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An enzyme enigma discovered in the abyss

Researchers at University of Bristol and Newcastle University have discovered a natural Diels-Alder enzyme, AbyU, which catalyzes the powerful chemical reaction. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics and other medical treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 11, 2016

No more brown apples?

Plant tyrosinase enzyme, responsible for browning of apples and other fruits, has been structurally elucidated by researchers at the University of Vienna. The discovery reveals new insights into the enzyme's function and opens up potential avenues for controlling browning reactions.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 11, 2015

Proteins 'ring like bells'

Researchers at the University of Glasgow discovered that proteins like lysozyme can vibrate at frequencies similar to a few terahertz, allowing for efficient biochemical reactions. This 'ringing' motion enables proteins to morph quickly and bind with other molecules, critical for life's biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2014

Reconstructed ancient ocean reveals secrets about the origin of life

A reconstructed ancient ocean revealed spontaneous chemical reactions that could have produced crucial organic molecules for life. These findings suggest that primitive cells may have synthesized their own metabolic components without the aid of enzymes, challenging the traditional view on the origin of life.

SourceEMBO·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateApr 25, 2014

Scents and sustainability

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have engineered bacteria to produce esters, a key component in scents, flavors, and chemical processes. This breakthrough could lead to a $20 billion industry shift towards renewable sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2014

Unlocking new talents in nature

Researchers have created new biocatalysts using the power of protein engineering and evolution, allowing nature's premier oxidation catalyst to drive synthetically useful reactions. This breakthrough enables the production of pharmaceutical drugs and natural products in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

The best of both catalytic worlds

Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop a new technique to create sustainable heterogenized homogeneous nanocatalysts with high reactivity and selectivity. This breakthrough combines the best properties of both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, enabling control over product distribution in industrial chemistry processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 10, 2012

The acid test: 21st century pH meter

A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a new method for measuring pH in enzyme reactions using luminescent dual-life-time referencing. This method, known as DLR-based pH meter, combines a pH indicator and a reference standard to provide real-time characteristics of enzyme reactions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateMar 27, 2012

Positioning enzymes with ease

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a superior method for immobilizing enzymes on surfaces, enabling precise control over their orientation. This technique uses high-affinity peptides to covalently bind enzymes, increasing efficiency and stability.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 2011

Chemist stitches up speedier chemical reactions

Warren Piers, a University of Calgary chemist, has developed a faster catalyst for olefin metathesis reactions. This breakthrough enables more efficient production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels while reducing energy costs and waste. The discovery opens up new applications and markets.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2010

New artificial enzyme safer for nature

A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has successfully produced an artificial enzyme that is tailor-made for any application. The new enzyme speeds up oxidizing processes using Hydrogen Peroxide and operates under humane conditions, making it a promising alternative to traditional oxidizers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalChemBioChem·DateOct 22, 2009

Even natural perfumes may cause allergies

Natural aromatic oils can trigger allergic reactions, according to a study by Lina Hagvall at the University of Gothenburg. The research found that common perfume substances, like geraniol and lavender oil, can become allergens through autoxidation and skin enzyme reactions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateFeb 3, 2009

Nanoreactors for reaction cascades

Researchers create nanoreactors with enzymes and plastic membranes to run three different enzymatic reactions simultaneously without interference. The system allows small molecules to pass through while trapping larger ones, enabling precise control over reaction cascades.

SourceWiley·DateAug 20, 2007

To catch an intermediate

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to capture and hold intermediate compounds in water, similar to how enzymes function. This method involves trapping the compounds inside molecular pyramids, allowing for controlled study of their properties and reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 21, 2006

Towards the mechanism of cell respiration

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the cell respiration mechanism, led by Academy Professor Mårten Wikström. The study reveals the coupling between the proton pump and oxygen reduction, shedding light on how energy is transduced from foodstuffs to cells.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2006

New discovery: If it weren't for this enzyme, decomposing pesticide would take millennia

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a new enzyme that can break down chloroacrylate pesticide residue in just 10,000 years, significantly longer than other environmental pollutants. This enzyme is found in bacteria that thrive on the pesticide and has implications for designing more efficient enzymes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2005