Researchers at MIT have found a way to grow bacteria to function as signal-senders that might allow plants to "sense and respond to environmental conditions such as drought or attack by pests". More about MIT researchers engineer bacteria that could program plants for self-defence
Designer Audrey Levy has reimagined a common household appliance with her project How to Grow a Refrigerator, applying sustainable insulating and cooling technologies that take advantage of the power of bacteria and the sun. More about Student grows fuzzy fridge from bacteria to challenge norms around cooling
Bio-designer Lucia Giron has worked with the University of Cambridge's Department of Biochemistry to develop prototypes of an algae-based battery alternative, which harnesses the power of photosynthesis for electricity. More about Algae "biocells" powered by photosynthesis could replace disposable batteries
Dezeen Showroom: Dutch sustainability platform Front and biotechnology company Biomason have launched a low-carbon, concrete-like floor tile strengthened by bacteria. More about Mimmik Tile by Front and Biomason
University of Edinburgh researchers have used bacteria to turn plastic waste into a Parkinson's drug, advancing a new approach known as "bio-upcycling". More about Plastic bottles recycled into Parkinson's drug using bacteria
In its latest exhibition More Than Human, London's Design Museum explores what happens when we design not for people but for animals, plants and other living things. Here, the curators preview five works that give an insight into this new frontier of thinking. More about Design Museum curators pick five projects that exemplify "more-than-human" design
Alien-like structures that sequester carbon emerge from shallow pools at the Canada Pavilion at this year's Venice Architecture Biennale. More about Canada "prints living structures" at Venice Architecture Biennale
Visitors to the Venice Architecture Biennale can drink coffee made from the city's canal water in a Golden Lion-winning intervention by US practice Diller Scofidio + Renfro. More about Diller Scofidio + Renfro serves up canal water coffee at Venice Architecture Biennale
Meals are prepared in a woodland kitchen using fermentation, rather than electricity or gas, in an installation by architect Andrés Jaque's Office for Political Innovation. More about Andrés Jaque promotes carbon-free cooking with outdoor Transspecies Kitchen
The process of using bacteria to colour textiles has been brought to a commercial scale by British company Colorifix, which hopes to cut the fashion industry's use of toxic chemical dyes. More about Colorifix harnesses bacteria for non-toxic clothes dyeing
Promotion: four international researchers have explored ways to develop energy sources that are both renewable and compostable using bacteria and biomaterials. More about Researchers develop renewable and biodegradable power sources using bacteria
Bacteria were used to grow this one-off edition of the Bou Bag by Danish fashion brand Ganni, made from a leather alternative by London biotech company Modern Synthesis that contains no plastic or petrochemicals. More about Ganni unveils handbag made from bacterial leather at LDF
Fashion brand Ganni and materials company Polybion have debuted a jacket grown by bacteria during the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, marking a milestone for bacterial cellulose as a leather alternative. More about Ganni unveils faux leather jacket made using bacteria instead of cowhide
Biotechnology company Modern Synthesis has developed a biomaterial from bacterial fermentation that can be used to create a low-carbon alternative to traditional clothing fabrics. More about Modern Synthesis uses bacteria to create biomaterial fabric
University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have invented a biofilm that sticks to the skin like a Band-Aid to harnesses sweat for electricity that could power wearable devices. More about Biofilm developed to power wearable electronics with sweat
Material research firm Studio Lionne van Deursen has showcased its Unfold designs, made from a material created by bacteria, as part of the Isola Design District exhibition at Milan Design Week. More about Studio Lionne van Deursen exhibits material created by microorganisms at Milan Design Week
New York streetwear label Public School has collaborated with material scientist Theanne Schiros to create a pair of biofabricated trainers using a leather alternative grown by microbes. More about Public School creates "backyard compostable" sneaker from kombucha waste
Studio Lionne van Deursen is presenting a material research project and lighting range made using bacteria for VDF x Ventura Projects. More about Imperfect Perfection lighting range is made using bacteria
Bacteria from a boggy World War Two bomb crater generate kaleidoscopic light forms inside this telescope-like tube by Dutch designer Teresa van Dongen.
More about Teresa van Dongen's Mud Well light uses microorganisms to create electricity
Central Saint Martins graduate Rosie Broadhead has integrated live bacteria into the fibres of clothing that reduces body odour, encourages cell renewal and improves the immune system, when activated by sweat. More about Rosie Broadhead weaves bacteria into clothing fibres to create a second skin