Biotech

A novel study from scientists at National Taiwan University challenges the long-held view of ketone bodies as mere energy substrates, revealing instead that those produced during lactation act as epigenetic signals that promote beige adipocyte formation and protect against obesity.

- The coil interface, designed as an inductive electric field gradient-enhanced coil for peripheral nerve stimulation, was 3D-printed and successfully verified - Expected to contribute to the treatment of chronic pain and nerve disorders, with improved stimulation efficiency achieved by reducing heat generation and energy consumption - Research findings published in the esteemed journal, ‘IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering’

A common soil fungus (Purpureocillium lilacinum BA1S), when combined with calcium and mild alkalinity, speeds up the breakdown of biodegradable plastic (PBAT), offering a greener path for managing agricultural and packaging waste.

Modified yeast developed to efficiently adsorb targeted elements from solutions

Ancient black holes, How good cholesterol is made, Self-healing plastic, Dengue’s genetic imprint, Korean mussel power & Space clean-up. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

A Kyoto University study has revealed, for the first time, how the body produces the “good cholesterol” that can prevent heart disease

High-grade gliomas pose formidable challenge clinically due to poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Principal investigator Prof. Feng-Huei Lin and research scientist Dr. Jason Lin from National Taiwan University have designed a novel injectable gel against high-grade gliomas, which delivers platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents in two stages, including immediate release of carboplatin and delayed release of platinum from platinum-doped calcium carbonate. This time-release gel synergizes subsequent radiotherapy, suppressing tumor relapse while reducing radiation side effects. It offers a promising approach to improving brain cancer treatment.

- A collaborative research team from DGIST, Dankook University, KIST, and Ajou University has successfully developed a multifunctional surface modification technology. - The study findings were published as a cover article in Advanced Healthcare Materials, one of the most prestigious international journals in the field of new materials.

Researchers at National Taiwan University have discovered a versatile enzyme from Bacillus subtilis that efficiently attaches phosphate groups to natural compounds. This breakthrough offers a greener way to boost drug solubility and develop more effective nutraceuticals and prodrugs.

- “CTCeptor” technology demonstrates best performance in circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation across all types of cancers compared to leading devices around the world. - Simultaneously capture circulating tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts with liquid biopsy... Chartering a new chapter in personalized precision diagnostics. - The findings of the study were selected as a cover story in Analytical Chemistry.

- DGIST research team led by Yoonhee Lee successfully fabricated CNT FET high-sensitivity biosensors based on surface tension-induced inkjet printing. - The new technology enables low-cost and large-area fabrication without complicated processes. - It is expected to contribute to fabricating next-generation, high-sensitivity biosensors.

Using optical tweezers, researchers at National Taiwan University observed individual binding events in real time, offering new insights into the molecular regulation of homologous recombination.

Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) 2025 will return from October 16–18 at Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1, uniting government, academia, and industry under the theme “Cross-Domain AI Innovation: Driving the Future with Intelligence.” The event will feature 450 exhibitors presenting nearly 1,100 patented technologies, highlighting Taiwan’s role as a key driver of global innovation.

A customizable protein has been developed to help the body remove harmful cells, such as those involved in cancer or autoimmune diseases, offering a potential new direction for treatments.

To reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability, scholars from the Lingnan University School of Interdisciplinary Studies and their research team have developed a successful new eco-friendly bioplastic material. Unlike conventional plastics, it degrades naturally into harmless water and carbon dioxide in as little as 29 days under ambient conditions, and is a practical way to mitigate global plastic pollution. Their study, “Sustainable DNA-polysaccharide hydrogels as recyclable bioplastics”, was recently published in the respected journal Nature Communications.

Changing the interval between fertility drugs boosts fertility even in rats that typically respond poorly

Recipient Professor Enrico Petretto from Duke-NUS is spearheading groundbreaking research to develop new drugs for lung disease and uncover new therapeutic targets for kidney disease.

- Fully charges a commercial battery in under two hours... Achieves world-class energy efficiency - Enables battery charging inside the body without surgery... Expected to revolutionize future healthcare technology

A research team from National Taiwan University, Academia Sinica, and National Taiwan University Hospital has uncovered a critical connection between a unique RNA molecule and human aging, including early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Echoes of grief, Unexpected mineral, Insulin on edge, Fingerprinting bacteria, Beefing up taste & Power of glass. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

Protein aggregation inhibitor shows lower levels of cell death and paralysis in mice with acute strokes

A new way to grow stem cells may help them release more of the signaling proteins they use to repair tissue, potentially improving future treatments.

Cell sheet preparation for use in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies could be significantly improved with the use of thermo-responsive polymer brushes, adjusted in length and density according to specific cell types

Scientists at National Taiwan University have developed a new microfluidic system that can detect subtle chemical fingerprints from bacteria—helping identify even antibiotic-resistant strains. This technology could help physicians quickly and accurately diagnose infections in hospitals.

Improved production of compounds from methanol and Komagataella phaffii yeast achieved through DNA alteration

SPARK Taiwan has catalyzed innovation, commercialization, and talent development, solidifying Taiwan's position as a rising global leader in biotechnology.

Deep-brain imaging in awake mice reveals how light resets the circadian clock by activating complex SCN neuron networks.

The stem cell-based embryo model and actual human embryos share many characteristics but are distinctly different. However, internationally, not everyone agrees on the definitions and what we should and should not do in using this research model.

Prof. Chii-Shen Yang’s team at National Taiwan University resolved the molecular structure and discovered that HwMR, a light-sensing protein in H. walsbyi, transports magnesium ions using key residues, helping microbes survive extreme conditions.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, detail how clusters of cells detach from primary tumors and penetrate blood-vessel walls to enter the bloodstream, enabling them to establish distal metastases