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A novel technology to explore peptides as drug targets with high precision without using cells

Researchers developed a novel method to immobilize proteins onto magnetic microbeads, allowing precise measurement of binding strength and efficient selection of target peptides. The technique achieved a 10,000-fold concentration in a single sorting step, significantly enhancing the efficiency of drug discovery research.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Characterizing antibodies targeting antisense oligonucleotide modifications

Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2025

Fixin’ to be flexitarian: Scrap fish and invasive species can liven up vegetables

A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateApr 29, 2024

A novel quantification method for ribonucleotides, which are needed in almost all cellular processes

Researchers have developed a novel method to quantify all 12 ribonucleotides from small tissue and cell samples, enabling easy measurement without specialized equipment. This breakthrough has significant implications for basic research in biology and medicine, particularly in understanding mitochondrial diseases and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 27, 2023

Are quantum computers the future of genome analysis?

A Japanese research team has developed a technique that could lead to a new paradigm for genomic analysis using quantum computers. The breakthrough involves identifying single nucleotides, a crucial step toward creating a molecular sequencer of DNA.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that some patients with chronic hepatitis B can achieve sustained immune control by discontinuing antiviral therapy after four years. This suggests a potential cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

Researchers found that after 96 weeks, some patients achieved loss of detectable HBsAg and reduced liver inflammation levels, indicating functional cure. The study suggests that discontinuing long-term antiviral therapy may be more effective than continuing it for certain patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Crystal study may resolve DNA mystery

A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

The future of data storage is double-helical, research indicates

A team of researchers has developed a DNA-based data storage platform with an expanded molecular alphabet, enabling the storage of vast amounts of digital information. The new system uses nanopores to distinguish between natural and chemically modified nucleotides, increasing storage density and sustainability.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

Protective mutations in COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Scientists can now assemble entire genomes on their personal computers in minutes

Researchers at MIT and Institut Pasteur have created an efficient method for assembling entire genomes, including the human genome, in minutes using personal computers. This approach uses minimizer-space de Bruijn graphs to store only a small fraction of nucleotides while preserving overall genome structure, enabling faster processing ...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Novel method of labeling DNA bases for sequencing

Researchers developed a novel method for labeling DNA bases using electrochemical detection and redox labels. This approach allows for the identification of individual nucleotides in a single strand of DNA, enabling faster and more affordable DNA sequencing and diagnostic applications.

Measuring the tRNA world

Researchers have developed a method to quantify transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in cells, which can reveal insights into tRNA regulation in health and disease. The mim-tRNAseq approach accurately measures tRNA abundance and modification status, enabling the study of tRNA dynamics in different tissues and during development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 26, 2021

Is life a game of chance?

A new study suggests that life in the universe is likely to be common, but only under specific conditions. The research, led by Professor Tomonori Totani, found that complex RNA structures necessary for life to exist may have formed spontaneously in vast regions of space beyond our observable horizon.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2020

Life's Frankenstein beginnings

A new study proposes that the first building blocks of life on Earth were not uniform but rather patchwork molecules containing bits of RNA and DNA. The 'RNA World' hypothesis has been revised to suggest a Frankenstein-like beginning, with RNA emerging from a mixture of nucleotides.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 22, 2020

HKUST scientists discover how RNA PoII maintains accurate transcription with super computer

A research team led by Prof. HUANG Xuhui discovered the mechanism of RNA polymerase II correcting errors in RNA synthesis, which relies on the RNA itself rather than amino acid residues. This finding offers insights into how transcription may go wrong in ageing and diseased cells, potentially leading to various human diseases.