Chemical Biology
Articles tagged with Chemical Biology
How life could arise from molecules
Complex systems exhibit emergent properties due to water's unique polarity, enabling DNA to store information and proteins to adopt specific structures. This order forms the basis for complex molecules to develop unpredictable properties, driving the evolution of life.
How changes to proteins can alter drug interactions for new precision therapies
Researchers discovered over 400 proteins with modified states affecting drug binding, including KRAS and NPC2. PTMs may influence therapy selection and combination, offering new opportunities for targeted treatments. The study could reshape cancer treatment and lead to more effective therapies.
USF scientists solve 100-year-old mystery behind rubber that powers modern life
Researchers have finally understood why reinforced rubber is so tough and durable, with tiny particles forcing the material to fight against its own incompressibility. This breakthrough could improve tire design and lead to safer, longer-lasting products.
New technique for synthesizing branched molecules could accelerate the development of future medicines
Scripps Research scientists develop a new approach to building branched molecular structures, overcoming a technical obstacle that limited chemists' ability to assemble complex molecules. The method, using metal hydride selection, produces more than 50 new branched compounds with an unusually high degree of control.
New lipid nanoparticle design improves precision of mRNA vaccine delivery
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
Mitochondria influence lipid storage in cells
A recent study at the Universities of Bonn and Freiburg has discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which mitochondria influence lipid storage in cells. The molecular machine MIM complex and enzyme Ayr1 play key roles in this process, which affects cellular lipid metabolism.
Four NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation research fellowships
Four NYU faculty members have been awarded Sloan Research Fellowships for their groundbreaking work in brain injury, organic chemistry, computing, and software. Since 1955, 102 NYU faculty members have been selected as recipients, including this year's 126 fellows.
From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms
The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.
Scientists solve 66 million-year-old mystery of how Earth’s greenhouse age ended
Researchers discovered that a significant drop in calcium levels in the ocean led to a massive decrease in carbon dioxide, driving global cooling and ending the planet's greenhouse era. The study suggests that changes in seawater chemistry played a key role in shaping climate history.
NTU Singapore scientists find new way to disarm antibiotic-resistant bacteria and restore healing in chronic wounds
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found that a common bacterium produces reactive oxygen species that impairs wound healing. Neutralizing this process with an antioxidant enzyme restores skin cells' ability to migrate and heal, offering a potential solution to tackle antibiotic-resistant strains.
AI tools speed development of antibody probes to see activity inside living cells
Researchers at Colorado State University used AI to modify antibodies into stable intrabodies that can visualize histone modifications in real-time. This allows for better understanding of gene expression and its relationship with cancer and other disorders. The team created 19 new antibody-based probes with a 70% success rate, signifi...
Lysosomes in focus: New study reveals how cells keep them intact
Researchers at Umea University have identified two autophagy protein complexes as the long-sought sensors of lysosomal damage. These proteins respond to protons or calcium leakage, initiating the repair system that seals the hole, thereby preventing inflammation and cell death.
Accelerating next-generation drug discovery with click-based construction of PROTACs
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed an efficient strategy to synthesize PROTACs using a three-step click chemistry method. This approach rapidly assembles functional molecules, enabling the easy introduction of ligand components and probe functionalities.
ECU researchers develop new tool in forensic intelligence gathering
Researchers have developed a new method for human identification using proteomics, which could be used in scenarios where DNA evidence is unavailable or degraded. This technique relies on the detection of genetically variant peptides in single hair strands to create a unique profile for each person.
Raising strong yeast as a petroleum substitute
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University engineered yeast to produce 122 times more 2,3-butanediol in high-concentration environments. Gene expression analysis revealed the crucial role of proteasome and peroxisome activation in tolerance.
Naval Research Laboratory and Florida International University advance non-contact detection of trace fentanyl
Scientists at NRL and FIU create a new method for detecting trace levels of fentanyl without direct contact using a silicon nanowire array. This breakthrough offers first responders a faster, safer way to identify fentanyl and its related synthetic opioids.
Isotope-based method for detecting unknown selenium compounds
Researchers at Chiba University developed a novel isotope-based method to detect and identify selenium-containing compounds, revealing new biological roles of selenium. The technique uses multiple isotopic signatures simultaneously, reducing errors and improving detection reliability.
Cells pull the emergency brake when oxygen runs low
Researchers discovered that NDRG3 slows down cellular transport to conserve energy during low-oxygen conditions. The protein acts as a sensor for lactate, which accumulates in cells when oxygen is limited.
COP6 decision on dental amalgam secures an equity-focused, patient-centred approach
The COP6 decision sets a new timeline for the phase-out of dental amalgam, giving countries until 2034 to adapt national strategies. A key exemption ensures that practitioners can continue using dental amalgam when necessary for patient care.
Using alcohol dehydrogenases for the clean synthesis of amides and thioesters
Researchers have developed an efficient way to synthesize valuable compounds using alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. The enzymes catalyze the formation of amides and thioesters from alcohols and amines or thiols, offering a clean alternative to traditional methods.
