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Identifying individual proteins using nanopores and supercomputers

Researchers from Delft University of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a method to identify individual proteins with single-amino acid resolution, reducing errors to practically zero. Using DNA nanopores and supercomputer simulations, they characterized protein sequences with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2021

New COVID-19-discovery could predict patient death or hospitalization

Researchers from University of Copenhagen discover a protein analysis that can predict COVID-19 patient death or hospitalization with high accuracy, predicting 78.7% of hospitalizations and 93.9% of non-serious infections. This discovery has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals.

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

The science is in: Craft beer is unique

Research using mass spectrometry proteomics identified distinct proteins in craft beers compared to mass-produced brews. The study found that single-brewery analysis revealed significant differences between beer styles, suggesting the use of unique yeast strains or brewing processes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2021

A new model of Alzheimer's progression

A new study from Arizona State University and MIT sheds light on how Alzheimer's disease manifests in patients, highlighting the link between toxic proteins, neurodegeneration, and glial cells. The analysis captures a detailed molecular profile of changes in protein levels and alterations in brain tissue.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Aging·DateJun 14, 2021

Researchers' algorithm to make CRISPR gene editing more precise

Researchers have developed a new method to select efficient gRNA molecules for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, achieving high efficiency and precision. The algorithm uses deep learning and large datasets to predict the efficiency of gRNAs, promising improved outcomes in genetic disorders and biotechnology applications.

New method might improve prostate cancer and high cholesterol treatments

Researchers have developed a new method to control human hormones and metabolism, which could help prevent diseases such as prostate cancer and high cholesterol. The method involves binding to the POR protein, influencing hormone production and degradation, and has shown promise in treating prostate cancer by regulating CYP17 levels.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2021

Shutting the nano-gate

Scientists at Osaka University fabricated nanopores in silicon dioxide that can prevent particles from entering by applying a voltage. The technology may enable the development of single-particle sensors and next-generation DNA sequencing technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 12, 2021

Extracting information from ancient teeth

Researchers applied a new method to analyze ancient dental calculus, identifying dairy proteins and bacterial fragments that shed light on ancient diseases. The single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) approach increased the number of unique protein fragments detected.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 10, 2021

The uncharted molecular language of the brain

A new study has created the most complete annotated resource of proteins present in synapses, which could aid in early diagnosis and specific drug targets for brain diseases. Researchers identified 1466 synaptic vesicle proteins, many of which were previously unknown, and found that lower-abundance proteins often have crucial functions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Cell membranes in super resolution

Scientists have created a method to expand lipids in cell membranes, enabling the imaging of proteins and organelles with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough allows for detailed insights into bacterial infection mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2020

New analysis method can lead to better cancer drugs

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new DNA-based analytical method called NanoDeep, which enables the analysis of entire populations of cells. This breakthrough could lead to better drugs for breast and other cancers by providing a more detailed understanding of membrane protein organisation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2020

Directed protein evolution with CRISPR-Cas9

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 method to optimize proteins in mammalian cells, producing the fluorescent protein mCRISPRed that labels lysosomes. This technique enables targeted protein diversification and validation within organelles, opening new possibilities for biosensors, receptors, and therapeutic proteins.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 26, 2020

Healthy climate news: Fava beans could replace soy

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that fava beans can be processed into a concentrated protein powder using a unique method called wet fractionation, which increases protein content and improves digestibility. Fava beans are also more climate-friendly than soy due to local cultivation and reduced genetic modification.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalFoods·DateApr 16, 2020