Many applications—whether in medicine, biotechnology, or agriculture—require the ability to eliminate unwanted cells, since these can compromise health, reduce productivity, or interfere with desired biological processes. However, doing so without affecting other cells remains a significant challenge. A collaboration of the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg, Akribion Therapeutics in Zwingenberg, as well as the University of Utah and Utah State University in the US, has now resulted in a CRISPR-based tool that can target specific cells based on a recognized transcript, opening up numerous potential uses. The findings were published today in the journal Nature.

A research team has shown that poultry litter biochar can improve radish growth when it is produced under carefully controlled conditions and applied at the right dose.

A research team has uncovered why some tetracycline antibiotics are trapped by biochar faster and more effectively than others: the difference lies in their molecular structure.

A research team has developed a sodium-ion battery anode material by co-recycling spent mobile phone batteries and industrial lignin, turning two problematic waste streams into a functional composite with strong sodium storage performance.

A research team has developed a calcium hydroxide-modified biochar made from discarded Camellia oleifera shells that can simultaneously capture ammonium and phosphate from water, two major drivers of eutrophication.

A research team has developed a hierarchical porous biochar from orange peel waste using a dual Fe/Zn activation strategy, creating a low-cost adsorbent that removes methylene blue from water quickly and efficiently.