal-human transplantation compared notes and allowed themselves the first real optimism in decades.

One-pot production of colored bacterial cellulose

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Zhou et al. report the one-pot production of colored bacterial cellulose (BC) as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fabrics. Metabolic engineering enhanced colorant yields, while co-culture optimization enabled the first reported production of multicolored BC, presenting a promising strategy for eco-friendly textile manufacturing.

China busca conquistar el envejecimiento

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:59:00 +0100

Los laboratorios de longevidad, las “islas de la inmortalidad” y las pastillas de semillas de uva forman parte del proyecto chino para vencer al envejecimiento.

La búsqueda de China de conquistar el envejecimiento

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:24:00 +0100

Los laboratorios de longevidad, las “islas de la inmortalidad” y pastillas de semillas de uva forman parte del proyecto chino para vencer al envejecimiento.

Inside China’s Quest to Defy Aging with Longevity Labs and ‘Immortality Islands’

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:05:00 +0100

Longevity labs, “immortality islands” and grapeseed pills are part of China’s national project to conquer aging, despite sometimes shaky science and extravagant claims.

Toward standardization of upscaled manufacturing of extracellular vesicles in hollow-fiber bioreactors

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Hollow-fiber bioreactor cultivation enables scalable and standardized production of extracellular vesicles from dental pulp stem cells (DPSC-EVs). The system preserves their angiogenic and anti-inflammatory functions while enhancing manufacturing consistency. This strategy enhances the translational potential of DPSC-EVs, supporting their consistent and scalable use in regenerative therapies.

Recycling CO2 into bioingredients: towards synthetic photo/litho-mixotrophy

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Advances in carbon capture and gas fermentation technologies enable the sustainable production of one-carbon (C1) and C2 organic molecules, such as formate and acetate, by recycling CO2 and organic wastes. Refining C1 and C2 feedstocks into food and other organic ingredients is essential for establishing a carbon-neutral economy. However, current C1/C2-utilizing microbial refinery platforms have yet to achieve ideal carbon efficiency at industrial scales. We critically review progress in innovat

Integrated Tn-seq and MAGE-assisted rapid genome engineering targeting in Escherichia coli

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

We developed an integrated platform that combines in situ transposon mutagenesis, biosensor-guided selection, and multiplex automated genome engineering. This approach significantly accelerates the identification of novel knockout target genes and their combinatorial effects, thereby facilitating efficient microbial engineering for enhancing valuable biochemical production.

Connectogenomics: edges-first spatial biology

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Spatial omics maps cell types and spatial context together. Current methods fall into two streams: mapping coordinates (where things are) and measuring connections between cells that are in contact or close proximity. We introduce the term connectogenomics as a practical umbrella for sequencing assays that directly record such contacts as a network. Combining coordinates with measured contacts lets us verify whether apparent neighbors truly interact and turn network features – such as contact

Dynamic regulation of oleaginous yeast metabolism for chemical production

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Dynamic regulation enables precise, signal-responsive control of metabolism in oleaginous yeasts, overcoming limitations of static engineering. By leveraging metabolite and spatiotemporal cues, these systems decouple growth from production and enhance the yield of target chemicals. Integrating such strategies holds promise for building robust and high-performance oleaginous yeast cell factories.

F.D.A. Moves to Speed Approvals for Cheaper Copycat Drugs

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:13:00 +0100

The agency announced moves to cut regulatory obstacles for the makers of biosimilar drugs, which are akin to generics and may help lower drug costs.

Upscaled open-culture production of microbial flocculants from industrial wastewaters

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

There is an increasing need for finding cost-effective alternatives to synthetic polymers. We demonstrate sustained production of microbial exopolymers from wastewater, with flocculating properties comparable to commercial polyacrylamide. This technology enables upcycling of residual feedstocks to increase circularity in water treatment and avoid chemicals with negative health and environmental impacts.

Towards the ethical development of functional genomics research

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Contemporary functional genomics researchers have sought to couple high-throughput experimental technologies with computational methodologies. However, the ethical issues associated with bench science at the early stages of the artificial intelligence (AI) lifecycle have received less attention and merit further examination, as addressing issues early on can mitigate downstream challenges in healthcare.

