Category Technology/Electronics

This is a bright-field microscopy of Yarrowia lipolytica. Gene editing in this yeast strain will lead to new precursors for biofuels and specialty polymers Credit: University of California, Riverside

CRISPR-Cas9 tool expedites production of biofuel precursors and specialty polymers in living systems. The development will lead to new precursors for biofuels, specialty polymers, adhesives and fragrances. The research involves the oleaginous (oil-producing) yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, which is known for converting sugars to lipids and hydrocarbons that are difficult to make synthetically. Until now, Y. lipolytica has been hard to manipulate at the genetic level, but the application of CRISPR-Cas9 will change that, allowing scientists to tap into its bio-manufacturing potential.

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Dr Jon Prance at the Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre. Credit: Image courtesy of Lancaster University

The 1st ever measurement of the temp of electrons in a nanoelectronic device a few thousandths of a degree above 0K was demonstrated in a joint research project performed by Lancaster University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, and Aivon Ltd. The team managed to make the electrons in a circuit on a silicon chip colder than had previously been achieved. Dr Rich Haley said: “This is a notable achievement in that the team has finally broken through the 4 millikelvin barrier, which has been the record in such structures for over 15 years.”

Although it has long been possible to cool samples of bulk metals even below 1 millikelvin, it has proved very difficult to transfer this t...

The contaminated water (colored water in vials) is drawn through the hybrid membrane by negative pressure; the heavy metal ions (red spheres) bind to the protein fibers in the process. The filtered water is of drinking quality. Credit: Graphics copyright: Bolisetty & Mezzenga, Nature Nanotechnology, 2016

Water pollution is one of today’s most serious global problems. A new water filtration system has been developed that is superior to existing systems at removing various toxic heavy metal ions and radioactive substances from water and can even be used in gold recovery. Prof. Raffaele Mezzenga’s hybrid filter membrane not only has an extremely simple structure, but uses low-cost raw materials, such as whey protein fibres and activated charcoal...

This series of images shows the transformation of a 4D-printed hydrogel composite structure after its submersion in water. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

Materials science, mathematics combine to enable the printing of shapeshifting architectures that mimic the natural movements of plants. Inspired by natural structures like plants, which respond and change their form according to environmental stimuli, the team has unveiled 4D-printed hydrogel composite structures that change shape upon immersion in water.

Mimicking shape changes by plant organs eg tendrils, leaves, and flowers in response to environmental stimuli like humidity and/or temperature, the 4D-printed hydrogel composites developed by Lewis and her team are programmed to contain precise, localized swelling behavior...