A new HIV vaccine has shown improved ability to neutralize virus in preclinical tests, using nanoparticle display of multiple Env proteins. The vaccine design uses flexible sugar molecules called glycans to present self to the immune system.
Origin-of-life chemists suggest glyoxylate reaction scenario could have yielded simple sugars without drawbacks of formaldehyde-based reactions. The researchers aim to demonstrate this hypothesis in the laboratory and explore potential commercial applications.
A Scripps Research team has found that heavy alcohol consumption increases brain inflammation, leading to changes in signaling pathways and behavior. The study suggests a potential new drug target for treating alcohol use disorder by targeting the interleukin-1β pathway.
A Scripps Research and eMed study found that COVID-19 rebound cases are more common than previously reported, affecting up to 14.2% of Paxlovid-treated patients and 9.3% of untreated patients. Rebound is measured by positive test results or symptom recurrence after initial clearance.
Researchers identify 32 human monoclonal antibodies that can block SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV coronaviruses. These antibodies target a vulnerable site on the viral spike protein, offering potential for broad protection against future pandemics.
Two new papers demonstrate the use of Outbreak.info as a standardized source for COVID-19 data, tracking daily variant reports and a Research Library with aggregated research publications. The platform provides essential tools for researchers to track virus evolution and improve diagnostics.
Researchers at Scripps Research found that a 'poisoned' form of the DNA methyltransferase 3B protein can promote cancer growth by allowing cancer-causing genes to turn on. A new drug candidate, DBIC, was developed to revert the protein to its normal form, preventing tumor formation in mice with colon cancer.
Researchers create advanced imaging-based method for studying mitochondria, enabling detailed mapping and measurement of structural changes. This technique has potential applications in understanding diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancers where mitochondrial function is disrupted.
Researchers found that MAP4343 reversed excessive alcohol intake in mice modeling alcoholism and normalized blood levels of stress hormone corticosterone. The compound promotes assembly of tubulin proteins into microtubules, suggesting a possible effective treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder.
Researchers have developed flexible polysulfate compounds that can form thin films, enabling the creation of energy-storing capacitors that withstand extreme temperatures and electric fields. These new materials could lead to cheaper, simpler, and more durable power systems in electric cars and other applications.
Researchers discovered a modified form of an inflammatory immune protein called complement C3 that is present at higher levels in women's brains with Alzheimer's compared to men's. This finding may explain why women are more likely to develop the disease, as estrogen levels drop during menopause and lose their brain-protective effects.
Researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) and how it changes with cancer-associated mutations. This knowledge enables the design of targeted drugs that can specifically bind to mutated versions, potentially eliminating side effects associated with current PI3Kα inhibitors.
Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a general synthesis method for 1,2,3,5-tetrazines, a family of compounds with great promise for making new pharmaceuticals and chemical products. The new method is more efficient than previous approaches, requiring just five reaction steps to produce myriad versions of these compounds.
Researchers at Scripps Research, IAVI, Fred Hutch, and VRC publish study data in Science, revealing a stepwise approach to producing antibodies capable of targeting wide range of HIV variants. The Phase 1 trial shows favorable safety profile and induces targeted response in 97% of vaccinated individuals.
Researchers at Scripps Research developed nanoparticles that target only the immune cells driving an autoimmune reaction, delaying or preventing severe disease in a mouse model of arthritis. The treatment boosts regulatory T cell populations and reduces anti-self-antigen antibody production.
A Scripps Research team has identified a class of drugs that may break the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings show that these compounds, which target brain pathways shared by both disorders, can reduce alcohol preference and other behaviors associated with PTSD.
Researchers uncover critical shape-change in cereblon protein that CELMoD drugs must cause to work effectively. The finding enables the development of more effective cancer-fighting treatments.
Researchers have isolated an effective monoclonal antibody that targets heroin, blocking its painkilling effect and overdose deaths in mice. The findings suggest that targeting heroin itself is more effective than its metabolites, paving the way for a new therapy.
Researchers have mapped the critical protein structure of the Hepatitis C virus, revealing key sites of vulnerability that can be targeted with vaccines. The discovery could lead to an effective HCV vaccine, which would eliminate the virus as a public health burden.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new tool to measure proteins in brain cells, revealing how brain activity remodels the physical structure of neurons. The study found that certain proteins related to DNA packaging play a key role in gene expression changes after neural activity.
A team of scientists at Scripps Research and Calibr discovered a naturally occurring metabolite called myristoylglycine that can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells, potentially treating obesity and related diseases. The breakthrough uses a novel drug discovery method to identify endogenous metabolites with therapeutic potential.
Researchers develop custom vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies to protect against HIV variants. The team uses a modified HIV spike protein to prime the immune system, paving the way for an effective HIV vaccine.
A new drug, NMT5, has shown promising results in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. The drug coats the virus with chemicals that temporarily alter the human ACE2 receptor, preventing it from infecting cells. In cell culture experiments, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevented from attaching to human ACE2 receptors by 95%.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered that chronic circadian disruption can increase lung cancer growth in animal models by activating the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) pathway. This finding suggests a molecular link between disrupted sleep patterns, temperature changes, and tumor formation.
