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Newly discovered biosynthetic pathway in bacteria recipe for drug discovery and production

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a novel biosynthetic pathway in bacteria that can produce therapeutic compounds. The pathway, found in Pseudomonas syringae, combines elements of both ribosome-based and enzyme-mediated synthesis, allowing for efficient production of natural products.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Biochemistry: Versatile recycling in the cell

The ABCE1 enzyme is essential for ribosome recycling, allowing cells to maintain protein quality and homeostasis. Its structure can adopt three conformations to boost recycling, influencing the interaction with ribosomes and ATP.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 18, 2019

Hope for restoring sight in acid attack victims

A clinical trial is underway to treat acid attack victims with a revolutionary new approach using collagenase enzyme. The treatment aims to restore sight by softening the underlying tissue and allowing stem cells to repair damage.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJul 15, 2019

Clemson researchers tie metabolic enzyme to obesity and fatty liver disease

A study by Clemson researchers found that the Cyp2b gene is associated with obesity and fatty liver disease in male mice, regardless of diet. The discovery suggests that enzymes involved in detoxification may play a role beyond diet and exercise in weight management and metabolic health.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJul 11, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How DNA outside cells can be targeted to prevent the spread of cancer

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science have discovered exactly how cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is generated, revealing its crucial role in tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that cfDNA can be targeted using DNase1L3, a novel molecule to prevent tumor metastasis and thrombosis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJul 11, 2019

Deep learning-powered 'DeepEC' helps accurately understand enzyme functions

A deep learning-powered computational framework called DeepEC has been developed to predict enzyme commission numbers with high accuracy and efficiency. It uses convolutional neural networks and homology analysis to identify EC numbers, which is essential for understanding enzyme functions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2019

UBC scientists capture images of gene-editing enzymes in action

Researchers captured high-resolution images of a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9 using cryo-EM technology, revealing new information about its mechanism. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient and precise versions of the enzyme to correct disease-causing DNA mutations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Exploiting green tides thanks to a marine bacterium

Scientists have identified a marine bacterium that can break down the polysaccharide ulvan from sea lettuce into fermentable monosaccharides. This discovery opens up new possibilities for biotechnological exploitation of ulvan, particularly in the agrifood and cosmetics industries.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

Cascade exacerbates storage diseases

A defective degradation enzyme leads to the accumulation of gangliosides, causing deterioration in patients with storage diseases. Researchers have discovered that genetic disorders can trigger a cascade of consequential damages.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 26, 2019

Engineering enzymes to turn plant waste into sustainable products

A new family of enzymes has been engineered to break down lignin, a key component of plants, enabling the production of sustainable materials such as nylon and bioplastics. This breakthrough could reduce reliance on oil and lower CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2019

Molecular scissors stabilize the cell's cytoskeleton

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute elucidated the structure of enzymes that remove tyrosine from α-tubulin, revealing a key regulatory cycle in microtubule formation. This discovery holds promise for developing inhibitors to treat diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 24, 2019

Mystery of immunosuppressive drug's biosynthesis finally unlocked

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences crack long-solved mystery by elucidating MPA biosynthetic pathway, revealing unique cooperation between enzymes and catabolic machinery. The study also sheds light on compartmentalized biosynthesis in fungi and plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Blue pigment from engineered fungi could help turn the textile industry green

A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed an eco-friendly production platform for a blue pigment called indigoidine. The engineered fungus, Rhodosporidium toruloides, produces the pigment with a high yield, using sustainable carbon sources and reducing toxic chemicals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2019

Gut microbes eat our medication

A study published in Science reveals that certain gut bacteria can degrade levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease, by converting it into dopamine outside the brain. Researchers identified Lactobacillus brevis as a key player in this process and found a molecule capable of inhibiting the bacterial enzyme responsible. Th...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2019

Construction kit for custom-designed products

Researchers at Goethe University have developed a novel method for producing new peptide drugs, using fragments of natural NRPS systems as building blocks. The approach enables the easy production of peptides in excellent yield, with applications for modifying clinically relevant drugs and producing peptide libraries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New family on the block: A novel group of glycosidic enzymes

A novel enzyme from a soil fungus breaks down β-1,2-glucan into sophorose, revealing its potential role in the symbiosis of bacteria and plants. The discovery sheds new light on the diversity of glycoside hydrolases and their applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 11, 2019

