Category Biology/Biotechnology

The structure of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Human TERT contains four key domains: the telomerase essential N-terminal (TEN) domain; the TERT RNA binding (TRB) domain; the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain and the C-terminal extension (CTE) domain.

Researchers from several institutions, including, UCLA, Boston University, Stanford University and the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife, analyzed blood samples from nearly 10,000 people to find that genetic markers in the gene responsible for keeping telomeres (tips of chromosomes) youthfully longer, did not translate into a younger biologic age as measured by changes in proteins coating the DNA.

DNA methylation age is a biomarker of chronological age and predicts lifespan, but its underlying molecular mechan...

Bacteria play a critical role in the development of colon cancer, new research suggests. Credit: Elizabeth Cook

Patients with an inherited form of colon cancer harbor two bacterial species that collaborate to encourage development of the disease, and the same species have been found in people who develop a sporadic form of colon cancer, a study led by a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy research team finds. A second study in mice published concurrently by the same researchers shows a possible mechanism behind how one of these species spurs a specific type of immune response, promoting – instead of inhibiting – the formation of malignant tumors...

Printing a liquid-filled foam and including living cells. Credit: Image courtesy of University of Twente

Using a new technique they call ‘in-air microfluidics’, University of Twente scientists succeed in printing 3D structures with living cells. This special technique enable the fast and ‘in-flight’ production of micro building blocks that are viable and can be used for repairing damaged tissue, for example.

Microfluidics is all about manipulating tiny drops of fluid with sizes between a micrometer and a millimeter. Most often, chips with tiny fluidic channels, reactors and other components are used for this: lab-on-a-chip systems...

Credit: Aleo BME A biopolymer liquid bandage for wound care

Biomaterials and medical device company Aleo BME has received notification from the U.S. Federal Drug Administration that it has been approved for the sale and licensing of ElaSkinTM as a liquid bandage for the protection and treatment of a broad set of skin conditions and injuries. ElaSkin’sTM development validates Aleo BME’s approach to biopolymer production and characterization and demonstrates an ability to enter critical regulated markets and produce medical devices that can benefit large patient populations.

The compelling features of ElaSkinTM include: transparency, elasticity, clean and easy removal, water resistance, rapid drying, bacterial impermeability and the sensation of true protection...