Scientists analyze environmental data to find temperature, rainfall, and pastureland areas as key factors contributing to viral transmission. The researchers project that areas hospitable to Lassa virus spread may extend into Central and East Africa in the next several decades.
A new wearable device study, DETECT, found that sensor data significantly improves seven-day average predictions for COVID-19 infection by 32.9% in California and 12.2% nationwide. The study tracked physiological changes before symptom onset, providing a valuable tool for predicting viral threats.
Scientists have identified WASH protein complex as a gatekeeper of neutrophil-driven inflammation, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like sepsis and arthritis. The study reveals that WASH regulates the release of antimicrobial molecules, which can harm healthy cells if released excessively.
Researchers have identified a stream of messages between fat tissue and the brain, revealing a previously unknown pathway for adipose tissue to communicate with the brain. The discovery suggests that sensory neurons play a crucial role in regulating fat metabolism and may hold potential for treating obesity and metabolic diseases.
Scientists have developed a new model to track protein signals that enable organ-to-organ communication, which could help understand disease onset and progression. The technology has the potential to identify novel secreted proteins and develop targeted treatments for diseases such as cancer and obesity.
The study found that regional connectivity drove both introduction and export risk of the virus, mainly through land-based travel. Improved pandemic surveillance infrastructure is crucial to mitigate outbreaks quickly, especially in regions like the Middle East.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified antibodies that induce broad immunity against SARS viruses, including emerging variants. The discovery reveals the antibody structures that produce this more comprehensive immune response and could inform the development of next-generation vaccines.
The new approach enables chemists to synthesize novel, potentially pharmaceutically relevant structures that were previously difficult to synthesize. The techniques employ directing templates that efficiently direct CH functionalization at desired sites.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a new set of chemical reactions that generate amino acids and orotic acids from common early earth molecules. This discovery sheds light on the origins of life on Earth and has potential applications in manufacturing processes.
Two studies suggest the COVID-19 pandemic originated from animal-to-human transmissions at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in late November 2019. Genetic and geographic analyses pinpoint the market's western portion, where live animals were sold, as a key location for early cases.
Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.
Scientists have uncovered how the innate immune system detects HIV-1, even at very small amounts, and activates a two-step molecular strategy to combat the virus. This discovery could lead to new methods for treating HIV and vaccines, as well as insights into other diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Scripps Research and UC San Diego have developed a tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater, enabling public health officials to track pathogen variants more accurately. The 'Freyja' algorithm can identify new variants of concern up to 14 days before traditional clinical testing.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a protein in sensory nerves that detects mechanical itch, which could lead to better drug treatments for chronic itch conditions. The discovery was made by Ardem Patapoutian and his team, who found that PIEZO1 is expressed in two types of sensory neurons implicated in chemical itch.
Researchers use computational approach VarC to study the spatial relationships between protein variants, revealing that most cystic fibrosis patients have an unstable inner core. This understanding allows for modeling potential compounds and designing more effective drugs.
A new study by Scripps Research scientists reveals that the immune protein CSF1 may contribute to feelings of anxiety during alcohol withdrawal, leading to relapse. The discovery suggests that targeting CSF1 could be a good strategy for treating alcohol use disorder.
Researchers have identified 30 COVID-19 patient antibodies that can neutralize a variety of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and bat coronaviruses. These broadly neutralizing antibodies may lead to the development of next-generation coronavirus vaccines offering broader protection.
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a genetic mutation in PIEZO1 ion channel that impacts tendon biology and boosts the physical performance of mice. Mice with the PIEZO1 mutation had wider tendons, more compliant structures, and could store three times more energy.
Chemists at Scripps Research unveil a new method for synthesizing diverse and complex lactones from cheap dicarboxylic acids. This breakthrough enables the creation of valuable molecules, such as natural antibiotics and fragrances.
Researchers visualized how J08 binds to different SARS-CoV-2 variants, revealing its flexibility and effectiveness. The antibody's ability to withstand mutations suggests it will remain effective against future variants.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have synthesized GB18, a psychotropic compound found in the bark of the Galbulimima belgraveana tree. The compound binds to opioid receptors in the brain, potentially offering new hope for treating depression and anxiety. Further studies are needed to adapt it for human use.
Researchers created synthetic proteoglycans to dissect their functions in health and disease, discovering new insights into their roles in early cell development and cancer cell spreading. They found that both GAG chains and core proteins contribute to proteoglycan function.
Scripps Research scientists found that COVID-19 patients develop more robust antibodies against coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. This increased antibody response may lead to improved vaccine development, targeting a broader range of viruses.
A Scripps Research study found that environmental cues learned during withdrawal are more powerful than those learned during the early phases of alcohol use, leading to more irresistible cravings. This discovery could lead to new treatments to minimize cravings in people with addictions.
Scientists at Scripps Research developed Pytheas, an open-source app that automates the analysis of modified RNA molecules using mass spectrometry. The tool speeds up the process of characterizing and quantifying RNAs in basic research and drug-development settings.
Scientists at Scripps Research developed a new method called CATCH to image where drugs bind to their targets across different tissues and with higher precision than ever before. This technique allows for better understanding of why one drug is more potent or has a particular side effect compared to another.