Surprising enzymes found in giant ocean viruses

Researchers discovered cytochrome P450 enzymes in giant ocean viruses, which may help develop treatments for life-threatening illnesses. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could also shed light on the biology and origin of these viruses.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New method for engineering metabolic pathways

Researchers developed a fast and efficient way to engineer metabolic pathways using cell-free protein synthesis and SAMDI mass spectrometry. This enables the creation of thousands of potential mixtures to be tested in a single day, providing new insights for synthetic biologists.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2019

NMR structure of a key anticoagulant protein may help prevent thrombosis

The NMR structure study provides unprecedented insights into the molecular mechanism of Ixolaris' action on Factor Xa, a key enzyme in blood clotting. The results may lead to the development of specific inhibitors that can prevent thrombosis without interfering with other enzymes.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalBlood·DateMay 27, 2019

New method enables 'photographing' of enzymes

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study enzymes in action, allowing for the measurement of spatial positions and conformational changes. This breakthrough enables better understanding of biomolecules and potential insights into enzyme disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 14, 2019

Catch a virus by its tail

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Study reveals link between starch digestion gene, gut bacteria

A recent study by Cornell University has discovered a strong correlation between the AMY1 gene, which breaks down starch, and specific gut bacteria. This finding suggests that people with more copies of this gene may have benefited from increased starch digestion during times of scarcity.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 2, 2019

Wristbands do a health check while you work out

A wearable system developed at KAUST can detect glucose and lactate levels in sweat, providing insights into blood sugar problems and oxygen deficiencies. The device uses a stretchy patch with MXene-based electrodes that can be repeatedly swapped out for improved detection accuracy.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalSmall·DateApr 25, 2019

Protein Science Best Paper Awards to Yu-ming Huang and Abhay Thakur

Yu-ming Huang and Abhay Thakur have been awarded the Protein Science Best Paper Award for their pioneering work on biomolecular diffusion and protein folding. Their research has shed new light on the importance of diffusional channeling in metabolism, signaling, and other cellular processes.

SourceThe Protein Society·DateApr 24, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Heterogeneous catalyst goes enzymatic

Researchers have developed an enzyme-like heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalyst with high catalytic activity for hydrogen production. The catalyst's unique enzymatic characteristics enable it to efficiently convert light energy into H2, rivaling the performance of expensive Pt-TiO2 photocatalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 22, 2019

Detecting and editing DNA methylation in oocytes

Researchers developed a method to detect and edit DNA methylation in individual mouse oocytes, enabling predictions of offspring phenotype. The technique allows for correction of genetic disorders, such as Angelman syndrome, and may facilitate study of epigenetic information.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

'Molecular scissors' for plastic waste

Researchers have decoded the structure of MHETase, an enzyme that breaks down PET plastics into their basic building blocks. This discovery paves the way for developing more efficient enzymes to recycle PET, a key step towards a circular economy and mitigating plastic waste.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

'Electron shuttle' protein plays key role in plant cell-wall construction

A recent study by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory has revealed the mechanistic details of a protein involved in the assembly of lignin, a key cell-wall component. The discovery identifies an electron shuttle protein that delivers fuel for the construction of one specific type of lignin building block.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 8, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Interest in RNA editing heats up

Researchers are exploring RNA editing as a way to treat diseases without permanent genetic changes. This approach uses an enzyme called ADAR to make precise edits to RNA, which can be reversible and avoid the risks of CRISPR.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 27, 2019

BridgIT, a new tool for orphan and novel enzyme reactions

Researchers developed BridgIT, a tool that annotates proteins for 93% of enzymatic reactions, filling gaps in metabolic networks. The tool correctly predicts enzymes for 211 out of 234 non-orphan reactions and 334 out of 379 hypothetical reactions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Chromatin changes rapidly in response to low oxygen, study finds

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that chromatin changes quickly in response to low oxygen, preceding gene expression activation. This discovery sheds light on how cells respond to oxygen deprivation and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2019

New cholesterol-lowering drug could help patients unable to take statins

A new class of oral cholesterol-lowering drug bempedoic acid has shown effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. The treatment is well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, making it a potential option for patients unable to take statins.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 13, 2019

Biologists have studied enzymes that help wheat to fight fungi

Researchers identified 1,544 enzymes that play a key role in wheat's defense against fungal infections. The study found that proteases are involved in cell death induced by infection, but contradicting the current understanding that caspase-like enzymes initiate this process.

