Biotech

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a non-precious metal catalyst for the efficient hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural to valuable tetrahydrofuran-based compounds under mild conditions. The catalyst, consisting of nickel carbide nanoparticles supported on alumina, achieved 90% furfural conversion under ambient hydrogen pressure. This result will help advance the development of energy-efficient, cost-effective processes for the conversion of biomass to valuable materials.

- A DGIST research team led by Prof. Jiwon Um has revealed that brain inflammation affects nerve cells and synapses, causing repetitive behaviors. - The research is expected to provide new clues for the treatment of brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.

Rapid, isothermal SPR assay using AuNPs and triplex DNA nanoswitches for ultra-sensitive, non-invasive detection of bladder cancer–associated miRNAs.

- DGIST Prof. Yea Kyungmoo and team significantly improve fatty liver, inflammation, and fibrosis in cellular and animal disease models using exosome surface/internal engineering - Therapy displays high biocompatibility, maximizing treatment efficiency as liver-specific drug delivery - Research results are published in the internationally acclaimed journal Biomaterials

- A joint research team from DGIST and Kyungpook National University has developed a tailored protein adapter technology for the surface modification of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) - Recognized for its precision drug delivery platform capable of attaching diverse therapeutics, the study was published as a supplementary cover article in ACS Nano

A joint team from National Taiwan University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has developed a novel hydrogel actuator whose movement can be programmed using UV light, enabling precise spatial control of thermoresponsive deformation for presenting a potential application in soft robotics and in vitro muscle models.

New light-powered DNA detection enables more accessible, affordable genetic analysis

Phosphorylation of tau protein triggers the formation of phase-separated liquid droplets of tau, known as liquid-liquid phase separation, in a temperature-dependent and reversible mechanism. The modified tau protein (p-tau) had a looser and more flexible shape, as shown by advanced protein analysis. Intracellular tau aggregation formed surrounding the cell nucleus only when cells were treated with this form of tau, similar to what is seen in Alzheimer’s disease brains.

Understanding this molecular arms race between viruses and plant defenses is essential for developing innovative disease-resistance strategies in agriculture.

We created novel artificial cells by encapsulating a riboswitch-gene fusion with wheat germ extract in liposomes. These non-living cells promoted the expression of a glowing protein encoded in the gene in response to an external target at room temperature. They (precisely, a riboswitch in them) can be rationally designed for a user-defined target, allowing a cocktail of artificial cells (each group has a specific riboswitch-gene fusion) to simultaneously detect multiple targets with different glowing proteins.

Constructed strain achieves record-high yield from methanol, advancing eco-friendly biomanufacturing

Filipino researchers found that traditional "tapuy" rice wine making yields a potential superfood rich in anti-aging compounds and antioxidants.

Gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells can guide treatment options, and machine learning can rapidly guess the existence of gene mutations based on images of leukemia cells.

Researchers at National Taiwan University have unveiled an innovative diagnostic tool that significantly improves the speed and accuracy of detecting bacterial infections.

Coronavirus 229E is the earliest reported human coronavirus (hCoV-229E). Here, the authors used cryo-EM, glycoproteomics, and modeling to generate the atomic structure of fully glycosylated and membrane-bound hCoV-229E spike protein bound to its host receptor, human aminopeptidase N (hAPN).

Hyperspectral imaging and AI can identify individuals using blood vessels in palms

Food waste accounts for about 30 per cent of Hong Kong's municipal solid waste in landfills, negatively impacting environmental ecology and wasting recyclable organic materials. To address this issue, the Zeshan Foundation has funded A Plastic Ocean Foundation in collaboration with academic partner Lingnan University’s Science Unit, and strategic partner Gaw Capital People’s Place, to launch an innovative food waste processing programme in April - the Bi-Loop Nature-Based Food Waste Regeneration Pilot Programme (the programme).

For International Women's Day, we have prepared a list of women experts who have agreed to share their expertise with journalists. Their expertise include AI, astronomy, medicine and public health, sustainability, women’s rights, and more.

Cryo-electron microscopy reveals molecular structure of twin motors that power mycoplasma’s ability to glide

Lingnan University held its inaugural Technology Transfer Forum today, 28 February, at the Qianhai International Talent Hub in Shenzhen. Supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission, the forum focused on “Building a Smart Future for Sustainability”. It brought together over 160 government officials, leading scholars, and industry pioneers from Hong Kong and Mainland China to explore the latest research and practical applications in the four cutting-edge technological areas of New Energy, New Material, New Data, and New Humanity.

Advancement in veterinary regenerative medicine can help domestic and endangered wild cats alike

Asteroid contains life’s building blocks, How fish detect color, Eco-friendly artificial muscles, Cell imaging gets a glow-up, Quantum gem, Healing skin with milkfish. Plus the 2025 Magazine is here, Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Replacing chemical phosphorus and nitrogen with sustainable sources

Gel-based sample pre-fractionation leads to detailed proteoform analysis with mass spectrometry

At Duke-NUS Medical School scientists are pioneering breakthroughs in precision medicine and regenerative therapies, targeting everything from muscle loss to dramatically extending our years of health.

Ultrasound charging for biomedical devices penetrates the body better and researchers have shown that the receiver’s shape improves energy transfer.

Inspired by elephants, researchers grow fungus in elephant-skin patterns to create better insulation for buildings.

A newly designed model system simulates how viruses exit cells, offering potential advancements in targeted drug delivery and biotechnology.

A new treatment with iron nanoparticles and nitric oxide gas shows promise in destroying oral cancer cells.

Technology uses biomass-derived compounds and ammonia to produce an eco-friendly alternative plastic