Living synthetic cells have been created. Free Technical Library News

NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

Living synthetic cells created

24.09.2022

Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK have taken a big step forward in the field of synthetic biology. Scientists have developed a system that performs several key functions of a living cell, including energy generation and gene expression.

Scientists have previously focused on getting artificial cells to perform a single function, such as gene expression, enzyme catalysis, or ribozyme activity. If scientists unlock the secret to individually creating and programming artificial cells that can more closely mimic life, it could open up a myriad of possibilities in everything from manufacturing to medicine.

While some engineers are focusing on redesigning the cells themselves, others are looking for ways to cut existing cells down to fragments that can then be redesigned into something relatively new.

To accomplish this latest bottom-up bioengineering feat, the researchers used two bacterial colonies, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These two bacteria were mixed with empty microdroplets in a viscous liquid. One population was captured inside the drops, and the other was captured on the surface of the drops.

The scientists then cut open the membranes of the bacteria by immersing the colonies in lysozyme (an enzyme) and melittin (a polypeptide derived from bee venom). The bacteria spit out their contents, which were captured by the droplets to create membrane-covered protocells.

Scientists have demonstrated that cells are capable of complex processing, such as the production of the energy storage molecule ATP through glycolysis, and the transcription and translation of genes.

"Our approach to the assembly of living material makes it possible to create symbiotic living / synthetic cell constructs from the bottom up. For example, using engineered bacteria, it will be possible to produce complex modules for development in the diagnostic and therapeutic areas of synthetic biology, as well as in biomanufacturing and biotechnology in general," - noted the first author, chemist Can Xu.

In the future, this kind of synthetic cell technology could be used to improve the production of ethanol for the biofuel and food industries. In addition, such artificial cells can be programmed for photosynthesis, like purple bacteria, or for generating energy from chemicals, like sulfate-reducing bacteria do.

<< Back: Washer-dryer TCL Twin Cabin Q10 25.09.2022

>> Forward: MSI SPATIUM M570 PCIe 5.0 SSD 24.09.2022

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

The existence of an entropy rule for quantum entanglement has been proven 09.05.2024

Quantum mechanics continues to amaze us with its mysterious phenomena and unexpected discoveries. Recently, Bartosz Regula from the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing and Ludovico Lamy from the University of Amsterdam presented a new discovery that concerns quantum entanglement and its relation to entropy. Quantum entanglement plays an important role in modern quantum information science and technology. However, the complexity of its structure makes understanding and managing it challenging. Regulus and Lamy's discovery shows that quantum entanglement follows an entropy rule similar to that for classical systems. This discovery opens new perspectives in the field of quantum information science and technology, deepening our understanding of quantum entanglement and its connection to thermodynamics. The results of the study indicate the possibility of reversibility of entanglement transformations, which could greatly simplify their use in various quantum technologies. Opening a new rule ... >>

Mini air conditioner Sony Reon Pocket 5 09.05.2024

Summer is a time for relaxation and travel, but often the heat can turn this time into an unbearable torment. Meet a new product from Sony - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-air conditioner, which promises to make summer more comfortable for its users. Sony has introduced a unique device - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-conditioner, which provides body cooling on hot days. With it, users can enjoy coolness anytime, anywhere by simply wearing it around their neck. This mini air conditioner is equipped with automatic adjustment of operating modes, as well as temperature and humidity sensors. Thanks to innovative technologies, Reon Pocket 5 adjusts its operation depending on the user's activity and environmental conditions. Users can easily adjust the temperature using a dedicated mobile app connected via Bluetooth. Additionally, specially designed T-shirts and shorts are available for convenience, to which a mini air conditioner can be attached. The device can oh ... >>

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Clay XNUMXD Printing 27.05.2009

American materials scientists managed to make XNUMXD printing cheaper.

Three-dimensional printing, that is, the production of three-dimensional objects from a computer model using a special printer, is a very interesting technology. Today it is used not only for designing machine parts or making individual prostheses: sculptors and museum workers have also begun to be interested in the possibility of creating small editions of works of art.

As a result, there are more and more students who come to learn how to work with such equipment. This means that the need for consumables is increasing, and they are expensive.

“We are now spending up to $4000 a quarter to buy branded clay for such a printer. This is too much for our budget. In fifteen years of operation, we have spent so much money on consumables that the initial cost of a printer - $ 20 - seems now just ridiculous " says Mark Gunter of the University of Washington.

To keep costs down, he and his colleagues created clay-based compositions for artists. Store-bought sugar and maltodextrin were added to it. As a result, the cost of consumables has decreased by fifty times, and working with them is no worse than with branded ones.

Well, if the printer still breaks down, scientists will repair it with their own hands - the guarantee will be lost. But cheap material is indispensable for teaching students.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews