Bacteria Rewire Digestive Systems to Turn Plant Waste Into Power
New study shows how bacteria juggle energy needs while digesting complex carbons
Author: Lisa La Vallee
CSB’s Christine Akdeniz, others, recognized for helping to power Northwestern’s research
Christine Akdeniz (second from left) was recognized for building cohort-based community programs and outreach at CSB, increasing engagement, collaboration, and visibility across teams and external partners.
How organic matter traps water in soil — even in the driest conditions
Water molecules form bridges between mineral and carbohydrates to lock in moisture, study finds
Cell Feature Implicated in Cancer Forms Differently than Previously Thought
Understanding paraspeckles at the molecular level could help drugs target the subcellular cancer compartment
Cell-Free System Enables Rapid Assembly of Nipah Virus Vaccine Candidate
Researchers use synthetic liposomes and bacterial extracts to generate immune responses against viral proteins
Northwestern University researchers develop rapid test for lead in water
Grad student Tyler Lucci has lost count of days spent in a lab.
CSB Staff Profile: Yael Mayer—Supporting the Science Behind the Scenes
We recently sat down with Yael Mayer, the Center for Synthetic Biology’s (CSB) Director of Operations and Outreach, to learn more about her path to Northwestern, her passion for staff … Continued
Ashty Karim: Engineering Biology, Embracing the Unexpected
Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB) faculty member Ashty Karim shares how a winding path—fueled by curiosity, community, and creativity—led to his dream job in synthetic biology. For Ashty Karim, PhD, … Continued
North Park University Interns Investigate Synthetic Biology at Northwestern
When senior Bogdan Buzdugan first learned about the Center for Synthetic Biology’s new internship for North Park University undergraduates, he had just finished his last final of the semester. “I … Continued
CSB leaders voice concerns about funding cuts, emphasizing “We’re doing this for everybody”
When the Trump administration announced its $790 million funding freeze for Northwestern University, halting important research in labs across the university, Center for Synthetic Biology leaders sprang into action. Their … Continued