Many natural products have been isolated from sea sponges, although the molecules themselves originate from bacteria living within the sponge. Now researchers have told the ACS Spring 2022 meeting that Pacific Axinella sponges themselves – and not their symbiotic bacteria – are capable of synthesising a range of terpene-derived compounds.
Belgian chemical major Solvay is currently reviewing plans to split into two independent publicly listed companies, provisionally named EssentialCo and SpecialtyCo, in a move designed to sharpen strategic focus and optimise growth opportunities.
UK technology developer Centillion Technology, a spin-out company from Cranfield University, has secured funding from the RNA Readiness and Response programme of Wellcome Leap and CEPI to develop new manufacturing technologies for production of RNA based drug products including mRNA vaccines.
In a world first, a PET scan has imaged dysfunctional protein clumps in patients with a Parkinson’s-like disease. This should allow for earlier diagnosis of a rare brain disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA).
US biotech Moderna has signed an agreement with Kenya for the construction of Africa’s first messenger RNA (mRNA) facility. The news comes amid concerns vaccine production in the continent is being hampered by high production costs, quality assurance issues and poor vaccine market regulation.
US scientists have genetically engineered an edible algal species to make therapeutic proteins. The cyanobacteria spirulina (Athrospira platensis) is the only microorganism commercially farmed as food worldwide and is often sold in health food stores. Its protein content is greater than all other food crops, the researchers note, making it a strong candidate for producing large amounts of therapeutic proteins.
A fire-retardant coating to protect wooden parts of buildings from fire damage could make homes safer. It promises to save lives by reducing heat release and smoke production, a team from Texas A&M University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US, told the ACS Spring 2022 Meeting.
Scientists have reported an enzyme capable of breaking down one of the building blocks of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used in single-use plastic bottles, carpets and clothing. Most PET and other plastic waste currently ends up in landfills. It is hoped the research will lead to more plastics recycling into useful chemicals.
Scientists have invented a non-invasive chip-based system able to accurately sniff out lung cancer cells. The chip contains live roundworms Caenorhabditis elegans that migrate towards cancer-containing cells and might one day be able to detect early-stage lung cancer, researchers told the ACS Spring 2022 Meeting.
Researchers have developed a freely available software system to accelerate the development of diagnostic assays (Nature Commun., doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-29101-1).