The organism Methanopyrus kandleri has a mutation that shuts down cellular activity, but an enzyme converts it back to normal. This discovery may combat viruses and provide insights into protein biosynthesis.
Udayan Mohanty, a physical chemist at Boston College, received a 2009 Guggenheim Fellowship to study rare chemical reactions using new computational models. He aims to discover unknown reaction pathways, particularly those surrounding DNA and RNA behavior.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified a compound that could treat secondary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of brain tumor. By replenishing α-ketoglutarate, they reversed the effects of IDH1 gene mutation, which contributes to tumor growth.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in laboratory rats, lowering them by up to 60 percent. This natural compound may offer a new way to lower blood triglycerides and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
A new web-based CME course created by PharmedOut aims to educate physicians about the many ways pharmaceutical companies attempt to influence their knowledge of drugs and prescribing behavior. The 'Pharmalyzer' course provides compelling evidence to illustrate the influence of marketing, including disease branding and detailing tactics.
The Journal of General Physiology explores the mysteries of TRP channels, which are crucial for various senses. The latest Perspectives series provides a comprehensive overview of their biophysics, protein structure, and gating processes, shedding light on areas in need of further exploration.
A team of Penn biochemists designed a simple and robust oxygen-transporting protein using design principles inspired by nature. They successfully created the protein, which can transport oxygen, using a set of simple design principles.
A new technique using scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopes can identify complementary DNA base pairs by measuring the strength of hydrogen bonds. This method could lead to a new DNA sequencing technology that is faster and cheaper than current methods.
Dr. Lyndon Cooper, a professor at the University of North Carolina, received the IADR Research in Prosthodontics and Implants Award for his significant research contributions to bone formation and tissue engineering. The award recognizes his work on cell-based tissue engineering for clinical bone formation.
Researchers found a link between CaM kinase II inhibition and reduced inflammatory gene expression in heart muscle cells. Inhibition of CaM kinase II protected mice from heart damage, highlighting a potential new treatment target.
A team of University of Washington scientists has uncovered the basis for the strong yet dynamic attachment of spindle fibers to kinetochores, a site on each chromosome that mechanically couples to spindle fibers. This discovery sheds light on how chromosomes are accurately and evenly divided during cell division.
Researchers found that curcumin acts as a disciplinarian, inserting itself into cell membranes and making them more orderly. This improves cells' resistance to infection and malignancy by controlling information flow through the membrane.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have determined the atomic structure of the binding between an antibody and a brain protein that could be key to treating vCJD. The study found that this antibody, ICSM18, has therapeutic potential in preventing brain cell infection and reversing early damage caused by the disease.
A new study found that angiogenesis inhibitors, which starve tumors of their blood supply, can sometimes promote more invasive cancer growth and increase the incidence of metastases. Researchers call for further studies to determine if the drugs affect tumors in patients as they do in mouse models.
Researchers at University at Buffalo link capsaicin's analgesic effects to PIP2 lipid in cell membranes. The receptor's adaptation property allows it to continuously respond to varying stimuli, providing a novel strategy for developing safe pain-relieving medications.
A study by ISU researcher Yeon-Kyun Shin found that statins can reduce brain function by depriving the brain of cholesterol, a vital component for efficient brain function. This affects neurotransmitter release, data-processing, and memory functions.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discovered that estrogen receptors are present in medulloblastoma, the most common type of pediatric brain tumor. This finding suggests that anti-estrogen drug treatments may be beneficial in limiting tumor progression and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Cardiff University are making discoveries about the eye using X-ray scattering techniques at Diamond Light Source, shedding light on keratoconus and its effects. The study aims to advance laser surgeries like LASIK and develop artificial corneas to improve the quality of life for those affected by serious eye diseases.
