A new study by Scripps Research analyzed sensor data from wearable devices to track physiological responses to the COVID-19 vaccination. The findings show that resting heart rate increased significantly after vaccination, with stronger effects in younger individuals and those who had prior COVID-19 infection.
Scripps Research scientists have discovered a special cell type called 'ionocyte' that maintains healthy concentrations of ions in saliva, producing growth factor FGF10. This ionocyte might hold the key to repairing salivary glands and treating conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and dry mouth.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a new tissue-clearing method that makes it easier to analyze large biological samples and study diseases. The HYBRiD method combines elements of prior approaches and uses hydrogels to protect molecules, enabling routine use in high-level biosafety facilities.
Researchers found that suspected amygdala neurons producing corticotropin-releasing factor are not necessary for alcohol withdrawal or dependence. Instead, the CRF is believed to come from other neurons in the brain, with potential implications for human treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a streamlined method for synthesizing novel neuroactive compounds found in the bark of Galbulimima trees, which may lead to new psychiatric and neurological drugs. The new approach enables easy synthesis at scale, paving the way for further study of these compounds' biological effects.
A new smartphone app developed by Scripps Research calculates genetic risk for coronary artery disease and finds that users at high risk are more likely to start using statins or other cholesterol-lowering therapies. The app, called MyGeneRank, uses genetic data from 23andMe and outputs a CAD risk score.
Researchers at Scripps Research have revealed the three-dimensional structure of Flycatcher1, a protein channel in Venus flytraps that enables snapping shut. The structure shows similarities to other mechanosensitive ion channels found in various organisms, including plants and bacteria.
Scientists at Scripps Research identified a common target on the spike protein of multiple coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, that can be targeted by a broad-spectrum vaccine. The discovery could inform the design of effective vaccines and antibody therapies against future coronavirus pandemics.
Chemists at Scripps Research have found that cyanide can drive metabolic reactions to create carbon-based compounds from carbon dioxide, expanding our understanding of the origins of life on Earth and its potential for existing elsewhere. This discovery opens up new avenues for searching for extraterrestrial life.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified an experimental compound called IXA4 that activates a natural signaling pathway to protect against obesity-driven metabolic changes. This approach shows promise for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes.
Scientists have found evidence that carnosic acid in rosemary can block SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce inflammation. The compound has been shown to inhibit the powerful inflammatory pathway active in severe COVID-19 and other diseases.
Scientists have identified hundreds of proteins constantly transported throughout healthy brain cells, offering a new understanding of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and autism. The discovery reveals how protein transport goes awry in these conditions, paving the way for future research into intercellular communication.
Scientists at Scripps Research have devised a method that can rapidly characterize antibodies using high-resolution, low-temperature electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This technique enables the identification of specific antibodies in fraction of time needed for traditional approach.
Scientists identify a new site of vulnerability on the influenza virus called the anchor, which has potential to recognize broad variety of flu strains. The discovery paves way for rational vaccine design and could lead to improved universal flu vaccines.
Researchers find that toxic aggregates form inside brain cells, causing axon damage and neuronal death. Silencing specific proteins can block the aggregation process, potentially preventing or treating prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists at Scripps Research have created new compounds that activate opioid receptors without inducing tolerance, allowing for sustained pain relief. These 'biased agonists' also avoid respiratory suppression and constipation, making them a promising alternative to traditional opioids.
Scientists have determined the near-atomic-scale structure of GPR158, a brain-cell receptor linked to depression and anxiety. The study offers insights into how to block this receptor as a strategy for treating major depressive disorder.
A collaboration led by Scripps Research Institute successfully treated C9 ALS/FTD in mice using a novel RNA-hunting compound that recruits the cell's own virus fighter. The compound eliminated 70% of toxic protein fragments and removed most hallmarks of the disease from patient-derived nerve cells.
A nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccine has elicited potent and broad immune responses in mice, neutralizing all major SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the delta variant. The experimental vaccine's design engages the immune system more robustly than other strategies.
A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals a previously unrecognized way that nature solves the problem of persulfide instability, through the generation of helpful enzymes. The discovery provides researchers with a new method for generating potentially important sulfur-based molecules in the lab.
Alicia Angelbello and Professor Matthew Disney developed an RNA-targeting medication strategy to treat a type of muscular dystrophy. Their technology destroys toxic RNA genetic repeats, impacting about 200,000 people in the US, and may lead to first-ever oral medications.
Researchers have developed a quadruplet codon system that could encode 256 distinct amino acids, allowing for the creation of proteins with tailored characteristics. The system uses tRNAs to translate information from DNA and RNA into amino acid building blocks, with promising results in translating segments of a protein.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a set of compounds that target estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells in two different ways, potentially overcoming common drug-resistance issues. The compounds work by distorting the shape of the estrogen receptor and binding with two different molecular side chains, offering a n...
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to show that cholesterol regulates the production of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease. Cholesterol helps maintain clusters of molecules called lipid rafts, where enzymes cleave Aβ.
A modified salicylanilide compound has been re-engineered to fight both COVID-19's cytokine storm and viral replication, with the compound passing into the bloodstream without toxicity. The antiviral mechanism blocks the virus from getting out of the endosome, preventing new viral particles from being made.
