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‘Biology is a manufacturing capability’

(New Scientist) How is synthetic biology different from biotechnology? The main difference is the degree of control. Engineers want their inventions to be as predictable and free from complexity as possible. That’s what makes the approach of equipping living things with standardised DNA modules called BioBricks – of which some 15,000  Read More »

New findings on killer bacteria’s defence

(Lund University) New research from Lund University casts new light on the interaction between the immune system and streptococcus bacteria, which cause both mild tonsillitis and serious infections such as sepsis and necrotising fasciitis. The way in which antibodies attach to the bacteria is linked to how serious the disease is.

Gene-altered mosquitoes could be used vs. dengue

(Southeast Missourian) Mosquito control officials in the Florida Keys are waiting for the federal government to sign off on an experiment that would release hundreds of thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce the risk of dengue fever in the tourist town of Key West. If approved by the Food and  Read More »

USDA Updates Food Safety Research Priorities

(Global Biodefense) USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has updated research priorities relevant to FSIS regulated products. The list provides useful guidance for grant preparation to agencies that fund food safety research, such as the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and for academic researchers and private foundations.

Preparing for bioterrorism

(EurekAlert) A new book, Preparing for Bioterrorism, written by Gigi Kwik Gronvall and published by the Center for Biosecurity of UPMC, tells the story of some of the important biosecurity projects funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and how they left the nation better prepared to deal with bioterrorism. Each  Read More »