It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Bentham Science releases groundbreaking reference on organoid technology for next-generation biomedical research
Bentham Science has announced the release of its newest title Organoid Technology: Disease Modelling, Drug Discovery, and Personalized Medicine, a pioneering study that captures the transformative role of organoid systems in advancing human health research.
Organoids are miniature, three-dimensional in vitro models that closely replicate the structure, cellular composition, and functional behavior of real human organs. Developed from stem cells or organ-specific progenitor cells, they self-organize into complex structures that mimic key biological processes of their full-sized counterparts. This remarkable resemblance makes organoids an invaluable tool in biomedical research, as they provide a more accurate and physiologically relevant model than traditional two-dimensional cell cultures.
This book provides an in-depth exploration of organoid bioengineering, spanning the use of pluripotent and adult stem cells to create organ-specific models for a wide range of organs, including the brain, lung, kidney, liver, colon, and retina.
With its blend of foundational science and cutting-edge innovation, this title guides readers through the latest breakthroughs ranging from patient-derived tumor organoids for personalized cancer care to large-scale production protocols supported by advanced tools like 3D printing, microfluidics, genome editing, and single-cell transcriptomics. The book also addresses critical ethical, regulatory, and scalability challenges, offering a balanced perspective on the road toward reducing reliance on animal testing.
For review copies, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact Bentham Science Publishers.
About the Editor:
Dr. Manash K. Paul is an internationally recognized expert in stem cells, organoid systems, and cancer biology. He currently serves as Associate Professor at the Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India. Prior to this, he spent nearly 14 years at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA, where he worked in multiple capacities including Scientist Faculty. His research spans regenerative medicine, drug discovery, immune-oncology, and lung cancer, with significant contributions to organ-on-a-chip platforms.
Dr. Paul’s achievements include the prestigious AAISCR-R Vijayalaxmi Award for Innovative Cancer Research, UCLA Vice Chancellor’s Award, Editor’s Choice Award from Annals of Biomedical Engineering, and the BSCRC Travel Award. With over 75 publications and active memberships in multiple scientific societies, he continues to shape the future of human biology-based research.
Bentham Science Publisher’s latest release Effective Engineering Management: Fostering Sustainability and Responsible Leadership is an authoritative reference designed to equip engineers, managers, and decision-makers with the strategies and tools needed to lead responsibly in today’s complex industrial landscape.
Studying sustainable engineering management is crucial in an era where industries face mounting pressure to balance profitability with social and environmental accountability. It enables professionals to make informed decisions that reduce ecological impact, improve resource efficiency, and foster long-term value creation for stakeholders.
With unprecedented environmental, social, and technological challenges, this book emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability, corporate responsibility, and innovation into the heart of engineering management practices. Structured across three thematic sections, it begins with a deep dive into foundational principles such as cultural challenges, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) integration.
The second section transitions to sector-specific insights, examining sustainable business models in industries including construction, information technology, and manufacturing. The final section offers a forward-looking perspective, exploring how AI, gamification, HR innovation, and continuous process improvement are redefining the future of engineering leadership.
Key Features:
Critical examination of emerging paradigms in sustainability reporting and ethical decision-making.
Real-world case studies drawn from diverse industry sectors.
Analysis of the interplay between technology adoption, HR trends, and engineering practices.
Multidisciplinary perspectives from leading experts in academia and industry.
Contextual discussions translating theory into actionable strategies.
For review copies, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact Bentham Science Publishers.
About the Authors:
Virat Khanna is a distinguished academic and researcher with over 15 years of experience in higher education, contributing more than 70 publications in top-tier journals. His expertise spans nanotechnology, materials science, and sustainable development. He serves on editorial boards for Scientific Reports (Nature Group) and Discover Nano (Springer) and is an academic editor for Wiley-published journals.
Vinay Chamoli brings over 20 years of expertise in hospitality and education. A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, New Delhi, he holds a doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University and is a Certified Hospitality Educator (American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute). He has authored three books and serves on the editorial board of the Research Synergy Foundation, Indonesia.
Dharamveer is a professor at PCJ Maharaja Agrasen School of Management, Maharaja Agrasen University, with 22 years of teaching and research experience. He has published extensively and supervised multiple Ph.D. scholars, while serving in key academic and administrative roles.
Kiran Chanda is an assistant professor of commerce at Maharaja Agrasen University, with a Ph.D. from Himachal Pradesh University. She has published over 20 research articles, supervised four Ph.D.s, and actively teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Harpreet Kaur is an assistant professor at Maharaja Agrasen University with research interests in engineering and innovative management. She has authored 40 research papers, edited sustainability-focused volumes, and presented at numerous international conferences.
