Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a new kind of cell that helps protect insulin production, paving the way to understanding how researchers could prevent or reverse type 1 diabetes. Vascular-associated fibroblastic cells (VAFs) act as molecular peacekeepers in the pancreas, actively protecting insulin-producing cells from the i...
Researchers designed synthetic membrane proteins with enhanced stability using computer programs, revealing the structural basis of how some maintain their shape. The study provides new rules of sequence and atomic arrangements essential for membrane protein function and will help identify genetic mutations contributing to disease.
Shimon Sakaguchi's groundbreaking discovery of peripheral immune tolerance revealed a major unknown mechanism for autoimmunity, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. His work led to the identification of regulatory T cells, which act as the immune system's 'security guards', ensuring balanced responses and preventing self-destruction.
A new study by Scripps Research scientists reveals that a small midline brain region plays a key role in how animals learn to continue drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This brain pathway is responsible for driving strong relapse behavior, making it a crucial target for developing new treatments for substance use disorders.
Researchers at Scripps Research found that wearable devices can detect unique patterns specific to live birth pregnancies, potentially allowing for the monitoring of maternal health throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The study identified correlations between physiological patterns, such as heart rate, and hormonal fluctuations.
A new AI-powered method has reduced antibody discovery time from weeks to under a day, offering a scalable approach that minimizes data bottlenecks and accelerates research. This breakthrough could transform pandemic response and therapeutic development, particularly during health emergencies where rapid response is critical.
Scientists at Scripps Research have pinpointed dozens of human proteins that SARS-CoV-2 needs to complete its full life cycle. Two promising drug targets, perlecan and BIRC2, show potential in blocking coronaviruses at multiple stages of infection.
Researchers have developed a synthetic biology platform called T7-ORACLE that enables rapid protein evolution, allowing for the creation of therapeutic proteins with improved functions in a matter of days. This breakthrough has significant implications for various disease areas, including cancer and neurodegeneration.
A new study sponsored by Neurotech Pharmaceuticals and led by Scripps Research confirms that a neuroprotective surgical implant can slow vision loss in people with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). The implant, ENCELTO, delivers a therapeutic protein to preserve vision.
A new AI model uses a combination of data, including real-time glucose levels from wearable monitors, to provide a more nuanced view of diabetes risk. It flags early signs of diabetes risk that standard HbA1c tests may miss.
Researchers found that ribose binds to phosphate more quickly and effectively than other sugar molecules, which could have helped select it for inclusion in RNA development. The study also showed that ribose produces a five-member ring form, similar to the forms seen in RNA and DNA today.
A 1,000-patient clinical study will use RNA-based stool and saliva tests to detect colon polyps, enabling early prevention of colorectal cancer. The study aims to develop an at-home RNA test that empowers people to take action before cancer takes hold.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new microchip that can reveal how antibodies interact with viruses, allowing for faster and clearer insights into vaccine development. The technology offers a quicker-than-ever method to analyze antibody interactions, enabling scientists to design more effective vaccines.
A two-part delivery strategy combining adjuvants improves antibody responses and follicular buildup of HIV protein in mouse model, offering new hope for effective HIV vaccine. The dual-adjuvant approach yields stronger and more potent immune responses than individual adjuvants alone.
The FDA has approved ENCELTO, an eye implant that delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor to slow vision loss in people with macular telangiectasia type 2. This device preserves sight in patients with this condition, which affects the central part of the retina.
A study by Scripps Research found that female rats are more sensitive to alcohol's effects on brain chemistry, even before dependence sets in. The research suggests that certain medications targeting specific receptors could help reduce alcohol consumption in females.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have made a breakthrough in creating an effective HIV vaccine by developing a two-step vaccination strategy that induces powerful broadly neutralizing antibodies. The approach successfully blocked nearly 70% of HIV strains, including those typically hard to target.
A new study published in Nature reveals that mpox was circulating among humans in Nigeria for eight years before the international outbreak in 2022. The research team analyzed 118 viral genomes from human mpox cases and found that most of the samples were the result of human-to-human transmission.
Two phase 1 clinical trials demonstrate the success of a targeted vaccine strategy in activating early immune responses relevant to HIV and advancing them further. The trials provide evidence for a stepwise approach to elicit custom-tailored responses and validate the rational vaccine design underlying this approach.
An international team of scientists has mapped the entire genome of a northern white rhino, paving the way for stem cell-based reproduction. The complete genome can be used to analyze the health of previously developed northern white rhinoceros stem cells and may eventually generate sperm and eggs to yield new rhinos.
Researchers at Scripps Research used computer modeling to illustrate how antibodies recognize lipids in the HIV virus, highlighting a potential new approach for vaccine design. The study identified two key structural features on the antibodies that enable them to target well-defined membrane features.
Researchers from Scripps Research and Georgia Institute of Technology have found that the formose reaction can only produce branched sugars, contradicting the widely-held hypothesis. This discovery may help scientists understand how life arose on Earth and lead to better biofuel production.
Apremilast reduces both drinking and pain sensitivity in preclinical models of alcohol use disorder, with significant effects observed across biological sexes and strains. The study suggests apremilast could be repurposed as a dual-acting therapy for AUD, particularly in individuals with pain during and after alcohol use.
A new study from Scripps Research finds that a higher ratio of antibodies to viral protein better engages two specific types of immune cells, including phagocytes and natural killer cells. This discovery has implications for the development of experimental HIV vaccines and other drugs.
Scientists developed a machine learning model that incorporates factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and medical history to predict CAD risk. The new model outperformed the standard clinical model, identifying individuals at highest risk of developing CAD more accurately.
