A library of molecules with unique structural and chemical features have been identified to shut down the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase reaction, a key drug target for COVID-19. Five of these molecules are already FDA-approved for use in treating other viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified three different stem cell types in Crohn's biopsies, with two variants contributing to inflammation and fibrosis. The team is developing new drug therapies to selectively destroy these rogue cells and create new treatments for pediatric and adult Crohn's disease.
Scientists have successfully mapped the electrolyte-to-metal transition in alkali metal-liquid ammonia solutions, revealing the formation of a conduction band with sharp Fermi edges. This study provides a detailed molecular picture of metallic behavior and could lead to the preparation of metallic water.
University of Arkansas researchers are working on a therapeutic drug that can regenerate heart tissue and prevent myocardial infarction. The project aims to improve current methods of controlled release by targeting specific biochemical events during heart failure.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure and mode of action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. This finding opens opportunities for designing novel strategies to manage obesity and other metabolic diseases.
UCLA chemists have reported the key chemical discovery necessary for creating a small, electronic marijuana breathalyzer. The research uses electricity to change the chemical structure of THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, making it easier to detect whether a person is impaired.
A research team at McGill University has gained a deeper understanding of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), tiny natural machines that produce biologically active compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new potent antibiotics, immunosuppressants and other modern drugs by leveraging bacteria and fungi.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered that soil silicates can help control bleeding after injury by triggering clotting. The presence of soil in wounds activates a blood protein called coagulation Factor XII, leading to the formation of a plug and limiting blood loss.
Researchers at UTEP have created a nanohybrid vehicle that can selectively deliver polyphenol ellagic acid into the brain to mitigate neurodegenerative disorders. The vehicle reduces cytotoxicity while enhancing anti-oxidant properties, allowing for extended drug release.
Researchers have successfully produced human protein Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) in the laboratory to metabolize and clear excess levels of triglycerides. The study demonstrates a potential pathway for developing drugs that trigger this process.
Researchers have identified a new class of RNA caps in bacteria that play a crucial role in stress response and degradation under starvation conditions. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation.
A breakthrough discovery by Trinity College Dublin researchers identifies Caspase-11 as a key driver of allergic inflammation in asthma. This finding holds great promise for developing new therapeutic options to treat the debilitating disease.
A team of Clemson University researchers identified the function of a specific protein in three related parasites that cause African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and Leishmaniasis. The discovery provides insights into how these parasites differ from humans, shedding light on potential drug targets.
Researchers discovered that inner mitochondrial membranes constantly change their structure every few seconds in living cells, increasing energy performance. This dynamic adaptation process is enabled by the MICOS complex and allows cristae membranes to exist as isolated vesicles before re-fusing with the inner membrane.
Max Planck researchers have successfully developed a self-replicating genome, enabling the regeneration of proteins and DNA. The artificial system, assembled from modular DNA pieces, can produce its own translation factors and maintain chemical systems.
Researchers discover chemical cues in orchid that stimulate mosquitoes' sense of smell, attracting them like flowers. The scent contains nonanal and lilac aldehyde, which stimulate mosquito antennae and draw in multiple species.
Xu is being honored for her efforts to recruit women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation college students to the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences and engineering. She has led a laboratory pursuing research at the interface of chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine.
Professor Bruce Bursten, a WPI chemistry and biochemistry professor, has received the ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry. The award recognizes his significant contributions to inorganic electronic structure and bonding, as well as his inspirational teaching and leadership.
A new mathematical model, ETFL, accurately models enzyme expression and its associated metabolic cost in living cells. The model integrates biochemistry, thermodynamics, and multi-omics data to predict enzyme activity and metabolism.
A class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides has been found to be effective in treating frontotemporal dementia by fixing a genetic mutation that prevents the production of progranulin protein. Researchers discovered two specific antibiotics, Gentamicin and G418, which were able to recover up to 50-60% of progranulin protein levels.
A research team at UC Riverside has received a four-year NIH grant to investigate luminal B breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, with the goal of improving early detection and patient survival. The project aims to develop resources and training programs for diverse therapeutics researchers.
