GENETICALLY MODIFIED MICROBE
Genetically modified microbe could help make Mars habitable, researchers say
At Pioneer Labs, a biotech startup based in Emeryville, Calif., researchers have engineered a bacterial strain that can grow under simulated Martian conditions. The microorganism, dubbed sPL.001, can degrade toxic compounds in Martian soil analogs and produce bioplastics that could be used in future space settlements.
Your 'Gut' may play a bigger role in Alzheimer’s disease than scientists once thought - New research reveals a potential link
New research links gut bacteria molecule ImP to Alzheimer's disease changes. Higher ImP levels correlate with poorer cognitive scores and brain biomarkers. Experiments suggest ImP weakens the blood-brain barrier and affects brain cell processes. These findings offer clues about the gut-brain connection's influence on neurodegeneration. Scientists are exploring ways to reduce ImP production or block its effects.
Scientists are turning plastic waste and corn stalks into edible cookies using genetically engineered yeast; the bizarre food experiment could tackle both pollution and food scarcity
Scientists at Southern Illinois University are developing experimental cookies made from plastic bottles and agricultural waste using genetically engineered yeast and CRISPR. Called µBites, the cookies have not yet been tasted as researchers await approval, while experts question whether turning plastic waste into food could ever work at scale.
A Western diet could be feeding colon cancer through gut bacteria, new study reveals
New research reveals Western diets promote colon cancer through gut bacteria. These microbes convert bile acids into compounds that fuel tumor growth. Pigs fed a Western diet showed increased polyps and larger tumors. Human patients with cancer had similar bacterial patterns linked to bile acid conversion. This discovery suggests targeting gut bacteria could prevent colorectal cancer.
Debate around biofuel? In 2008, scientists found a tiny fungus that could make something surprisingly close to diesel
Fungus that makes diesel: Scientists discovered a fungus in Patagonia producing diesel-like chemicals. This organism, Gliocladium roseum, creates long-chain hydrocarbons similar to fuel. The fungus can consume plant waste like cellulose to produce these substances. Researchers found this discovery promising for renewable energy sources.
Biotech startup StrainX Bioworks raises $13 million from Prime Venture, Leo Capital, others
StrainX Bioworks, a synthetic biology and precision fermentation startup, has raised $13 million to advance its biotechnology platform. The company, with a team of over 100 experts, aims to scale production to 100,000 litres and forge global partnerships, positioning India as a leader in biological manufacturing.
Microorganisms can create electricity from wastewater: Study
Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have successfully engineered E. coli bacteria to generate electricity, according to a study published in the journal Joule. The bioengineered E. coli have an increased ability to generate energy through extracellular electron transfer (EET), which allows them to metabolize a wide range of organic substrates. The researchers developed a complete EET pathway within the bacteria, resulting in a threefold increase in electrical current generation.
Indian-origin researcher detects 135 new melanin genes responsible for pigmentation
"By understanding what regulates melanin, we can help protect lighter-skinned people from melanoma, or skin cancer," Vivek Bajpai, the lead research author, said. "By targeting these new melanin genes, we could also develop melanin-modifying drugs for vitiligo and other pigmentation diseases," he added. The researchers found 169 functionally diverse genes that impacted melanin production. Of those, 135 were not previously associated with pigmentation.
Lab-made 'mild virus' that mimics coronavirus can help in developing antiviral drugs
This genetically modified virus generates antibodies in humans just like the Covid-19.
GEAC declines to give green light to GM mustard, seeks impact on bees (Comment: Special to IANS)
New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) The regulator for genetically modified (GM) crops in its meeting on March 21 declined to reinforce its decision in May 2017 recommending approval for commercial cultivation of the GM mustard hybrid developed by a team of Delhi University scientists.
Eliminating a species of mosquitoes that cause dengue is possible, but regulations come its way
Despite a decade, GBIT took long to get an approval for field trial in India given the government’s overtly cautious approach with GM technology.
The key to colonizing Mars could be tiny green microbes
In science fiction, we find humans harvesting fields of wheat under terraformed Martian skies and growing rows of potatoes inside climate-controlled Habs.
New genetically modified rice can cut greenhouse emission: Scientists
By inserting a barley gene into rice, Sun Chuanxin and his colleagues created SUSIBA2 Rice, which stores more starch in the section of the rice above ground.
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