A study at Columbia University Medical Center found that experimental heart failure drugs may slow muscle loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal genetic disorder. The new class of drugs targets the same microscopic leak that weakens both skeletal and cardiac muscles.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified a gene that causes obesity when mutated, affecting metabolism without impacting appetite. The study's findings provide new insights into epigenetics and open possibilities for novel pharmacologic approaches to treating obesity.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that disrupting the circadian clock can slow the progression of cancer. The study suggests that altering one of four essential 'clock' genes can extend the lives of mice with cancer by 50% by making cancer cells more vulnerable to cell suicide.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants, chosen based on scientific merit and proposed presentation. The recipients include researchers from Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, India, Iran, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, and United Kingdom.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Minority Travel Awards, which support minority students attending the 53rd Annual Meeting in Boston. The recipients include Lisette Fred and seven others, who will receive travel awards to attend the meeting.
Using metagenomics, Yale scientists linked environmental factors to molecular changes in marine micro-organisms, revealing adaptations to temperature and salinity.
A 9-month-old breast-fed infant was diagnosed with rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency after presenting with seizures and a bulging soft spot. The case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in infants, particularly those who are solely breast-fed.
Researchers have developed a new technique called liquid STEM that enables the imaging of individual molecules in biological cells, with improved resolution and speed compared to existing methods. This innovation has potential applications in energy science and the development of molecular probes.
A new UNC study found that the circadian clock influences a cell's repair machinery, which can affect the potency of cancer drugs. By targeting the daily oscillations of this enzyme system, researchers believe clinicians can maximize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Researchers have solved the structure of VP35, a key part of the Ebola protein that interferes with host cell defense mechanisms. This discovery paves the way for designing drugs that can bind to and inhibit VP35 function, potentially neutralizing the Ebola virus.
Researchers found that pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency were more than twice as likely to undergo a caesarean section compared to those without the deficiency. The study highlights the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy.
Researchers have redesigned factor VIII to increase its ability to drive blood clotting, which could lead to more effective and less burdensome hemophilia treatment. The new design improves the stability of the protein, allowing it to withstand manufacturing processes and exposure to the human bloodstream.
David Baker, a UW professor, won the 2008 Raymond & Beverly Sackler International Prize in Biophysics for developing accurate computer models of protein structures using Argonne's Leadership Computing Facility. His work has led to new insights into protein functions and potential therapeutics.
A four-minute animated movie created by University of Calgary's Barry Sanders explains the nature of quantum computing, its power and underlying science. The animation uses state-of-the-art techniques to convey quantum concepts in an accurate and exciting way.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered a chemical that counters the negative impact of leptin on drug-eluting stents used in diabetic patients. This finding could lead to improved outcomes for diabetics who receive stents.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a functional link between the brain's reward and stress signaling circuits. Dopamine, the chief reward signal, works through corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) to increase activity in a brain region involved in addiction relapse.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered a new method for protein-DNA interaction, where proteins can identify specific sequences on DNA using indirect readout. This breakthrough has implications for the development of designer drugs and could lead to a better understanding of diseases.
Researchers from the University of Iowa have discovered that calmodulin kinase II contributes to arrhythmia in Timothy syndrome, a rare disease affecting only 20 people worldwide. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent irregular heartbeats.
Decreasing FKBP12 gene activity in mice disrupted neuron-to-neuron communication, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and repetitive behaviors. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disease.
Researchers have found that preventive use of antithrombotic medication can reduce incidence of thromboembolic events in cancer patients. The PROTECHT Study shows a 47.2% reduction in risk, while also demonstrating safety with minimal major bleeding episodes.
Entomologist Dave Kavanaugh finds that climate change has altered the habitats of his beloved beetle species, forcing them to seek new rocky patches above tree-line. He documented 85 North American Nebria beetles, many of which were previously unknown or absent due to habitat shifts.
The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) has expanded its research-based undergraduate course beyond Washington University, reaching students at historically black and Hispanic-serving institutions. Students work with in silico tools to analyze DNA sequence data, improving their understanding of genomics and its applications.
