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UTEP Researchers develop portable, blood-based device that detects colon cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a portable, blood-based device that can detect colon cancer using a biomarker called CCSP-2. The device has the potential to provide early detection and treatment options for this second-deadliest US cancer, making it a significant advancement in colorectal cancer screening.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalACS Measurement Science Au·DateMar 13, 2025

Royalty among us

Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.

Engineering biological reaction crucibles to rapidly produce proteins

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new technique that traps together cellular machinery to increase protein production rates. This approach uses synthetic disordered proteins to form compartments called biological condensates, which enhance the rate of protein production by bringing together biomolecular machinery...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Standardized nomenclature for bone status indices to enhance diagnostic consistency and clarity

A new position paper from the International Osteoporosis Foundation and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry proposes a unified nomenclature for bone status indices to enhance diagnostic consistency and clarity. The guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to unify terminology and improve comparability across studies.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 10, 2025

Generative AI against diseases: Insilico Medicine announced Pharma.AI-powered HPK1 inhibitor series in peer-reviewed publication trilogy, as potential immunotherapy options

The study uses generative AI to identify and optimize potent and selective HPK1 inhibitors for immunotherapy. The results show a relatively balanced candidate compound with adequate in vitro ADME, in vivo PK properties, good oral bioavailability, and robust in vivo efficacy in various cancer models.

Nature Biotechnology | Generative chemistry enables Insilico to develop gut-restricted PhD inhibitors promising for intestinal mucosal barrier repair and immunomodulation

Scientists at Insilico Medicine developed a novel gut-restricted PHD inhibitor using generative chemistry engine Chemistry42, promising to repair intestinal mucosal barriers and regulate immune responses in IBD. The compound, ISM5411, demonstrated significant anti-colitis activity without systemic side effects.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 11, 2024

Unique multidomain enzymes from bacteria

Researchers have identified a unique multidomain enzyme capable of catalysing two separate reactions, cyclization and hydroxylation, on a single peptide substrate. This breakthrough discovery opens the possibility of developing innovative drug molecules with potential therapeutic applications for life-threatening infections and cancer.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024

A “chemical ChatGPT” for new medications

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has trained a chemical language model to predict potential active ingredients with special properties. The AI was able to reproduce the chemical structures of compounds with known dual-target activity, which may be effective in treating various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 23, 2024

KAIST changes the paradigm of drug discovery with world's first atomic editing​

Researchers at KAIST successfully developed single-atom editing technology that maximizes drug efficacy by converting oxygen atoms into nitrogen atoms in furan compounds. This breakthrough technology enables selective editing of complex natural products or pharmaceuticals, opening new doors for building libraries of drug candidates.

Chestnut tannin: A sustainable bioresource for diverse applications

Recent research highlights the multifaceted potential of chestnut tannin in various sectors, including its use as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed and as a biostimulant and biofertilizer in agriculture. The compound's high biological activity is attributed to its ortho-phenolic groups.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2024

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Fluorescent molecules to illuminate life: simplified synthesis with formaldehyde

A research team has developed a simplified synthesis method for organic fluorophores using formaldehyde, reducing molecular size and increasing atomic efficiency. The new technique can also be applied to in vivo environments, showing promise for life sciences research and diagnostics applications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 2024

Loss of skin’s pigment-producing cells could be related to basement membrane disruption

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that disruptions in the basement membrane zone between the epidermis and dermis could make it harder for pigment-producing cells to adhere. An enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) may be overexpressed, leading to disturbance of the basement membrane.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Teaching an old metal new tricks

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have successfully developed a method to recycle samarium diiodide, a crucial reagent in synthesizing molecules that can lead to new pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough enables large-scale industrial production, making it possible to create essential compounds like taxol, an anticance...