Computational Biologists Awards

   Understanding Synthetic Biology Synthetic biology is rapidly moving from academic laboratories into real-world applications, marking a major turning point in modern biological science. Often described as engineering life like a machine , synthetic biology combines principles from biology, engineering, computer science, and chemistry to design and construct new biological systems with specific, predictable functions. In recent years, this interdisciplinary field has gained widespread attention, signaling its transition into the scientific mainstream. Understanding Synthetic Biology At its core, synthetic biology focuses on redesigning existing biological systems or creating entirely new ones. Unlike traditional genetic modification, which typically involves altering one or two genes, synthetic biology works at a systems level. Scientists use standardized genetic parts, biological circuits, and computational models to program cells in much the same way engineers program co...

  Introduction Robots have traditionally been built using metal, plastic, and electronic circuits, but a new generation of machines is emerging—ones that are partially alive. Known as biohybrid robots , these systems combine living cells with engineered materials, allowing biological tissues to power and control mechanical devices. This revolutionary approach is reshaping how scientists think about robotics and medicine. What Are Biohybrid Robots? Biohybrid robots are machines that integrate living cells, such as muscle or nerve cells, into artificial frameworks. Unlike conventional robots that rely on motors and batteries, biohybrid robots use the natural contraction of muscle cells to generate movement. These cells respond to electrical, chemical, or light-based signals, enabling controlled and flexible motion. How Living Cells Power Machines Muscle cells, especially cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, are commonly used because of their ability to contract rhythmically. When ...

The human proteome—the complete set of proteins expressed in a cell, tissue, or organism—is far more complex and dynamic than the genome. While the human genome is relatively static, the proteome changes constantly in response to development, disease, and environmental cues. Recent advances in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) combined with artificial intelligence (AI) are now enabling proteomics at unprecedented scale, accuracy, and speed. Together, these technologies are transforming how scientists map protein networks and understand human biology. Why Proteomics Matters More Than Ever Proteins are the functional molecules of life, driving cellular structure, signaling, metabolism, and immune responses. Unlike genes, proteins undergo post-translational modifications, form complexes, and vary across tissues and disease states. Traditional proteomics methods were limited by low throughput and reproducibility, making it difficult to capture this complexity. Scalable prot...

 How Quantum Physics May Influence Biological Time Introduction Biology has traditionally been explained using classical physics and chemistry, but recent research is beginning to blur the boundary between life sciences and quantum mechanics. One of the most intriguing ideas to emerge is the possibility of time crystals in biological systems —a phenomenon that could redefine how we understand time, order, and regulation inside living cells. What Are Time Crystals? Time crystals are a newly discovered state of matter in which a system exhibits repeating patterns in time rather than space , even without continuous energy input. First proposed by Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek and later confirmed in laboratory quantum systems, time crystals break traditional assumptions about thermodynamics and equilibrium. Unlike clocks or oscillators that require energy, time crystals maintain their rhythmic behavior naturally. The Link Between Quantum Physics and Biology Quantum biology is an em...

  A Microbe That Redefines the Rules of DNA Translation Introduction For decades, biology textbooks taught that the genetic code—the set of rules by which DNA is translated into proteins—is universal and fixed across all life forms. However, a recent groundbreaking study has revealed a microorganism that challenges this long-standing belief, showing that the genetic code may be more flexible than scientists once thought. What Is the Genetic Code? The genetic code is the language of life, where sequences of three DNA bases, called codons, correspond to specific amino acids. This system ensures accurate protein synthesis in all known organisms, from bacteria to humans. Until now, this code was considered nearly identical across species, with only rare and minor variations. The Shocking Discovery Researchers have identified a microbe that can interpret a single codon as two different amino acids , depending on cellular conditions. This violates one of the most fundamental assumpt...

Exploring the Science, Ethics, and Future of Lab-Engineered Life The idea of creating life in a laboratory once belonged purely to science fiction. Today, advances in synthetic biology are rapidly turning this concept into a scientific reality. Researchers are now engineering synthetic cells —simplified, artificial systems designed to mimic key functions of living cells. These breakthroughs raise profound questions about the definition of life, the future of biotechnology, and the ethical boundaries of human innovation. What Are Synthetic Cells? Synthetic cells are artificially constructed systems that replicate essential biological processes such as metabolism, gene expression, and replication. Unlike genetically modified organisms, synthetic cells are often built from the bottom up using biological components like lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Some are designed as minimal cells containing only the genes necessary for survival, while others function as cell-like compartments ...

  Climate Change & Genetic Adaptation: How Wildlife Is Evolving in Real Time Climate change is no longer just altering ecosystems—it is actively reshaping the genetic makeup of living organisms. Recent studies highlighted by Vox reveal that wild animals, including polar bears, are undergoing measurable genetic changes in response to rising temperatures, melting ice, and shifting food availability. These findings provide rare insight into how evolution can occur on much shorter timescales than traditionally believed, offering both hope and concern for the future of biodiversity. DNA Adaptation to Environmental Change As climate conditions rapidly shift, natural selection favors genetic traits that improve survival under new stresses. In polar bears, for example, researchers have identified genetic variants linked to fat metabolism, thermoregulation, and cardiovascular function—traits crucial for surviving longer swims and reduced sea ice. Similar genetic adaptations are being ...

  Introduction For decades, cell–cell communication was thought to require direct physical contact or soluble signaling molecules such as hormones and cytokines. However, advances in molecular and cellular biology have revealed a sophisticated and previously underestimated mechanism of communication: extracellular vesicles (EVs) . Among these, exosomes have emerged as critical mediators of long-distance cellular signaling, reshaping our understanding of cancer biology, aging, and diagnostic medicine. What Are Extracellular Vesicles and Exosomes? Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound particles released by nearly all cell types into the extracellular environment. Based on their size and biogenesis, EVs are broadly classified into microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and exosomes . Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles, typically 30–150 nanometers in diameter, originating from the endosomal pathway. Once released, they circulate through biological fluids such as blood, urine, saliva,...

  This groundbreaking research reveals how a new microgravity bioreactor could revolutionise experiments in space. As humanity sets its sights on long-duration space missions to destinations like Mars and the Moon, a fundamental challenge emerges: understanding how biological systems respond to the harsh, alien environment of space. Our ability to establish sustainable lunar bases, successfully send astronauts to Mars, and even explore beyond depends critically on deciphering these biological shifts. Currently, much of our space biology research relies on indirect or limited methods. There’s a pressing need for  in-situ , real-time investigation to truly understand how life adapts, or struggles, off-world. Space environment challenges Microgravity – or more accurately, weightlessness – is the condition in which the effects of gravity are greatly reduced. This occurs when an object is in continuous free fall, such as during orbital flight or in open space. This profound absence...