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Inside the hepatitis C virus is a promising antiviral

A study published in the Biophysical Journal reveals a hepatitis C virus-derived peptide that kills a range of viruses while leaving host cells unharmed. The peptide targets cholesterol-rich membranes shared by many viruses, offering a promising strategy for developing new antiviral drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 5, 2016

Heart disease: Jamming the signal

A short peptide, SKY peptide, has been developed by researchers at LMU to inhibit the activation of a signal pathway in monocytes, which enables their adhesion to endothelial cells and penetration into sites of acute inflammation. This can lead to chronic inflammatory reactions and tissue damage.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 10, 2015

Harnessing a peptide holds promise for increasing crop yields without more fertilizer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a key molecule in nitrogen-fixing bacteria that may hold promise for improving crop yields without increasing fertilizer use. The discovery of the 'double agent' peptide could be a key factor in future efforts to improve legume crops and promote sustainable farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2015

Self-assembling material that grows and changes shape could lead to artificial arteries

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed a method for self-assembling organic molecules into complex tissue-like structures without moulds or 3D printing. This discovery could enable the engineering of tissues like veins, arteries, or the blood-brain barrier, facilitating disease research and implant development.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 28, 2015

How to reset a diseased cell

Scientists at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine demonstrate ability to reprogram large parts of a cell's signaling network by manipulating key hub in communication networks. This approach shows potential to slow or reverse disease progression, including cancer driven by abnormal cell signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2015

Better batteries inspired by lowly snail shells

Researchers at UMBC isolated a peptide that binds strongly to lithium manganese nickel oxide, improving the potential power and stability of electrode materials. The peptides can latch onto nanoscale components, forming a bridge between conductive components and maintaining a connection through multiple charging cycles.

Researchers uncover clues to flu's mechanisms

The study reveals how hemagglutinin protein reconfigures itself as it infects host cells, providing new insights into the path of the flu virus. This understanding could lead to the development of a universal flu vaccine that lasts a lifetime.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2014

Dangers of desert dust: New diagnostic tool for valley fever

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new diagnostic tool called immunosignaturing to identify valley fever, which can be misdiagnosed due to low sensitivity of current methods. This technique uses a microarray platform to produce a detailed profile of immune activity from a small droplet of blood, allowing for accur...

SourceArizona State University·JournalClinical and Vaccine Immunology·DateJul 22, 2014