Ocean architects at risk from impact of combined acidification and ocean warming
A pioneering study led by ICM-CSIC reveals how climate change may alter the structure, mineralogy, and microbiome of bryozoans, a key group of invertebrates responsible for creating underwater habitats
Credit: 'False coral' is widely distributed in the Mediterranean. ICM-CSIC
A research team from the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) has published a study in Communications Biology showing how ocean acidification and warming — two of the main consequences of global climate change — can simultaneously affect the structure, mineral composition, and microbiome of bryozoans, colonial invertebrates crucial for forming marine habitats. The findings point to potentially serious ecological consequences under a scenario of accelerated climate change.
The “False Coral,” One of the Most Affected Species
The study characterizes for the first time the microbiome of Myriapora truncata, a habitat-forming species known as “false coral” and widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean. It also analyzes the response of this and another encrusting bryozoan species under future environmental conditions. False corals form three-dimensional structures that offer shelter to many species, as do other bryozoans that can even form reef-like systems — although corals usually receive more attention as primary marine habitat builders.
“Despite being a different phylum, very diverse and abundant globally, these small architects of the sea are often overlooked in studies on responses to environmental changes,” explains Blanca Figuerola, ICM-CSIC researcher and lead author of the study. She emphasizes that this work opens a new window to better understand how bryozoans may respond to the ocean’s rapid changes.
The researcher notes that “bryozoans play a very important ecological role,” although little was previously known about their response to the combined effects of ocean acidification and warming. She adds that “their microbiome had been virtually unexplored.”
A Natural Laboratory to Predict Future Scenarios
To conduct the study, the team used a “natural laboratory”: on the island of Ischia (Italy), volcanic CO₂ bubbles from the seabed, which allow simulation of the ocean acidification conditions projected for the end of the century.
“This area offers a unique opportunity to study how marine species respond to acidification under natural conditions,” explains Núria Teixidó, researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn and last author of the article.
Using this approach, the researchers compared the morphology, skeleton mineralogy, and microbiome of colonies of two bryozoan species exposed and unexposed to these conditions. Results show that the species exhibit some acclimation capacity, modifying their skeletal mineralogy to become more resistant and maintaining a relatively stable microbiome composition.
“However, we observed a loss in functional microbial diversity, with a decline in genera potentially involved in key processes such as nutrition, defense, or resistance to environmental stress,” Figuerola states.
These microbial shifts may have important long-term consequences, since the microbiome plays a fundamental role in bryozoan health and resilience. “Even if colonies look externally healthy, changes in the microbiome could serve as early bioindicators of environmental stress,” adds Javier del Campo, researcher at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-UPF).
Warming Amplifies the Impacts
Over a five-year monitoring period, the study also considered the effects of rising temperatures — another key factor in climate change.
“The models used indicate that the combination of these two stressors intensifies the effects observed, significantly reducing the coverage of the encrusting bryozoan and increasing mortality. Although the species show some morphological plasticity, it is not enough to offset the combined impact of acidification and warming,” says Pol Capdevila, researcher at the University of Barcelona.
To reach these conclusions, the team used advanced techniques such as modelling and computed microtomography to obtain, for the first time, 3D images of the internal skeleton structure of these species. These images are valuable both for research and for science communication and environmental education. The team is currently preparing a science animation for the general and educational public, in collaboration with the team at Cooked Illustrations, a visual storytelling studio.
Implications for Marine Conservation
The findings have important implications for the management and conservation of Mediterranean marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change. Habitat-forming species like bryozoans are not only vulnerable but their disappearance could trigger cascading effects on many other species that rely on them for shelter or food.
The characterization of the microbiome and preliminary identification of potentially beneficial microorganisms open new research avenues to enhance the resilience of holobionts (host and its associated microbiome) through nature-based approaches.
This research line, initiated under the MedCalRes National Plan project, is now continuing with the HOLOCHANGE consolidation project and the National Plan MedAcidWarm, which aim to deepen understanding of bryozoan–microbiome interactions to anticipate and mitigate climate change impacts.
“The complexity of the issue demands integrated analyses,” concludes Figuerola. “This study shows how interdisciplinary approaches can help us anticipate future scenarios and more effectively protect marine ecosystems.”
