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Peptides that can be taken as a pill

Researchers have successfully developed a method to create proteolytically resistant therapeutic peptides that can survive the gastrointestinal tract. This breakthrough enables the development of oral peptide drugs targeting gastrointestinal targets, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 11, 2020

Nanodevices for the brain could thwart formation of Alzheimer's plaques

Scientists have developed nanodevices that capture and trap beta-amyloid peptides, a key component of Alzheimer's plaques. The devices show promise in preventing plaque formation and reducing cell death, with over 90% efficiency compared to control particles.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 30, 2020

Computational techniques explore 'the dark side of amyloid aggregation in the brain'

UMass Amherst scientists used computational techniques to study amyloid fibril growth and brain pathology, revealing that earlier forms of the protein are toxic. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the process, highlighting the importance of energy landscapes in disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2020

Gold standard force fields help identify promising peptides to disrupt COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Utah and Texas Advanced Computing Center used powerful supercomputers to rapidly generate molecular models of compounds relevant for COVID-19. They applied their approach, developed previously for Ebola virus research, to identify promising peptides that can disrupt the coronavirus.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 28, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New nanocarrier drug delivery technology crosses the blood-brain barrier

A Japanese research team has developed a cyclic peptide that enhances blood-brain barrier penetration, allowing for the delivery of macromolecular drugs to the brain. The technology, which uses nanoparticles and liposomes, shows promise in treating central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 16, 2020

How probiotic Bifidobacteria could help celiac disease patients

Researchers have identified specific Bifidobacteria strains that can break down gluten proteins into smaller fragments, reducing immune response damage. These findings pave the way for new treatments and improved patient outcomes for celiac disease patients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2020

Machine learning reveals new candidate materials for biocompatible electronics

A team of scientists used machine learning to speed up the process of identifying optimal self-assembling peptides for biocompatible electronic devices. By screening 8,000 candidates, they were able to rank each design and pave the way for experimentalists to test the most promising ones.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateApr 9, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New drug combination passes safety test in pancreatic cancer

A new study found that a novel peptide antagonist given in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor is safe and well-tolerated in patients with advanced, refractory pancreatic and rectal cancer. The highest dose tested resulted in no adverse events leading to the recommendation for use in future trials.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateMar 19, 2020

New technique has potential to protect oranges from citrus greening

Researchers identified peptides that trigger immune responses in multiple plant species, including citrus, potentially preventing or reducing yield loss from citrus greening. This discovery offers a new hope for the devastated citrus industry, where no resistant varieties are available and limited disease control measures exist.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMar 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Predicting immunotherapy success

Weizmann Institute researchers found that overexpression of specific immunoproteasome subunits in melanoma is tied to anti-cancer immune activity. The study's findings suggest that these biomarkers may improve patient matching to current immunotherapy treatments, leading to better outcomes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2020

Synthetic mushroom toxin

Researchers at the Technical University of Berlin introduce a new method to synthesize α-amanitin, a highly selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase II. This synthetic route allows for large-scale production and could lead to cancer treatment advancements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Can't sleep or think clearly? Maybe the culprit is bacteria

Researchers at Washington State University and UMass Amherst will explore the role of bacterial fragments in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. They aim to determine how these fragments affect brain functions, including sleep, cognition, mood, and appetite.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJan 31, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study finds potential new treatment for preventing post traumatic stress disorder

Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 13, 2020

Specific insulin-like peptide regulates how beetle 'weapons' grow

A team of scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered that a specific insulin-like peptide called ILP2 regulates the size of mandibles in broad-horned flour beetles. The study found that larvae fed sufficiently, showed elevated expression of ILP2, leading to larger mandibles.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 11, 2020

Differentiating amino acids

Researchers from the University of Freiburg and US universities have developed a method to differentiate between individual amino acids in short peptides. They used an aerolysin nanopore to measure the ion current through the pore, enabling the sensitive measurement of peptide size and structure.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 17, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Early immune response may improve cancer immunotherapies

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for detecting foreign material during early immune responses, which could help detect elusive cancers. ERAP1 protein can break down peptides bound to MHC I, allowing immune cells to recognize and destroy infected cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2019

A new link between migraines, opioid overuse may be key to treating pain

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found a peptide called PACAP links migraine pain and opioid-induced pain, offering potential new treatments for episodic migraines. The study's findings support the development of therapies targeting PACAP and its receptor.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateNov 20, 2019

Researchers find new signaling systems in human cells

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified five new GPCRs activated by 17 peptide ligands, expanding the known peptide-GPCR network. This discovery has high translational potential as therapeutic targets for various diseases, including genetic, nervous system, and neoplastic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateOct 31, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

U. Iowa team is developing new delivery tools for gene editing

Researchers at the University of Iowa have made significant breakthroughs in delivering gene-editing proteins to airway cells without causing harm. The new peptide-based platform shows promise in treating diseases like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma by repairing or modifying disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

Overcoming the blood-brain-barrier: Delivering therapeutics to the brain

Scientists have developed a simple way to transport medication into the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The new technique uses engineered particles that can be packed with drugs and delivered through an intravenous injection, offering a minimally invasive solution for treating neurological disorders.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Were hot, humid summers the key to life's origins?

