Press monitoring
Novel technology produces gasoline by metabolically-engineered microorganism
1.10.2013 | Press monitoring
For many decades, we have been relying on fossil resources to produce liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and many industrial and consumer chemicals for daily use. However, increasing strains on natural resources as well as environmental issues including global warming have triggered a strong interest ...
Reverse ageing by boosting cells\' energy factories
30.9.2013 | Press monitoring
Just as a car's battery wears down with age, mitochondria, our cellular powerhouses, produce energy less efficiently as we get older. Now, ageing mice have been given a new lease of life after being injected with a drug that jump-starts their mitochondria. Mitochondria contain genes coding for proteins important in energy production. So...
Toxin-producing bacteria integrated into a pest insect
27.9.2013 | Press monitoring
A small cicada-like insect called the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) threatens the world's citrus industries, transmitting an incurable and lethal citrus disease. This notorious pest harbors two bacterial species within cells specially prepared for the purpose of symbiosis.
Nanoparticle Vaccine: Particles That Deliver Vaccines Directly to Mucosal Surfaces Could Defend Against Many Infectious Diseases
26.9.2013 | Press monitoring
Many viruses and bacteria infect humans through mucosal surfaces, such as those in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract. To help fight these pathogens, scientists are working on vaccines that can establish a front line of defense at mucosal surfaces.
Which comes first? USU biochemists \'cracking code\' of nitrogen fixation
25.9.2013 | Press monitoring
Utah State University scientists have published two papers in a high profile academic journal this week that unlock mysteries of a chemical process upon which all life on earth depends. In each paper, the researchers, under the leadership of USU biochemistry professor Lance Seefeldt, describe newly discovered insights about nitrogen fixation...
Are nanodiamond-encrusted teeth the future of dental implants?
24.9.2013 | Press monitoring
UCLA researchers have discovered that diamonds on a much, much smaller scale than those used in jewelry could be used to promote bone growth and the durability of dental implants. Nanodiamonds, which are created as byproducts of conventional mining and refining operations, are approximately four to five nanometers in diameter and are shaped like...
Tiny bottles and melting corks
23.9.2013 | Press monitoring
Microscopic, bottle-like structures with corks that melt at precisely-controlled temperatures could potentially release drugs inside the body or fragrances onto the skin, according to a recently published study. Typical drug delivery systems act more like sponges than bottles. For example, drugs are absorbed into polymer particles and then...
Breakthrough discovery could result in fragrant golden harvest
20.9.2013 | Press monitoring
Sandalwood oil - the 'golden harvest' - is one of the world's most valuable essential oils, but increased demand has caused natural populations of sandalwood trees to diminish over the past century through harvesting, grazing animals and disease.
Scientists Use \'Wired Microbes\' to Generate Electricity from Sewage
19.9.2013 | Press monitoring
Engineers at Stanford University have devised a new way to generate electricity from sewage using naturally-occurring "wired microbes" as mini power plants, producing electricity as they digest plant and animal waste.
Researchers engineer bacterium to hunt down and kill pathogens
18.9.2013 | Press monitoring
A team of researchers in Singapore has developed a technique for bioengineering a bacterium to seek out and kill targeted pathogens. In their paper published in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology, the team describes the technique they developed, how it works in mice and the likelihood that a similar technique can be developed for use in...
