insights from industryWarren MinoManaging Director of BiotechnologySmiths Detection In this interview, we spoke to Warren Mino, the Managing Director of Biotechnology for Smiths Detection, about their innovative technology and its involvement within biothreat detection. Please can you introduce yourself, and give us some background on Smiths Detection? My name is…
Production of Biopolymers by Microorganisms
Biopolymers include any polymers produced by living cells, constructed from repeating monomers that are linked together to form a longer chain. Examples of monomers include nucleic acids, sugars, fatty acids, and phosphates, which are generally assembled into biopolymers by processive enzymes. Bacteria produce biopolymers naturally to facilitate propagation, being essential…
Researchers develop artificial inorganic cell-like structures to recreate functions of living cells
Researchers have developed artificial cell-like structures using inorganic matter that autonomously ingest, process, and push out material-; recreating an essential function of living cells. Their article, published in Nature, provides a blueprint for creating "cell mimics," with potential applications ranging from drug delivery to environmental science. A fundamental function of…
Gut bacteria rewind aging brain in mice
In 1895, on turning 50, Elie Metchnikoff became increasingly anxious about aging. As a result, the Russian Nobel prize-winning scientist, and one of the founders of immunology, turned his attention away from immunology and towards gerontology—a term that he coined. He was fascinated by the role that intestinal bacteria play…
An Introduction to the Benefits of the Skin Trust Club
insights from industryDr. David Caballero-LimaHead of R&DLabskin In this interview, News-Medical speaks to Dr. David Caballero-Lima, Head of R&D at Labskin, about the applications and benefits of the Skin Trust Club. Can you give a brief overview of Labskin, the products you produce, and the markets you serve? Labskin can…
Researchers investigate how oxygen radicals protect against cancer
Originally, oxygen radicals – reactive oxygen species, or ROS for short – were considered to be exclusively harmful in the body. They are produced, for example, by smoking or UV radiation. Because of their high reactivity, they can damage many important molecules in cells, including the hereditary molecule DNA. As…
BGU researchers identify probiotic yogurt-based drug candidates
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have for the first time identified new drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic Kefir yogurt for combating pathogenic bacteria and treating various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and COVID-19 related cytokine storms. The research, published in Microbiome, a…
Imbalanced bacterial community in the gums linked to Alzheimer's disease biomarker
Older adults with more harmful than healthy bacteria in their gums are more likely to have evidence for amyloid beta–a key biomarker for Alzheimer's disease–in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), according to new research from NYU College of Dentistry and Weill Cornell Medicine. However, this imbalance in oral bacteria was not…
CDC Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Wild Songbirds
The CDC is investigating a salmonella outbreak that appears to be linked to wild songbirds. So far, the CDC has identified 19 illnesses and 8 hospitalizations in 8 states between December in March. “Birds can carry germs like Salmonella while looking healthy and clean,” the CDC , the agency wrote…
Study shows developmental trajectory of gut microbiota in cesarean-born babies
Infants born by cesarean section have a relatively meager array of bacteria in the gut. But by the age of three to five years they are broadly in line with their peers. This is shown by a study that also shows that it takes a remarkably long time for the…
Research finds key factors that could lead to further pandemics
Humans are creating or exacerbating the environmental conditions that could lead to further pandemics, new University of Sydney research finds. Modeling from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science suggests pressure on ecosystems, climate change and economic development are key factors associated with the diversification of pathogens (disease-causing agents, like viruses…