Cell Biology
Scientists achieve milestone in animal-free production of biologics
For the first time, scientists have successfully produced sugar-based biologic molecules utilizing bacteria, without the need for animal products. The paper, published in Nature Communications on March 2, describes the production of a common designer polysaccharide, chondroitin sulfate. Read More
CRISPR phage offers precision medicine tool to fight bacterial infections
In an attempt to combat bacterial infections, Locus Biosciences is developing bacteriophage therapies that deliver CRISPR-Cas3 machinery directly to specific, targeted pathogens to obliterate them. Locus CEO Paul Garofolo discusses the company's technology and recent updates with The ScienceBoard.net. Read More
New model could improve vaccine, immunotherapy design
A new model used to predict the outcomes of pathogen detection systems as a function of innate immunity may lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies and vaccines against existing and novel pathogens, according to results published in Cell Systems on October 27. Read More
A 'Pac-Man' like CRISPR system could enable larger gene edits
A new CRISPR tool utilizes Cas3 to remove larger than normal stretches of DNA both quickly and accurately. The tool, described in an October 19 article in Nature Methods, could help fill a void in current gene editing capabilities. Read More
NIH establishes Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), has awarded 11 grants for a first-year total value of approximately $17 million to establish the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases. Read More
Microbe-based platform aims for sweet spot between biologics and gene therapy
A microbe-based therapeutics platform that has been in development for nearly 30 years is gaining traction for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The company that is developing the platform, Precigen ActoBio, is advancing a lead candidate through clinical trials with the long-term goal of finding a sweet spot between biologics and gene therapies. Read More
Microbes shape antibodies prior to infection
Genetic analysis of antibodies reveals how microbes in the intestines impact overall B-cell populations and humoral responses to pathogens. The research was published in Nature on August 5. Read More
Machine learning helps identify antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
A new graphical user interface-driven, machine learning-based approach has successfully identified antimicrobial resistance genes for gram-positive and -negative bacteria. This work, presented in Scientific Reports on July 3, may make it easier to identify deadly antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Read More
Major class of probiotics gets new taxonomy
A new paper published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology proposes major changes to the classification and naming of Lactobacillus probiotics based on new information gained by modern DNA analysis tools. Read More
Directed evolution shows promise in reducing drug discovery times
A research collaboration between scientists at the University of Leeds and AstraZeneca resulted in the development of a technique that can significantly reduce the discovery time for possible new antibody-based therapies. The approach, published in Nature Communications on April 14, shows how protein fragments can be screened for susceptibility to aggregation in early drug discovery. Read More
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