Urban heat islands may not be as extreme in temperature and variability as some surface-temperature-based maps suggest.

University of Utah bioengineer Russell Stewart as long studied caddisfly silk, which contain adhesives that work underwater , in search of a compound for use in the human body in medical applications. Now the genetics of caddisflies’ evolutionary superpower is coming into focus, providing science with new clues for developing bioadhesives.

A study published on the Journal of Hepathology by Genespire and SR-TIGET shows durable preclinical efficacy of liver-directed gene therapy for Methylmalonic Acidemia (MAA), a severe inherited metabolic disorder. The study shows that ISLV-directed delivery of the MMUT gene produced durable therapeutic benefits in mouse models. Accordin to these evidence, Genespire is progressing its lead asset for MMA, GENE202, towards the clinic.

A few tears may someday reveal important clues about a person’s neurological health. Researchers reporting in ACS Omega developed a low-cost electrochemical sensor designed to detect dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in movement, learning, motivation, and emotional regulation. They tested the device using artificial human tears, where it accurately detected a range of dopamine concentrations. The technology could support the development of new tools for monitoring Parkinson’s disease and other conditions linked to atypical dopamine levels. 

For the next four years, the new project ORIGIN - Optimized Routing and Industrial Generation of Ingredients from Nature – will use advanced Biotechnology to transform the way Europe produces natural ingredients used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, medicines, and fragrances, with a funding of 5.5M€ by the Horizon Europe program.