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Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

How life came to Earth

A research team led by Dr. Serge Krasnokutski has discovered a reaction pathway that can form peptide chains under cosmic conditions without water. This finding suggests that the origin of peptides could be extraterrestrial in nature, challenging the conventional assumption that life emerged on Earth.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs

A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs is being developed to target the PCSK9 protein, which regulates LDL receptor degradation on cells. These therapies have shown promise in reducing LDL levels with fewer side effects than statins.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 2, 2022

OU engineers build a molecular framework to bridge experimental and computer sciences for peptide-based materials engineering

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have developed a molecular framework that solves the challenge of predicting peptide structures. The framework bridges experimental and computer sciences, enabling the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to model peptide structures for materials engineering.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 25, 2022

Antibody with engineered peptide targets bone metastasis

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have created an antibody with an engineered peptide that effectively targets and attacks bone tumors in breast cancer. The study shows the therapeutic efficacy is best when a moderate amount of the drug compound is delivered, offering new hope for treating bone metastases.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022
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.

Peanut studies reveal surprising truths about RNA and open the door to better understanding epigenetic mechanisms in plants

Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Tuberculosis vaccine could assist future COVID-19 vaccine development

Researchers identified 40 peptide pairs with potential cross-reactivity between BCG vaccination and SARS-CoV-2, offering a new strategy to complement existing COVID-19 vaccines. These peptides can induce T cell responses and INF-γ production, providing long-lasting immunity against viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJan 13, 2022

Will this new superpower molecule revolutionize science?

Researchers have created a powerful DNA-peptide hybrid that could lead to advancements in nanotechnology and the study of Alzheimer's disease. The new structure combines three-stranded DNA and peptide structures, overcoming the challenge of chirality between these biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2022
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Flexibility may be the key to potent peptides for treating diabetes

A new study reveals that flexibility in peptides used to treat Type 2 diabetes may be key to their effectiveness. The research found that a peptide called GLP-1 can switch between two shapes, maximizing its potency and activating insulin release from the pancreas.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Novel vaccine may yield affordable solution to lipid disorders

Scientists at Kumamoto University have developed a novel peptide vaccine that improves obesity-related dyslipidemia and may be cost-effective. The vaccine targets angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and has been shown to reduce dyslipidemia in mice, producing antibodies that last for six months.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Are scientists homing in on a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

New protein fragment could improve cartilage regeneration

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have discovered a new protein fragment that could improve cartilage regeneration and reduce the need for osteoarthritis treatments. The protein fragment, developed by Handan Acar and Amgad Haleem, aims to help the body heal itself by elicititing a response from stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateDec 7, 2021

Boosting the body’s response to infections with a bio-inspired peptide

Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Molecular analysis reveals the oldest denisovan fossils yet

A team of researchers has extracted and analyzed ancient proteins and DNA from nearly 4,000 bone fragments at Denisova Cave, yielding five human bones with intact biomolecules, dating back to 200,000 years ago. The findings provide robust insights into the first occupants of the cave and their archaeological signature.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 26, 2021
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Scientists uncover a gene involved in sexual conflict in fruit flies

Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

TTUHSC researcher investigates ways to enhance neurolysin activity in the brain

Researchers at TTUHSC have identified novel targets for treating stroke, focusing on enhancing neurolysin activity. The study discovered small molecules that can selectively enhance the activity of neurolysin, which showed promise in reducing damage to the brain after a stroke.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

A peptide-drug conjugate that targets the acidic environment of cancer cells may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy

A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 7, 2021

More effective treatment of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Molecular burdocks: peptides guide self-assembly on the micrometre scale

Scientists use specific self-assembling peptides to organize silica nanoparticles into larger structures, demonstrating a new approach to self-assembly. The researchers' method enables the creation of novel materials with various applications, including drug delivery systems and nanocatalysts.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 29, 2021
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Protease shows promise as feed additive for poultry farming

A new study found that a subtilisin-like proteinase from Bacillus pumilus 3-19 exhibits proteolytic activity in Pichia pastoris, dependent on incubation time and signal peptide choice. The production of this enzyme makes the system promising for developing new feed additives for animal husbandry.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBioNanoScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

Mimicking nature to provide long-lasting local anesthesia

A new biomimetic system mimics the body's own receptors for anesthetics, providing prolonged nerve blockade with minimal toxicity. The system consists of nanostructures that bind to tetrodotoxin and slowly release it, allowing for long-lasting pain relief without systemic toxicity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

How migraines protect against diabetes

Researchers found that certain peptides associated with migraine pain can regulate insulin production in mice, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that these peptides could be developed into therapeutic strategies to control blood sugar levels, while minimizing the risk of migraines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2021

Peptide-based biosensor for biochemical express-testing

Researchers from ETU LETI and Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations proposed a new-generation biochip for multiparametric express-testing using molecular recognition and direct fluorimetry. The device selectively detects cardiac markers without fluorescent labels, reducing background fluorescence to 30%.

SourceSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI·JournalMicromachines·DateAug 24, 2021
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Possible new antivirals against COVID-19, herpes

Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2021

Russian scientists investigate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers assessed effectiveness of T-cell immune response to 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants, identifying HLA gene variants with significantly changed virus peptides. The T-cell COVID-19 Atlas portal (T-CoV) provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of viral mutations on immunity.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 15, 2021
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.

Gel drops for regenerative medicine

Researchers developed gel drops from four amino acid peptides that support cell growth and induce blood vessel formation. The microgels were successfully used to grow endothelial cells on their surfaces, which then extended into tubular blood vessels.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2021

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021
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.

Putting a load on: Load stimulates bone formation via expression of osteocrin

Researchers discovered that physical load stimulates bone growth through the expression of osteocrin (OSTN), a peptide produced by osteoblasts. OSTN is critical to regulating bone growth and physical endurance, with its expression decreasing when load is reduced and increasing with load stimulation.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 2021

TSUBAME supercomputer predicts cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a computational method to predict the cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides, exhibiting promising accuracy. The protocol has potential to aid in designing and discovering cyclic peptide drugs with high cell-membrane permeability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 13, 2021

MaxDIA -- taking proteomics to the next level

The new MaxDIA software provides a computational workflow for data-independent acquisition proteomics, combining library-based and library-free approaches. This enables highly sensitive and accurate data analysis for thousands of proteins, opening up new possibilities for medical applications in personalized medicine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 12, 2021
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

In a supramolecular realm: Advances in intracellular spaces with de novo designed peptide

Researchers develop a de novo peptide Y15 that readily forms secondary structures to enable bottom-up synthesis of functional protein assemblies in live cells. The peptide enables the formation of fibrous structures and clusters in test tubes and live cells, facilitating protein assembly and reconstitution of natural complexes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2021

Study seeks to understand, prevent ice recrystalization

Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are working on developing biobased peptides to restrict ice crystal growth in freezing temperatures. Successful methods could improve frozen food quality, increase crop resistance to freezing temperatures, and enhance biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJun 29, 2021

Human molecule blocking toxic forms of Parkinson's-related protein identified

A human endogenous peptide called LL-37 has been identified as a powerful blocker of toxic α-synuclein oligomers, which are responsible for neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The discovery suggests that this naturally occurring molecule could be a safe and effective therapy to slow down the progression of the disease.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

Sunflower peptide as 'template' for potential analgesic

A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2021
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

The very venomous caterpillar

A team of researchers from the University of Queensland has discovered a venomous caterpillar that produces peptides with high potency against nematode parasites and disease-causing pathogens. The study also unlocks a source of bioactive peptides with potential uses in medicine, biotechnology, and scientific tools.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Skeletal scaffold supports bone cells and blood vessels

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) create a biomaterial that supports the growth of bone marrow precursor cells and forms tubular blood vessels, mimicking natural bone tissue architecture. This breakthrough enables the development of 3D disease models for tissue engineering and biomedical research.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJun 17, 2021

Scientists unravel the function of a sight-saving growth factor

Researchers have determined how peptides derived from PEDF protect neuronal cells in the retina layer, which could lead to treatments for degenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The study found that these peptides work by binding to a protein receptor and processing omega-3 fatty acids like DHA.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateJun 16, 2021
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Clever biomolecular labelling enables identification of immune cells

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a non-toxic method to label peptides and investigate their mechanism of action. The new technique allows for efficient screening of molecules important for the adaptive immune system, which can help fight infections and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Peptide nanoparticles marked for in vitro visualization

Researchers at Kazan Federal University and Chinese Academy Sciences have developed peptide nanoparticles that can be visualized in living cells using hyperspectral microscopy. These nanoparticles have the ability to scatter light efficiently, allowing for non-fluorescent labeling of cells.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 28, 2021

New insights on animals in the African past

Researchers have developed new peptide markers to identify African bovid species, enabling more accurate analysis of ancient animal remains. The discovery sheds light on subsistence strategies and paleoenvironments in Iron Age Zambia.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 24, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Stanford bioengineer aims to turn nature's virus fighters into powerful drugs

A Stanford bioengineer has developed peptide-like molecules called peptoids that can retain therapeutic properties against viruses, offering a new approach to treating infectious diseases. The peptoids work by disrupting the virus's outer membrane, making them promising antiviral agents.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalPharmaceuticals·DateMay 24, 2021

A peptide that allows cannabis-derived drugs to relieve pain without side effects

A team of scientists from Pompeu Fabra University has developed a peptide that allows delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to fight pain in mice without cognitive side effects. The peptide, which interrupts the interaction between THC and serotonin receptors, improves memory capacity while providing analgesia.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 20, 2021

A hairpin to fight cancer

Researchers have developed a bicyclic peptide that binds to and inhibits the oncogenic protein beta-catenin, which is associated with certain types of tumor. The peptide's unique hairpin shape and cyclic nature mimic natural protein structures, making it an attractive starting point for developing new antitumor drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 12, 2021
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.