#Biotechnology19
Magnetic microrobots help repair spinal cords
Researchers in Zurich built tiny 'NPCbots' that pair stem cells with magnetoelectric nanoparticles. Guided and stimulated by magnetic fields, the microrobots helped repair spinal injuries in fish and mice without implanted electrodes.
Photo by julien Tromeur, Unsplash
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.
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.
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.