Cell Biology
Researchers figure out how the immune system sparks cell death
Immunologists have discovered how the innate immune system launches a multifaceted attack against invaders through the use of multiple immune sensors. The work was published in Nature on September 1. Read More
Alternative gene therapies could be effective in treating some rare diseases
Bacteria-mediated genetic transfer has emerged as an alternative gene therapy (AGT) for the treatment of some rare diseases, such as phenylketonuria (PKU). This type of therapy is advantageous because it is easily regulated through established protein expression systems. One company, Synlogic, has developed an AGT candidate that uses a bacterial vector to treat PKU. Read More
New sensor-based test could lead to fast, cheap antibiotic susceptibility testing
Scientists have developed a new method for monitoring bacterial responses to antibiotics that could enable personalized antibiotic therapies. The test uses sensors to reduce time and costs while increasing the portability for antibiotic susceptibility testing of patient samples. The results of the study were published recently in Scientific Reports. Read More
Researchers fight drug-resistant bacteria with antibiotic 'Trojan horse'
In the latest chapter of the arms race between scientists and drug-resistant bacteria, scientists have devised an antibiotic-filled "Trojan horse" that penetrates deep into the patient's target tissues before unleashing an antibiotic payload on unsuspecting bacterial invaders. The methodology was described July 19 in eLife. Read More
Researchers capture new ribosome structures in motion
Researchers have captured six new structures of the ribosome and its directional movement using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer and cryogenic electron microscopy. The results were published in Nature on July 7. Read More
Potential of gene editing for clinical use highlighted at ASGCT 2021
From base editing to in vivo CRISPR therapeutics and CRISPR-modified bacteriophages, scientists discussed innovations in preclinical research that have allowed them to advance these unique products to the clinic during a scientific symposium at the 2021 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) virtual meeting. Read More
Nobel Prize winner Doudna shares perspectives on future of CRISPR gene editing
Small science can translate into big discoveries, according to Nobel Prize laureate Jennifer Doudna, PhD. She discussed how her curiosity in understanding CRISPR led to the gene editing revolution in a talk at the 2021 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy virtual meeting. Read More
Nanoparticles may offer new way to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria
A team of researchers has developed nanoparticles that use a completely different mode of action from conventional antibiotics. These inorganic nanoparticles have inherent antimicrobial properties and can target pesky bacteria that hide inside of cells. The results were published in Nanoscale on April 22. Read More
Cell-free technique could enable on-demand vaccine production
A new cell-free synthetic biology technique that increases the volume of membrane components in the manufacture of conjugate vaccines can significantly improve the efficiency of vaccine production, according to a new method published in Nature Communications on April 22. The technology could enable on-site production of vaccines and therapies, enabling them to be more efficiently distributed in areas where they are most needed. Read More
Scientists uncover secrets to controlling gene expression
Bioengineers have demonstrated that simultaneous control over transcription and translation in cells can achieve the most stringent control of gene expression to date. The findings, published in Nature Communications on March 19, will open new avenues for improved biotechnologies and synthetic biology applications. Read More
Conferences
Building Biology in 3D Hybrid Symposium
October 26-27
La Jolla, California United States
Northeast Regional Laboratory Staff and Core Directors (NERLSCD) 2021
November 3-5
Portsmouth, New Hampshire United States
CPhI Worldwide 2021
November 9-11
Milan, Lombardia Italy
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting
November 10-14
Washington, DC, District of Columbia United States
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Cancer Genomics Conference
November 22-24
Heidelberg Germany
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