�� Feature Channel: Biotech

Advanced Models Offer A Promising Tool to Understand Brain Disorders

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:40:48 EST

A specialized model used by researchers is becoming a valuable tool for studying human brain development, diseases and potential treatments, according to a team of scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Explaining the Link Between 'Good' Gut Bacteria and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ohio State University — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:40:07 EST

After spending years tracing the origin and migration pattern of an unusual type of immune cell in mice, researchers have shown in a new study how activity of "good" microbes in the gut is linked to rheumatoid arthritis and, potentially, other autoimmune diseases.

RPI Researchers Aim to Manufacture mRNA More Affordably

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:00:12 EST

Biotechnology researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) are working to further improve mRNA therapeutics, with the aim of reducing manufacturing costs and enabling additional therapeutic uses for mRNA technology. The team's work will focus on improving mRNA manufacturing. Synthetizing mRNA vaccines involves a series of complex chemical reactions.

Space Conference Blasts Off with Promising Innovations

Ohio State University — Thu, 01 May 2025 18:05:55 EST

Global interest in human spaceflight has ignited passions for the emerging commercial space ecosystem, and efforts to expand space research and related manufacturing are taking center stage in Ohio.

One Timed-release Capsule Could Replace Taking Multiple Pills

University of California San Diego — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:25:15 EST

Managing complex medication schedules could soon become as simple as taking a single capsule each day. Engineers have developed a capsule that can be packed with multiple medications and release them at designated times throughout the day, potentially reducing the risk of missed doses or accidental overdoses.

UNC Researchers Uncover Molecular Mechanism Behind Hydralazine-Induced ANCA Vasculitis

University of North Carolina School of Medicine — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:50:51 EST

Investigators at the UNC School of Medicine have gained a clearer understanding of what causes the rare autoimmune condition that inflames blood vessels.

Unlocking Water Lily Hybridization: Scientists Decode Key Molecular Barrier

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 01 May 2025 06:25:43 EST

Hybridizing tropical and hardy water lilies holds great potential for creating new varieties with both cold tolerance and vibrant colors. However, prefertilization barriers between different subgenera have severely limited breeding success. A new study uncovers that the NpCIPK6-NpSnRK1-NpNCED2 molecular module in water lily stigmas interferes with abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation that blocks incompatible pollen germination. By elucidating this cellular signaling pathway, the research provides crucial insights into overcoming reproductive barriers in water lilies and offers a conceptual framework that could enhance breeding efficiency and expand the genetic diversity of ornamental aquatic plants.

Boosting Lemon Immunity: A Gene Unlocks Resistance Against Viral Threats

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 01 May 2025 06:20:44 EST

Researchers have uncovered how the gene ClGDPD1 strengthens Eureka lemon's defense against citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV). By facilitating the accumulation of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), ClGDPD1 triggers systemic immune responses that significantly reduce viral load and disease symptoms.

Unlocking Tomato Potential:SlAAP6 Gene Powers Growth and Salinity Resistance

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:25:52 EST

Researchers have identified a critical amino acid transporter, SlAAP6, that enhances tomato growth and salt tolerance by mediating the uptake and distribution of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Overexpressing SlAAP6 elevated BCAA levels, boosted plant biomass, and improved stress resistance, while knockout mutants exhibited stunted growth and heightened salt sensitivity.

ASCO 2025 Tip Sheet From Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:10:10 EST

Research findings from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will be presented at ASCO 2025 May 30-June3. This tip sheet includes titles for nearly 70 sessions and presentations in which Sylvester researchers are involved.

Using Bacteria as Living Test Tubes to Study Human Gene Mutations and Find New Drug Leads

University of California San Diego — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:35:50 EST

Traditional methods of studying human gene mutations are often laborious and costly. Now bioengineers at UC San Diego have developed a new simple approach to rapidly check on human gene changes and also screen chemicals as potential drugs by turning everyday bacteria into living test tubes.

Gene Therapy Restores Immune Function and Extends Lives of Children with Rare Immune Disorder

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:00:00 EST

Two years after receiving an investigational gene therapy as part of a clinical trial co-led by UCLA's Dr. Donald Kohn, nine children born with a life-threatening immune disorder are living free of disease symptoms.

Epigenetic Insights Reveal How Grapes Ripen Faster

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:25:14 EST

Early fruit ripening is a valuable trait for grape cultivation, but the underlying epigenetic mechanisms have remained elusive. A new study uncovers how CHH site hypermethylation influences the early ripening phenotype of 'Fengzao', a bud mutant of the popular 'Kyoho' grape. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, researchers demonstrated that higher promoter methylation, particularly at the JOX1 gene, plays a critical role in accelerating ripening. These findings offer fresh insights into the epigenetic regulation of berry development and could inform strategies to control fruit ripening in viticulture.

