Ginkgo Bioworks

A retrospective cohort study on 587 NSCLC patients in Chiang Mai, Thailand, found that high PM2.5 exposure (≥25 µg/m³) was linked to increased long-term mortality but showed no significant association with postoperative pulmonary complications or tumor recurrence. The study highlights the need for air quality improvement and public health strategies to mitigate PM2.5's adverse effects on lung cancer outcomes.

Colossal Biosciences made progress in de-extinction of Tasmanian tiger, creating most complete ancient genome, achieving genetic edits, and developing reproductive technologies, bringing thylacine reintroduction to Tasmania closer.

The article discusses the rapid advancements in biotechnology and AI, emphasizing the need for global biosecurity and biosafety measures to prevent misuse and accidents. It highlights the dual-use nature of gene editing and synthetic biology, the historical use of biological weapons, and the potential for bioterrorism. The article calls for strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and creating international standards for lab safety, DNA synthesis screening, and AI guardrails to manage these risks without stifling innovation.

Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel addresses 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA), highlighting India's new regulatory procedures and global collaborations. Dr VK Paul emphasizes the importance of quality medicines post-Covid-19 pandemic.

Six biotech companies form three strategic partnerships to address cell and gene therapy challenges. Matica Bio and CytoImmune focus on novel cell therapies, Ginkgo Bioworks and Virica Biotech aim to optimize AAV manufacturing, and Nona Biosciences and OverT Bio collaborate on next-generation cell therapies for solid tumors.

New MIT study reveals 5-fluorouracil kills GI cancer cells by interfering with RNA synthesis, not DNA, challenging current treatment combinations. Researchers suggest combining 5-FU with RNA synthesis-affecting drugs for better efficacy and propose clinical trials with altered drug schedules.

The 55th RANZCO Congress in Adelaide, 1-4 November 2024, features a dynamic speaker lineup addressing eye transplant feasibility, uveitis insights, and sustainability. Early registrations are up 10% from last year, promising a vibrant event. Key speakers include Prof. Justine Smith on uveitis, Prof. Robyn Jamieson on precision medicine, and Prof. Jeffrey Goldberg on eye transplantation. The congress emphasizes sustainability and offers both in-person and online experiences.

Recent advancements in isolating and characterizing extremophiles highlight their applications in enzyme production, bioplastics, environmental management, and space exploration. Thermophiles and psychrophiles exhibit distinct adaptations to extreme temperatures, offering insights into life’s resilience and potential biotechnological uses.

QIAGEN launches QIAcuityDx Digital PCR System, expanding into clinical diagnostics with 510(k) exemption in the U.S. and IVDR certification in Europe. The system offers precise DNA and RNA quantification, supporting cancer monitoring and complementing NGS. QIAGEN plans to submit a BCR::ABL assay for FDA approval in 2025 and has partnered with pharmaceutical companies for companion diagnostics. The platform integrates partitioning, thermocycling, and imaging, reducing lab space and operator time, and includes user-friendly software with IVD and Utility modes.

NUS researchers developed Tetris, a DNA-based tech mapping protein interactions in tumor cells for faster, more accurate cancer diagnoses and targeted therapies. Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, it identifies specific proteins and interactions linked to cancer growth, with potential for precision medicine and clinical applications.