Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Researchers unlock cancer-causing mechanism of E. coli toxin with synthetic biology approach
An inter-disciplinary team of researchers has unraveled how a toxin released by Escherichia coli (E. coli) – a human gut bacteria, is connected to colorectal cancer, offering new insights to the health impact of this prevalent bacteria and facilitating future research on the prevention of this third most common cancer worldwide.
Read moreSynthetic cells capture and reveal hidden messages of the immune system
New research is highly relevant to how antibodies are made in response to infections, vaccines and in autoimmunity due to the its analysis of a signal that is associated with hyper IgM syndrome, a genetic deficiency of CD40 ligand (CD40L) that results in profound immunodeficiency.
Read moreHow nitrogen-fixing bacteria sense iron
New research reveals how nitrogen-fixing bacteria sense iron – an essential but deadly micronutrient. The findings are an important piece in the puzzle of how life deals with iron, a nutrient it cannot do without but one it must also avoid having in excess.
Read moreShort-term study suggests vegan diet can boost gut microbes related to body weight, body composition and blood sugar control
New research suggests that a 16-week vegan diet can boost the gut microbes that are related to improvements in body weight, body composition and blood sugar control.
Read moreGenetically engineered plasmid can be used to fight antimicrobial resistance
Researchers have engineered a plasmid to remove an antibiotic resistance gene from the Enterococcus faecalis bacterium, an accomplishment that could lead to new methods for combating antibiotic resistance.
Read morePearls: New light on enhancing lightweight armor for soldiers
By mimicking the outer coating of pearls (nacre, or as it's more commonly known, mother of pearl), researchers have created a lightweight plastic that is 14 times stronger and eight times lighter (less dense) than steel and ideal for absorbing the impact of bullets and other projectiles.
Read moreHow microtubules branch in new directions, a first look in animals
Cell biologists say they have, for the first time, directly observed and recorded in animal cells a pathway called branching microtubule nucleation, a mechanism in cell division that had been imaged in cellular extracts and plant cells but not directly observed in animal cells.
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