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About TFE: Old and new findings

Researchers review TFE's role as a structuring agent for unfolded peptides, inducing helical conformations, while also enhancing protein denaturation. The study details recent applications of TFE in conformational studies, including antimicrobial and aggregation-prone peptides.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Protein and Peptide Science·DateApr 4, 2019

Peptide keeps predatory nematodes from eating their kin

A small peptide produced in predatory nematodes' skin prevents them from eating their kin, while they feed on close relatives. The discovery reveals a self-recognition system in nematodes that discriminates between self and other organisms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 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.

High throughput method to produce and screen engineered antimicrobial lanthipeptides

Researchers have developed a high-throughput method to produce and screen engineered antimicrobial lanthipeptides, which could lead to the creation of new antibiotics. The method involves synthesizing DNA strands coding for different ring combinations and screening them for antimicrobial potential using micro-alginate beads.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 2, 2019

Major step towards individual cancer immunotherapy

Scientists create vaccine that strengthens immune defences by multiplying cancer-repelling T cells, promising treatment for individualized cancer immunotherapy and potential application in autoimmune diseases. Laboratory tests conducted on tumours in mice show effectiveness of approach.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Conducting research: Exploring charge flow through proteins

Proteins exhibit surprising electrical conductivity when connected to electrodes via specific molecules, paving the way for sensitive chemical sensors. The study identifies six proteins capable of conductance, with two specific contacts resulting in highest conductivity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Nanopores make portable mass spectrometer for peptides a reality

Researchers at University of Groningen developed nanopores that can measure peptide mass, offering a cheap and portable solution for proteomics research. The smallest pores produced have a resolution of around 40 Dalton, allowing for the identification of peptides with varying chemical compositions.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

How proteins become embedded in a cell membrane

A team of ETH Zurich researchers used single-molecule force spectroscopy to investigate how membrane proteins become embedded in cell membranes. They discovered the role of two helper proteins, insertase and translocase, which enable membrane proteins to embed themselves in the membrane. The study sheds light on the folding pathways of...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 14, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Introducing nemuri, a protein that induces sleep and fights infection

Researchers have identified a protein, nemuri, that promotes sleep after sleep deprivation or infection in fruit flies. The protein also increases the ability of flies to survive bacterial infections. This dual action suggests a link between sleep and immune function.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2019

Peptide papers point to new ways of tackling bacteria

Researchers have solved a 20-year riddle of how crucial step in antibiotic biosynthesis occurs, opening way to potentially redesigning antibiotics. The team structurally characterised the peptide bond forming domain in Ebony enzyme, revealing its novel types of condensation domain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2019

Plant peptide helps roots to branch out in the right places

A Japanese research team identified a plant peptide that helps lateral roots grow with the right spacing. The TOLS2 gene was found to be expressed in lateral root founder cells and inhibits their formation, while the RLK7 receptor suppresses nearby cell growth.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 18, 2019

Dry-cured ham bones -- a source of heart-healthy peptides?

Researchers have discovered that dry-cured ham bones contain peptides with cardioprotective effects, inhibiting enzymes involved in cardiovascular disease. The use of ham bones to make broths and stews could have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 16, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Vampire bat venom could hold key to new medical treatments

Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered a new class of blood pressure-regulating peptides in vampire bat venom that could revolutionize treatments for various medical conditions. The peptides are selective in their mode of action, reducing side effects compared to existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalToxins·DateJan 15, 2019

Improved treatment for alcohol use disorders, chronic pain, mood disorders

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered two peptides that selectively activate beneficial cellular pathways without causing unwanted side effects. These peptides are being investigated in preclinical studies for their ability to regulate dietary intake and have shown promising results.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 3, 2019

A boundary dance of amyloid-β stepping into dementia

Scientists have elucidated the formation mechanism of amyloid-β substances, causative agents of Alzheimer's disease. They found that Aβ peptides tend to aggregate at hydrophilic/hydrophobic interfaces, forming β-hairpin structures that facilitate intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateDec 27, 2018
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Using machine learning to design peptides

