Some Frankenstein yeast cells had part of their own DNA removed and some human cell tissue put in. Why did this happen? So they could be so stuffed full of iron that they're super-magnetized and moved with magnets. Are us mere mortals far behind?
Researchers resurrect new species of life from ancient Andean tomb
Close to 1,500 years ago, indians living in what is now Quito, Ecuador buried their most revered dead in 16-meter-deep tombs. An ancient alcoholic beverage was commonly included in these burial vaults. Now, by examining the clay vessels used to ferment and store this brew, a team of South American researchers has…
Synthetic replacement chromosomes give us replicant yeast
Last year saw the stunning announcement of synthetic bacteria
Scientists have discovered the missing link in the evolution of lager
The yeast Saccharomyces cerivisiae is the brewer's go-to fungus for converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide in potent potables like ciders and ales, but when it comes to brewing lager beer... well, lager brewing is a completely different animal. In fact, to be more specific, lager-brewing requires a different …
Baker's yeast can protect against a deadly fungus
Could baker's yeast injections protect against one of the deadliest infections in the world? New research seems to indicate yes. The fungus Aspergillus is the cause of aspergillosis, the leading fungal killer of immunocompromised people. It's an infection that targets the lungs, and then spreads to other organs like…
Yeast kept life on Earth alive before the rise of oxygen
Around 2.4 billion years ago, the ancestors of bacteria took over the oceans and began photosynthesizing, creating massive amounts of oxygen where before there had been barely any. This was the Great Oxygenation Event, which made all subsequent life on Earth possible. All life except . . . yeast.