Precision tumor immunotherapy via a dual-gated macrophage–bacterial activation platform

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

This study developed Macrophage-Bacteria encapsulation Lytic Autoactivated Synergistic Therapeutics (M-BLAST), a dual-gated system using engineered macrophages to deliver attenuated Salmonella to tumors. Local near-infrared irradiation at the tumor site triggers a heat shock promoter-mediated pyroptosis in macrophages, leading to synchronized bacterial burst release and a cascade of antitumor immune activation, while effectively minimizing off-target effects.

Genome-scale CRISPRi and base-editing libraries for genetic decoding and strain engineering in Shewanella

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Shewanella oneidensis, an electroactive microbe, was equipped with genome-scale clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) interference and base-editing libraries to systematically link genes to phenotypes. These tools revealed candidate essential genes and expanded substrate utilization for electricity generation, providing a versatile framework for functional genomics and microbial engineering in bioelectrochemical applications.

Cryobioprinted human tumor models with shelf-stable programmability

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Storable pancreatic tumor–stroma models were fabricated using tissue-specific and cryoprotective bioinks. Cryobioprinting and cryopreservation did not significantly affect the bioengineered constructs, given that thawed 3D in vitro models retained key hallmarks found in the native neoplasia.

A durable hydrogel-encapsulated biohybrid for sustainable triclosan bioremediation

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

An engineered Pseudomonas knackmussii encapsulated in a magnetic biochar–hydrogel achieves stable triclosan removal by coupling adsorption with biodegradation. This biohybrid platform ensures biosafety, operational resilience, and scalability, offering a generalizable strategy for emerging contaminant remediation.

Engineering M13 phages: surface and morphological strategies for programmable applications

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Bacteriophage M13 is a structurally ordered filamentous phage that has long served as a versatile bio-nanotemplate for various applications. To adapt to different applications, it is essential to modify and tailor the properties of M13 phages. This review introduces surface-engineering strategies for enhancing the chemical diversity of M13 phages through physical, chemical, and genetic modifications, and uses pVIII protein as a representative example. In addition, it provides a systematic and co

Organ-on-chip technologies at the cancer–thrombosis interface

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is the second leading cause of death among cancer patients, driven by tumour–haemostasis interactions. While traditional models have proven invaluable to study this process, they often fail to replicate its complexity. Organ-on-chip (OoC) offers a promising alternative, potentially enhancing understanding of CAT mechanisms and advancing therapeutic strategies.

Efficient ergothioneine production through reconstruction of the methyl and sulfur supply systems in Escherichia coli

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

We developed a cost-effective ergothioneine biosynthesis strategy in Escherichia coli by integrating a betaine-driven methyl supply and inorganic sulfur module, eliminating costly amino acid supplementation. This approach enhances yields, lowers costs, and establishes a versatile platform for producing diverse methyl- and sulfur-containing natural products with broad biomanufacturing potential.

Rewiring microbial metabolism through post-translational switches

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Recent advances in post-translational regulatory tools have enabled precise and rapid control of metabolic flux in microbial cell factories. In this review, we systematically summarize current post-translational regulatory tools for modulating the abundance, localization, and activity of key metabolic enzymes. We first discuss protein degradation tags for tunable control of enzyme levels. Then, we discuss spatial regulation through natural and synthetic subcellular compartments. We also highligh

DNAJC14 gene-edited pigs are resistant to classical pestiviruses

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

CRISPR/Cas9 editing of pig DNAJC14 resulted in animals that were completely resistant to in vivo challenge with classical swine fever virus, highlighting the pivotal role of this host protein in classical pestivirus infections and providing a novel strategy to improve livestock health, enhance animal welfare, and reduce economic losses.

Cultured fruit: growing fruit without plants

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Dominant forms of agriculture burden our environment, and food production is threatened by climate change. In this opinion article we introduce a paradigm shift in food production by describing a method to cultivate fruit without having to grow plants, and outline remaining scientific challenges. ‘Cultured fruit’ is less vulnerable to climate change, and can drastically improve sustainability, but only if non-agricultural sources of sugar are used to fuel fruit growth. Lessons for industrial

Rewiring holobiont systems with synthetic biology

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Holobionts are complex communities comprising a host and its diverse microbiota. Their intricate relationships are crucial for biological processes like nutrient uptake, immune function, and environmental adaptation. However, understanding these complex interactions remains challenging. We review how synthetic biology can help address these challenges. We highlight advances in bacterial biosensor design, engineering interkingdom communication, surface display, and clustered regularly interspaced

Phyllis Gardner, Early Skeptic of Theranos, Dies at 75

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:59:00 +0200

A pharmacologist, she was certain Elizabeth Holmes’s blood-testing idea would fail, and spoke up about it. At first, few listened.

