Articles tagged with "biotechnology"
CO2 turned into starch: China's new method boosts productivity by 10x
Researchers at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology have developed a novel enzymatic process to synthesize starch directly from carbon dioxide, bypassing the need for plants and photosynthesis. This method, which converts CO2 into methanol and then into sugars before polymerizing them into starch through about eleven steps, is reported to be ten times more productive than their previous attempts. The resulting starch is nearly identical to conventional cornstarch but can be produced in controlled laboratory conditions, offering more predictable yields and significantly reducing reliance on farmland and freshwater resources. This innovation addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional starch production, which depends heavily on corn cultivation that consumes large amounts of land, water, fertilizers, and pesticides. By using CO2 as a raw material and optimized enzymes to enhance reaction efficiency and lower energy costs, the process could potentially save over 90% of cultivated land and freshwater if scaled economically. While the tenfold improvement refers to progress over the team’s earlier work rather than surpassing natural starch production from corn,
energymaterialsbiotechnologycarbon-dioxide-utilizationsynthetic-starch-productionindustrial-biotechnologyenzyme-catalysisChina's new AI science network to challenge Trump’s Genesis Mission
China has launched a powerful new artificial intelligence system capable of autonomously conducting advanced scientific research by directly accessing the country’s national supercomputing infrastructure. Officially unveiled on December 23, this AI platform operates at a national scale and is available to over a thousand institutional users across China. Unlike traditional research tools, it can independently plan and execute complex scientific workflows—breaking down tasks, allocating computing resources, running simulations, analyzing data, and generating reports with minimal human intervention. This dramatically accelerates research processes, reducing tasks that once took a full day to about an hour, and currently supports nearly 100 workflows in fields such as materials science, biotechnology, and industrial AI. At the core of this initiative is China’s National Supercomputing Network (SCNet), a high-speed digital backbone linking over 30 supercomputing centers nationwide. Launched in 2023 and rapidly expanded since, SCNet integrates supercomputing and intelligent computing resources to enable large-scale AI deployment for scientific research. Chinese officials
AIsupercomputingmaterials-sciencescientific-researchbiotechnologyartificial-intelligencecomputational-scienceHow flies are quietly transforming the future of animal feed
The article highlights how Nasekomo, a biotechnology company, is revolutionizing animal feed production by using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to convert organic agricultural by-products into nutrient-rich protein meal and insect oil. This sustainable approach addresses the growing global demand for animal feed amid challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. The process is circular and zero-waste: larvae feed on organic waste, and the residual frass is repurposed as organic fertilizer, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that transforms low-value biomass into high-value products. To scale this innovative feed production, Nasekomo partnered with Siemens, which developed a Digital Twin system and AI-driven franchise model to ensure precision, repeatability, and quality across multiple facilities. Siemens’ Solid Edge 3D CAD software enables custom design and virtual prototyping of equipment tailored to the biological needs of the larvae, optimizing conditions such as temperature and humidity. Meanwhile, Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software creates a virtual replica of
energymaterialsbiotechnologysustainable-agriculturedigital-twinautomationAIWorld's first scalable DNA data storage device unveiled by US firm
A US biotechnology company, Atlas Data Storage, has unveiled the Atlas Eon 100, the world’s first scalable DNA data storage device designed for long-term digital preservation. This innovative system translates conventional digital data into synthetic DNA sequences composed of the four genetic bases—Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and Thymine—offering a storage medium that is vastly more durable and dense than traditional options like hard drives, CDs, and SSDs. The dehydrated synthetic DNA used can preserve data for millennia without power or degradation, addressing the short lifespan and reliability issues of conventional storage media, which typically last from 1 to 25 years. The Atlas Eon 100 boasts a storage density 1,000 times greater than magnetic media and a reliability rate of 99.99999999999 percent, making it suitable for archiving valuable personal, cultural, and institutional data such as family photos, digital art, historical documents, and scientific datasets. This technology not only offers
materialsDNA-data-storagesynthetic-DNAdata-preservationlong-term-archivingbiotechnologydigital-storage-innovationChina's next scientific milestone could hail from Tibetan animal poop
