The University of Houston is celebrating Women in Computing with a recent gala that honored two shining stars: associate professor Susan Hardin and computer science senior Mehnaz Bhayani. Susan received the Top Houston Women in Technology award, while Mehnaz won a $7,000 Kathi Bowles Scholarship to support her academic pursuits.
Scientists have identified new breast tumor subtypes associated with poor clinical outcomes, which can be recognized and matched with therapies. The discovery uses genomic approaches and microarray analysis to classify tumors into distinct subtypes based on patterns of gene interaction.
The TIGR president discussed the significance of finding anthrax toxin genes in a naturally occurring microbe other than Bacillus anthracis. The study found these genes in a virulent strain of Bacillus cereus, suggesting natural horizontal gene transfer may have occurred.
A pilot project found that providing access to healthy food choices significantly improved weight loss and self-esteem among low-income African-American women. The Rolling Store approach offers a realistic and inexpensive solution to overcome economic and geographic barriers to healthy diets.
Dr. Li-Huei Tsai's groundbreaking study reveals p25 protein's role in Alzheimer's disease, a key feature of which is the presence of beta amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The research also suggests an intervention after stroke could lower or prevent additional risk of Alzheimer's
Researchers genetically modified mice to lack the CT or PEMT pathways, resulting in significant reductions of lipoproteins and homocysteine levels. This suggests pharmacological inhibition of PC manufacture in the liver as a potential approach to lower LDL cholesterol and homocysteine levels.
The event honored Dr. Steven Almo, Dr. Sunney I. Chan, Dr. Ronald W. Davis, Dr. Pehr A. B. Harbury, and Dr. Robert J. Lefkowitz for their outstanding contributions to biochemical and molecular biological research. Dr. William L. Smith also received the ASBMB-Avanti Award in Lipids.
Researchers have discovered a new way in which mutated Ras proteins contribute to cancer progression. They found that Ras interacts with an enzyme essential for the synthesis of GPI-anchored proteins, regulating their production on cell surfaces.
Leroy Hood is being honored with the 2004 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his groundbreaking work in systems biology and medicine. He pioneered the techniques that enabled the rapid sequencing of the human genome, revolutionizing genomics.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a central enzyme that can sense subtle changes in protein folding, enabling the removal of misfolded proteins from cells. This discovery may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new 'hyperactive' antifreeze protein has been identified in the blood of winter flounder, enabling them to withstand temperatures as low as -1.9 degrees Celsius. This discovery explains the previously unknown mechanism behind these fish's survival in polar oceans.
Dr. Xiaodong Wang, a professor of biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his groundbreaking research on cell death and apoptosis. His discoveries could lead to treatments for cancer and neurological diseases.
Professor Sandra C. Greer was recognized for her dedication to encouraging women in chemistry, with over half of her Ph.D. students being female. She has supervised 14 Ph.D. dissertations and chaired the University of Maryland Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
A team of researchers developed an optical glucose sensor that functions as a continuous glucose monitor capable of operating under physiological conditions. The sensor shows outstanding glucose response over the full range of glucose levels, which could reduce pain, costs, and deaths in ICU patients.
A new study by St. Jude/Mayo Clinic researchers found a direct link between the CBP gene and lymphoma development in mice, with the loss of CBP promoting T-cell lymphoma and cooperating with reduced p27Kip1 protein levels. The study suggests that CBP plays a role in cancer development despite normal p53 activity.
Researchers used genetically modified yeast to pinpoint mutations responsible for antibiotic resistance in Pneumocystis jirovecii, a pathogen causing severe pneumonia. The study reveals potential targets for designing new drugs to prevent resistance.
A team of scientists has successfully used a 'robot scientist' to discover the function of about 30% of genes in baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which could lead to major medical breakthroughs. The robot, trained on biochemistry knowledge, designed experiments and analyzed data using plate readers.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a key gene that regulates flowering in biennials, such as carrots and cabbage. The discovery could lead to new methods for manipulating crop productivity and understanding how organisms control cell fates during development.
