Researchers have discovered that early human embryos can effectively repair single-strand DNA damage, but the repair of double-strand breaks is less reliable at this stage of development. The study also highlights the limitations of current genome-editing technologies and the need for continuous research.
A team of scientists has developed a new technology that significantly shortens the development process of aptamers, synthetic alternatives to antibodies. By screening for 'aptamer families' and identifying the best-performing member, researchers can reduce development time from several months to only a few days.
The Dream Biology Award recognizes original ideas with potential to advance biological research and deliver benefits to society. The competition invites ambitious proposals across various biological sciences and offers a unique trophy and €10,000 prize.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism for initiating gene transcription in cells under stress. Using cryogenic electron microscopy, they observed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind to RNA polymerase, enabling the formation of alternative caps that protect cellular RNA.
Researchers at IOCB Prague developed a new type of fluorescent label that provides higher-contrast and clearer images in living cells. This innovation reduces the need for repeated washing and minimizes excess dye binding, making it more cost-effective and efficient for studying cellular processes.
Researchers found that alcohol causes DNA damage, which can lead to cancer, and discovered a repair mechanism using the SXE enzyme complex. Individuals with genetic mutations affecting DNA repair may be more susceptible to alcohol-related cancers.
A team of researchers from IOCB Prague introduces a novel method for labeling molecules with fluorescent dyes, surpassing existing approaches in precision and stability. This enables scientists to track labeled molecules over long periods with high reliability, expanding possibilities for research in biology, chemistry, and medicine.
A new method allows for the creation of light-emitting quantum centers in nanodiamonds in just four minutes, yielding large quantities of high-quality material. The breakthrough enables industrial production of higher-quality and more affordable quantum nanodiamonds with applications in research and technology.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a comprehensive data set called MSⁿLib, which contains millions of records on small molecules. This opens up new possibilities for faster drug discovery, environmental monitoring, and advances in artificial intelligence.
A new method of separating rare earth elements from used neodymium magnets has been developed, allowing for environmentally friendly purification without organic solvents or toxic substances. The process is adaptable for other rare earths found in neodymium magnets and has the potential to influence various industrial sectors.
Researchers developed a machine learning model called DreaMS to analyze previously unknown molecules. The model significantly accelerates the analysis and uncovers unexpected chemical similarities between substances.
A research team at IOCB Prague has discovered a previously unknown phenomenon where a liquid transitions between metallic and nonmetallic states without settling in either. The study proposes a new hypothesis: ultrafast switching between the two phases on a timescale of tens of femtoseconds.
Researchers from IOCB Prague have developed a compound that could treat alopecia areata by targeting the immune system. The substance, a series of prodrugs based on derivatives of itaconic acid, has shown efficacy in mice tests and may be administered orally.
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed a new compound that securely binds metal elements, known as lanthanides, inside molecules of medical drugs. This breakthrough discovery, called 'ClickZip', improves diagnostics and accelerates drug development by making pharmaceuticals more stable.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have discovered the HelD protein's role in protecting bacterial RNA polymerase from antibiotic effects. The protein not only frees the enzyme but also ensures its recycling, allowing bacteria to multiply again.
Researchers from IOCB Prague have created new-generation prodrug activators that can enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies by targeting malignant tumours more precisely. These compounds allow for faster release of drugs in the body, increasing the utilization of administered doses.
Researchers at IOCB Prague successfully isolated the proteasome enzyme complex of the T. vaginalis parasite, enabling them to develop new medicines that can target this parasite without harming humans. This breakthrough has critical implications for treating trichomoniasis and reducing HIV risk.
Researchers from IOCB Prague uncover the mechanism behind a unique termite defense, where worker termites sacrifice themselves to kill attackers. The discovery sheds light on the enzyme's durability and functionality in harsh conditions.
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed a new compound that suppresses appetite and protects the brain against Alzheimer's disease. The modified molecule, derived from the neuropeptide CART, is effective in reducing pathology associated with Alzheimer's.
A new hybrid contrast agent has been developed to combine the benefits of MRI and PET imaging techniques, offering improved accuracy and opening new diagnostic applications. The agent has shown potential in detecting kidney problems and other conditions, paving the way for personalized diagnostics and precise imaging.
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed two new types of catalytic DNA molecules that can reveal target molecule presence through fluorescence or color. The research uses directed evolution to discover novel fluorescent and colorimetric deoxyribozymes, with potential applications in diagnostic tests.