A new algorithm that combines experimental data with machine learning reduces the time needed to find optimal peptide sequences, allowing for faster discovery and synthesis. This method has the potential to revolutionize how peptides are designed and could lead to breakthroughs in materials science, chemistry, and medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2018

Towards a treatment for gluten intolerance

A new study has identified a specific peptide that directly binds to the ion-channel CFTR, impairing its function and triggering cellular stress and inflammation. This interaction can be inhibited by a potentiator of CFTR, which may offer protection against gluten-induced intestinal symptoms.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 30, 2018

Mutations boost immunity: Toward a cancer vaccine

Researchers develop method to identify tumor-specific factors in blood that can elicit a protective immune response, potentially leading to an effective vaccine against cancer. The technique relies on peptide arrays and frameshift mutations, which have been shown to be more effective stimulators of immune response than point mutations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2018

Chemists develop new method for selective binding of proteins

Researchers develop new method for selectively binding proteins to nanoparticles using co-assembling points of contact, promising applications in diagnostics and medicine. The method has potential for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's by dissolving amyloid aggregates.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

From receptor structure to new osteoporosis drugs

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the PTH-1 receptor, a protein fragment involved in bone loss. This breakthrough enables the development of new drugs that may slow down or reverse osteoporosis without its current treatment's disadvantages.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 19, 2018

Scorpion venom to shuttle drugs into the brain

Researchers at IRB Barcelona develop peptide shuttle using scorpion venom to transport drugs across blood-brain barrier, improving efficacy for neurological treatments. The miniCTX3 peptide shows great efficiency in carrying compounds of different nature across the BBB.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 15, 2018

How exercise could help fight drug addiction

Research with mice suggests exercise strengthens resolve against drug addiction by changing peptide levels in the brain. Re-exposure to drug-related cues affects exercise and sedentary mice differently.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 14, 2018

How do peptides penetrate cells? Two sides of the same coin

Scientists at IOCB Prague have discovered a previously unknown passive mechanism by which positively charged short peptides can penetrate cells. This process is based on membrane fusion induced by the transported peptides and shares the same mechanistic basis as known processes in neurons during nerve impulses.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

Cellular trash cans reveal the roles of proteins in disease

A novel technology for profiling protein turnover and degradation has been developed, revealing distinct evidence of a signature pattern in autoimmune disorders. The technique focuses on degraded proteins, providing clues about the state of protein monitoring and potentially leading to better diagnostic techniques.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 22, 2018

En route to custom-designed natural products

Scientists have successfully explained the structure and function of docking domains in peptide natural products. This breakthrough allows researchers to redesign docking domain interactions, modulating the product spectrum of a rhabdopeptide-synthesizing NRPS. The discovery has promising implications for creating new substances.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2018

New study hints at potential antibiotic breakthrough

Researchers develop structure-disrupting peptides to target bacterial proteins' structural core, reducing likelihood of resistance development. The study finds promising results in inhibiting multidrug-resistant bacteria growth and treating gonococcal infections.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 27, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study uncovers new hurdle for developing immunotherapies

Researchers at University of Notre Dame discover that T-cell receptors can be more cross-reactive than previously thought, increasing the challenge of developing effective immunotherapies. This finding highlights the need to reassess predictions for building models for therapy and recognizing targets.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 18, 2018

Ants surrender their venomous secrets

Researchers analyzed ant venom from a tropical species and identified over 2,800 venom peptides, including 37 full-length peptide precursors called myrmicitoxins. The peptides showed sequence similarities with those produced by other insects, suggesting they evolved from ancestral genes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateSep 12, 2018
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.

Rutgers scientists identify protein that may have existed when life began

Rutgers researchers discovered a primordial peptide with two types of amino acids and a metal cluster similar to iron-sulfur minerals, suggesting it could have emerged spontaneously on early Earth. The short peptide may have served as a catalyst for life-producing chemistry.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 30, 2018

Heteractis magnifica sea anemones can help fight Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University have discovered a new group of Kunitz-type peptides in Heteractis magnifica sea anemones, which exhibit neuroprotective properties. The peptides inhibit the development of inflammations and reduce levels of active oxygen forms that cause cell damage.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

The medicine of the future against infection and inflammation?