Unlocking Apple Texture: A Genetic Key to Firmness and Ripening

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:45:49 EST

Fruit firmness plays a critical role in apple quality, influencing both shelf life and consumer preference. Scientists have now identified a natural genetic variation in the MdNAC5 gene that governs differences in apple firmness and ripening speed. By resequencing hundreds of apple hybrids, researchers mapped a key genetic locus and pinpointed a single A-to-T mutation that affects fruit texture. Functional experiments showed that different MdNAC5 variants distinctly regulate ethylene biosynthesis, a central pathway in fruit softening. This discovery offers new insights into the genetic control of apple ripening and opens up potential strategies for breeding apples with optimized firmness and storage properties.

New Cell Sorting Strategy Enhances Stem Cell Purity for Cultured Meat Production

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:30:29 EST

A research team has developed a novel strategy for isolating high-purity muscle stem cells (MuSCs), fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from porcine muscle tissue.

AI-Based Liquid Biopsy Shows Promise for Detecting Brain Cancer

Johns Hopkins Medicine — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:05:31 EST

A new liquid biopsy approach developed by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center investigators could revolutionize brain cancer detection by identifying circulating DNA fragments from tumors and immune cells in blood samples, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis.

Unlocking Tomato Sweetness: A Gene Boosts Flavor and Shelf Life

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:20:22 EST

Scientists have identified a key gene that regulates sugar metabolism and dramatically improves tomato fruit quality and resilience after harvest. The gene, known as SlVI, encodes a vacuolar invertase that plays a critical role in converting sucrose into glucose and fructose during fruit ripening. By knocking out SlVI, researchers achieved higher fruit sucrose levels, enhanced firmness, increased resistance to fungal infections, and an extended shelf life. These findings not only reveal new insights into sugar's dual role as both an energy source and signaling molecule but also open avenues for developing tastier and more durable fruits, addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food storage.

Metabolon Launches Microbiome Research Solution Combining New Microbiome Panel, Metagenomics Sequencing, and Multiomics Bioinformatics Tools

Metabolon, Inc. — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:50:29 EST

Metabolon Launches Microbiome Research Solution Combining New Microbiome Panel, Metagenomics Sequencing, and Multiomics Bioinformatics Tools

Tavo Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Seasoned Executives to Key Posts

Tavo Biotherapeutics — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:35:29 EST

---- Lukas Scheibler, Ph.D. to become Chief Research and Development Officer and Graham Cooper to become Chief Financial Officer ---- Additions to senior team will drive Tavo's strategy to develop new innovative therapeutics addressing critical unmet needs in glaucoma and retinal disease

Borrowing a Gene from the Burning Bush Plant Improves Oil Qualities in Bioenergy Crops

Department of Energy, Office of Science — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:40:56 EST

Some plants produce oils with properties that are particularly good for biofuels, but not all of these plants are suitable for being grown on a large scale. To solve this dilemma, scientists modified the seeds of camelina and pennycress to produce the same type of oil made by the burning bush plant. The result is plants that produce nearly pure, high-quality oil with improved biofuel properties.

�������� Feature Channel: Biotech

Advanced Models Offer A Promising Tool to Understand Brain Disorders

Explaining the Link Between 'Good' Gut Bacteria and Rheumatoid Arthritis

RPI Researchers Aim to Manufacture mRNA More Affordably

Space Conference Blasts Off with Promising Innovations

One Timed-release Capsule Could Replace Taking Multiple Pills

UNC Researchers Uncover Molecular Mechanism Behind Hydralazine-Induced ANCA Vasculitis

Unlocking Water Lily Hybridization: Scientists Decode Key Molecular Barrier

Boosting Lemon Immunity: A Gene Unlocks Resistance Against Viral Threats

Unlocking Tomato Potential:SlAAP6 Gene Powers Growth and Salinity Resistance

ASCO 2025 Tip Sheet From Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Using Bacteria as Living Test Tubes to Study Human Gene Mutations and Find New Drug Leads

Gene Therapy Restores Immune Function and Extends Lives of Children with Rare Immune Disorder

Epigenetic Insights Reveal How Grapes Ripen Faster

Unlocking Apple Texture: A Genetic Key to Firmness and Ripening

New Cell Sorting Strategy Enhances Stem Cell Purity for Cultured Meat Production

AI-Based Liquid Biopsy Shows Promise for Detecting Brain Cancer

Unlocking Tomato Sweetness: A Gene Boosts Flavor and Shelf Life

Metabolon Launches Microbiome Research Solution Combining New Microbiome Panel, Metagenomics Sequencing, and Multiomics Bioinformatics Tools

Tavo Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Seasoned Executives to Key Posts

Borrowing a Gene from the Burning Bush Plant Improves Oil Qualities in Bioenergy Crops

�� Feature Channel: Biotech