What is new in Biotech
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Groundbreaking Epstein-Barr virus vaccine may prevent MS
9.8.2023 | Press monitoring
After a landmark study published last year found that the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) increased 32-fold after infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute set about developing a vaccine against the virus. A member of the herpes family of viruses, EBV is carried by about 95% of...
First-of-its-kind nanoscale tattoo attaches to individual cells
7.8.2023 | Press monitoring
Researchers have created a nanoscale electronic ‘tattoo’ sensor that can attach to a live, individual cell without damaging it. The breakthrough development could be used to monitor cell health and puts us one step closer to getting the jump on disease diagnosis. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University built the tiny tattoo sensors out of gold...
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A floating sponge could help remove harmful algal blooms
4.8.2023 | Press monitoring
In the peak heat of summer, beachgoers don't want their plans thwarted by harmful algal blooms (HABs). But current methods to remove or kill toxin-producing algae and cyanobacteria aren't efficient or practical for direct applications in waterways. Now, researchers reporting in ACS ES&T Water have coated a floating sponge in a charcoal-like...
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Novel molecules fight viruses by bursting their bubble-like membranes
2.8.2023 | Press monitoring
Antiviral therapies are notoriously difficult to develop, as viruses can quickly mutate to become resistant to drugs. But what if a new generation of antivirals ignores the fast-mutating proteins on the surface of viruses and instead disrupts their protective layers? "We found an Achilles heel of many viruses: their bubble-like membranes....
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Retina cells cultured on nanofiber scaffolds could help treat blindness
31.7.2023 | Press monitoring
Scientists have found a way to use nanotechnology to create a 3D "scaffold" to grow cells from the retina – paving the way for potential new ways treating a common cause of blindness. Researchers, led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), have been working on a way to successfully grow retinal pigment epithelial...
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Hydrangea compound inhibits buildup of Alzheimer\'s-associated protein
28.7.2023 | Press monitoring
Much recent research has concentrated on developing treatments to slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With studies suggesting a link between brain plaques caused by the aggregation of amyloid beta protein and cognitive decline, many potential treatments have focused on addressing this particular brain pathology. Now, researchers from...
Hybrid mRNA and protein vaccine induce 5x more antibodies in mice
26.7.2023 | Press monitoring
Caltech scientists have developed a new type of vaccine that works like a hybrid of mRNA and protein nanoparticles. In tests in mice, the prototype produced five times more antibodies than existing COVID-19 vaccines, and could be put to work against a range of diseases. The Caltech team has now developed a new technique that combines both methods...
Grow-your-own stem cells may repair Parkinson’s damage
24.7.2023 | Press monitoring
Researchers from Scripps Research and Cardiff University used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from skin cells of two people with Parkinson’s disease to grow young neurons, which were then transplanted into rats with the degenerative condition. By timing the growth of the new cells just right, they’re able to replace the damaged neurons and...
Researchers design synthetic peptide to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria
21.7.2023 | Press monitoring
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a short peptide capable of poisoning a key enzyme in disease-causing bacteria, including some of most deadly and antibiotic-resistant species. Made from a short stretch of about 24 amino acids, the peptide mimics the action of a natural toxin which inhibits a class of enzymes...
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Bioengineered yeast feed on agricultural waste
19.7.2023 | Press monitoring
Researchers at the School of Engineering report making modified yeast that can feed on a wider range of materials, many of which can be derived from agricultural by-products that we don't use – leaves, husks, stems, even wood chips, things often referred to as "waste biomass." Why is it important to make yeast that can feed on these...