Chinese researchers have uncovered a vast array of previously unknown microbial species in the feces of native herbivores such as yaks, Tibetan sheep, and antelope on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This discovery, part of a five-year project under the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program, revealed that 88% of the microbes identified were new to science. Many of these microbes produce enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose, a key component in paper, cardboard, and textiles, potentially enabling faster and cleaner industrial processes. Additionally, these microbes may help identify biological pathways to reduce methane emissions from livestock, addressing environmental concerns. The genomic data collected offers promising avenues for biotechnology, including the development of new gene-editing tools, antimicrobial peptides, and stable, precise enzymes. Researchers plan to explore whether these novel enzymes can improve gene-editing platforms and screen for small-molecule drug candidates that could influence biological pathways for therapeutic use. The findings underscore the strategic importance of discovering and patenting such biological resources,
materialsbiotechnologygene-editingenzymesmethane-reductionmicrobial-diversityindustrial-processesKorean team uses bacteria to spin rainbow-hued, eco-friendly textiles
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed an innovative, eco-friendly method to produce and dye textiles using living bacteria. Their approach leverages bacterial cellulose—a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fibers—grown by Komagataeibacter xylinus, combined with color-producing microbes that generate a full spectrum of natural pigments. Cool tones (green to purple) are derived from violaceins, while warm hues (red to yellow) come from carotenoids. The team overcame initial challenges of microbial interference by employing two specialized culturing strategies, enabling simultaneous fabric growth and coloration. The resulting rainbow-hued bacterial cellulose textiles demonstrated strong durability, retaining color after washing, bleaching, heating, and exposure to harsh chemicals. Notably, violacein-based dyes outperformed some synthetic dyes in wash tests. While this method offers a promising sustainable alternative to the environmentally damaging, chemical-heavy processes currently dominating the textile industry, significant obstacles remain. Scaling production to industrial levels and achieving economic competitiveness
materialssustainable-textilesbacterial-celluloseeco-friendly-dyeingbiotechnologybiofabricationtextile-innovationScientists find hidden geometric code shaping how human DNA works
A new study from Northwestern University, led by biomedical engineer Vadim Backman, reveals a previously unknown "geometric code" embedded in the three-dimensional structure of human DNA. Unlike the traditional genetic code based on the sequence of chemical bases (A, C, T, G), this geometric code arises from the spatial folding and nanoscale organization of DNA within cells. These physical configurations form "packing domains" that act as memory nodes, enabling cells to compute, store, and regulate genetic activity dynamically. This discovery suggests that the genome functions not just as a static script but as a living computational system, with its shape playing a critical role in gene behavior and cellular memory. The research implies that evolution may have advanced complexity not solely through new genes but by optimizing the geometric arrangement of existing genetic material, enhancing information storage and retrieval. This geometric language could bridge biology and computation, paralleling principles seen in artificial intelligence. Moreover, the fidelity of this geometric code appears to degrade with age, potentially contributing to diseases
materialsDNA-nanotechnologybiomedical-engineeringgenetic-codecellular-memorygenome-structurebiotechnologyStartup Battlefield company SpotitEarly trained dogs and AI to sniff out common cancers
SpotitEarly, an Israeli startup founded in 2020, is developing an innovative at-home cancer screening test that leverages trained dogs’ exceptional sense of smell combined with AI technology to detect early-stage cancers from human breath samples. The company employs 18 trained beagles that identify cancer-specific odors by sitting when they detect cancer particles. This canine detection is augmented by an AI platform that monitors the dogs’ behavior, breathing patterns, and heart rates to improve accuracy beyond human observation. A double-blind clinical study involving 1,400 participants demonstrated that SpotitEarly’s method can detect four common cancers—breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung—with 94% accuracy. SpotitEarly recently launched into the U.S. market with $20.3 million in funding and plans to expand its clinical trials, initially focusing on breast cancer before addressing the other cancers. The company aims to offer its multi-cancer screening kits through physicians’ networks starting next year, pricing the initial test at approximately $
AIhealthcare-technologycancer-detectionmachine-learningdiagnosticsbiotechnologyearly-screeningStartup Battlefield company ÄIO invented a method to make edible fat from ag waste like sawdust
ÄIO, a startup from Estonia named after the Estonian god of dreams, has developed an innovative process to convert agricultural waste such as sawdust into edible fats suitable for the food and cosmetic industries. This technology offers a sustainable alternative to palm oil, whose production has led to significant environmental damage, including deforestation of rainforests. The company’s founders, including former Tallinn University of Technology professor Lahtvee and scientist Bonturi, engineered a microbe capable of fermenting sugars derived from agricultural waste to produce fats with a profile similar to chicken fat. The process can also be adjusted to create liquid oils, potentially replacing oils like canola or rapeseed. Since its commercial launch in 2022, ÄIO has raised approximately $7 million, won the 2024 Baltic Sustainability Award, and attracted interest from over 100 companies worldwide. The startup is now focused on scaling production with plans to build a commercial facility by 2027 and licensing its technology to food and cosmetic manufacturers.