Front: Dr. Magdalena Julkowska, Assistant Professor, Boyce Thompson Institute. Back (from left): Dr. Gaganpreet Sidhu, CTO, Meiogenix, Dr. Jim Giovannoni, USDA Scientist and BTI Adjunct Professor; Ricardo Garcia de Alba, CEO, Meiogenix; and Dr. Zhangjun Fei, Professor, BTI. The group gathered to celebrate the launch of the collaborative project.
In a landmark $2 million initiative, the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and biotechnology company Meiogenix have launched a collaboration to develop drought- and disease-resistant tomatoes by tapping the genetic power of wild species. The project, funded through a generous Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Seeding Solutions grant, seeks to ensure a stable tomato supply by leveraging cutting-edge genomics and breeding technologies to address the global threats of environmental stress and pathogens.
“This project demonstrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions for food production,” said Dr. Kathy Munkvold, FFAR scientific program director. “Using the rich genetic diversity of wild relatives will help us develop tomatoes that are more resilient to stress, resource efficient for farmers and widely available for consumers.”
Despite their economic and nutritional importance, tomatoes remain highly vulnerable to water scarcity and early blight. Wild tomato species, however, have naturally evolved in some of the harshest environments and possess unique genetic traits with the potential to revolutionize breeding.
The project will combine high-throughput screening of hundreds of wild tomato species with the latest advances in genomics. Central to this effort is the creation of a comprehensive genetic map, or pangenome, to capture all genetic variation across tomato species, enabling researchers to pinpoint rare genetic variants for drought tolerance and disease resistance.
“A single tomato genome doesn’t capture the full extent of genetic diversity,” said primary investigator Zhangjun Fei, BTI professor and genomics expert. “Our pangenome approach will help us identify structural variants - large DNA differences between wild and cultivated tomatoes - that are responsible for valuable traits.”
Once high-value traits are identified, Meiogenix will apply its targeted recombination platform to precisely transfer the genes for drought tolerance and disease resistance to elite tomato germplasm, a process that avoids introducing undesirable wild traits and does not create GMOs.
“Traditional breeding with wild relatives is challenging because you bring many undesirable traits along with the beneficial ones,” said Ricardo Garcia de Alba, CEO of Meiogenix. “Our technology allows for more precise transfers of just the beneficial genetic variants, dramatically speeding up the breeding process.”
A Step Toward More Resilient, Sustainable and Productive Food Systems
• Water Efficiency: Enhanced drought-tolerant tomatoes will reduce irrigation demands—a critical advance since approximately 80% of the world’s farmland faces water constraints.
• Sustainability: Improved resistance to early blight means reduced reliance on chemical fungicides, supporting more environmentally friendly farming.
• Broad Potential: The technology and methods developed through this project could set a precedent for improving other crops, fostering advances across global agriculture.
BTI adjunct professor and USDA scientist Jim Giovannoni, whose pioneering work on fruit quality helped inspire this approach, said, “We originally developed this discovery pipeline using wild relatives of tomato to improve fruit quality, but the approach can be used for virtually any crop improvement trait.”
Gaganpreet Sidhu, CTO of Meiogenix, shared, “We are combining the power of pangenome analysis with targeted genetic recombination to unlock hidden genetic diversity and precisely transfer it into elite lines. What makes it even more exciting is that this approach is crop-agnostic, opening the door to transformative advances in crop improvement across species.”
The collaborative research initiative officially launched in July 2025, with the project expected to span several years as researchers complete genetic screening, pangenome construction, trait identification, trait introgression using targeted recombination and subsequent breeding stages. Updates on key milestones and anticipated application timelines will be shared as the project progresses.
About the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) Founded in 1924 and located in Ithaca, New York, BTI is at the forefront of plant science research. Our mission is to advance, communicate, and leverage pioneering discoveries in plant sciences to develop sustainable and resilient agriculture, improve food security, protect the environment, and enhance human health. As an independent nonprofit research institute, we are committed to inspiring and training the next generation of scientific leaders. Learn more at BTIscience.org.
About Meiogenix Meiogenix is an agriculture biotech company that enables advanced breeding by leveraging targeted recombination. By unlocking the natural genetic diversity of crops, Meiogenix expands the biodiversity that can be used by farmers to address productivity, sustainability and food challenges. For more information, please visit https://meiogenix.com/
About the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.
Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1) supports the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory by conducting flight operations in Patuxent River, Md. May 2, 2025. VXS-1 conducts airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development in worldwide operations supporting U.S. Navy and national science and technology (S&T) priorities and war fighting goals.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 is the U.S. Navy’s only research and development squadron; responsible for airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development connecting laboratory innovations to operational deployment.
