Broad host range (BHR) synthetic biology aims to capitalize on a wide range of microbial phenotypes to expand biodesign applications not confined to traditional model organisms.

In a recent paper published in National Science Review, an international team of scientists reveal how the first apex predators grew. Amplectobelua symbrachiata, an ocean-dwelling relative of modern arthropods (such as spiders, lobsters and horseshoe crabs), was among the largest animals in the ocean over 500 million years ago. Using a combination of analytical methods and collecting data from hundreds of fossil specimens from the famous Chengjiang deposits of China, the team demonstrated that the fearsome feeding appendages grew isometrically – the largest ones have the same proportions as the smallest. In addition, by looking at the size-frequency distributions of the appendages, the authors were able to demonstrate that Amplectobelua symbrachiata was an extremely active marine predator that grew more rapidly than its modern relatives.

On March 11, 2023, a new editorial perspective was published in Oncotarget, entitled, “C/EBPβ cooperates with MYB to maintain the oncogenic program of AML cells.”

Translational regenerative medicine is a dynamic and rapidly advancing field that requires multi-disciplinary research approaches to develop innovative clinical solutions, therapies, and devices to improve human health and well-being. Dr Xin ZHAO, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Associate Professor in Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is at the forefront of this field. 

In clinical trials, only an estimated 10% of medications that have undergone animal testing prove to be effective, as the variation between species complicates the application of data from animal studies to humans.

Inspired by the art of paper cutting, the team from Zhejiang University has developed an alveolar microphysiological system that can simulate respiratory control of local deformation with a biomimetic alveolar basement membrane.

This innovative approach has established a connection between data from animal experiments and clinical trials, opening up a new research pathway for alveolar drug screening and the exploration of alveolar physiological and pathological mechanisms.