David Baker is being honored for his work on predicting protein structures from amino acid sequences and developing new protein folds. His research has led to practical applications in designing new medications and molecular therapies, as well as a better understanding of degenerative diseases.
Researchers from GU/GUMC presented numerous studies on learning, facial recognition, and social interaction in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, they explored ways to improve cognition and reduce brain lesions in stroke survivors using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified several compounds that block unwanted RNA coupling, a key step in the disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a drug-like molecule to treat myotonic muscular dystrophy.
Scientists have discovered a biological transformation that occurs in the absence of an enzyme, taking 2.3 billion years to complete. This finding highlights the importance of enzymes as catalysts in life processes and has implications for drug design and molecular studies.
A study published in PLoS Medicine calls for strengthened restrictions on off-label promotion by pharmaceutical companies, citing potential dangers to public health. The researchers argue that marketing of off-label uses is widespread and should be heavily fined to prioritize patient safety.
A University of Iowa study identifies a faulty signaling pathway that causes exercise-induced fatigue in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. The research suggests that targeting this pathway may lead to therapies for this type of fatigue. Viagra was shown to overcome the signaling defect and relieve the fatigue.
Researchers have shown that HRV hijacks many of your genes, leading to an overblown immune response. The study identifies novel candidate genes that could be targeted for drug development to treat colds and exacerbations of asthma and COPD.
The common cold's immune response, not the virus itself, causes symptoms, according to a comprehensive genomic study. The research identifies therapeutic targets that can balance the immune response and potentially prevent infection.
The Biophysical Society recognizes the 2009 Distinguished Service Award and Emily M. Gray Award recipients, who have made significant contributions to biophysics research, education, and service. Five members are also named as new Fellows for their excellence in science and expansion of the field.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao emphasized the importance of basic research investment, aiming for a 4% annual reduction in energy consumption. He also vowed to improve food safety and tackle environmental challenges, recognizing science as crucial for societal development.
Researchers successfully linked a person's brain to individual muscles in a paralyzed limb using neuroprosthetic devices, allowing natural control and movements. The study demonstrates a novel approach to restoring movement through direct artificial connections between the brain and muscles.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine discovered a novel enzyme linked to anencephaly, a rare fatal birth defect. The study suggests that a genetic test may be developed to diagnose the condition early in pregnancy.
A new pig model for cystic fibrosis has been developed, closely mirroring the disease in human infants. The study's findings suggest that this model will aid in understanding the disease and may speed up the discovery of new treatments.
The new center will foster collaborations among researchers with diverse expertise to tackle current biological problems using various tools and approaches. Researchers will be able to measure complex interactions and simulate events that cannot be studied experimentally, offering new insights into mechanisms.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, a UC Berkeley bioengineer, has been awarded a $1.5 million NIH New Innovator Award to investigate the role of mechanical forces in human health and disease. His research aims to understand how cells process biophysical cues, which could lead to the development of new chemotherapeutic drugs for brain tumors.
Scientists have identified a site where sodium regulates specific potassium ion channels, which could lead to new approaches in drug design. The findings may help understand the mechanisms involved in ion channel gating and its relevance to hypertension.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that two protein cousins, related to the p53 family, play a critical role in cancer development. The findings challenge traditional thinking and suggest a new branch of scientific inquiry into cancer development.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have transformed human skin cells into insulin-producing cells using pluripotent stem cell technology. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments or even a cure for the millions of people affected by diabetes.
A Florida State University researcher has discovered a molecular mechanism that gives scientists a better understanding of how evolution occurs at the molecular level. The study reveals an enzyme with two pathways dedicated to the same task, one of which is an evolutionary vestige left over from an ancient enzyme.
The Biophysical Society has awarded eight individuals in recognition of their groundbreaking work in biophysics. Robert Stroud and Stephen H. White were recognized for their pioneering research in transmembrane biology and lipid structure, respectively.