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
Mayo Clinic researchers identified a gene responsible for hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), a devastating brain disorder that leads to death between ages 40 and 60. The finding suggests HDLS may be more common than previously thought, allowing for genetic diagnosis without brain biopsy or autopsy.
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.
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
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
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