Understanding how Cells Function at the Nanoscale
Posted 9th November 2016 by Jane Williams
Advances in genomics and proteomics have provided a wealth of information in biology. This has boosted so-called ‘big data’ bioinformatics approaches to unravelling gene expression patterns in health and disease.
Better quantitative PCR through Statistics
Posted 7th November 2016 by Jane Williams
At the qPCR and Digital PCR Congress: USA in Philadelphia, I participated in a discussion of the role of droplet volume dispersion in dPCR methods.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Powerful, Specific Modulators of the gut Microbiota
Posted 4th November 2016 by Jane Williams
The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms (gut microbiota) that make up a complex ecological community with many more bacterial cells than the total number of human cells. Most of the bacteria in the gut are harmless or beneficial and protect against pathogens, extract nutrients and energy from our diet, and contribute to immune regulatory functions. [1]
Microbes: a tiny but powerful tool
Posted 2nd November 2016 by Jane Williams
Crop yield gains over the last century largely resulted from advancements in biotechnology, coupled with extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. But what if we could increase crop yields while reducing our dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides?
New tools to combat an old foe
Posted 31st October 2016 by Jane Williams
Plants are the basis of all life on earth, and the well-being of all humans is entirely dependent on them. Since the dawn of humanity, plants have at one time or another provided all of the essential things we need to survive: clean air, clean water, food, clothing, and shelter from the elements. Without plants, there can be no food security.
TX-TL for Synthetic Biology Applications
Posted 28th October 2016 by Jane Williams
From 1996 to 2000, Vincent Noireaux worked in the laboratory of Jacques Prost at the Curie Institute. He joined the laboratory of Albert Libchaber at the Rockefeller University following the completion of his PhD, and in 2005, moved to the University of Minnesota, where he currently works. We spoke with Vincent about his thoughts on the future of synthetic biology, existing bottlenecks and his own work adapting TX-TL for synthetic biology applications.
5 things to consider when studying water quality
Posted 26th October 2016 by Jane Williams
When you think about water, what comes to your mind? Is it a glass of water from your kitchen sink, or the pool you swim in on holiday? Is it puddles from a rainy day, or the lake where you go swimming?
Links Between Obesity and the Gut Microbiome: What do They Mean for Therapeutics?
Posted 24th October 2016 by Jane Williams
Obesity affects 600 million people globally, but the range of available treatments is limited. Recent findings that demonstrate a relationship between the gut microbiome and obesity have brought new hope that bacteria-based therapeutics might offer novel treatments.