Kerala has declared Bacillus subtilis its official state microbe to highlight the benefits of helpful microorganisms for health, food and the environment. The decision links to a new Centre of Excellence in Microbiome.
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Unsplash
Researchers developed a genetically encoded protein sensor, called MAPPER, that makes molecular activity visible to MRI by changing water movement in cells. The modular system could let scientists image processes like cancer and inflammation continuously in animals.
The American University in Cairo and Minapharm have formed a partnership to set up what the university calls the first African academy for biotechnology. The initiative starts early this year to strengthen education, research and industry links.
Researchers found that a metabolite change in some tumors makes the protein PRMT5 bind MTA instead of SAM. A new NanoBRET biosensor and a probe called CBH-002 measure drug binding to this cancer-specific form of PRMT5 in live cells.
Tufts researchers engineered Escherichia coli to make tagatose, a rare sugar that can substitute for table sugar. They used a slime mold enzyme and another enzyme to convert glucose, producing higher yields; tagatose is low‑calorie and FDA‑recognized as safe.