Researchers have mapped how peptides reduce infection and inflammation by deactivating toxic substances formed in the process. The study reveals that these peptides form a C-shaped structure which enables the capturing and inactivation of lipopolysaccharides, a necessary part of our immune defence system.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2018

Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes: Hope for inhibitors against amyloid plaques

Scientists at TUM have discovered a new class of designed macrocyclic peptides that are highly potent inhibitors of amyloid formation, which could be an alternative to current antibody-based approaches. The researchers are now planning further investigations to verify their effectiveness in in vivo models.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 7, 2018

Synthesis of tetrapeptides and screening of their antioxidant properties

Researchers synthesized tetrapeptide PAGY and its analogues using solid phase peptide synthesis, screening their antioxidant properties. The results showed that PSGY exhibited the highest DPPH inhibition activity, while modifications in amino acid sequences increased or decreased antioxidant activity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Bioactive Compounds·DateJul 5, 2018
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.

UBC researchers create matchmaking service

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a matchmaking service to pair peptides with antibiotics, increasing treatment success rates against antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Seven combinations were identified that worked better than antibiotics alone, offering up to a 100-fold improvement.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 21, 2018

Minimalist biostructures designed to create nanomaterials

The new molecules are formed by a chain of 7 amino acids, each composed of only two different amino acids. These peptides have numerous applications, including generating electrical nanoconductors and fibrillar mini enzymes capable of acting as catalysts in the formation of organic nanomaterials.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 14, 2018

Alzheimer's disease: How amyloid aggregates alter neuronal function

Amyloid peptides prevent CamKII from participating in synaptic plasticity, leading to synapse loss and cognitive deficiencies. Researchers aim to understand the molecular mechanism behind amyloid aggregate interactions with CamKII to develop potential treatments for early Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 12, 2018
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.

Regenerative wound dressing for diabetic ulcers

Researchers developed a peptide-infused dressing that promotes dermal cell adhesion and proliferation, accelerating wound closure and tissue regeneration in diabetic mice. The dressing showed significant benefits compared to control treatments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Beef peptides block bitter tastes

Researchers have discovered that beef peptides can block bitter taste receptors on the tongue, potentially leading to improved flavors in food and medicine. The most effective peptides were produced through enzymatic hydrolysis using trypsin and pepsin enzymes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2018

Building better beta peptides

Beta peptides can self-assemble into robust biomaterials when placed inside other organic molecules. A new study has expanded their capabilities, allowing bioengineers to create more flexible materials for tissue engineering and biomedicine.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMay 7, 2018

New biotech technique accelerates protein therapy research

A Northwestern-led synthetic biology research team has developed a new biotech technique called GlycoSCORES that promises to accelerate research into protein therapies. The technique uses cell-free protein synthesis, protein glycosylation, and mass spectrometry to rapidly screen sequences for making glycoproteins.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 7, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Double-bridged peptides bind any disease target

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new peptide format called double-bridged peptides that can bind to any disease target with high affinity and stability. By creating an enormous diversity of peptide architectures, they were able to isolate high-affinity binders to important protein targets, including kallikrein and interleukin-17.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2018

Molecular scaffolding aids construction at the nanoscale

Researchers have designed and synthesized molecules that can interact together to assemble complex molecular structures at the nanoscale. By mimicking biological self-assembly processes, chemists can learn new methods of chemical synthesis for nano/micro-structures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

Peptide-based biogenic dental product may cure cavities

Researchers at the University of Washington have designed a convenient and natural product that uses proteins to rebuild tooth enamel and treat dental cavities. The new technology restores mineral structure found in native tooth enamel, enabling daily use as part of preventive dental care routine.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateApr 12, 2018
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.