biotechnology | TechieTonics

Protein FAM110A’s Role in Cell Division Unveiled: Microtubule-Actin Interaction During Mitosis

July 21, 2024July 21, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

An international research collaboration led by Prof. Dr. Robert Grosse, Dr. Libor Macurek, and Dr. Zdenek Lansky has uncovered a new mechanism of crosstalk between microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton during cell division. They revealed unique characteristics of the previously unexplored protein FAM110A, enhancing understanding of critical processes related to developmental disorders and cancer.

Book Review: The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma is written by Mustafa Suleyman along with the researcher Michael Bhaskar in 2023. Before reviewing the book, I’d like to mention Suleyman views that I came across in one of his interviews with The Guardian. The following lines cover almost everything that is mentioned in the book – The Coming Wave.

Brain-like Artificial System: Dendristor to Mimic Brain’s Dendritic Computations

July 8, 2024July 9, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology is expanding its tentacles rapidly across globe, engineers around the world are designing new types of computer architectures and hardware. One interesting aspect of most brain-inspired technologies developed so far is that researchers focus on mimicking how neurons fire (i.e., send electrical signals) rather than replicating the entire structure of the brain.

UmboMic Revolutionizes Cochlear Implants with PVDF Technology

July 4, 2024July 4, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

What if a microphone, which is fabricated from a flexible material can be placed inside our ear, to be more specific, directly on the eardrum? This biocompatible sensor will pick up sounds and sends them to a tiny amplifier, which makes the sounds loud enough to be processed by a cochlear implant. Doesn’t it sound like a boon for those who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Interview: Dr. Laura E. Newman, a Cell Biologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, US

May 21, 2024May 22, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

Meet Dr. Laura E. Newman, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, United States. Her research delves into the intriguing role of mitochondria—these tiny powerhouses that were once ancient bacteria now living inside our cells—as crucial regulators of cellular signaling.

Interview: Dr. Shoji Takeuchi, a Biohybrid Systems Scientist at The University of Tokyo, Japan

March 25, 2024May 31, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

Welcome to our chat with Dr. Shoji Takeuchi, a Biohybrid Systems Scientist rocking it at The University of Tokyo. Dr. Takeuchi’s research covers a bunch of cool stuff like Biohybrid Systems, MEMS, Microfluidics, Tissue Engineering, and Artificial Cell Membrane. Basically, he’s all about blending biology and tech to create awesome bio-hybrid systems.

Artificial Life: Researchers Forge New Building Blocks

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

Researchers at the University of Cologne (UoC) have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by creating artificial nucleotides. Nucleotides forms the building blocks of DNA. So, if we go by the research, the innovative development will make way for potential advancements in genetic engineering as well as molecular biology.

Evolution of Life’s Molecular Systems: Insights into the Rise of Nanomachines

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

Researchers at Université de Montréal (UdeM) have made a significant discovery regarding the evolution of molecular systems crucial to the development of life. Through the linking of molecules, they have uncovered insights into the emergence of intricate self-regulating mechanisms. Alexis Vallée-Bélisle, a professor at UdeM and the lead researcher of the investigation, explained that life’s sustenance on our planet stems from myriad nanostructures. These nanomachines have undergone evolution over countless years.

Biofilm Microstructure Could Enhance Pathogenic Infection Control: Microbial Ecology

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

Generally, bacteria are envisioned as tiny, single-cell organisms scattered thinly on surfaces or floating in liquids. However, in various settings, bacteria prefer to grow in clusters known as biofilms. The formation of biofilms provides certain advantages to bacteria. In these clusters, bacteria can collaborate and create a protective environment that enhances their survival and growth. Biofilms, while aiding in kombucha tea production, present a challenge by complicating the control of bacterial growth. When bacteria form a biofilm, it acts like a protective shield, making the cells resistant to antibiotics.

Mitochondrial Energy Crisis: Unraveling the Alzheimer’s Puzzle

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 Pooja Kashyap

Brain cells crave immense energy to survive and communicate through connections known as synapses. These cells are like energy enthusiasts, which are busy in making way through synapses. But, in the Alzheimer’s scenario, it’s like they’re facing an energy crisis. This messes up their power production. And so, it leads to crumbling down of the synapses and consequently, our fresh memories slowly slip away.

Gut Defense: Microbiome Blocks Pathogens’ Nutrient Access

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

Deep within our stomach, a lively neighborhood thrives. The community is known as the gut microbiome. It is housing hundreds of bacterial species. The fascinating world of the gut microbiome steps up to shield us from nasty invaders called pathogens. Details of its protective powers have been a bit fuzzy until now. Scientists have been tackling and exploring which bacterial players hold the secret to its protective magic.

PPAP53: A Game-Changer in Tuberculosis Treatment

December 12, 2023December 12, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

Recently, Prof. Bernd Plietker and his team at the Organic Chemistry I lab, TUD, came up with this group of natural substances called polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinols, or simply PPAP. The interesting part is its derivative called PPAP53. Since, it has got some serious potential in the world of medicinal chemistry.

Wearable Ultrasound Patch for Real-Time Monitoring

November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

Researchers at MIT have developed a wearable ultrasound patch that images organs without requiring an operator or gel. The team has successfully demonstrated that the patch can, not only accurately images, but it can also gauge the fullness of the bladder. This innovation has the potential to assist patients with bladder or kidney disorders. As it can monitor their organ function with greater convenience.

LNP Formulation: To Transform Production of mRNA Therapeutics

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

The mRNA vaccines were made within no time during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, highlighting the importance of tiny fat particles or the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in medicine. LNPs are like special cars for delicate RNA treatments and vaccines. They not only shield the RNA (from degradation), but they also make sure it gets to its targeted location.

Decoding the Immune System’s GPS: How Cells Find Their Way Through Molecular Mazes

September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

Immune system’s ability to distinguish between infections and inflammation is pretty much fascinating. The combination of mechanisms and signals is quite intrigue. And scientists feel there is much to explore. This clearly shows how sophisticated our body’s defense mechanisms are. Our immune system has been protecting us from a wide range of threats. And yet at the same time evolving over a span of millions of years.