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Science News for December 25, 2011


New synthetic molecules treat autoimmune disease in mice

Scientists have developed a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases by creating artificial antibodies that target the MMP9 enzyme. These 'metallobodies' mimic natural inhibitors and selectively block two members of the MMP family, preventing symptoms in mice with inflammatory conditions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 25, 2011

Faster, more accurate, more sensitive

Researchers developed a new method called HHblits that surpasses PSI-BLAST in performance by increasing sensitivity and precision. By analyzing similar sequences, scientists can infer the structure and functions of proteins more accurately and frequently than before.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 25, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A radar for ADAR: Altered gene tracks RNA editing in neurons

Biologists have developed a fluorescent reporter to track ADAR's RNA editing activity in living animals, showing surprising individual variation in fruit flies. The tool reveals ADAR's role in gene expression and disease, offering new insights into RNA editing errors.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 25, 2011

Sea snails help scientists explore a possible way to enhance memory

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston used Aplysia californica sea snails to test an innovative learning strategy that improved memory in the brain. The study identified optimal times for learning and showed a significant increase in memory when sessions were scheduled during these peak periods.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 25, 2011

Discovered the existence of neutrophils in the spleen

Researchers discovered neutrophils exist in the spleen without an infection, contributing new knowledge to biology. These cells have an immunoregulating role, interacting with B lymphocytes to produce antibodies.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 25, 2011