The A.I. Prompt That Could End the World

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:06:00 +0200

A destructive A.I., like a nuclear bomb, is now a concrete possibility; the question is whether anyone will be reckless enough to build one.

De-extinction and beyond: trait design powered by generative AI

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Functional de-extinction is the process of creating organisms with traits resembling those of extinct species that benefit modern ecosystems. Advances in genome-wide sequencing, gene editing and traditional cloning technologies have substantially accelerated progress toward de-extinction. However, beyond ongoing ethical debates, this field still faces significant technical challenges. In this opinion, we outline current de-extinction strategies and discuss their advantages and limitations. We th

Chloroplast engineering for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and agronomic traits

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Plant chloroplast, the vital organelle that performs photosynthesis, is essential for sustaining life on Earth. It not only converts light energy into food while releasing O2 in the process, but also consumes CO2, thereby reducing the pace of climate warming. Stresses such as heat, oxidative stress, fluctuating light, and herbicides negatively impact the photosynthetic potential of chloroplasts. Hence, concerted research efforts have focused on chloroplast engineering to improve the photosynthet

Governance strategies for biological AI: beyond the dual-use dilemma

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

A common framing for governing artificial intelligence (AI) in the biological sciences is to focus on risk mitigation owing to the technology’s potential ‘dual-use’ for both beneficial and harmful applications. This is a reactive policy approach, and a broader framing that urges policymakers to actively champion the benefits alongside mitigating risks is needed, including through targeted investments aimed at securing public priorities.

A reversible genetic NOR gate in plants using translational repression

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

A reversible genetic NOR circuit is implemented in tobacco plants, with exposure to chemical inducers as inputs and GFP as output. A mathematical model of the circuit’s mechanism is proposed and validated. The design methodology is versatile and analogous to electronic circuit design, enabling easy adaptation to other applications

Small but mighty: emerging roles of uORFs in plants

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

The discovery and manipulation of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) represent a promising frontier in plant biotechnology, offering strategies to enhance disease resistance and crop resilience. Here, we explore the role of uORFs in regulating gene expression under biotic stress and discuss approaches to engineer uORFs for sustainable agriculture and precision breeding.

Bioinspired thermoreversible bioink orchestrates focal adhesion-dependent osteogenesis

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

A bioinspired, multi-material bioprinting platform integrates a bone extracellular matrix–mimetic bioink with a load-bearing calcium phosphate phase, achieving mechanical strength 200× greater compared with conventional bioprints. By leveraging focal adhesion to orchestrate osteogenesis, this modular, bioresorbable platform bridges mechanical integrity and biological function for personalized, load-bearing bone reconstruction.

How a kidney microenvironment atlas can advance kidney tissue engineering

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Despite advances in cellular knowledge through kidney cell and protein atlases, tissue-engineered kidney models remain functionally incomplete. A major gap lies in our limited knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the mechanical properties of the kidney microenvironment – key factors that influence cell behavior, differentiation, and function. Current data, that are often based on animal models, lack human-specific, segment-level, and disease-related insights regarding the ECM and me

Trump’s Pharma Tariffs Spare Richest Drugmakers

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 01:05:00 +0200

The details of the president’s proposed tariffs were not clear. But it seemed that many big companies would qualify for exemptions.

Rational bioengineering of polysaccharide in designing of microbiome modulation

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Targeted modulation of the gut microbiome offers significant promise for preventing and treating diverse diseases; yet, enhancing the efficacy of these interventions remains challenging. Polysaccharides have emerged as potent microbiome modulators, functioning as prebiotics that selectively promote beneficial bacterial growth and metabolite production. Their resistance to gastric degradation and selective intestinal fermentation enhance the precision of microbiome modulation while facilitating d

Nanobodies: a new frontier in plant disease management

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Nanobodies (Nbs) offer high potency, specificity, stability, and engineering versatility. Although well established in biomedicine, their use in crop protection is only emerging. In this forum, we summarize key advances in Nb-based immune receptors, antiviral and antifungal agents, and diagnostic tools, while discussing associated challenges and prospects in plant disease management.

