Articles tagged with Luciferases
A gene therapy platform successfully mapped the living brain noninvasively, using engineered proteins to track gene expression in different brain regions. This technology has the potential to reveal critical information about cellular activity and neurological disease progression.
Researchers developed a biosensor using an Amydetes vivianii firefly enzyme that detects pH changes in mammalian cells, which could be used to study diseases and assess drug toxicity. The technique is non-toxic and stable, providing a stronger glow than previous luciferases.
The researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to expand the color palette of bioluminescent protein to 20 distinct colors, enabling advanced simultaneous multi-color imaging. This innovation makes it significantly easier and more cost-effective to monitor multiple targets or track individual cells within a population.
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created luminous wood by combining fungal threads with hardwood. The process involves a two-stage enzymatic reaction that stimulates the production of luciferin, emitting green light from the treated wood.
University of Rochester researchers have refined a noninvasive method called BL-OG that harnesses light to activate neurons in the brain. The technique has the potential to transform invasive procedures used to treat Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions by providing a safer, less invasive alternative.
A recent study found a significant decline in bioluminescent beetle diversity in the Brazilian savanna over the past three decades. The researchers recorded 51 species, mostly fireflies, click beetles, and glow worms, which have declined sharply due to agricultural expansion and artificial lighting.
A team of researchers has developed a sensitive method to detect viral nucleic acids using 'glow-in-the-dark' proteins, achieving high sensitivity and speed for clinical diagnostic tests. The LUNAS assay successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in under 20 minutes at low concentrations.
Researchers used machine-learning algorithms to design new light-emitting enzymes called luciferases that can efficiently recognize specific chemicals and emit light. This breakthrough could lead to custom enzymes for a wide range of applications in biotechnology, medicine, environmental remediation, and manufacturing.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing mathematical models to predict and control cellular differentiation. They created a technique using mix-and-read assays, which allow for the detection of key signaling proteins in live tissues. This method enables researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how cells make decisions.
Researchers developed a simple, inexpensive test to detect organophosphate pesticides directly in foods and biological samples. The method uses a new enzymatic cascade reaction called HELP to synthesize luciferin analogues, which produce luminescence in different wavelengths.
Researchers at UFSCar in Brazil have developed a novel luciferin-luciferase system that produces far red light at 650 nanometers, three times brighter than natural luciferin and luciferase. This system has better thermal stability, cell membrane penetrability, and more lasting continuous bioluminescence.
A team of NYUAD researchers has conducted a comprehensive review of bioluminescence in beetles, including fireflies, identifying structural factors that govern light emission colors. This study may lead to the development of new bioanalytical tools for early disease diagnosis and cancer treatment.
Researchers isolated molecules from a blue light-emitting fungus gnat found in the Appalachians, which could lead to novel biotech applications and elucidate human diseases. The study revealed an almost unknown bioluminescent system composed of luciferin and luciferase.
A new assay developed by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine can study six different cellular pathways simultaneously, providing a deeper understanding of cancer and other complex diseases. The multiplexed hextuple luciferase assaying saves time and expense compared to traditional approaches.
Brazilian researchers have discovered a new species of fungus gnat that emits blue light, which is the first record of such a species in the Neotropics. The larvae produce three lanterns and emit blue light, while adult insects do not.
Researchers have discovered a new bioluminescence mechanism in railroad worm Phrixothrix hirtus, emitting red light through the size of its luciferase cavity. This discovery has potential for biomedical applications like imaging muscles and blood tissue.
Researchers identified luciferin in a non-luminescent Brazilian cave worm larva, sparking interest in its potential biochemical functions. The discovery is the first of its kind in the Neotropics and opens up new avenues for research on the molecule's applications in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers have discovered a novel luciferin chemical in New Zealand glowworms that produces light through an entirely new chemical reaction. This unique chemistry may be used in laboratory experiments to monitor cancer cells or identify infectious diseases.
Researchers have successfully infused watercress and other plants with luminescent properties using nanoparticles, creating a glowing effect similar to 'Avatar.' The glowing plants emit light without any external power source and can be turned off by adding a compound.
Researchers at MIT have developed nanobionic plants that can produce dim light for nearly four hours using nanoparticles. This breakthrough technology aims to revolutionize indoor lighting and could one day transform trees into self-powered streetlights.
EPFL scientists develop a highly accurate detection system using firefly-inspired biotechnology, enabling quick diagnosis of cancer and protein interactions without requiring expensive equipment. The system utilizes a chemically-tweaked enzyme to produce light signals that can be seen with the naked eye.
Scientists at EPFL introduce a novel biosensor molecule that can quickly measure drug concentration in patients' systems using a digital camera. The method is simple, low-cost, and can be used by patients themselves.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that fruit flies can emit light when treated with a synthetic luciferin analog. This discovery expands the scope of bioluminescence imaging and opens new avenues for non-invasive studying of biological processes.
A team of scientists led by Thomas E. DeCoursey discovered a gene in dinoflagellates that controls voltage-gated proton channels, found also in humans and other species, with bioluminescence and potential applications in controlling deadly red tides
Researchers have developed a new bioluminescent probe that enables real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide levels in mice, allowing for the tracking of infectious diseases or cancerous tumors without harm. The PCL-1 probe has provided evidence that hydrogen peroxide is continuously produced even in healthy animals.
Scientists developed a new medical imaging agent using firefly luciferase that emits near-infrared light, successfully detecting factor Xa proteins in laboratory experiments. The discovery offers promise for improved monitoring of heparin therapy and treatment of blood clots.
Scientists developed a firefly protein that emits near-infrared light, successfully detecting minute amounts of factor Xa in laboratory experiments. The advance offers promise for improved monitoring of heparin therapy, a treatment for blood clots.
Researchers found that firefly luciferase tests can produce false positive results, which may impact the screening process. The study's findings suggest more work is needed to ensure the accuracy of the screening process.
Researchers have created a new tool to investigate the components of the circadian clock in vertebrates using transgenic zebrafish that luminesce in sync with their periodicity. The study reveals that aspects of circadian rhythms develop in specific stages, rather than being hardwired into the embryo.
Scientists have developed a technique to detect protein interactions using firefly luciferase. The method was tested on human proteins interacting with the antibiotic rapamycin and showed accuracy and selectivity. The technique also demonstrated its potential in studying other protein pairs linked to cell life cycle regulation.
Researchers inserted a firefly gene into mice with cancer, allowing them to detect cell death in real-time. The technology uses luciferase to emit light only when cells start dying, enabling rapid testing of new drugs for cancer and other diseases.
Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have developed a gene-therapy technique that can switch off genes in mice using RNA inhibition. The method has shown promising results in reducing light production from a firefly gene, suggesting its potential use in treating diseases such as cancer and hepatitis C by deactivating virus...
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a system in mice where the level of a genetically engineered protein responds to inflammatory signals. This method of gene therapy has great potential for treating chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory diseases, and may allow for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory t...