University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors allow researchers to see how products form in real time in microorganisms, and to test billions of candidates at a time Synthetic biologists are learning to turn microbes and unicellular organisms into highly productive factories by re-engineering their metabolism to produce valued commodities such as fine chemicals, therapeutics and biofuels. To

Cells could be exploited to treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis A stem cell capable of regenerating both bone and cartilage has been identified in bone marrow of mice. The discovery by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) is reported today in the online issue of the journal Cell. The cells, called osteochondroreticular (OCR) stem cells,

It’s not often that you see a new product which caters to a potentially massive market, but that’s what the Waistband Amplifer does – available in six different levels, the tiny belt-mounted speaker offers up to 10 watts of amplification to broadcast your voice, or any audio source (SD/MMC card, MP3, iPod, etc) to the

New biodegradable ‘plastic’ is tough, flexible The quest to keep plastic out of landfills and simultaneously satisfy the needs of the food industry is filled with obstacles. A biodegradable replacement for petroleum-based products has to meet all sorts of standards and, so far, attempts at viable replacements from renewable sources have faced limited success due

Zero-day infections are common Antivirus software running on your computer has one big weak point – if a new virus is released before the antivirus provider knows about it or before the next scheduled antivirus software update, your system can be infected. Such zero-day infections are common. However, a key recent development in antivirus software

An artificial leaf that captures solar energy and uses it efficiently to change water into hydrogen fuel Producing an artificial leaf capable of harnessing Mother Nature’s ability to produce energy from sunlight and water via photosynthesis has been a long-sought goal for researchers aspiring to provide an environmentally-friendly way to free to world of its

Creating surfaces that are self-cleaning and water-repellant Just as a chameleon changes its color to blend in with its environment, Duke University engineers have demonstrated for the first time that they can alter the texture of plastics on demand, for example, switching back and forth between a rough surface and a smooth one. By applying