The Flu Chip will enable doctors to swiftly diagnose respiratory illness, including influenza A, B and C, SARS, and other viruses. The technology uses DNA microarrays to provide genetic information, aiding in the management of local epidemics and worldwide pandemics.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that PUMA is the primary mediator of cell death in response to p53 signals, leading to apoptosis in cancer cells. The study provides critical insights into how cancer disrupts a failsafe mechanism that kills abnormal cells, and offers potential new therapy targets.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as a cooperative research center to develop treatments for muscle-wasting diseases. The center will focus on gene and stem cell therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common and debilitating childhood disease.
Researchers at OHSU discovered that HIV-encoded protein Vif neutralizes human protein APOBEC3G, which would inactivate HIV if present. This finding could lead to the development of targeted anti-HIV drugs and provide insights into the body's innate protection system.
Researchers at SLU have successfully deciphered the molecular structure of recombination protein O (RecO), crucial for accurate genomic DNA replication. This breakthrough may aid pharmaceutical researchers in developing more effective drugs and basic scientists in understanding gene function.
The Tylenol Scholarship is one of the largest merit scholarship programs in the United States for all health-related studies. Since its inception in 1991, more than $6 million in scholarship grants have been awarded to over 5,000 students by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified a novel enzyme that halts histone synthesis when no longer needed, preventing lethal cell damage. The discovery sheds light on the complex regulatory mechanisms governing histone mRNA expression.
Researchers have discovered an engineered mouse that can eat a high-fat diet without gaining weight or developing diabetes. The mouse lacks the SCD-1 gene, which affects fat production and glucose regulation. As a result, muscle cells are more sensitive to insulin, enabling them to absorb glucose and regulate blood sugar levels.
A study published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour found that sage oil improved word recall test performance in healthy young adults. Sage is being investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's Disease due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified nine specific genes that are shut off in plants before they develop from embryos to adults. These genes, part of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) class, are controlled by a master regulator called PKL, which turns them off to allow plants to develop root and leaf systems. The study's findings m...
Researchers show that SOCS3 slows macrophage activation initiated by IL-6, and discover an unexpected pathway causing fatal inflammatory responses in humans., The study adds to understanding of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in immune system cells.
A Ph.D. student in chemistry at Virginia Tech has been selected to attend the 53rd Meeting of the Nobel Laureates, focusing on biochemistry. The student will have personal interactions with Nobel laureates and engage in seminars and roundtable discussions.
Scientists have identified a novel step in the formation of prions, proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and chronic wasting disease. By inhibiting this conversion with compounds blocking free sulfhydryl groups, researchers may be able to develop a therapeutic strategy against prion disease.
Duke University biochemists create sensor proteins that can specifically detect TNT and other chemicals, opening doors for medical and environmental applications. The researchers' computational design method narrows down possible structures to reasonable numbers with days' worth of calculations.
Researchers at Columbia University have made significant discoveries in understanding the immune system and brain function, including the identification of key genes involved in odor recognition. Their work has provided new insight into how smell is represented in the brain.
A 50-amino-acid stretch of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) jams mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, starving cells of energy. This leads to neuronal death, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, according to Penn researchers.
Researchers found a significant association between the DQB1_05 and _04 alleles and sleepwalking disorder, suggesting that these genes play a role in disorders of motor control during sleep. The study identified Ser74 as a key genetic marker for sleepwalking, providing new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a single protein that sets the length of periods of activity and inactivity within cells, known as the biological clock. The discovery has significant implications for medicine, including minimizing jet lag and determining optimal cancer treatment timing.
Researchers have solved the three-dimensional structure of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor's extracellular domain, which may help develop treatments for familial hypercholesterolemia. The LDL receptor plays a crucial role in clearing LDL from the blood and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Patrick Harran, associate professor of biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has won the AstraZeneca Excellence in Chemistry Award for his discovery of a synthetic alternative to an anticancer compound. His research reveals that the initial structure reported for the natural product was incorrect.
The new center will focus on developing hormonal methods for effective and reversible male contraception, with potential health benefits such as preventing prostate disease. The program supports interactive research projects aiming to develop clinically useful products for people of different backgrounds and ages.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces bone cancer pain in mice. The therapy uses an inactivated herpes simplex virus to deliver the human gene for proenkaphalin, a naturally occurring painkilling peptide.
The new 800 MHz magnet will enable researchers to study larger and more complex biological systems, including protein folding and complex formation. This advancement is expected to significantly improve understanding of normal biological function and regulation, as well as the development of diseases and drug response.
