Authors: Kakoli Bose
Source: The Biochemist (article, 2026-03-06)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Biosensors and biomarkers I am thrilled to introduce this first issue of The Biochemist in 2026, which is also my debut as its Science Editor! This unique opportunity to navigate both scientific research and editing will provide me with the dynamics to shape academic discourse, nurture research, and stay at the forefront of scientific discoveries. Furthermore, my several years of association with the Biochemical Society, either as an Associate Editor of Bioscience Reports or as a Member of the Training Theme Panel, have given me a clear vision of the Society’s activities, which I wish to strengthen in the capacity of the Science Editor by carrying forward the legacy of my predecessors with adroitness and impetus.Measurement has always been an integral part of Biochemical research! From the first colorimetric assays that fascinatingly changed the colors of the glassware to today’s femtomolar detection limits, this discipline keeps challenging itself by asking: Is it possible to detect the invisible? Today, biosensors and biomarkers not only make biology visible but also make it actionable. Research in these areas led to a paradigm shift in medical diagnostics and disease interpretation. This quantum leap marks not merely technological advancement but a conceptual redefinition of healthcare itself.For decades, biomarkers told stories in retrospect! While elevated troponin levels confirmed a myocardial infarction that had already happened, HbA1c outlined the glycemic history rather than just alleviating glycemic damage. However, certain problems remain unresolved due to complications in data interpretation. For example, a biomarker proved informative only when it highlighted a biological chronicle. Today, ‘omics’ is finally enabling the narrative.If biomarkers convey meaning, biosensors provide contiguity. From progressively miniaturizing and mobilizing the labs over the past decade, biosensors have revolutionized our daily lives. Constant evolution of the wearable and implantable platforms revalidates the theory, much to our advantage, that a living body is a continuously sampled biochemical reactor!Given their immense importance and undeniable relevance in today’s research, the first 2026 issue of the Biochemist unveils the developments and novel uses of biosensors and biomarkers. This issue features two articles that aptly highlight the potential of turning bacteria into biosensors; one from David Riglar and William Kenney and another from Rahmi Yusuf. From Michael Daniele, Kalia Peterson, and Kirstie Queener, we have an article featuring advances in on-skin and subdermal sensing, with a particular focus on methods for minimally invasive monitoring. Chiara Herzog, Yordan Apostolov, and Phoebe Bedford investigate how epigenetic markers can impact biological processes across generations, underscoring the importance of epigenetics in precision medicine.This issue also features an article from an awardee of the Biochemical Society’s 2025 Awards program. Róisín M. Owens, winner of The AstraZeneca Award 2025, contributes an article discussing seminal discoveries from their lab related to the gut-brain axis. Finally, we also have a featured article from Yusuke Nasu, which explores how biosensors can illuminate metabolic dynamics in vivo.Alongside these featured articles, this issue contains helpful guidance from Anne Graham on how postgraduates can excel in teaching and develop their skills, as well as a Day in the Life article from Nana Asamoah-Danso on his role as a laboratory-support technician. I am also pleased to see contributions from students in the molecular bioscience community, as we feature the 2nd- and 3rd-place entries from last year’s competition under the Higher Education category. It is motivating to learn about the amazing work carried out by students in their research projects, as Felix Burton shares their experience of developing deep learning models to aid student research projects and beyond.It is the beginning of the exhilarating journey that I embarked upon, and I hope to work with the Editorial team to build an open knowledge base for students and scientists alike, making The Biochemist their voice for the exchange of innovative ideas, technological developments, and research experiences. Please do write to us should you have any comments on the current issue or suggestions for future contributions. Happy reading! Biochemist ; Theme (computing) ; Patient care ; Cancer biomarkers ; Biological sciences ; Biomarker ; Biosecurity ; Original research Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis ; Biosensors and Analytical Detection ; bioluminescence and chemiluminescence research