A recent study from Scripps Research found that proof-of-concept HIV vaccines generate off-target antibodies that degrade the vaccine's payload, hindering protection. The research provides critical insights for improving HIV subunit trimer vaccines and offers a promising avenue for design improvements.
A recent study published in Cell Reports found that KIF5C plays a critical role in long-term memory formation by transporting RNA cargo to synapses. The research suggests that impairments in KIF5C could contribute to neurological disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism.
Chemists at Scripps Research have developed a new method for adding hydroxyl groups to organic molecules using a shape-shifting catalyst. The breakthrough eases the process of modifying existing molecules for valuable applications such as improving drug potency and duration. The new method has been demonstrated on various existing drug...
A comprehensive study has identified over a dozen existing drugs with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including four FDA-approved drugs and nine experimental compounds. The research suggests that these drugs could be repurposed as oral treatments for COVID-19 and may work in combination to enhance their effectiveness.
Scientists from Scripps Research have discovered a cross-reactive coronavirus antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-1 and other coronaviruses, including those causing the common cold. The finding is a promising development for the eventual development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine.
A new study reveals key details of how SARS-CoV-2 variants escape the immune response created by natural infection or vaccination. The research highlights that several mutations are clustered in one site on the spike protein, disrupting antibody binding and neutralization.
Research led by Scripps Research and HHMI finds PIEZO proteins essential for plant roots' growth and mechanotransduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. This ancient evolutionary origin may lead to new strategies for improving crop yields.
Researchers at Scripps Research have unveiled an innovative Ebola virus vaccine design that stimulates a better protective immune response. The new approach involves tethering copies of the Ebola virus outer spike protein to a spherical carrier particle, resulting in a more stable and realistic-looking virus particle.
A new study reveals that the long noncoding RNA ADEPTR is essential for structural plasticity in neurons, forming and amassing at the synapse upon stimulation. Silencing ADEPTR prevents new synapses from forming during stimulation, highlighting its crucial role in neural adaptation.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how some antibodies can broadly neutralize ebolaviruses by targeting a key site on the virus called the glycan cap. This breakthrough may lead to the development of an antibody-based treatment that can save lives against a range of ebolavirus species.
Researchers found that damage to the autism-associated gene Dyrk1a leads to abnormal growth-factor signaling, undergrowth of neurons and brain, and eventually autism-like behaviors in mice. An existing drug, a growth hormone, restored normal brain growth in the affected mice.
Researchers found that T cells in the small intestine have evolved a molecular sensing mechanism to protect themselves from toxic bile acids. This mechanism can be manipulated with small drug-like molecules, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
The B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the US, with a 40-50% increase in transmissibility compared to previous dominant variants. The analysis suggests that future case numbers and mortality rates will be higher than expected.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a specific node in the human brain that modulates sounds made in social situations. This discovery may lead to better treatments for social disorders like depression and autism by understanding how emotions are regulated.
A study by Scripps Research Institute found that experimental antibody therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's may cause brain inflammation, potentially eroding their positive effects. The researchers used human brain cells to examine this effect, which was not seen in mouse studies.
Scientists have discovered over a dozen gene variants causing the rare eye disease MacTel, which leads to progressive retinal degeneration. The study identifies PHGDH as a key enzyme essential for serine production, whose partial loss contributes to MacTel's development.
Researchers discovered a powerful approach for treating diabetic foot ulcers by targeting a gene that controls tissue growth and regeneration. The new treatment has shown promising results in animal models and human skin equivalents, and may hold potential for repairing internal organs.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that the mutated huntingtin protein slows brain cells' protein-building machines, called ribosomes, by two to four-fold. This slowing effect ultimately leads to cell death in Huntington's disease.
Two scientists urge health agencies to invest in vaccine development based on broadly neutralizing antibodies against multiple virus variants and strains. This approach could provide immunity against emerging pandemics and serve as a pan-virus solution for prevention and treatment.
Researchers have created an experimental vaccine that has shown promise in blunting the deadly effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil. In early tests, the vaccine demonstrated significant reduction in fatal respiratory effects, offering hope for a new treatment approach to combat the opioid crisis.
A phase 1 clinical trial testing a novel vaccine approach to prevent HIV has produced promising results, stimulating the production of rare immune cells needed to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies. The targeted response was detected in 97 percent of participants who received the vaccine.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute shed light on the mysterious Gao protein, crucial for brain signaling and motor control. They found that mutations disrupt this process, causing severe developmental delays, seizures, and uncontrolled muscle movements in affected children.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute devised a method to separate beneficial anti-inflammatory properties from unwanted side effects in glucocorticoid drugs. Two new compounds show steroidal anti-inflammatory action with specific traits, including boosting muscle supply and reducing risk of muscle-wasting.
A study by Scripps Research has discovered a memory gating system employing dopamine to direct transient forgetting, a temporary lapse of memory that spontaneously returns. The mechanism was found to be separate from long-term memory recall.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute demonstrate a simple compound called diamidophosphate can assemble DNA building blocks into primordial DNA strands. This finding supports the theory that DNA and RNA arose together as products of similar chemical reactions.