#Biotechnology10

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.

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

Photo by Harut Hayriyan, Unsplash

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.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

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.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

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.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

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.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

17 Dec 2025

Small RNA linked to cholesterol and heart disease

Researchers identified a small RNA, tsRNA-Glu-CTC, that helps control cholesterol by activating SREBP2. In mice, blocking the molecule lowered cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis; human blood samples showed a similar association.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

6 Dec 2025

New method builds synthetic phage genomes

Researchers developed a way to build complete bacteriophage genomes and edit single genes. The method addresses problems with hard-to-synthesize DNA and could speed matching phages for bacterial infection treatment.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

16 Oct 2025

Researchers Call for Clear Rules on Gene-Edited Crops in Mexico

Mexican researchers want rules that distinguish gene-edited crops from GMOs. They launched a petition asking the government for evidence-based regulation while warning a March decree banning genetically modified maize could also affect gene editing.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

25 Apr 2025

Banana stems made into fibre for textiles

Researchers at Busitema University are turning banana stems into a spinnable fibre for cloth, hair extensions and sanitary pads. The project has funding and industry partners but faces technical, legal and market challenges.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

28 Mar 2025

Project helps Namibian farmers grow protein crops

Researchers in Namibia train smallholder farmers to use a local biofertiliser and grow protein-rich legumes. The FOODSECBIO project runs in the Mayana community and is funded by the SGCI; it started in 2021 and ends in July 2025.

Level

A1 A2 B1 B2 Read

No more articles