Unlocking the structural analysis of alkaloids with a new metal–organic framework
A new MOF, APF-80, enables the crystalline sponge method to capture and analyze nucleophilic compounds like alkaloids. This development opens possibilities for structural analysis in drug development and biochemistry.
Yeast proteins reveal the secrets of drought resistance
A new study reveals the rules of protein tolerance to dehydration and rehydration, identifying key traits such as surface chemistry and function. The research enables novel protein design and potential applications in biotechnology, including extended shelf life for therapeutics and food.
Outstanding postdoctoral researchers honored with 2025 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists
The Blavatnik Regional Awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences. Veena Padmanaban, Valentin Crépel, and Xiao Xie are this year's winners, honored for groundbreaking discoveries in cancer cell biology, condensed matter physics, and chemical biology tools.
Recent advances in dynamic biomacromolecular modifications and chemical interventions: Perspective from a Chinese chemical biology consortium
This review summarizes progress in dynamic biomacromolecular modifications, regulatory mechanisms, and chemical interventions. It highlights newly emerging chemical tools and technologies for precise labeling, detection, and functional regulation of dynamic modifications.
Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars
A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.
Calcium tests in poultry offer chance for improved feed efficiency
Researchers developed a new test to measure calcium digestibility in poultry feed, reflecting results of an older method, and found that both tests offer reliable results. The study's findings could help poultry producers optimize feed efficiency and reduce losses by millions of dollars.
Tissue forces help shape developing organs
Researchers at Syracuse University found that slow-moving tissues generate mechanical forces that help sculpt developing organs, such as the zebrafish's body symmetry. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of organ formation and inform treatments for birth defects and other conditions.
New tracer could enable surgeons to see and hear prostate cancer
A new 'dual-mode' tracer agent shows promise in helping surgeons image and plan prostate cancer procedures while also providing guided surgery with real-time radiation detection. The tracer targets PSMA, a protein highly expressed on prostate cancer cells, offering high-resolution visual guidance and targeted radiation density detection.
Scientists reengineer enzyme to study diseases via sugar patterns on the surface of cells
Researchers created a glycan-binding protein that can analyze and treat diseases via sugar patterns found on the surface of cells. The tool, named sCore2, was developed by retraining an enzyme to bind to specific sugars, providing a new way to study glycans and their role in disease.
New class of protein misfolding simulated in high definition
Researchers at Penn State have simulated a new class of protein misfolding using atomic-scale models, revealing a type of entanglement that disrupts protein function and persists in cells. The findings support the existence of this long-lasting type of misfolding, which is thought to contribute to aging and disease.
Shortcut to weight loss: No nausea required
Researchers at Syracuse University have identified a new target for treating obesity and diabetes, reducing nausea and vomiting associated with existing treatments. A molecule called tridecaneuropeptide (TDN) produced by brain support cells suppresses appetite and improves glucose processing without adverse effects.
Allergy-triggering proteins in barley measured precisely for the first time—new basis for more tolerable foods
Researchers have developed a new measurement method to accurately quantify allergy-triggering proteins (ATIs) in barley. Analyzing over 180 barley accessions from around the world, they identified ten barley-specific ATI types for the first time, revealing varying content between 1.1 and 5.2 milligrams per gram of flour.
New chemical tool may improve development of key drug components
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to generate metal carbenes, highly useful for drug synthesis and materials development. The new approach is 100 times better than previous methods, making it easier and safer to produce these short-lived carbon atoms.
ADLM 2025 to address medical misinformation, health risks posed by plastics, AI integration into care, precision medicine, and more
ADLM 2025 will tackle urgent topics like clinical AI integration and fake medical news, as well as leveraging genomics for personalized healthcare. The meeting also explores the health threat of plastics and microbiome medicine to combat diseases.
Pharma.ai summer 2025 updates: Join Insilico Medicine on July 10 for the future of AI-empowered medical research boost
Insilico Medicine's latest Pharma.ai updates showcase advancements in Biology42 and Chemistry42, enhancing antibody design and omics data analysis. The company's AI software suite has demonstrated significant efficiency improvements in practical applications, setting a benchmark for AI-driven drug research.
Breakthrough in artificial blood production
Researchers at the University of Konstanz and Queen Mary University of London have made a significant breakthrough in artificial blood production by identifying the molecular signal CXCL12 that triggers the expulsion of the nucleus in red blood cells. This finding could lead to more efficient artificial blood production and has far-rea...
"Fluorescence ON in cancer cells only" – Diagnosing cancer with light
A novel fluorescent probe, SLY, has been developed to precisely identify hepatocellular carcinoma tissue using sialylated glycans on the cell surface. The probe outperforms conventional methods by clearly distinguishing tumor margins within liver tissues.
Researchers reveal key differences in STING inhibition between humans and mice
A study by Arc Institute and Stanford University scientists reveals that the target site of a popular STING inhibitor lacks a pocket found in mouse STING, making it challenging to develop effective human treatments. The research proposes targeting STING by preventing oligomerization, a key checkpoint prior to activation.