“The science we enable is ambitious, often foundational, and it unfolds over years,” said VXS-1 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tony Levine. “But our purpose is immediate and unwavering: to defend the nation. Every line of code, every prototype, every test run – we partner with the scientists and do it with a mission in mind.”
Stationed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, VXS-1, also known as the "Warlocks," serves as the initial testing ground for NRL-developed airborne technologies - providing the critical link between theory and reality.
"VXS-1 is NRL’s own aircraft testing squadron,” said Executive Officer, Cmdr. Andrew Vawter, at VXS-1. “We work with NRL to test cutting-edge equipment, accelerating its readiness for use in the field. Our primary mission is to deliver these new capabilities to the Naval Research Enterprise and in turn, into the hands of the warfighter.”
VXS-1 operates a diverse Fleet of aircraft, each uniquely configured to support specific research objectives:
P-3 Orion: Modified P-3s provide substantial payload capacity for testing complex systems, including advanced sensors and communication equipment, ensuring they are robust and reliable under operational conditions. Recent projects include deploying buoys in front of major hurricanes to gather wave and storm surge data, improving forecasting models for future storms in turn safeguarding ships, infrastructure, and lives.
Twin Otter: This versatile aircraft enables low altitude testing of technologies such as advanced mapping systems and environmental monitoring tools, providing critical data for naval operations in coastal regions.
C-12: The C-12 supports higher altitude testing of technologies like missile defense systems and communication relays, ensuring seamless integration with existing naval infrastructure.
Steve Rorke, project liaison officer at VXS-1, highlights the squadron's commitment to facilitating rapid technology transition: "Our job is to support the scientists and engineers to get their equipment into the air, to further their research and ultimately deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter."
By providing dedicated airborne platforms for science and technology testing, VXS-1 accelerates the development and deployment of critical technologies that enhance naval capabilities and ensure the warfighter maintains a decisive advantage. The squadron's unique expertise and specialized resources make it an indispensable asset in the Navy's innovative ecosystem.
"Waking up in the morning, I'm super excited to go fly and work with all these guys and gals," said Operations Officer Brandon Bui. "At VXS-1, every mission is driven by one goal: delivering tomorrow’s technology to today’s Fleet – faster, smarter, and mission-ready. Everyone's committed to providing good science and technology for the Fleet out there."
VXS-1 is not just a testing squadron; it is an intersection for innovation and real Fleet applications, ensuring that the U.S. Navy remains at the forefront of technological advancement and that the warfighter is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation.
Lt. Avery Nwokike, Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1) pilot, flies an RC-12M in Patuxent River, Md. May 2, 2025. VXS-1 conducts airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development in worldwide operations supporting U.S. Navy and national science and technology (S&T) priorities and war fighting goals.
Credit
U.S. Navy photo by Steffen Arnold
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@nrl.navy.mil.
AADOCR opposes executive order politicizing NIH grant review
International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
Alexandria, VA – The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) strongly opposes the Trump administration’s Executive Order “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking,” which would allow political appointees to review and influence federal grant funding decisions. This directive threatens the integrity of the scientific funding process by inserting political considerations into a system that must remain objective, expert-driven, and transparent.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) peer review system is widely regarded as the gold standard for evaluating scientific merit and funding decisions. It relies on rigorous evaluation by subject-matter experts to ensure that taxpayer dollars support the most innovative, scientifically sound, and promising research. In the field of dental, oral, and craniofacial health, this process has led to breakthroughs in areas such as oral cancer, craniofacial birth defects, pain management, and the link between oral and systemic health.
The current system is highly competitive and is designed to uphold scientific excellence and public accountability while remaining free from political influence. Undermining this framework risks compromising the integrity and quality of U.S.-funded biomedical research.
Further, the Executive Order will slow scientific progress as federal agencies are forced to submit prior authorization requests and written justification for each approved grant before funds can be released. These disruptions come at a time when the biomedical research ecosystem is already under incredible strain.
“This action sends a chilling message to the next generation of researchers," said AADOCR President Effie Ioannidou. "By injecting politics into what should be a merit-based process, we risk driving away talented scientists.”
“I immigrated to the United States nearly 30 years ago, in large part, because of its independent, science-driven research system. My story is not unique. NIH’s peer-review system has attracted countless scientists who have contributed to and advanced America’s research, innovation and public health. This Executive Order threatens that knowledge base and will set back the U.S. science enterprise."
AADOCR urges the Administration to rescind this harmful directive and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the independence of science and the efficiency of the peer review system that drives U.S. biomedical innovation.
About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. AADOCR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.