Researchers found that deliquescent minerals can assist the construction of proteins from simpler building blocks during cycles timed to mimic day and night on early Earth. This process, which avoids unpredictable storms, may have played a key role in the origins of life.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2019

Designing a new class of drugs to treat chronic pain

A team of UC Davis researchers led by Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy is developing a new class of peptides to treat chronic pain with minimal side effects. The goal is to identify the most effective peptide design that can selectively block pain-associated sodium channels without affecting other channels.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateSep 30, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Probes shed new light on Alzheimer's cause

Researchers have developed a way to track the formation of soluble amyloid beta peptide aggregates implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The ruthenium-based fluorescent complexes bind to these aggregates, allowing researchers to monitor their progress and movements over time.

SourceRice University·DateSep 23, 2019
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.

Peptide hydrogels could help heal traumatic brain injuries

Researchers have developed a self-assembling peptide hydrogel that increases blood vessel regrowth and neuronal survival in rats with traumatic brain injuries. The treatment also improves the survival of brain cells and shows signs of new blood vessel formation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 27, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A chemical clue to how life started on Earth

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute find that proteinaceous amino acids react more efficiently, leading to the formation of complex life forms. The study suggests a possible explanation for the selection of positively charged amino acids in proteins.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2019

Expanding functions of conducting microbial nanowires for chemical, biological sensors

Researchers at UMass Amherst have expanded the functions of conducting microbial nanowires, developing them into sustainable chemical and biological sensors. The new nanowires can be modified with peptides to specifically bind chemicals or biologics, offering promising possibilities for biomedical and environmental applications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJul 29, 2019

Newly discovered biosynthetic pathway in bacteria recipe for drug discovery and production

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a novel biosynthetic pathway in bacteria that can produce therapeutic compounds. The pathway, found in Pseudomonas syringae, combines elements of both ribosome-based and enzyme-mediated synthesis, allowing for efficient production of natural products.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2019

Origin of life insight: peptides can form without amino acids

A UCL study reveals that aminonitriles, the precursors to amino acids, can be easily turned into peptides in water, bypassing traditional formation methods. This discovery sheds light on how life first formed and has implications for synthetic chemistry.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Mechanism of scorpion toxin inhibition of K+ channel elucidated using high-speed AFM

Scorpion venom contains compounds that bind to K+ channels, inhibiting their function. High-speed atomic force microscopy revealed the association and dissociation dynamics of a peptide, AgTx2, with the K+ channel KcsA. The study found that AgTx2 binding is facilitated by an induced-fit mechanism, accelerating binding by 400-fold.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2019

Goat milk kefir is proven to be good for your health

Researchers from the University of Córdoba have analyzed the peptide content of goat milk kefir and discovered 11 beneficial compounds. These findings suggest that fermented kefir may have positive effects on cardiovascular health, immune function, and more.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2019

Chemists discover structure of glucagon fibrils

Researchers at MIT used NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of glucagon fibrils, finding a novel antiparallel beta sheet conformation and steric zippers that make the protein stable. This discovery may lead to shelf-stable versions of the hormone, which is used to control diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 24, 2019
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.

Construction kit for custom-designed products

Researchers at Goethe University have developed a novel method for producing new peptide drugs, using fragments of natural NRPS systems as building blocks. The approach enables the easy production of peptides in excellent yield, with applications for modifying clinically relevant drugs and producing peptide libraries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2019

NTU Singapore scientists uncover binding secret behind protein 'superglue'

NTU Singapore scientists have developed a new lab-created peptide ligase based on genetic information from the Chinese violet, which may help speed up drug development and improve diagnostic imaging. The enzyme has exceptional binding properties and can be produced in large quantities without by-products.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2019

Antibiotic ornament clasp

Lugdunin, a cyclic peptide with strong antimicrobial properties, works by proton transport across bacterial membranes. The researchers discovered that the thiazolidine group in lugdunin forms a critical part of its structure and is essential for its antibacterial activity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 27, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Ragweed compounds could protect nerve cells from Alzheimer's

Researchers have identified compounds in ragweed that can help nerve cells survive with Alzheimer's disease peptides. The compounds, including terpenoids and spermidine conjugates, showed promise in protecting neurons from Aβ-induced toxicity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateMay 15, 2019

Radioisotope couple for tumor diagnosis and therapy

Kanazawa University researchers have synthesized a radiotheranostic system using astatine and iodine as alpha-particle and gamma-radiation sources, respectively. The system utilizes a peptide carrier molecule to target tumors, achieving high accumulation in cancer cells.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalACS Omega·DateMay 13, 2019

Twelve-year follow-up after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy

A 12-year retrospective clinical study shows the long-term effectiveness of PRRT, allowing patients to maintain a high quality of life. The overall response rate is about 70-80 percent, and prognosis is generally favorable for patients who respond to therapy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 30, 2019

Fleming's method in miniature

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new technique, nanoFleming, to rapidly test for antibiotic activity in microorganisms. The method has identified 11 novel peptides with improved efficacy or resistance-bypassing properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 29, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Fixing a broken heart: Exploring new ways to heal damage after a heart attack

A Northwestern University and UC San Diego team has created a novel way to deliver a bioactivated, biodegradable substance through a noninvasive catheter without clogging. The approach uses self-assembling peptides that turn the body's inflammatory response into a signal to heal rather than a means of scarring.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Light and peptides: New method diversifies natural building blocks of life

Researchers have developed a novel method to functionalize peptides using light-activated catalysis, allowing for the creation of new therapeutic agents. The method enables selective modification of the C-terminal position in peptides, opening up new possibilities for drug development.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 18, 2019

Migraine neurobiology linked to prevalence in females

A new study found that low doses of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) trigger headaches only in female rodents, potentially explaining the higher prevalence of migraines in women. The researchers used rat and mouse models with both male and female animals to investigate CGRP's role in migraine.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.