Potential CRISPR alternative gene-editing tool occurs naturally in animals

CRISPR-Cas9 has been the household name of genetic engineering tools over the past decade, but there might be other, better ways. MIT scientists have now demonstrated an alternative called Fanzor, which is naturally found in animals so could be a bette… Continue reading Potential CRISPR alternative gene-editing tool occurs naturally in animals

Bacterial cellulose used to create new edible packaging material

We may soon be finishing off a box of cereal and then eating the bag it came in. Researchers have turned to bacteria-produced cellulose to create a composite packaging material to replace plastic. The material is not only robust and sustainable to prod… Continue reading Bacterial cellulose used to create new edible packaging material

This drug can give us an edge in the bacteria-antibiotics arms race

The arms race in nature, usually a battle between predator and prey, is one of the most fascinating phenomena in evolutionary biology. But one arms race that isn’t looking too good for humans is the tussle between bacteria and the antibiotics we have t… Continue reading This drug can give us an edge in the bacteria-antibiotics arms race

Ecological System Dynamics for Computing

Some of you may remember that the ship’s computer on Star Trek: Voyager contained bioneural gel packs. Researchers have taken us one step closer to a biocomputing future with a …read more Continue reading Ecological System Dynamics for Computing

Could predatory bacteria replace chlorine as an effective water purifier?

Chlorine has long been used as an effective way of removing microorganisms, including bacteria, from drinking water but it has been linked to health problems. In a new study, researchers looked at how the bacteria responded when chlorine was removed fr… Continue reading Could predatory bacteria replace chlorine as an effective water purifier?

Newly discovered bacterial partnership implicated in dental cavities

For the first time, researchers have found a bacterium that forms superstructures when it gets caught in sticky traps made by other bacteria, helping it erode enamel and form cavities. The finding could lead to new ways to keep our teeth clear of the i… Continue reading Newly discovered bacterial partnership implicated in dental cavities

New antibiotic trial shows promise against dangerous pneumonia superbug

A new antibiotic combo has proven promising in a clinical trial for treating an often-deadly form of pneumonia. The experimental drug was found to be at least as effective in preventing death as the current standard, but with far milder side effects.Co… Continue reading New antibiotic trial shows promise against dangerous pneumonia superbug

Sunlight-activated powder disinfects water in just 60 seconds

If you leave a clear bottle of water in the sunlight, the ultraviolet rays will kill any harmful microbes in that water, making it drinkable … but it has to sit in the sun for at least six hours. A new sunlight-activated powder, however, does the job i… Continue reading Sunlight-activated powder disinfects water in just 60 seconds

Chlamydia cousin in Great Barrier Reef coral offers hope for bleaching

Researchers investigating the coral microbiome in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have found two clusters of co-existing bacteria. And, for the first time, they’ve discovered that one of them is a close relative of the bacteria that causes chlamydia in … Continue reading Chlamydia cousin in Great Barrier Reef coral offers hope for bleaching