Nanotechnology & SynBio Archives

Uncovering The Principles Of Universal Self-Assembly

by Keith CowingApril 26, 2020December 13, 2022

For years, researchers have searched for the working principles of self-assembly that can build a cell (complex biological organism) as well as a crystal (far simpler inorganic material) in the […]

The microfluidic chip with an integrated solid-state nanopore. (a) The Z-shaped microfluidic channel is shown in blue. Three fluidic reservoirs are used for buffer and analyte introduction into the microfluidic channel, with the nanopore integrated beneath the central reservoir (number 2). During the experiment, analyte solution is introduced into the central reservoir and voltage is applied across the microfluidic channel and nanopore. (b) SEM cross-section of the microfluidic channel with the integrated micropore and nanopore in the top layers of the chip. (c) Photograph of the assembled device. -- NASA NTRS

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Life Detection Technology – Development of Solid-State Nanopore

by Keith CowingFebruary 27, 2020June 30, 2024

Biomarkers collected from past and present life on Earth are a central guide in the development of flight-ready technologies designed to search for life on other planets and moons. Data […]

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Space Life Science, Space Stations

A 'Hubble Space Telescope' To Study Multiple Genome Sequences

by Keith CowingDecember 2, 2019November 18, 2023

A new tool that simultaneously compares 1.4 million genetic sequences can classify how species are related to each other at far larger scales than previously possible. Described today in Nature […]

Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release

Harvesting Solar Fuels Through a Bacterium's Unusual Appetite For Gold

by Keith CowingOctober 15, 2018December 13, 2022

A bacterium named Moorella thermoacetica won’t work for free. But UC Berkeley researchers have figured out it has an appetite for gold. And in exchange for this special treat, the […]

Expedition 56 Flight Engineer Ricky Arnold prepares amplified DNA

Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Space Life Science, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Using A MinION Nanopore DNA Sequencer In Orbit

by Keith CowingAugust 15, 2018November 30, 2023

Expedition 56 Flight Engineer Ricky Arnold prepares amplified DNA collected from microbes living aboard the International Space Station for sequencing using the Biomolecule Sequencer.

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Development Of Solid-State Nanopore Technology For Life Detection

by Keith CowingApril 28, 2017June 30, 2024

Introduction: Biomarkers for life on Earth are an important starting point to guide the search for life elsewhere. However, the search for life beyond Earth should incorporate technologies capable of […]

The ONT MinION MK1B performing a calibration test on Hut Point Peninsula - PubMed

Analog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Real-Time DNA Sequencing in the Antarctic Dry Valleys Using the Oxford Nanopore Sequencer

by Keith CowingMarch 22, 2017January 4, 2025

The ability to sequence DNA outside of the laboratory setting has enabled novel research questions to be addressed in the field in diverse areas, ranging from environmental microbiology to viral […]

AI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Biophysics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release

Analog DNA Circuit Does Math In A Test Tube

by Keith CowingAugust 24, 2016December 3, 2023

Often described as the blueprint of life, DNA contains the instructions for making every living thing from a human to a house fly. But in recent decades, some researchers have […]