Engineered E. coli produces natural sunscreen compound gadusol

May 13, 2026

由 AI 报道

Researchers have modified bacteria to manufacture gadusol, a UV-protective substance found in fish eggs. The advance could support development of transparent, eco-friendly sunscreens. The work was led by a team at Jiangnan University in China.

A team led by Ping Zhang inserted genes from zebrafish into Escherichia coli. The bacteria gained the enzymes needed to make gadusol, which occurs naturally in small amounts in the eggs of zebrafish, salmon and sturgeon as well as in coral. By using small RNA molecules and adjusting growth conditions, the scientists raised output nearly 93 times to 4.2 grams per litre of medium from an earlier 45.2 milligrams per litre.

Lab illustration of madecassic acid from Centella skincare inhibiting drug-resistant E. coli bacteria.

Study finds madecassic acid, a Centella compound used in skincare, can inhibit drug-resistant E. coli in lab tests

April 21, 2026 由 AI 报道 AI 生成的图像事实核查

Researchers at the University of Kent, working with University College London, report that madecassic acid—a compound derived from the medicinal herb Centella asiatica and widely used in skincare—can inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli by targeting a bacterial respiratory system not found in humans or other animals.

Scientists engineer probiotic bacteria to target mouse tumors

Researchers at Shandong University have modified the probiotic bacterium Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to produce the anticancer drug Romidepsin directly in tumors. In mouse models of breast cancer, the engineered bacteria accumulated in tumors and released the drug. The findings were published on March 17 in PLOS Biology.

Engineered algae removes microplastics from water

May 12, 2026 由 AI 报道

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a modified strain of algae that captures microplastics from contaminated water by producing an orange-scented oil. The process also cleans wastewater and could support bioplastic production.

科学

Researchers create 'zombie' cells from dead bacteria

技术

UC San Diego researchers describe a gene-drive-like CRISPR system designed to reduce antibiotic resistance in bacteria

健康

Scientists uncover bacterial mechanism for spreading antibiotic resistance

Scientists identify body's natural off switch for inflammation

Researchers at University College London have discovered how the body naturally shuts down inflammation using fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins. These molecules prevent the buildup of immune cells linked to chronic diseases like arthritis and heart disease. A study involving a drug that boosts these molecules showed faster pain relief and reduced harmful immune activity.

Scientists develop lipid-coated nanopores for enhanced blue energy

March 10, 2026 由 AI 报道

Researchers at EPFL have created a new membrane using lipid-coated nanopores that boosts the efficiency of blue energy production from mixing saltwater and freshwater. The innovation allows ions to pass through more smoothly, generating up to three times more power than existing technologies. This advance could make osmotic energy a more viable renewable source.

May 10, 2026 08:19