Biology News Net - Biotechnology

DNA-guided assembly yields novel ribbon-like nanostructures

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:52 -0500

DNA-tethered nanorods link up like rungs on a ribbonlike ladder—a new mechanism for linear self-assembly that may be unique to the nanoscale. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered that DNA "linker" strands coax nano-sized rods to line up in way unlike any other spontaneous arrangement of rod-shaped objects. The arrangement-with the rods forming "rungs" on ladder-like ribbons linked by multiple DNA strands-results from the collective interactions of the flexible DNA tethers and may be unique to the nanoscale. The research, described in a paper published online in ACS Nano, a journal of the American Chemical Society, could result in the fabrication of new nanostructured materials with desired properties.

New device can extract human DNA with full genetic data in minutes

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:10:49 -0500

This is the hand-held device for extracting DNA. Take a swab of saliva from your mouth and within minutes your DNA could be ready for analysis and genome sequencing with the help of a new device.

Printable 'bionic' ear melds electronics and biology

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:37:11 -0500

Scientists used 3-D printing to merge tissue and an antenna capable of receiving radio signals. Scientists at Princeton University used off-the-shelf printing tools to create a functional ear that can "hear" radio frequencies far beyond the range of normal human capability.

A molecular 'superglue' based on flesh-eating bacteria

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:04:01 -0500

In a classic case of turning an enemy into a friend, scientists have engineered a protein from flesh-eating bacteria to act as a molecular "superglue" that promises to become a disease fighter. And their latest results, which make the technology more versatile, were the topic of a report here today at the 245th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.

Mayo Clinic and Illinois researchers develop new sensor for methylated DNA

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 06:26:42 -0500

Collaborators from Mayo-Illinois Alliance for Technology Based Healthcare have developed a new, single molecule test for detecting methylated DNA. Methylation -- the addition of a methyl group of molecules to a DNA strand -- is one of the ways gene expression is regulated. The findings appear in the current issue of Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group).

Organizing enzymes to create electricity

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:04:35 -0500

An assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering has recently received a $360,000 grant to better organize enzymes on electrodes to create nanoscale devices that more efficiently convert the chemical energy of sugars and complex carbohydrates in to electricity.

'Fat worms' inch scientists toward better biofuel production

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:09:19 -0500

Fat worms confirm that researchers from Michigan State University have successfully engineered a plant with oily leaves -- a feat that could enhance biofuel production as well as lead to improved animal feeds.

OHSU scientists first to grow liver stem cells in culture, demonstrate therapeutic benefit

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:29:19 -0500

For decades scientists around the world have attempted to regenerate primary liver cells known as hepatocytes because of their numerous biomedical applications, including hepatitis research, drug metabolism and toxicity studies, as well as transplantation for cirrhosis and other chronic liver conditions. But no lab in the world has been successful in identifying and growing liver stem cells in culture -- using any available technique – until now.

Nanostructures with living cells

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:43:06 -0500

The behavior of cells strongly depends on their environment. If they are to be researched an manipulated, it is crucial to embed them in suitable surroundings. Aleksandr Ovsianikov is developing a laser system, which allows living cells to be incorporated into intricate taylor-made structures, similar to biological tissue, in which cells are surrounded by the extracellular matrix. This technology is particularly important for artificially growing biotissue, for finding new drugs or for stem cell research. Ovsianikov has now been awarded the ERC Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) of approximately 1.5 million Euros.

Achilles heel: Popular drug-carrying nanoparticles get trapped in bloodstream

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:43:06 -0500

Many medically minded researchers are in hot pursuit of designs that will allow drug-carrying nanoparticles to navigate tissues and the interiors of cells, but University of Michigan engineers have discovered that these particles have another hurdle to overcome: escaping the bloodstream.