Microalgae-made biopharmaceuticals and their potential role in the One Health approach

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Biopharmaceuticals play a crucial role in the One Health approach by providing preventive and therapeutic solutions that support both human and animal health. The microalgae-based platform for producing biopharmaceuticals offers low production costs, benefiting both sectors, and thus represents a promising strategy to advance the One Health initiative. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in genetic engineering and bioprocessing of algal systems; however, no microalgae-made b

Emerging applications of carbon dots in plant (epi)genomics

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Carbon dots (CDs) have broad applications across life sciences. This forum highlights the most recent breakthroughs of CDs in plant genomics and epigenomics, including gene transcription, their roles as carriers for delivering DNA, RNA, and agrochemicals in gene expression/silencing, and their utility in genomic and epigenomic studies. Potential future directions are proposed.

Brown adipose tissue engineering: advances, challenges, and future directions

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Obesity is a major health issue as it increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a promising target for obesity treatment due to its ability to burn fat and create heat via non-shivering thermogenesis. The development of BAT models for therapeutic use has become possible through recent advances in tissue engineering, including stem cell-based methods, 3D bioprinting, and organoid syst

Virus-like particles as modular interfaces for biomaterial functionalization

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

This study showcases virus-like particles (VLPs) as customizable nanoscale scaffolds for biomaterial surface functionalization. Using modified VLPs, we achieve high density display and confinement of bioactive peptides, offering a modular, animal-free, and cost-effective alternative to native extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Staying productive under pressure: systems evaluations of β-carotene production in Yarrowia lipolytica under continuous fermentation

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

This integrative experimental and modeling study explores how fermentation conditions affect β-carotene production in Yarrowia lipolytica. Oil-based feedstocks enhance stability in continuous fermentation compared with glucose, while high-yielding laboratory strains often falter in industrial bioreactors, where faster-growing but less productive variants dominate under stress and determine long-term outcomes.

Are amyloid-based materials conducive to tissue engineering?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Amyloid fibrils, known for their stable, cross-β-sheet structure, are involved in both pathological conditions and functional biological processes. While implicated in disease pathogenesis, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s, they also play roles in normal cellular functions, such as biofilm formation, melanin polymerization, and hormone storage. Amyloid-based biomaterials have gained attention for their stability, mechanical strength, unique surface properties, and structural versatility, m

A practical guide to spatial transcriptomics: lessons from over 1000 samples

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) enables the  in situ mapping of gene expression, revolutionizing our ability to study tissue organization and cellular interactions. However, many groups struggle with practical barriers to implementation, including platform selection, sample quality, and experimental scalability. We provide a practical guide to ST, informed by the processing and analysis of over 1000 spatial samples across multiple ST platforms. We outline best practices for experimental design, t

Microbial tools and regulatory innovations for climate-resilient winemaking

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Climate-induced acidity loss threatens wine quality, prompting sustainable microbial acidification strategies using Lachancea thermotolerans. This yeast naturally reduces pH and ethanol, aligns with consumer preferences, and benefits from omics-driven selection and enabling policy frameworks. Adaptation requires coordinated biotechnological innovation, institutional backing, and clear consumer communication to maintain sustainability and competitiveness.

Towards scalable anammox: mechanistic insights and emerging strategies

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Anammox-based systems are promising wastewater treatment processes that utilize anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria to remove nitrogen. These systems offer energy-efficient and carbon-neutral alternatives to conventional biological treatments but their practical application faces challenges, including limited total nitrogen (TN)-removal efficiency and sensitivity to adverse conditions. Recent research has explored innovative strategies to overcome these limitations, such as multi-met

Nanobotic microbiomes against emerging vascular pathogens in agriculture

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Vascular diseases in plants are exceptionally difficult to control. Escalating global climate change further increases the risks of outbreaks from existing and emerging pathogens. Nano-enabled microbiome engineering (NME) represents an innovative framework for targeted vascular plant pathogen control, offering a sustainable platform to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity.

U.S. Drugmakers Warn White House of Chaos as Trump Weighs Curbs on China

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 04:21:00 +0200

Behind the scenes, major pharmaceutical companies and Trump-tied billionaires are furiously lobbying in opposite directions over proposed anti-China measures.

