Biotech Updates

Using computational models of protein interactions, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab and Center for Bits and Atoms have designed a peptide that binds to coronavirus proteins and shuttles them into a cellular pathway that breaks them down. The researchers say this peptide has potential as a treatment that would prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from reproducing itself within infected cells.

GM Yeast Found to Effectively Control Tsetse Flies

Molecular biologists from Goethe University found a way to potentially produce cheaper tsetse fly traps using genetically modified (GM) brewer's yeast. This breakthrough may help manage sleeping sickness that devastates the cattle industry in rural parts of Africa.

Experts Report a Multi-functional Genome Editing Method for Plants

Experts from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences introduced a new technique called CRISPR simultaneous and wide-editing induced by a single system (SWISS), which allows multi-functional genome editing in plants. The detailed description of SWISS is published in Genome Biology.

Redefinition and Harmonization in Biotech Regulation Necessary, Experts Say

Several regulatory frameworks are no longer applicable, thus there's a need to redefine regulatory approach for biotechnology to maximize its potential and benefits. This is according to Dr. Markus Wyss, Strain Director of DSM Switzerland's Global Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management and one of the speakers in the ISAAA Webinar Genome Editing 101: Healthcare and Industrial Applications and Regulations held via Zoom on June 19, 2020.