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Good as gold

Researchers have designed a new assay that uses gold nanoparticles to improve the accuracy of medical screening, reducing false positives and wait times. The technology has been shown to be up to clinical standards, allowing patients to receive results in about an hour.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2017

Right timing is crucial in life

Researchers discover that Calcium/Calmodlin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is the main effector behind the adaptation of the circadian clock to geographical environment in marine midges. This protein, also found in humans, may play a role in human chronotypes and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateNov 22, 2016

Dust mite allergens share rare combo of qualities

Researchers at Duke University and NIEHS discover that dust mite allergens are both more abundant and stable than non-allergenic proteins, which may lead to new allergy treatments or predict allergenic potential of artificially added proteins. This discovery could also help characterize disease states and study drug mode-of-action.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 19, 2016

Of bugs and brains

Researchers found highly conserved brain centers in insect species that share similarities with vertebrate learning centers, such as the hippocampus. The study suggests a common ancestral origin for these structures, possibly dating back 600 million years.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

A map for eye disease

Researchers have created a high-resolution molecular map of the choroid, supplying blood and oxygen to the outer retina, revealing patterns of protein abundance that may be critical in vision loss. The map helps explain why certain areas are more susceptible to disease and identifies potential treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 1, 2014

The internal clock and feeding rhythm set the pace of the liver

The liver's protein production and release are influenced by both the internal clock and feeding behaviors, according to a recent study published in PNAS. The researchers found that the circadian clock does not solely regulate protein production but also affects the storage and release of proteins into the body.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2014

US Department of Energy PECASE recipients

Thirteen US Department of Energy researchers have been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for their innovative work in various fields. The award recognizes their contributions to advancing energy independence and national security, as well as their commitment to mentoring and community ser...

T cell protein boosts learning

A recent study discovered that a protein produced by T cells reduces inflammatory proteins hindering learning, improving navigation in mice trained to find their way through a water maze. Mice lacking this protein suffered from learning disabilities, which could be reversed with IL-4–producing T cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 3, 2010

Luminescence shines new light on proteins

A team of scientists has developed a new type of probe for examining protein interactions using luminescence, enabling non-invasive tracking of protein association in living cells. The technique could aid understanding of serum albumin function and drug-protein interactions.

SourceDurham University·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 11, 2008

Out-of-whack protein may boost Parkinson's

Researchers discovered a protein imbalance in Parkinson's disease patients and found that adding a phosphate group can reduce toxicity. The study suggests alpha-synuclein protein plays a key role in brain cell communication and may be a potential target for therapy.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2008

Fat overload kills mammalian cells — key culprit identified

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified EF1A-1 as a critical step in the pathway leading to high cellular fat and cell death. The protein plays a role in protein synthesis and cytoskeleton maintenance, and its presence dictates sensitivity to palmitate-induced cell death.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Biology·DateJan 18, 2006