Biosciences News

Unlocking the Biochemical Treasure Chest Within Microbes

October 14, 2019

An international team of microbiologists and genomicists, led by the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI), has invented a genetic engineering tool to simplify the study of secondary metabolites produced by microbes. These compounds mediate internal and external messaging, self-defense, and chemical warfare, and are the basis for hundreds of valuable agricultural, industrial, and medical products. The tool, called CRAGE, will help fill significant gaps in our understanding of how microbes interact with their surroundings and evolve.

Trash to Treasure: Scientists Convert Municipal Waste to Biofuel Precursors

October 10, 2019

As the need for energy security grows, scientists are investigating nonfood biomass sources that can be used to create valuable biofuels and bioproducts. Among these sources is municipal solid waste (MSW) — in other words, trash that’s produced every day around the world in significant amounts.

In a new study published in the journal ChemSusChem, researchers at Berkeley Lab created six blends that combined MSW items (non-recyclable paper and grass clippings) with biomass (corn stover and switchgrass). Using an ionic liquid-based process, they converted these blends into methyl ketones, which are chemical compounds that can be used as diesel fuel precursors.

BCSB Helps Validate Citizen-scientist Designed Protein Structures

October 9, 2019

Berkeley Center for Structural Biology (BCSB) beamlines 5.0.2, 8.2.1, and 8.2.2 at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) were used to experimentally verify de novo protein structures designed by citizen scientists playing the computer game Foldit.

Two Agile BioFoundry Collaborative R&D Projects Receive DOE Awards

October 7, 2019

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $73 million for 35 projects in bioenergy research & development, including two that will make use of the Agile BioFoundry’s expertise.

Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower, and enable high-value products from biomass or waste resources.

Congratulations to Biosciences Area Director’s Award Recipients

October 3, 2019

Several Biosciences Area personnel are among the 2019 Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards honorees. This annual program recognizes outstanding contributions by employees to all facets of Lab activities. A complete list of winners can be found here. The Director’s Achievement Awards ceremony will take place on November 15 at 4 PM in the Building 50 Auditorium. All staff are invited and the event will be streamed live.