materialssustainable-materialsbiotechnologymetabolic-engineeringalternative-fatsprecision-fermentationagricultural-waste-valorizationTerra Oleo’s oil-producing microbes could replace destructive palm oil plantations
Terra Oleo is a Singapore-based startup founded by Shen Ming Lee and Boon Uranukul that aims to develop sustainable alternatives to palm oil by using engineered microbes to convert agricultural waste into specialty oils. Lee, who grew up in a family deeply involved in the palm oil industry but felt conflicted about its environmental impact, teamed up with Uranukul, who had developed microbes capable of producing plastic precursors from waste during his doctoral research at MIT. Since 2022, Terra Oleo has been working stealthily to harness yeast species genetically optimized to produce high-value oils such as cocoa butter and specialty oleochemicals used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, bypassing the low-margin crude palm oil commodity stage. The startup has raised $3.1 million from investors including ADB Ventures and Better Bite Ventures, and is currently producing oils at a lab scale with plans to scale up to kilogram quantities. Terra Oleo’s microbial process offers significant cost advantages by producing target chemicals directly, eliminating expensive refining steps and potentially achieving
materialsbiotechnologysustainable-materialsbiofuelsmicrobial-engineeringagricultural-wastegreen-chemistryArkeaBio Appoints Dr. Zach Serber as Chief Technology Officer to Accelerate Development of Methane-Reducing Livestock Vaccine - CleanTechnica
ArkeaBio, a global agricultural bioscience company developing the first vaccine to reduce methane emissions from cattle, has appointed Dr. Zach Serber as its Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Serber brings over 20 years of experience in synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology, having previously held leadership roles at Zymergen, Amyris, and Evozyne. His expertise includes integrating robotics and machine learning into industrial fermentation and advancing bio-based solutions for health and sustainability. At ArkeaBio, he will lead scientific strategy to accelerate product validation and commercial deployment of the methane-reducing vaccine. The vaccine aims to provide a practical, cost-effective method for farmers to reduce methane emissions—a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term—while enhancing livestock productivity. ArkeaBio plans to transition from current animal studies to full field trials by 2026, with commercial launch shortly thereafter, aligning with 2030 emissions targets. The company’s approach targets a $4 billion global market for
energybiotechnologymethane-reductionclimate-changelivestock-emissionssynthetic-biologybioeconomyNew carbon-fixing cycle helps plants absorb more CO2 and grow larger
Researchers in Taiwan have engineered a novel metabolic pathway, the malyl-CoA-glycerate (McG) cycle, to enhance carbon dioxide absorption and utilization in plants. By integrating this cycle alongside the traditional Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, they significantly increased plant growth, seed yield, and lipid production without raising water consumption. The McG cycle captures carbon more efficiently by incorporating carbon at two steps and produces a two-carbon molecule directly usable for lipid synthesis. This metabolic rewiring led to plants that were two to three times heavier, with more and larger leaves, and dramatically higher triglyceride levels, demonstrating improved biomass and potential for biofuel applications. Despite these promising results, the researchers caution that the findings are preliminary and based on a lab-friendly weed rather than crops or trees. The effects of excess lipid accumulation in larger plants and performance under field conditions remain uncertain. Additionally, the long-term carbon sequestration benefits depend on whether the lipids remain stable
energycarbon-captureplant-metabolismbiofuel-productionrenewable-energycarbon-fixationbiotechnologyBiotech turns CO2 waste into palm oil-like fat for aviation fuel
LanzaTech Global, in collaboration with Fraunhofer IGB and the Mibelle Group, has developed a groundbreaking biotechnology that converts waste carbon dioxide (CO₂) into palm oil-like fats. This innovation uses a dual fermentation process involving non-GMO oil yeasts to transform CO₂ into alcohol and subsequently into fats that mimic palm oil’s functional properties. The new material is suitable for use in cosmetics and as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offering a scalable and environmentally friendly alternative to palm oil, which is associated with deforestation, biodiversity loss, and high carbon emissions. This advancement expands LanzaTech’s existing ethanol-to-jet fuel technology by enabling the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, a widely used method in the aviation industry that currently relies on crops and waste oils with sustainability challenges. By producing synthetic oils from ethanol derived from CO₂ and green hydrogen, the technology diversifies SAF production sources, potentially reducing the aviation sector’s
energysustainable-aviation-fuelcarbon-recyclingbiotechnologyrenewable-fuelspalm-oil-alternativegreen-technologyLab-grown oils promise deforestation-free future for food, cosmetics