Pigments that can do more
Researchers have elucidated the molecular composition of a pigment produced by anaerobic bacteria, revealing its role in cellulose degradation. The pigment shows mild antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
Penn engineers turn toxic fungus into anti-cancer drug
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound. The new compound, called asperigimycins, has shown promising results against leukemia cells, rivaling FDA-approved drugs.
Development of an automated program for discovering anti-glycation active compounds from natural resources
Researchers developed an automated program to rapidly identify anti-glycation active compounds in natural resources. The CTM-AM strategy accelerates the discovery of natural products with anti-AGE activity.
When Earth iced over, early life may have sheltered in meltwater ponds
Researchers found that eukaryotes could survive in shallow pools of water atop ice sheets, similar to modern-day meltwater ponds in Antarctica. These environments supported diverse communities of early complex life, influenced by salinity levels.
DFG to fund 13 new collaborative research centers
The DFG is establishing 13 new Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) to tackle innovative, challenging and long-term research projects. The CRCs will focus on circadian medicine, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, heterostructures of molecules and 2D materials, and criticality.
Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.
Research project investigates freshened water under the ocean floor
Scientists on IODP³-NSF Expedition 501 aim to validate hypotheses about water origin and better understand offshore aquifer systems. The expedition will collect sediment samples and water from beneath the ocean floor, shedding light on the dynamics of these groundwater systems.
How membranes may have brought about the chemistry of life on earth
The study investigates how early membranes may have selected the right-handed sugars and left-handed amino acids used in all life today. The researchers found that right-handed DNA and RNA sugars more easily passed through membranes with properties similar to those of archaea.
How a flexible protein domain links gene transcription and RNA processing
A flexible signal within TAF2 helps connect gene expression to RNA processing by guiding the protein to nuclear speckles. This mechanism enables targeted localisation and alternative splicing, modulating how information is processed at the RNA level.
Removing selenium from water takes iron strength
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have made strides in removing selenium contamination from water using iron electrocoagulation, a process that generates iron-containing solids with large surface areas to bind selenium. The method removed more than 98% of selenium by flowing through an iron reactor for 11 seconds and se...
UTA professor named fellow of world’s oldest chem group
Rasika Dias, a renowned chemist at UTA, has been named a 2025 fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his groundbreaking contributions to chemical sciences. He is the second chemistry faculty member to receive this honor.
MDI bio lab patents, publishes novel method to inhibit melanin production
A novel compound ML233 inhibits melanin production with no significant toxic side effects, offering a potential new strategy for treating pigment-related skin conditions. The study demonstrates promising results in reducing melanin synthesis and proliferation of melanoma cells.
Microscopy method breaks barriers in nanoscale chemical imaging
A new microscopy technique, SIMIP, combines structured illumination with mid-infrared photothermal detection to achieve high-speed chemical imaging with superior resolution. The method outperforms conventional methods in terms of spatial resolution and chemical contrast.
Tropical bounty: How forests can turn into chemical factories
A recent study reveals that tropical forests are home to an incredible diversity of chemical compounds, including terpenoids and alkaloids, which could have practical implications for human health. The researchers found that tree species in higher elevations tend to use similar chemicals to protect themselves from enemies.
Simulating the fluid dynamics of moving cells to map its location
Kyushu University researchers have successfully recreated the fluid dynamics of flowing biological cells using numerical simulations. The study reveals that capsule position depends on deformation and pulsation frequency, enabling precise cell manipulation in research and potential applications in artificial heart development.
Saturn's moon Titan could harbor life, but only a tiny amount, study finds
A recent study suggests that Saturn's moon Titan could support simple, microscopic life forms due to its abundant organic content. However, the amount of biomass that can exist in this environment is likely to be extremely limited, possibly only a few pounds.
New insights: a natural small molecule isowalsuranolide targeting TrxR1/2 and triggering self-eating (autophagy) to combat cancer
Isowalsuranolide activates autophagy-dependent cell death by targeting TrxR1/2, leading to ROS-mediated lysosomal biogenesis and reduced cell growth. The study reveals the TrxR1/2-p53-TFEB/TFE3 axis as a key regulator of cellular homeostasis in cancer.
Research to tackle Prymnesium algal blooms which affect fish populations
A scientific initiative is underway to prevent harmful Prymnesium algal blooms from occurring in the Broads, which threaten fish stocks and local biodiversity. Researchers are working to identify environmental triggers and develop strategies to safeguard the waterways.
Texas A&M researcher William Murphy named 2025 SEC Professor Of The Year
William Murphy, a genomicist at Texas A&M University, was named the 2025 SEC Professor of the Year. He studies genome structure, function and evolution to understand genetic basis of species traits and diseases.
Revolutionizing protein modification: a new frontier in cancer research
A team of scientists has created a new method to selectively modify specific proteins in complex biological environments. They achieved this using aptamers and deoxyoxanosine, allowing precise conjugation of desired sites on target proteins. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment.