생명공학

Researchers in Israel have used CRISPR gene editing to deactivate a gene that produces bitter chemicals in grapefruit, potentially making the fruit more appealing to consumers. This innovation could expand the market for citrus and combat the devastating citrus greening disease by enabling cold-hardy, edible varieties. The approach aims to shift citrus farming to temperate regions like northern Europe.

2026년 01월 29일 AI에 의해 보고됨

Researchers have created a detailed brain organoid mimicking the developing cerebral cortex, complete with blood vessels that closely resemble those in a real brain. This advance addresses a key limitation in lab-grown mini-brains, potentially allowing them to survive longer and provide deeper insights into neurological conditions. The organoid, grown from human stem cells, features evenly distributed vessels with hollow centers, marking a significant step forward in brain research.

중국 바이오테크 기업 SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals가 스위스 제약 대기업 노바티스와 약 17억 달러 규모의 파트너십을 체결해 전 세계 5천5백만 명에게 영향을 미치는 알츠하이머병 치료제를 개발한다. 이 계약은 노바티스에게 진행성 뇌 질환에 대한 SciNeuro의 항체 후보 물질을 개발하고 상업화할 전 세계 독점권을 부여한다. SciNeuro의 신규 아밀로이드 베타 표적 항체 프로그램은 독점 혈뇌장벽 셔틀 기술을 활용해 알츠하이머 손상이 발생하는 뇌로 더 많은 약물이 통과하도록 돕는다.

2026년 01월 09일 AI에 의해 보고됨

Researchers have produced the most detailed maps yet of how human DNA folds and reorganizes in three dimensions and over time. This work, led by scientists at Northwestern University as part of the 4D Nucleome Project, highlights how genome architecture influences gene activity and disease risk. The findings, published in Nature, could accelerate the discovery of genetic mutations linked to illnesses like cancer.