Scientists from IOCB Prague have created a novel composite vector nanomaterial for transporting ribonucleic acid (RNA) into cells, ensuring its non-toxicity. This breakthrough aims to overcome the obstacle of nucleic acid vectors' toxicity and pave the way for gene therapy applications.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel method for preparing ribonucleic acid (RNA) containing modified bases using engineered DNA polymerases. This opens the door to applications in chemical biology and therapeutic applications, including mRNA drugs.
Researchers from IOCB Prague have developed a molecule that can switch between three distinct states, enabling the storage of complex information. This achievement opens the door to the development of molecular chips with unprecedented capabilities.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and Ghent University have developed 3D-printable gelatin-based materials that can be easily monitored using X-rays or CT scans. This improvement enables the tracking of implant biodegradation and mechanical failures, allowing for tailored clinical requirements.
Scientists from IOCB Prague have developed a universal and accurate new computational method to predict how proteins interact with drugs. The SQM2.20 scoring function yields DFT-quality predictions in minutes, significantly accelerating drug discovery.
A new algorithm, SIMSEF, significantly speeds up and simplifies the identification of chemicals in tissues, enabling researchers to confidently recognize and visualize their distribution in organs. This development has great implications for medical diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.
The research team led by Michal Hocek successfully pushes the boundaries of DNA structure and function. They demonstrate that heavily modified double helices are stable enough to be used in medicine, mimicking natural molecules with therapeutic potential.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have described the causes of azulene's blue color and its unusual properties, which can help capture and utilize light energy. The team used a simple concept to explain the molecule's behavior, opening up new possibilities for organic chemistry.
Researchers have experimentally confirmed the correctness of a decades-old theory regarding non-uniform electron density distribution in aromatic molecules. This discovery has significant implications for designing new nanomaterials and understanding various chemical and biological processes.
Researchers deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus, identifying a target for antiviral drugs. The findings may lead to the creation of new antivirals effective against not only monkeypox but also COVID-19.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have determined the first cryo-EM structures of a surface receptor of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in complex with human complement factor C3. This discovery sheds light on how the parasite avoids clearance from the human bloodstream and survives within the immune system.
A new generation of software, MZmine 3, enables scientists to analyze large volumes of data from mass spectrometry, tracing hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds. This breakthrough accelerates data processing and opens up opportunities for researchers to investigate disease causes and mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.
Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have created a glowing DNA enzyme called Supernova, which catalyzes a chemiluminescent reaction. This breakthrough uses artificial evolution to identify light-producing deoxyribozymes in a vast library of DNA molecules, opening up new possibilities for point-of-care assays and high-throughput screens.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.
A team of researchers from IOCB Prague has discovered a new type of nanoparticles capable of safely transporting various types of nucleic acids used for therapeutic purposes into cells. The universal nature of their system sets it apart from existing solutions, allowing for efficient transport of mRNA and other RNA molecules into cells.
Researchers at IOCB Prague develop a method to prepare metallic water without high pressure, by dissolving electrons from alkali metal in water vapor. The resulting solution lasts several seconds and contains dissolved alkali cations and hydroxide and hydrogen.
Researchers developed a novel method for labeling DNA bases using electrochemical detection and redox labels. This approach allows for the identification of individual nucleotides in a single strand of DNA, enabling faster and more affordable DNA sequencing and diagnostic applications.
Heavy water (D2O) is found to have a distinct sweet taste in humans, unlike ordinary water (H2O), which is mediated by the human sweet taste receptor TAS1R2/TAS1R3. The study uses molecular dynamics simulations, cell-based experiments, and mouse models to confirm this finding.
Researchers discovered that fluorescent proteins behave like miniature antennas, absorbing and emitting light in specific directions. This finding has significant applications in basic biological research and novel drug discovery.
The study reveals a deep canyon on the SARS-CoV-2 protein complex where viral RNA binding occurs, suitable for inhibitor development. Researchers identified fundamental characteristics of the Nsp16 and Nsp10 protein complex using X-ray crystallography.
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.
Researchers from IOCB Prague synthesized regular 2D assemblies of isotopically labelled molecular switches, measuring their isomerization properties. The team found that formation of the assembly does not compromise the photochemical switching properties of the embedded molecules.
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.
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 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.
Scientists developed a new method to produce nanodiamonds and silicon carbide with defined defects, utilizing neutron irradiation in nuclear reactors. This approach enables the efficient production of rare nanomaterials for medical applications, including cancer diagnostics.