Yeast

The new method allows for cheaper and faster production of medical-grade cannabinoids in large quantities

Science

Yeast engineered to cheaply produce marijuana cannabinoids

In an exciting new breakthrough from scientists at UC Berkeley, common brewer’s yeast has been engineered to produce several major cannabinoids found in marijuana. This innovation promises faster, cheaper and easier production of these compounds for use in research and medical treatments.

These synthetic microorganisms are made up of yeast cells (blue) with bacteria (pink) inside them, which rely on each other to survive

Biology

Synthetic organisms engineered to shed light on ancient evolution

To peer back in time at certain key steps of evolution, scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have engineered synthetic microorganisms designed to be similar to some that might have lived billions of years ago.

Purdue researchers have developed a yeast-based badge that can help radiologists monitor their levels of radiation exposure

Medical

Wearable yeast colonies act as "canaries" for radiation exposure

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a living device for radiologists, using yeast colonies in wearable patches to monitor how much radiation a person is being exposed to.

Researchers have discovered a species of yeast that breaks a "universal rule" of DNA

Biology

Meet the microbe that breaks the "universal rule" of DNA

Living cells follow instructions encoded in DNA to construct organisms. It’s long been thought that one DNA sequence would always create the same protein, but now researchers have found the first exception to this “universal rule,” a microbe that chooses between two different translations each time.

Space

How yeast will let astronauts 3D print plastic parts from pee

Overpacking isn't exactly an option for trips into space, even for longer trips like an eventual manned mission to Mars. Now, researchers are recruiting microorganisms to solve the problem, by engineering them to make nutrients and 3D-printable plastics out of human waste.

Plain old baker's yeast has been genetically engineered to produce penicillin, which could be the first step towards using the fungus to create new drugs

Science

Penicillin-producing yeast raises hopes in superbug fight

We need to develop new antibiotics, but the fungi species that produce them can be hard to work with. Now, scientists have used baker’s yeast to create penicillin, which is a big step towards creating easy-to-tweak “mini-factories” for new antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

The Impossible Burger was recently added as a regular menu item at New York City eatery Momofuku Nishi

Environment

Meatless burger uses bloody special ingredient to replicate the real thing

Impossible Foods is the latest alternative food company to introduce a version of lab-made "meat" with its plant-based Impossible Burger, which is said to look, smell and taste like real meat. The secret ingredient? Heme, a component of the red pigment in blood.

The Belgian researchers bred robust hybrid yeasts to produce new flavors in fermented cocoa

Around The Home

Belgian scientists use hybrid yeasts to create boutique chocolates

Belgian researchers working in collaboration with the world's largest chocolate producer, Barry Callebaut, have bred robust yeasts that ferment cocoa to produce bespoke aromas and flavors in the finished chocolate.

Researchers have carried out precise metabolic engineering on yeast commonly used in winemaking, which could lead to improvements in wine quality and reduced toxic effects (Photo: Shutterstock)

Biology

Engineered yeast could increase nutritional value of wine while reducing hangovers

Researchers working at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Services (ACES) claim to have produced a yeast that could vastly increase the quality of wine while also reducing its hangover-inducing properties.