The Paris-based biotech startup SMEY is pioneering lab-grown coconut, palm, and shea oils using AI-driven yeast fermentation, aiming to provide deforestation-free, traceable alternatives for food and cosmetics industries. By leveraging a “Neobank of Yeasts” comprising over 1,000 non-GMO yeast strains and machine learning to identify strains with precise lipid profiles, SMEY dramatically reduces oil production time from the traditional 18–24 months to about 30 days. This approach replaces plantation agriculture with bioreactors, eliminating the need for land, pesticides, fertilizers, and associated environmental harms such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and labor abuses. The technology also promises localized supply chains and new formulations with improved shelf life and stability. SMEY’s innovation aligns with the European Union’s upcoming Deforestation Regulation, which imposes strict penalties on imports linked to deforestation, motivating brands to seek sustainable oil alternatives. The company is initially marketing Noyl Silk, a cultivated high-oleic butter
materialsbiotechnologylab-grown-oilssustainable-materialsAI-in-materials-sciencefermentation-technologydeforestation-free-materialsChina unveils world's first autonomous robot for hybrid pollination
Chinese scientists have developed GEAIR, the world’s first AI-powered autonomous robot designed for hybrid pollination in plant breeding. Combining artificial intelligence and biotechnology, GEAIR can independently identify flowers and perform precise cross-pollination, significantly reducing the time, cost, and human error traditionally associated with hybrid breeding. This innovation promises faster breeding cycles and improved efficiency in producing high-quality crop varieties. The research team, led by Xu Cao at the Institute of Genetics and Development Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, enhanced the robot’s effectiveness by using gene editing to create male-sterile flowers, facilitating easier hybrid seed production. Integrating GEAIR with advanced farming techniques like “de novo domestication” and “speed breeding,” they established an intelligent robotic breeding factory capable of rapidly generating superior plant varieties. This technology notably advances soybean hybrid breeding in China and exemplifies the potential of combining AI, robotics, and biotechnology to revolutionize agricultural breeding practices. The study detailing this breakthrough was published in the journal Cell
robotAIbiotechnologyhybrid-pollinationprecision-agricultureautonomous-robotcrop-breedingVitamin K2 breakthrough could supercharge bone and heart health
A recent study has uncovered how the bacterium Lactococcus lactis, commonly used in dairy fermentation, regulates its production of vitamin K₂ (menaquinone), a vital nutrient for bone health, blood clotting, and cardiovascular function. The microbe naturally produces only enough vitamin K₂ to sustain itself, due to an internal self-limiting mechanism that prevents toxic buildup of an unstable intermediate compound essential to all forms of vitamin K₂. This biological “brake” has posed challenges for efforts to engineer bacteria to overproduce the vitamin for commercial use, which could otherwise offer a greener, cheaper alternative to current chemical synthesis or plant extraction methods. Researchers combined biosensing, genetic engineering, and mathematical modeling to decode these production limits. They developed a highly sensitive biosensor to detect the hard-to-measure vitamin K₂ precursor and discovered that production plateaus when substrate supply is depleted. Additionally, they found that the order of enzyme-encoding genes on DNA influences intermediate compound levels, revealing a previously unknown evolutionary
materialssynthetic-biologygenetic-engineeringbiosensorsmicrobial-productionvitamin-K2biotechnologyScientists rewrite life’s code to create virus-resistant bacteria
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge have engineered a synthetic strain of Escherichia coli, named Syn57, that operates with only 57 codons instead of the standard 64 used by nearly all known life forms. This represents the most radically compressed genetic code created to date. By removing redundant codons—specifically seven codons including those for serine, alanine, and one stop signal—the team replaced over 101,000 codon instances across the bacterium’s 4-megabase genome. The genome was reconstructed from 38 synthetic DNA fragments assembled using a novel technique called uREXER, which combines CRISPR-Cas9 and viral enzymes for precise DNA swapping. Syn57 retains normal growth and function despite its streamlined genetic code, freeing up codons that can be reassigned to incorporate non-canonical amino acids and produce novel synthetic polymers and materials with programmable properties. Importantly, the recoded genome may confer resistance to many viruses that depend
materialssynthetic-biologygenetic-engineeringpolymersbioengineeringvirus-resistancebiotechnologyLatent Labs launches web-based AI model to democratize protein design
