#Biotechnology18

27 May 2026

Living bandage from Rice releases healing signals

Researchers at Rice University made a living bandage that releases therapeutic cytokines at a wound site over time. Tests in animal models showed faster healing, and the design can be adapted for different therapeutic proteins.

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Photo by Siyi Zhou, Unsplash

2 Apr 2026

Kerala names Bacillus subtilis as state microbe

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.

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31 Mar 2026

Protein sensor lets MRI detect molecular activity

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.

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27 Mar 2026

Smart wound dressing releases antibiotics on demand

Scientists created a hydrogel dressing that releases antibiotics only when harmful bacteria are present. The material aims to speed healing while cutting unnecessary antibiotic use and limiting resistance.

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27 Feb 2026

More precise DNA editing could help cystic fibrosis

Researchers refined a DNA base-editing tool to make it more precise. The advance may improve treatment for some cystic fibrosis mutations and make genetic therapies safer, but the work is still at an early preclinical stage.

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27 Feb 2026

Study of probiotic yeast behaviour in the gut

Researchers examined how the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii acts in the gut to guide future drug delivery. They measured yeast gene activity in germ‑free mice and found gut‑active promoters and signs of safety.

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27 Feb 2026

Scientists grow elastic ear cartilage in the lab

Researchers have produced elastic ear cartilage from human cells in the laboratory. The work, done by several institutes, showed stable shape and elasticity in animals and now needs clinical testing and approval.

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24 Feb 2026

Algae engineered to capture microplastics

Researchers at the University of Missouri modified algae so it makes limonene, a natural oil. The algae bind water‑repellent microplastics into clumps that sink; the algae can grow in wastewater and help clean it.

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5 Jan 2026

Egyptian university and pharma join to create Africa’s first biotechnology academy

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.

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29 Dec 2025

How the T cell receptor starts immune attacks

Scientists used cryo-EM and membrane-like nanodiscs to image the T cell receptor. They found it rests closed and opens when it meets a target antigen, a result that may help improve immunotherapies.

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28 Dec 2025

AI finds new target for monkeypox

Researchers used artificial intelligence to identify a viral protein called OPG153 that many antibodies bind. Laboratory tests and mouse studies confirmed the finding, which could help develop cheaper vaccines or antibody treatments.

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28 Dec 2025

Biosensor reveals cancer-specific vulnerability in PRMT5

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.

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22 Dec 2025

Engineered bacteria produce tagatose sweetener

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.

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