Study highlights potential for sustainable synthesis of paracetamol.

Yeast cells can be used to convert agricultural and forestry residues, as well as industrial byproducts, into valuable bioproducts. New and unexplored yeast strains may have properties that can enhance the commercial competitiveness of this sustainable production. In a study recently published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, researchers collected and examined the biotechnological potential of 2,000 West African yeast strains.

Scientists have made enormous advances in understanding the structures of proteins over the past several decades. Imaging technologies like cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography help researchers visualize the shapes of proteins in unprecedented detail; however, these tools primarily produce static snapshots of molecules. To truly understand protein function, researchers need to see them in action.

Leveraging AI tools like RFDiffusion and PLACER, researchers were able to design a novel enzyme capable of breaking down plastic by targeting ester bonds, a key component in polyester. Ars Technica reports: The researchers started out by using the standard tools they developed to handle protein des...