Latent Labs, about six months after emerging from stealth mode with initial funding, has launched LatentX, a web-based AI model designed to democratize protein design by enabling users to create novel proteins directly in their browser using natural language. According to CEO and founder Simon Kohl, who previously co-led DeepMind’s AlphaFold protein design team, LatentX has achieved state-of-the-art performance on various metrics, with a high percentage of its designed proteins proving viable in physical lab tests. Unlike AlphaFold, which predicts existing protein structures, LatentX can generate entirely new molecules such as nanobodies and antibodies with precise atomic structures, potentially accelerating therapeutic development. Latent Labs’ business model focuses on licensing LatentX to academic institutions, biotech startups, and pharmaceutical companies rather than developing proprietary medicines itself. While the foundational model is currently free to use, the company plans to introduce paid advanced features over time. This approach addresses the challenge that many organizations lack the resources to build their own AI models
materialsprotein-designAI-in-biologybiotechnologydrug-discoverymolecular-engineeringcomputational-biologyVioleta Sanchez i Nogue’s Journey to Bioprocess Development at NREL - CleanTechnica
Violeta Sanchez i Nogue’s journey to becoming a senior researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) began with a childhood fascination with chemistry sparked by a junior chemistry lab kit. Growing up near Barcelona, she nurtured her passion through hands-on experiences, including an engineering boot camp that exposed her to university-level environmental research. She pursued chemical engineering at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, followed by a Ph.D. in engineering at Lund University in Sweden, where she engaged with NREL’s pioneering work in bioprocess development. Joining NREL in 2015 as a postdoctoral researcher, Sanchez i Nogue contributed to ambitious multidisciplinary projects focused on biofuel production and biotechnology, collaborating with universities, national labs, and industry partners. Her work involves leveraging the natural strengths of microorganisms in bioreactors and spans metabolic engineering, separations, catalysis, and analysis. She values the collaborative environment at NREL, appreciating the daily learning opportunities and the synergy created by diverse expertise. Beyond laboratory
energybioenergybioprocess-developmentchemical-engineeringrenewable-energyNRELbiotechnologyCloning Came to Polo. Then Things Got Truly Uncivilized
The article centers on Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest polo player alive, who is revolutionizing the sport through biotechnology by using cloned horses. During the 2016 Argentine Open final, Cambiaso strategically selects Cuartetera B06, the sixth clone of a prized mare, to help secure victory. This marked the first time a polo final was played—and won—using six genetically identical horses, highlighting the growing acceptance and impact of cloning in polo. Cambiaso’s approach leverages cloning to maintain superior horse bloodlines, giving him a significant competitive advantage in a sport where the quality of the horse often outweighs that of the rider. Beyond the match itself, Cambiaso’s vision extends to building a lasting polo dynasty by combining his expertise in horse breeding with cutting-edge cloning technology. His son, Adolfo Jr. (Poroto), already a promising young player, is part of this long-term strategy. The article suggests that Cambiaso’s success and innovation could
materialsbiotechnologycloninggenetic-engineeringsports-technologyanimal-breedingpoloMiniature chip mimics marrow to reshape blood cancer treatment
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, led by Weiqiang Chen, have developed a credit-card-sized “leukemia-on-a-chip” device that replicates the bone marrow environment and a functioning human immune response. This miniature chip mimics the three key regions of bone marrow—blood vessels, marrow cavity, and bone lining—and supports patient-derived bone marrow cells to self-assemble and sustain immune activity. Using high-resolution imaging, the team observed immune cells, including engineered CAR T-cells, actively hunting and killing cancer cells in real time, providing unprecedented insights into immunotherapy dynamics and revealing phenomena like the “bystander effect,” where immune cells activate others beyond their direct targets. This chip-based platform addresses major limitations of current testing methods, such as slow, imprecise animal models and standard lab tests that fail to capture the complex cellular environment of cancer-immune interactions. It enables rapid, controlled experiments simulating clinical outcomes like remission, resistance, and relapse, and demonstrated that
materialsbiomedical-engineeringmicrochip-technologyimmunotherapycancer-treatmentlab-on-a-chipbiotechnologyWaste to painkiller? Bacteria convert plastic into paracetamol
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Wallace Lab have developed a novel method to convert plastic waste into paracetamol (acetaminophen) using genetically engineered E. coli bacteria. This innovative process transforms terephthalic acid, a compound derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, into paracetamol within 24 hours through a fermentation technique similar to beer brewing. Unlike traditional paracetamol production, which relies on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes that emit significant carbon emissions, this biological method operates at room temperature and produces minimal emissions, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The breakthrough hinges on a previously unobserved chemical reaction called the Lossen rearrangement occurring naturally inside living cells, enabling the bacteria to convert PET-based intermediates into para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a precursor molecule. By further inserting genes from mushrooms and soil bacteria, the researchers enabled E. coli to complete the conversion to paracetamol. This approach not only presents a promising
