#biosynthesis

Professor Anne Osbourn has been awarded the 2023 Novozymes Prize for her pioneering work in helping to produce important drugs in greater volumes and improving the natural defence systems of plants. Her discovery that plant genes for specialised pathways are organised like beads on a string has fuelled the finding of novel plant compounds and pathways. Professor Graham Moore Director of the John Innes Centre says: “I am delighted that the innovative work and distinguished career of Anne Osbourn has been recognised with this prestigious award. It reflects Anne’s huge contribution to the exciting field of natural product biosynthesis and in providing solutions for human medicine and plant health.”

(Source: The John Innes Centre Linked In page)

Contuinuing productivity by rewriting my notes digitally.

Common Vitamin May Reduce Buildup of Alzheimer's Proteins, Study Finds : ScienceAlert https://share.google/bSkTj7PXXhb5R5HUD

New research has linked levels of vitamin D in midlife with toxic tangles of tau protein that accumulate in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease.

A statistical analysis of blood samples and brain scans from 793 adults showed that the more vitamin D in someone's system in middle age, the lower the amount of tau protein tangles they tended to have years later.

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Past research has linked vitamin D with numerous health benefits and protection against dementia, but now we have a connection between it and a protein associated with Alzheimer's. While it's still unclear whether tau tangles are a root cause of the disease or merely a symptom of it, they remain one of the earliest signs that something is wrong.

The researchers point to previous studies that have shown vitamin D can fine-tune the immune system in the brain for the better, while a lack of it has been linked with misbehaving tau proteins in the brains of mice.

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The Global Squalene Market is poised for a decade of unprecedented change, driven by the dual forces of biotechnological innovation and environmental necessity. As we look toward the future, the traditional methods of squalene extraction are being replaced by high-tech fermentation and molecular engineering. This transition is not just about ethics; it is about precision. Future squalene production will be "designed" to meet specific needs, with manufacturers able to adjust the saturation and purity levels of the lipid during the production process. This level of control will allow for the creation of "designer lipids" that offer performance characteristics that far exceed those of traditional animal or plant-derived oils.

One of the most exciting aspects of the future market is the role of algae in squalene production. Algae are incredibly efficient at capturing carbon and converting it into lipids, making them a "carbon-negative" source of squalene. As the world moves toward more stringent carbon accounting and climate goals, algae-derived squalene will become a highly attractive option for large multinational corporations looking to reduce their scope 3 emissions. This bio-based revolution will turn the squalene market into a key player in the broader bio-economy, demonstrating how heavy chemical production can be transformed into a sustainable, nature-based process that benefits both industry and the environment.

On the application side, we expect to see squalene playing a major role in the burgeoning field of "regenerative medicine." Because squalene is a natural component of human skin and tissues, it is being explored as a scaffold for tissue engineering and wound healing. Squalene-infused bandages and dressings could help to speed up the recovery of burn victims or those with chronic wounds by providing a protective, biocompatible layer that supports the body’s natural healing processes. This medical frontier represents a significant shift from using squalene as a simple ingredient to using it as a sophisticated medical tool, opening up new revenue streams and high-value opportunities for manufacturers and research institutions.

A detailed Squalene Market Forecast suggests that from a 2025 valuation of USD 420 million, the industry will grow to USD 754 million by 2033. The CAGR of 7.6% over this period is a testament to the ingredient's enduring utility and the successful adaptation of the industry to modern values. The forecast highlights that the "Asia-Pacific" region will remain the largest consumer of squalene, but the "North American" market will see the fastest growth in biosynthetic adoption. This regional dynamic will create a diverse global market where different sourcing methods coexist to meet the varied needs of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical customers across the globe.