Genetically reprogramming synthetic yeast strains to produce advanced biofuels has won graduate student José de Jesus Montaño López a top prize at Prototypes for Humanity, a research convention held last month in Dubai.

Named in honor of the discoverers of the Okazaki fragment, the Tsuneko & Reiji Okazaki Award is given to "an early career scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of biology through innovative and original approaches or transformative technologies."

Princeton University has launched a Ph.D. program in bioengineering for students who want to unlock fundamental discoveries in the life sciences and apply engineering principles to pressing human needs.