materialsbiotechnologyplastic-recyclingsynthetic-biologysustainable-manufacturingbioconversionpharmaceuticalsBreakthrough tech makes bone and dental implants from human urine
Scientists from the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with U.S. and Japanese researchers, have developed a synthetic yeast system that converts human urine into hydroxyapatite (HAp), a biocompatible calcium phosphate mineral widely used in bone and dental implants. This innovative process addresses two significant challenges simultaneously: it helps mitigate environmental pollution caused by excess nutrients in wastewater and produces a valuable medical material projected to reach a $3.5 billion market by 2030. The engineered yeast, dubbed “osteoyeast,” mimics natural bone-forming cells by breaking down urea to increase pH, facilitating the crystallization and secretion of HAp outside the cell, yielding up to 1 gram per liter of urine. The process is scalable, cost-effective, and accessible globally, as it uses yeast fermentation techniques similar to those in beer production, requiring relatively low temperatures and minimal infrastructure. This makes it particularly suitable for deployment in developing regions lacking advanced manufacturing capabilities, potentially broadening access to advanced
materialsbiotechnologysynthetic-yeasthydroxyapatitebone-implantsdental-implantssustainable-materials230 giant viruses discovered with surprising effects on ocean health
Researchers at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science have discovered 230 new giant viruses in the ocean, along with 530 new proteins, including nine associated with photosynthesis. These findings suggest that giant viruses can interfere with their hosts’ energy conversion processes, particularly in key marine microorganisms like algae, amoebas, and flagellates that form the base of the oceanic food chain. The study highlights the significant impact these viruses have on marine ecosystems, including their potential role in harmful algal blooms that affect human health globally. To identify these viruses, the team developed a novel computational tool called BEREN, which improved detection and classification of giant viruses from vast DNA sequencing datasets collected from nine major ocean sampling projects worldwide. Analysis revealed that these viruses carry genes involved in critical cellular functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis, indicating they can alter host metabolism and influence marine chemical cycles. The research, published in npj Viruses, not only expands understanding of viral diversity and function in ocean ecosystems but also offers new avenues for monitoring environmental health and biotechnological applications.
energymarine-biologyphotosynthesisocean-virusesbiotechnologyenvironmental-scienceviral-genomicsInsects help scientists create powerful new materials from nanocarbons
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute and Center for Sustainable Resource Science have developed an innovative technique called “in-insect synthesis,” which uses insects as living chemical reactors to create and modify complex nanocarbon molecules. Led by Kenichiro Itami, the team focused on tobacco cutworm caterpillars, leveraging their powerful digestive enzymes to perform precise chemical modifications that are difficult or inefficient in traditional laboratory settings. By feeding the caterpillars a nanocarbon molecule known as [6]MCPP, the insects converted it into a fluorescent derivative, [6]MCPP-oxylene, through an oxidation reaction catalyzed by two specific enzymes, CYP X2 and CYP X3. This enzymatic process was confirmed through advanced analytical techniques and genetic analysis, demonstrating a level of chemical precision not achievable by current lab methods. This breakthrough highlights the potential of using biological systems, such as insects, enzymes, and microbes, to manufacture advanced materials with high efficiency and specificity. The discovery that caterpillar enzymes can insert oxygen atoms into carbon–carbon bonds in nanocarbons opens new avenues for producing functional molecules for applications in aerospace, electronics, and battery technology. The research team envisions further optimization of this approach through genetic tools like CRISPR and directed evolution, enabling the programming of insects to synthesize a wide range of valuable compounds, from glowing sensors to pharmaceuticals. This novel strategy represents a paradigm shift in materials science, moving away from traditional chemical synthesis toward bioengineered production platforms.
materialsnanocarbonsinsect-enzymeschemical-synthesisadvanced-materialsnanotechnologybiotechnologySuperbug mines rare earths and captures carbon from thin air
rare-earthscarbon-capturebiotechnologysustainable-miningclimate-changemicrobial-engineeringenvironmental-sustainabilityWorld-first: Gene-edited spider produces glowing red silk threads
materialsgene-editingspider-silkCRISPR-Cas9biotechnologyadvanced-textilessustainable-materials