Research Keyword: synthetic biology

Biosecurity Assessments for Emerging Transdisciplinary Biotechnologies: Revisiting Biodefense in an Age of Synthetic Biology

This article examines how scientists and policymakers are working to ensure that powerful new biotechnology tools are used safely and securely. As genetic engineering and artificial intelligence become more accessible, frameworks are needed to identify potential risks while allowing beneficial research to continue. The authors discuss three emerging areas—microbiome therapies, biohybrid materials, and AI applications—and explain how existing safety frameworks may need updating to address new types of risks beyond traditional biological weapons concerns.

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Quantitative Characterization of Gene Regulatory Circuits Associated With Fungal Secondary Metabolism to Discover Novel Natural Products

Scientists developed a special technology using tiny channels and fluorescent markers to understand how fungi control their genes that produce valuable compounds. By precisely measuring how different genes turn on and off in individual fungal cells, they can now predict and control when and how much of useful medicines and other bioactive molecules are made. They successfully used this knowledge to create new pathways that produce novel compounds, including new types of dendrobine molecules never seen before.

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Biosynthesis of mushroom-derived type II ganoderic acids by engineered yeast

Scientists successfully engineered baker’s yeast to produce ganoderic acids, potent anti-cancer compounds from medicinal mushrooms, at much higher levels than found in farmed mushrooms. By identifying key enzymes responsible for converting simpler compounds into active ganoderic acids, researchers created yeast strains that produce these valuable compounds 100-10,000 times more efficiently than traditional mushroom farming. This breakthrough could make these expensive medicinal compounds more accessible and affordable for medical research and potential drug development.

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Fungal Innovations—Advancing Sustainable Materials, Genetics, and Applications for Industry

Fungi can be engineered to create sustainable, eco-friendly materials for construction, textiles, and packaging. Using advanced genetic tools and controlled growing conditions, scientists can customize fungal materials to have specific properties like flexibility or rigidity. These mycelium-based materials are biodegradable, renewable, and offer promising alternatives to traditional synthetic and conventional materials, helping reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products.

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Recent Advances in Biosynthesis Technology and Future Functional Foods

Scientists are using engineered microorganisms and advanced fermentation techniques to create healthy food ingredients in a sustainable way. This editorial highlights seven studies showing how these biotechnology approaches improve functional foods, from creating probiotic strains and preserving fish to developing nutrient-enriched biscuits and discovering natural compounds with protective health effects. These innovations offer practical solutions for making foods healthier while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

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Fungal Innovations—Advancing Sustainable Materials, Genetics, and Applications for Industry

Fungi can be engineered to create sustainable, eco-friendly materials that could replace traditional plastics and leather. Scientists are using advanced genetic tools to control how fungi grow and what they produce, enabling the creation of customized materials with specific properties. These fungal-based materials are biodegradable, require less water and energy to produce, and show promise for applications in packaging, clothing, and building materials. With improved manufacturing processes and genetic engineering, fungi could revolutionize how we make everyday products.

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Bacterial Cellulose for Scalable and Sustainable Bio-Gels in the Circular Economy

Bacterial cellulose is a naturally produced material that offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastics and synthetic fabrics. Scientists are developing efficient ways to produce it using waste products from food and agricultural industries through fermentation with special bacteria. This approach not only creates useful materials for textiles, packaging, and medical applications but also helps reduce environmental waste. The technology is advancing rapidly with genetic engineering techniques that can increase production yields and customize the material properties for different uses.

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