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An antibiotic has been found to stimulate its own production, a discovery which could make it easier to scale up antibiotic production for commercialisation.
Scientists Dr Emma Sherwood and Professor Mervyn Bibb from the John Innes Centre (JIC) were able to use their discovery of how the antibiotic is naturally produced to markedly increase the level of production. Their findings have been published in PNAS. "We have shown for the first time that an antibiotic with clinical potential can act as signalling molecule to trigger its own synthesis," said Professor Bibb…
Enzyme from wood-eating gribble could help turn waste into biofuel
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that could prove an important step in the quest to turn waste (such as paper, scrap wood and straw) into liquid fuel. To do this they turned to the destructive power of tiny marine wood-borers called ‘gribble’, which have been known to destroy seaside piers. Using advanced biochemical analysis and X-ray imaging techniques, researchers from the University of York, University of Portsmouth and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the USA have determined the…
Join the bioenergy discussion – new toolkit launched
BBSRC has launched a new toolkit to encourage researchers and the general public to engage in a national conversation about bioenergy. The Bioenergy Dialogue Toolkit provides a range of resources including a 'Democs' bioenergy game, potential future scenarios, and guidelines to help people plan and run dialogue events this summer. Patrick Middleton, BBSRC's Head of Engagement, said: "BBSRC is running a national project which will enable us to discuss bioenergy with a wider audience. By taking part you can ensure that…
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Meet the gribbles
Tiny bugs could supply the enzymes needed for modern bioenergy…
From humble beginnings
This is the story of a quirky peptide sequence whose discovery led to the development of a crucial tool for today's biotechnology industry…
Big score for British biofuel technology
Insight, know-how and collaboration lead to multi-million deal…
Fibres of the future
Researchers are looking to the natural world to create a new breed of exotic materials for biomedicine based on silkworm and spider silk…
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