Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Chung-Ang university researchers pioneer new way to manipulate microdroplets

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

Nanochannels light the way towards new medicine

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Unfreezing waters in ligand binding sites

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed an algorithm to identify temperature-sensitive conformations in proteins, revealing the importance of water networks in ligand binding sites. The findings challenge the assumption that well-resolved cryogenic water positions are both precise and accurate.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2022

Researchers discovered a mechanism shared by mutations in different genes associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions

A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalMolecular Psychology Brain Behavior and Society·DateMay 24, 2022

New dimensions of cryo-electron microscopy uncover ‘multiverse’ of cancer targets for enabling drug discovery

A research team led by Professor Youdong Mao has developed a new method using time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy and machine learning-based 4D reconstruction to visualize the USP14-proteasome system in atomic detail. This reveals a 'multiverse' of parallel reality pathways, allowing for targeted inhibition of cancer cells.

SourcePeking University-College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2022

Researchers at the GIST develop deep learning model to predict adverse drug-drug interactions

Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to predict drug-drug interactions using gene expression data. The DeSIDE-DDI model can identify potentially dangerous pairs and act as a drug safety monitoring system, helping establish the correct usage of drugs in the development phase.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2022

A drug that cures alcoholism may be the next anti-anxiety medication

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Researchers at the GIST identify new medicines using interpretable deep learning predictions

A new deep learning-based model called Highlights on Target Sequences (HoTS) predicts binding between drugs and target molecules, providing interpretable results. The model can predict target proteins' binding regions and interactions with drugs without a 3D complex.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2022

Insilico Medicine identifies potential dual-purpose therapeutic targets implicated in aging and age-associated diseases using Artificial Intelligence and hallmarks of aging framework

Researchers at Insilico Medicine have used AI to identify potential targets that are implicated in multiple age-related diseases and also play a role in the basic biology of aging. The study resulted in the identification of 69 high-confidence targets with potential high druggability.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalAging-US·DateMar 29, 2022

Cheap, eco-friendly catalyst opens new possibilities for organic molecules built from pyruvate

Researchers develop an eco-friendly organic catalyst system that improves the production of organic molecules from pyruvate, a key biomolecule in metabolic pathways. The catalyst promotes reactions where pyruvate donates electrons to produce molecules like amino acids.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

New tool to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel technology to monitor membrane protein trafficking in real-time using bioluminescence. This allows for the study of cellular processes and drug development for heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and others.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 22, 2022

ECOG-ACRIN opens a new NCI-MATCH treatment arm for dMMR and LAG-3-positive cancers as it continues to locate patients with BRAF mutations

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened a new treatment arm in the NCI-MATCH trial for patients with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and LAG-3 expression. The trial is evaluating two immunotherapy combinations: relatlimab plus nivolumab and dabrafenib plus trametinib, both targeting BRAF mutations.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop novel “Trojan horse” drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets that can bypass the cell membrane and deliver biomacromolecules effectively. This breakthrough enables faster, safer, and more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2022

CSD-Materials suite provides a cohesive analysis of solid form properties for early-phase drug discovery

The CSD-Materials suite provides a comprehensive analysis of solid form properties, helping researchers explore intra- and intermolecular interactions. The suite's components, including Hydrogen Bond Propensity, Full Interaction Maps, and Aromatics Analyser, aid in identifying potential co-former or solvent interactions for new APIs.

SourceCCDC - Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateMar 15, 2022

NCCN pharmacy directors forum publishes recommendations for safely dispensing investigational medications for clinical trials

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateMar 15, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis marries modern science with traditional knowledge to decipher anti-diarrheal effect of cashew stem bark extract

A new study found that cashew stem bark extract inhibits abnormal gut motility associated with diarrhea, revealing a potential low-cost remedy for treating and managing the condition. The extract's mechanism of action involves blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors responsible for gastrointestinal motility.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

University of South Florida awarded five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research

The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research. The grant will support the comprehensive training of pre- and postdoctoral scientists focused on this emerging area of research.

Localis-rex: a new tool for studying electrophile signaling

Localis-rex identifies 32 locale-specific sensor proteins sensing hydroxynonenal, a lipid-derived electrophilic-metabolite, revealing new information on electrophile signaling and its impact on biological processes. The study also highlights the potential for covalent drug design and profiling of drug-sensitive cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022

Screening study IDs inhibitor of key COVID virus enzyme

A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a molecule with significant potential to disable the COVID-19 virus. The molecule was discovered using high-throughput virtual screening and laboratory experiments, and its ability to bind to the virus's main protease was confirmed through structural studies.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2022

Roswell Biotechnologies demonstrates molecular electronics sensors on a semiconductor chip in peer-review paper

Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.

SourceRoswell Biotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Antibody with engineered peptide targets bone metastasis

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have created an antibody with an engineered peptide that effectively targets and attacks bone tumors in breast cancer. The study shows the therapeutic efficacy is best when a moderate amount of the drug compound is delivered, offering new hope for treating bone metastases.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Combination therapies may improve outcomes due to independent, rather than synergistic or additive, drug action

A retrospective analysis of 13 clinical trials found that most combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors worked due to independent drug action, rather than synergy or additivity. This discovery has implications for cancer clinical trial design and may help improve treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 19, 2022