SourceSechenov University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 8, 2019

The ABS of molecular engines

A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has identified a crucial role for a sixth transport step in the regulation of peroxisome function. The study reveals that this step is essential for maintaining the balance between import and export of enzymes, preventing diseases such as infant mortality

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research·DateMar 8, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Promising strategy to fight the most deadly brain tumor in children

A study published in Nature Communications found that an inhibitor of ACVR1 slows tumor growth and increases survival in an animal model of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Researchers believe this enzyme mutation cooperates with a histone mutation to initiate tumor development.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2019

Investigators figure out how to block new antibiotic resistance gene

Researchers have discovered a way to block the VCC-1 enzyme, which disables a new antibiotic resistance gene found in benign Vibrio cholerae strains. The discovery uses Avibactam, a US FDA-approved combination drug, to effectively combat the resistant bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 19, 2019

Infection biology: What makes Helicobacter so adaptable?

A study by LMU Munich microbiologists identified an enzyme crucial for Helicobacter pylori's ability to regulate gene expression and adapt to its environment. The discovery sheds light on the bacterium's genetic diversity and its impact on human health, including the development of stomach cancer.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 12, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New target could help protect vision following optic nerve trauma

Researchers have discovered that removing arginase 2 enzyme reduces neuron death and degeneration of nerve fibers in the retina after optic nerve injury. The study found that deleting this enzyme decreases inflammation and promotes recovery, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2019

Microbial manufacturing

A team of Harvard researchers has unraveled the process by which bacteria manufacture streptozotocin, a key compound used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study reveals an iron-dependent enzyme with two domains that catalyze different steps in the production of nitrosamine compounds.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2019

Diabetes drug impacts gut microbiome

Acarbose, a type II diabetes drug, changes the gut microbiome in a reversible and diet-dependent way, according to new research. The findings suggest that more attention should be paid to how medications affect the gut microbiome, particularly for diabetes treatments.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateFeb 6, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Novel enzyme discovered in intestinal bacteria

A novel glycyl radical enzyme has been discovered in Bilophila bacteria, responsible for degrading taurine and producing toxic hydrogen sulphide. The enzyme's oxygen-sensitivity and role in intestinal barrier permeability and colon cancer are being further investigated.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2019

Enzyme warps space to break the cell's speed limit

Researchers discovered rhomboid enzymes can move quickly through cell membrane by warping surroundings, allowing them to glide rapidly across. This ability enables them to scour the membrane for targets to cut, providing real-time signals to other cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2019

Optimized binding cavity

Researchers developed a designer enzyme with an unnatural aniline side chain, increasing its activity by a factor of 90. Directed evolution led to variants with higher conversion rates, showing the potential for this method in producing highly effective enzymes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 1, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New treatment target emerging for retinal damage

Scientists at MCG are studying a new treatment target for retinal damage, characterized by blood vessel disruption leading to vision loss. They believe the key lies in arginase 1, an enzyme that helps regulate inflammation, which can be either damaging or reparative.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 31, 2019

Succeeded in finding intermediates synthesized in oxidation

A research team led by Professor Jaeheung Cho has found a new active intermediate synthesized in the oxidation process using biomimetic catalysts and artificial oxidants. This discovery clarifies the oxidation mechanism and clears the long-standing debate on the role of metal-iodosylbenzene intermediates.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 30, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Bad cholesterol: 'Slim down' fat-carrying particles to reduce its spread

The University of Warwick has identified the enzyme DGAT1, which controls how much fat is added to particles released by the liver. Inhibiting this enzyme allowed scientists to 'slim down' particles and load them with less fat, reducing the amount of 'bad' cholesterol in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJan 28, 2019

An integrative approach to studying lipid biology

Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 25, 2019

How bacteria build hyper-efficient photosynthesis machines

Cyanobacteria assemble intricate carboxysomes to concentrate carbon dioxide, improving RubisCO efficiency. Researchers discovered that CcmM binds to RubisCO enzymes in a non-traditional manner.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 24, 2019