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Tricky treats: Why pumpkins accumulate pollutants

A Kobe University team identified the cause of pollutant accumulation in pumpkins and their relatives, discovering that specific proteins bind to pollutants and transport them through the plant. By controlling these proteins' behavior, safer crops can be created and polluted soils can be cleaned.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlant Physiology and Biochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Stem-cell derived organoids secrete tooth enamel proteins

Researchers successfully created stem-cell derived organoids from human stem cells that secrete three essential enamel proteins. These proteins form a matrix that undergoes mineralization to create a hardened enamel structure. The breakthrough offers hope for developing novel treatments to repair and regenerate teeth.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Nanoplasmonic imaging reveals real-time protein secretion

Researchers developed a novel optical imaging approach to observe cell secretions in space and time, revealing key heterogeneity and potential for pharmaceutical development. The method has tremendous potential for high-throughput screening of individual cells and studying delicate antibody-secreting human donor B-cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

A quality-conscious protein

Researchers from University of Cologne and Technical University of Munich discovered that the signal peptidase complex plays a crucial role in quality control of membrane proteins. The complex cleaves faulty membrane proteins to initiate their degradation, maintaining cellular function. This discovery has important implications for und...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Bioproduction Breakthrough: New method for developing Pichia pastoris yeast strains with high productivity of useful proteins

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully identified and disrupted genes in Pichia pastoris yeast to increase its secretory production of useful proteins. Through a series of processes, they developed new host strains that can produce high yields of proteins for industrial enzymes and biomedical antibodies.

SourceKobe University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists invent a protein-rich product made from plants that could replace dairy and eggs in certain foods

A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in protein and antioxidants, allowing it to replace eggs or dairy in food staples. The emulsifier is made by fermenting brewers' spent grain and can help cut down on food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

How the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis secretes and trafficks its only known exotoxin

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered the mechanism of secretion and trafficking of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' toxin TNT, which kills over 1 million people annually. The ESX-4 type VII secretion system plays a crucial role in transporting TNT across cell membranes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Blood marker may predict postmenopausal women's risk of bone fractures

Researchers discovered a blood marker that can predict the risk of bone fractures in postmenopausal women, independent of other measures. High levels of periostin protein fragments were found to be associated with an increased risk of fractures, suggesting they reflect additional bone properties.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 16, 2017

Scientists find way to trap, kill malaria parasite

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potential target for malaria drug development by identifying a key protein involved in the parasite's protein secretion process. Disrupting this protein, heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), prevents the parasite from secreting its proteins into the red blood cell.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 2014

Scientists map 1 of life's molecular mysteries

Researchers at University of Bristol have successfully mapped the molecular gateway across cellular membranes, revealing the mechanism responsible for protein secretion. The study, published in Cell Reports, provides a major breakthrough in cell biology, shedding light on how proteins are transported across membranes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 2012

UofL researchers uncover mechanism in saliva production

Researchers at University of Louisville identified a protein sorting mechanism used by the salivary gland, which could lead to advanced therapies for patients with damaged or non-functioning salivary glands. The study found that a specific lipid molecule, PtdIns(3,4)P2, plays a crucial role in sorting proteins into vesicles for secretion.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 2, 2011

Meanwhile, back to barnacles...

The US Navy is developing new antifouling hull coatings inspired by nature, using complex nanometer-scale patterns to prevent barnacles from attaching. These coatings have shown exceptional low settlement rates in early experiments, promising a reduction in fuel costs and frequent cleaning needs for Navy ships.