Scientists at Scripps Research have imaged the structure of a phage that targets Mycobacteria, revealing a unique genome translocation mechanism and insights into the dynamic process of infection. The study provides new hope for developing effective phage therapies for antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis.
A phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of CLBR001 + SWI019 in patients with myositis, systemic sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The therapy has the potential to reduce side effects and patient burden associated with traditional CAR-T approaches.
Scientists discovered a protein called HARS WHEP that calms inflammation in lung diseases by regulating white blood cells. The treatment efzofitimod showed promising results in reducing inflammation and fibrosis, providing new hope for patients suffering from sarcoidosis.
Scripps Research scientists discovered how microRNAs impact Purkinje cell development, shedding light on the intricate process required to build brain complexity. The team found that microRNAs are critical during two phases in Purkinje cell development, controlling precise timing of different aspects.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to target hard-to-target proteins in human cells by reprogramming proteases to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins. The study demonstrates proof of concept for developing novel therapies for Parkinson's disease, cancers, and other illnesses, using α-Synuclein as a model protein.
Researchers at Scripps Research uncovered structural hallmarks of long-term memory called an engram, which expands connectivity through specialized axonal terminals and alters synaptic architecture. This discovery could lead to new treatments for memory disorders.
Researchers at Scripps Research have synthesized a stable form of carnosic acid, which showed enhanced memory and synaptic density in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The compound also decreased inflammation in the brain, offering potential as an anti-inflammatory drug for treating cognitive decline.
Researchers at Scripps Research have captured the first detailed images of polymerase theta (Pol-theta) in action, revealing its molecular processes responsible for a range of cancers. The study provides a blueprint for designing more effective cancer drugs by understanding how Pol-theta repairs DNA using a two-step process.
Researchers discovered how air pollution and wildfire smoke can trigger S-nitrosylation of a key brain protein, preventing brain cells from making new connections. Blocking this chemical modification partially reversed signs of memory loss in Alzheimer's mouse models and nerve cells.
The study reveals that the transthyretin protein forms asymmetric structures with two differently shaped binding pockets, which may contribute to its instability. The researchers' novel graphene grid method allows them to capture the protein's natural conformations, providing new insights into its structure and potential for targeted t...
Scientists discovered that repetitive HIV vaccinations can lead to the production of antibodies targeting immune complexes already bound to the virus. This chain reaction was observed in follow-up experiments on HIV-vaccinated animals and may impact vaccine design strategies. Understanding this response could lead to improved vaccines ...
Researchers develop a novel method to simplify chemical modification of ketones and esters, unlocking their potential for faster and more sustainable chemical production. This breakthrough has implications for pharmaceutical innovation, materials science, agrochemicals, and everyday items.
Researchers used advanced computer modeling to predict new ways to create picrotoxanes, compounds with potential therapeutic benefits for brain diseases. They successfully synthesized 25 different compounds using a combination of virtual predictions and real-world experimentation.
Researchers found a specific magnesium concentration range where DNA wraps around polyphosphate-magnesium ion condensates, forming flexible structures. This discovery could lead to new methods for tuning cellular responses and has potential applications in translational medicine.
Scientists found that brain cells grown in space matured faster than those on Earth, but remained healthy, shedding light on potential neurological effects of space travel. The study also showed reduced inflammation and stress-related genes in microgravity-grown cells.
Scripps Research scientists created an AI model called MovieNet that processes videos by mirroring brain processes, recognizing visual scenes and distinguishing subtle changes. This breakthrough has the potential to transform fields like medical diagnostics, autonomous driving and more.
Researchers discovered a single amino acid mutation in the H5N1 'bird flu' virus that enhances its ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of person-to-person transmission. The finding highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of H5N1 mutations that pose risks to public health.
Researchers used a machine-learning technique to accelerate discovery of materials for film capacitors, identifying a compound with record-breaking performance. The study aims to improve capacitor shielding properties and enhance energy savings in common electric power applications.
Researchers at Scripps Research have analyzed the molecular structure of viral proteins and developed a more stable form to create effective vaccines. The new design may lead to combination vaccines that target both RSV and human metapneumovirus, reducing hospitalizations for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease and alcohol use disorder are associated with similar gene expression changes in the brain, including inflammation and disrupted cell signaling. This study may inform future targeted treatments for Alzheimer's and highlight the importance of considering alcohol use as a risk factor.
Researchers grew personalized brain organoids from patients with a rare form of autism spectrum disorder to study its impact on brain development. The study revealed that microRNAs play a crucial role in determining the fate of developing brain cells, and an experimental drug may reverse critical cellular signs of autism.
Research suggests that heavy drinkers may experience long-lasting sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, leading to permanent allodynia. The study identified a potential drug target, endocannabinoid 2-AG metabolism, for treating neuropathic pain associated with chronic and excessive alcohol consumption.
Scripps Research scientists have identified a crucial binding site on the protein FOXA1 that could pave the way for future cancer treatments. The team's findings mapped out how tiny drug-like chemical compounds interact with the protein, revealing a hidden lock that small molecules can bind to.
Scripps Research scientists develop a new approach to designing drugs that selectively bind to cancer-related proteins and their paralog counterparts. By identifying a druggable site on the paralog, they characterize drugs that only bind to the protein of interest, potentially leading to more effective treatments for certain cancers.
Researchers create a novel paradigm for adding non-canonical amino acids to proteins by using four RNA nucleotides instead of the traditional three. This approach allows for efficient and targeted incorporation of new building blocks into specific sites in target proteins, enabling the creation of tailored proteins with unique functions.