A study published in Biochemistry found significant alterations in white matter tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential initiating step for the disease. White matter degeneration may be caused by a disease of oligodendrocytes, leading to axon damage and cognitive impairments.
Researchers have found an enzyme that activates specific RNAs outside the nucleus, enabling them to carry out important steps of germ line development. The discovery provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how genes are controlled and may lead to new ways of regulating genetic information.
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute are studying cellular responses to environmental stress to better understand how it contributes to cancer development. The team aims to characterize networks of systems that operate during exposure to DNA-damaging events, with a focus on DNA repair and damage tolerance pathways.
Scientists have created mice that can eat rich, high-fat diets without accumulating fat or risking diabetes. The mice lack the SCD-1 gene, which produces an enzyme required for fat tissue production. Instead of storing excess fat, the mice metabolize it, increasing energy expenditure and oxygen consumption.
A team of researchers will study the role of Rac2, a protein important in phagocytic blood cell function, using mice that lack a functional Rac2 gene and exhibit immune system defects. The long-term goal is to develop novel approaches to control phagocyte function and disease.
Proteins: From Sequence to Structure is the first book in the Primers in Biology series, covering sequence, structure, and functional properties of proteins from a post-genomic focus. The authors, Gregory Petsko and Dagmar Ringe, are authorities in their field and have received high praise for their comprehensive primer.
Ray Dessy, a renowned chemist, has received the Dreyfus Foundation Senior Mentor Award to support undergraduate research in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) use. The award will fund projects with students from various fields, including chemistry, engineering, and computer science.
The project aims to develop a 'Field-Portable Chip-Based Anti-Terrorism Microanalyzer' using 'laboratory on a chip' technology. This device will enable immediate detection of terrorist agents, benefiting first responders such as firefighters, police, and paramedics.
Researchers at University of Houston develop new direct molecular sensing technology for rapid genetic information sequencing, potentially saving lives in bioterrorism attacks. The technology could also enable personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to an individual's unique genetic makeup.
Researchers demonstrate that Ebola and Marburg viruses rely on lipid rafts in the cell membrane to gain entry and assemble. This finding opens up potential therapeutic avenues against these deadly pathogens.
Research by UCLA chemists suggests that too much Coenzyme Q can be harmful to adult worms, extending their life span. The study, published in the journal Science, found that lower amounts of Coenzyme Q significantly extended the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms.
Researchers have identified mutant enzymes with improved detoxifying properties against chemical warfare agents and agricultural insecticides. By modifying amino acids, the team has created faster-detoxifying enzymes that can efficiently degrade these compounds.
A researcher has developed a new detector that can identify airborne anthrax and other biological particles in under 30 minutes. The device uses lasers and acoustic sensors to detect the presence of microorganisms, offering significant improvements over existing methods.
The center will provide cutting-edge instrumentation and theoretical expertise to researchers worldwide, focusing on biochemistry and molecular biology. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art ESR spectrometers to study dynamic molecular processes and develop new methods for measuring distances in biomolecules.
Biochemistry assistant professor Mark Glover has recreated the three-dimensional structure of a critical portion of the BRCA1 protein, a breakthrough that could lead to early detection and genetic screening for breast cancer. The findings may also provide new insights into how the protein prevents cells from becoming cancerous.
Virginia Tech biochemist White identifies 200 genes responsible for coenzyme formation in Methanococcus jannaschi, an ancient Archaea bacteria. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of metabolic processes in these unique organisms.
Virginia Tech researchers are exploring a plant-based approach to produce a human enzyme for treating Type 2 diabetes. The project aims to create a transgenic plant that can cheaply produce D-chiro inositol, which is currently synthesized through expensive and painful processes.
The Emory-led research group aims to use naturally occurring sphingolipids to develop more effective compounds for cancer prevention and treatment. Sphingolipids have shown promise in controlling certain types of cancer, and the grant will focus on developing these compounds into new anti-cancer treatments.
Scientists have identified a portion of the HIV genome that remains unaffected by mutations, providing a potential therapeutic target for preventing viral spread. By blocking this site, researchers believe they can inhibit viral replication and develop a new treatment approach.