Researchers aim to understand how biomolecules fold and interact to inform better drug design. The lab combines computer programming with biochemistry to model protein folding, nucleic acid dynamics, and lipid interactions.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a new gene editing tool called INTEGRATE, which uses cryo-electron microscopy to capture high-resolution images of the complex in action. The tool appears to work by targeting DNA for accurate insertion of genetic payloads without introducing DNA breaks.
A $299,641 grant will advance the development of a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker test for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening illness affecting neonates. The test aims to alleviate this devastating gut disease among premature babies.
Enzymes from white rot fungi accelerate lignin breakdown in wood, a key step in carbon cycling. This process is the rate-determining step in the global carbon cycle, with half-life exceeding the age of the universe.
The CF LINK technology allows for selective preparation of protein conjugates through tryptophan residues and post-translational modification of aromatic amino acids. It can also be used to map protein surfaces and study protein-protein interactions.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a potent new antimicrobial that works against the toughest infectious disease strains, including MRSA. The compound, MAC-545496, cripples MRSA's ability to cause infection by diminishing its tolerance to the immune system and blocking its resistance to antibiotics.
A research team at Trinity College Dublin has discovered that PKM2 is a central 'on' switch for immune cells involved in psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Interfering with PKM2 blocks these cells and limits inflammation, offering new potential treatments for these diseases.
A $3.5 million NSF grant will enhance Galaxy's compatibility with GPUs, improving its speed and functionality. The goal is to reduce scientific discovery time from hours to minutes and seconds.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used a new sequencing method to identify a sea of previously invisible RNA molecules that may play a role in aging processes. The study found that these cyclic-phosphate containing RNAs (cP-RNAs) are abundantly expressed throughout the body and change in number as tissues age.
Researchers discovered the structure of ZCCHC4, an RNA-modifying enzyme linked to cancer, enabling structure-based drug design against liver and other cancers. The study sheds light on how this enzyme controls protein synthesis and cell proliferation.
The study uses low-temperature scanning electron microscopy to image the nanoscale architecture of tree cell walls in their living state. It reveals that macrofibril structures with a diameter exceeding 10 nanometres are common across all trees studied, providing new insights into wood's mechanical properties.
A Clemson University researcher is developing genetically improved perennial grasses that can thrive with less water and serve as a sustainable fuel source. The goal is to create more stress-resistant plants through molecular strategies, including site-specific DNA recombination systems.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to deliver CRISPR genome editing machinery to gut cells to fix genes responsible for a rare form of familial cancer. They will use an engineered, non-infectious hepatitis E virus to orally deliver CRISPR into cells in the gastrointestinal tract of mice.
Researchers add archaeal DNA to mouse models' genes to assess resistance to retinal degeneration and potentially develop new methods to prevent incurable eye diseases. The goal is to understand how molecular chaperones can help avoid misfolded proteins that cause blindness.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that humans have highly individualized inflammatory responses to eating a high-fat meal. The researchers used a sensitive test to analyze gene expression in response to the meal, finding that responses by more than 13,000 genes differed between subjects.
Twelve emerging scientists from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay have won PROLAB travel grants to collaborate with top researchers in the US, Canada, and Spain. They will work on various projects, including reproductive biology, neuronal proteostasis regulation, exercise-induced mood changes, and cancer progression.
Scientists at MLU have developed a new method for vaccinating plants against viruses, enabling rapid identification and production of precisely tailored substances. The new method follows the modular principle, allowing for flexible combat against new pests and improving the efficiency of siRNA molecules.
Researchers have discovered a second molecular zipper in the beta amyloid protein that may contribute to the formation of brain fibrils in Alzheimer's disease. This kinked form is more harmful and can initiate a cascade of events leading to dementia.
A pan-Canadian clinical trial will investigate a new way to treat metastatic breast cancer by making it impossible for breast cancer cells to manufacture proteins needed to be aggressive. The Dream Team, led by Nahum Sonenberg and Michael Pollak, aims to find ways to overcome translational dysregulation and prevent cancer spread.