The metabolic guide to space survival

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

The Metabolic Guide to Space Survival (https://kristinapulejkova.com/the-metabolic-guide-to-space-survival/) is a multidisciplinary exploration of microbial life as a key to long-term survival in space. Framed through the voice of fictional character Chief Bioengineer Mira Kordan, the work unfolds across a speculative design toolkit, a narrative guidebook, and an architectural installation animated by holographic projections of Mira navigating life in zero gravity. The piece was created by Londo

Semi-automated biofoundry workflows for sequence coevolution-guided isoprene synthase engineering

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

We developed biofoundry workflows for efficient enzyme engineering, integrating a simple and accessible computational tool with automation to reduce time and resources. Using this approach, isoprene synthase was engineered for enhanced catalytic efficiency and thermostability, and also enhanced methane-to-isoprene conversion when applied to methanotrophs, highlighting its potential for methane-based biomanufacturing.

Sustainable protection of multiple hosts against polyphagous pests using Plant Probiotic-Based Gene Silencing

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

RNAi controls pests efficiently but faces limitations in managing polyphagous species due to insufficient persistence or narrow-spectrum plant protection. Plant Probiotic-based Gene Silencing uses engineered probiotics that can colonize various plants to deliver dsRNA, enabling sustainable protection of multiple host plants of polyphagous pests.

Ethical and legal considerations of digital animal models: pioneering reduction and replacement

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

The development of digital animal models represents a promising avenue for advancing the ethical principles of reduction and replacement in biomedical research. This paper discusses the potential of models built upon artificial intelligence (AI)-generated synthetic datasets simulating the characteristics and behaviors of model organisms, reducing reliance on live animals in research.

Food production from air: gas precision fermentation with hydrogen-oxidising bacteria

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

The breach of six planetary boundaries highlights the need for sustainable food production. Aerobic hydrogen-oxidising bacteria (HOBs) convert atmospheric CO2 and green hydrogen (H2) into biomass via gas fermentation, a process already used for food-grade single-cell protein production. This approach enables a supply chain independent of agriculture, requiring minimal land and water, with potential for carbon-neutral production and carbon capture. To expand beyond single-cell protein, HOBs must

Metabolic and immunomodulatory control of type 2 diabetes via generating cellular itaconate reservoirs by inflammatory-targeting gene-therapy nanovesicles

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)+ macrophage accumulation in tissue promotes type 2 diabetes (T2D) progression. However, there is no precise, comprehensive, broad-spectrum inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome for T2D therapy. We developed gene-therapy nanovesicles to regulate cellular itaconate production and mitochondrial function. This technology enables metabolic and immunomodulatory control of T2D.

Making cow-free caseins and casein micelles

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

A key step in the precision fermentation of casein proteins is correct phosphorylation to generate one or more short linear sequence motifs (SLiMs) containing three or more phosphorylated seryl residues. The work of Balasubramanian et al. takes us a step closer to that goal by showing that two bacterial phosphokinases are promising alternatives to the mammalian Golgi phosphokinases and casein kinase-II.

Flying seed-inspired sensors for remote environmental monitoring on Earth and beyond

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Exploring mobility beyond traditional robotic systems such as walking, swimming, and jumping, flight through dispersal, gliding, or hovering remains an untapped frontier for advanced stimulus-responsive and -sensing materials. Nature-inspired engineering has been a foundational aspect of robotic innovations, and biohybrid and biomimetic flying seeds are now becoming a significant example of this concept. By mimicking the aerodynamic properties and dispersal mechanisms of natural seeds, semi- and

Engineering chimeric signaling proteins for microbial whole-cell biosensors: from design to deployment

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0200

Microbial whole-cell biosensors (MWCBs) harness living cells to detect analytes and produce measurable outputs, enabling continuous, low-cost, and in situ sensing. Central to MWCB function are modular sensing architectures, which can be reprogrammed to respond to diverse signals. Particularly, two-component systems (TCSs) and allosteric transcription factors (aTFs) offer modular, engineerable frameworks for building chimeric proteins. Recent advances in domain swapping, fusion point selection, a

Highly efficient prime editors for mammalian genome editing based on porcine retrovirus reverse transcriptase

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 02:00:00 +0200

This study developed a highly efficient prime editing system (pvPE) based on porcine endogenous retroviral reverse transcriptase. Through extensive engineering and nocodazole treatment, pvPE achieved robust multigene editing in porcine fibroblasts, which generated Alzheimer’s disease pig models, offering a versatile platform for agricultural and biomedical applications.

Targeting RAS-mutant cancer cells using a synthetic RAS-activated cancer killing system