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A therapeutic target that would curb the spread of coronaviruses has been identified

Coronaviruses modify cellular machinery to produce viral proteins and spread rapidly. A study found that infection causes stress-induced changes in tRNAs, allowing coronaviruses to speed up protein production without generating new machinery. The modification of tRNAs is a promising candidate for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Ribosomes in pairs

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2026

Researchers identify Tapt1 gene as essential maintainer of protein synthesis and brain development

Researchers have identified Tapt1 as a key gene in maintaining the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, crucial for normal brain development. The study reveals that Tapt1, along with its partner Suco, ensures proper neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Medical School research laboratory team awarded $11.3M to study innovative tools to treat genetic disorders

A research team led by the University of Minnesota Medical School will investigate alternative genetic decoding in single-celled organisms and identify readthrough-inducing drugs to treat genetic disorders caused by premature termination codons. The goal is to restore normal function of genes and proteins in cells, potentially helping ...

Study pinpoints key mechanism of brain aging

A new study by Stanford researchers reveals that declining proteostasis in the brain leads to increased protein aggregation, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings were made using the turquoise killifish model, and shed light on the fundamental molecular principles of aging.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2025

New tool allows researchers to track assembly of cells’ protein-making machines

Researchers developed a technique to peer inside the nucleolus and reveal its hidden system of creation, allowing them to watch RNA molecule movement and track protein-making machine assembly. The new method uses advanced imaging and genomics techniques without destroying the cell, providing a precise spatial and temporal map.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025

KAIST develops CamBio - a new biotemplating method​

Researchers at KAIST developed CamBio, a biotemplating method utilizing specific intracellular proteins to create functional nanostructures with high tunability. The method enables the selective synthesis of nanostructures from biological samples, showing improved performance in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate detection.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Study sheds light on the origin of the genetic code

A recent study revises our understanding of the universal genetic code's evolution, suggesting that early life preferred smaller amino acids over larger ones. The researchers found that amino acids with aromatic ring structures were incorporated into the code later than previously thought, offering clues about other extinct genetic codes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Fluorescent molecules to illuminate life: simplified synthesis with formaldehyde

A research team has developed a simplified synthesis method for organic fluorophores using formaldehyde, reducing molecular size and increasing atomic efficiency. The new technique can also be applied to in vivo environments, showing promise for life sciences research and diagnostics applications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 2024

A compound produced by symbiotic bacteria promotes in vitro protein synthesis

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered a compound called diaphorin that promotes protein synthesis in vitro using Escherichia coli-derived components. The study found that diaphorin targets bacterial gene expression systems, improving the growth and substance production ability of E. coli.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Paving the way for hydrogen from algae enzymes

Researchers have gained new insights into how a specific enzyme, HydF, facilitates the production of hydrogen from algae enzymes. The study reveals the importance of amino acids in anchoring and synthesizing a crucial ligand for hydrogen turnover.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

New research demonstrates beef meals result in higher muscle protein synthesis rates than vegan meals

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming whole food omnivorous meals with lean beef resulted in significantly higher muscle protein synthesis rates compared to isocaloric and isonitrogenous vegan meals. The research, conducted on healthy older adults, demonstrated a 47% increase in muscle protein synthesis...

SourceMaastricht University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2023

Chemical process makes peptide acquire structure similar to amyloid plaques found in neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists identify pyroglutamination, a spontaneous chemical change, in peptide synthesis, leading to an amyloidal structure and potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The process favors aggregation of molecules, forming plaques that interrupt neuronal flow.

Growing evidence supporting the protein leverage hypothesis

The protein leverage hypothesis proposes that a decrease in protein intake due to modern diets drives increased energy consumption. Research supports this idea, showing how protein appetite interacts with processed foods and life stage changes to increase the risk of obesity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 3, 2023

Novel study shows greater metabolic response to animal versus plant proteins in young and older adults

A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2023

Efficient mRNA delivery by branched lipids

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel branched ionizable lipid that significantly increases the efficiency of mRNA delivery by LNPs. The new lipid, CL4F 8-6, was found to enhance protein expression in mice and achieve stable formulations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalSmall Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022