Twelve scientists have been recognized by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for their significant contributions to biochemistry, molecular biology, and education. The award winners include Paul Black, Manajit Hayer-Hartl, Jean Schaffer, Edward Dennis, Yang Zhang, David Pagliarini, Kevin Campbell, among others.
Researchers will investigate loss of DNA repair mechanisms and secondary mutations leading to cancer. The goal is to develop improved cancer treatment regimens and predict drug efficacy.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Institute for Green Science unveiled a new field of sustainable chemistry using bioinspired oxidation catalysts. The catalysts, called NewTAMLs, can eliminate pharmaceutical micropollutants from water in under five minutes and have major cost savings over current water treatment techniques.
Researchers found that red algae stole approximately 1% of their genes from bacteria to adapt to toxic metals and salt stress in hot springs. The study suggests that this genetic adaptation could be used to develop novel genetic engineering methods to produce fuels and clean up polluted sites.
A new frankenbody tool has been developed to enable live-cell imaging, using a genetically encoded probe that binds to specific targets. This probe offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fluorescent protein tags, allowing for real-time visualization of protein dynamics and RNA translation in living cells.
DNA damaged by cisplatin is mostly fixed within two circadian cycles in noncancerous tissue, with repair of transcribed genes dominating the first 48 hours. This knowledge could aid the design of successful chronochemotherapies to reduce toxicity and target cancer cells.
Using cryo-EM, researchers captured the unfolding of proteins by Cdc48, a critical protein in recycling spent proteins. The study's results provide insights into the protein's structure and function.
Toxoplasma gondii parasites replicate by hijacking the host cell's starvation response, extracting essential amino acids like arginine. This discovery suggests promising new drug targets to treat intracellular pathogens.
Jaime Cury, a renowned researcher at UNICAMP Dental School, received the 2019 William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award for his extensive contributions to cariology research. He has published over 326 peer-reviewed publications on fluoride mechanisms and oral health.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri created a microscopic topographic map of cellular function, revealing how proteins move out of cells. The study found that cells adjust their protein transfer mechanisms depending on the type of protein being transported.
A study has revealed the structure of FoxM1 protein in its inactive state, which could lead to the development of new cancer treatments by stabilizing the protein. This understanding also provides insight into how transcription factors function and switch between active and inactive states.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that neonatal nicotine exposure changes the biochemistry of the reward circuitry in mice brains, increasing their preference for nicotine in later adulthood. This study suggests a potential mechanism for how early life exposure to nicotine may contribute to addiction later in life.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a way to target both of a bacteria's defenses with one hit, weakening its ability to develop antibiotic resistance. By interfering with a specific type of tRNA molecule, the team was able to make bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that gasdermin E forms holes in cell membranes, leading to cell death and suppressing tumor growth. The protein's expression is lower in many types of cancer, suggesting it may be a useful target for improving cancer therapy.
Researchers at UCLA designed a device that harnesses the charge from falling snow to create electricity. The snow-based triboelectric nanogenerator can work in remote areas without batteries, providing a continuous power supply for applications such as monitoring winter sports or tracking athletes.
The new centre aims to advance health and medicine by understanding the fundamental nature of life, with a focus on designing and building artificial cells and minimal genomes. Researchers will also investigate protein design and the foundations of life.
Researchers developed an artificial chemical DNA switch that can be turned on and off using light, offering a novel approach to epigenetics. The method uses chemical reactions in the major groove of DNA to influence gene switching, potentially leading to targeted regulation of gene expression.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that green tea extract reduced weight gain and inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers also discovered improved gut health, including more beneficial microbes and less permeability in the intestinal wall. These findings suggest that green tea may h...
Catherine Costello has made a lasting impact in proteomics with her groundbreaking research on biologically important polymers and their structures. She is the author of over 375 scientific papers and has received numerous awards for her contributions to mass spectrometry.
Researchers found that tiny swimmers can form large flocks swimming in the same direction, resulting in huge effects and unexpected behavior. The movement of microorganisms is crucial to research in materials science, engineering, and biochemistry.