Articles tagged with Chemical Biology
Biologics may be a valuable treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), offering new hope for patients. However, gastroenterologists must carefully weigh the potential benefits against significant side effects and costs. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of biologics in IBD treatment.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago created a theoretical blueprint for assembling a nanoscale propeller with molecule-sized blades. The propeller's efficiency in pumping liquids is highly sensitive to its chemical and biological composition, finding that hydrophobic blades pump more water while hydrophilic blades become ...
Recent studies from ACS Chemical Biology reveal new insights into how cells die when chemicals bind to DNA, fast ways to create novel molecules, thyroid hormone regulation, and the regulation of attaching proteins to membranes. The journal provides a platform for exploring cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives.
A new report from NIST and EPA offers building owners retrofit options to improve safety against airborne chemical and biological hazards. The report evaluates 14 alternative techniques, including filtration and air cleaning systems, and provides a life-cycle cost analysis tool.
Researchers have discovered a tool for rapid drug discovery by combining molecular fragments, allowing for more specific targeting of cancer cells. Additionally, two new peptides enable the labeling of proteins, enabling further study and modification.
A new study reveals how a fungus uses its circadian clock to control carotenoid production, protecting against sun damage. The discovery may also shed light on the regulation of human sleep cycles.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have developed a device that can rapidly detect infectious viruses in biological samples. The innovation uses nanoparticles to transport viral particles to specific locations, allowing for quick detection and paving the way for an 'on-the-spot' virus detector.
Kansas State University researchers are developing robots to search for weapons of mass destruction and improvised bombs, using intelligent sensor networks and autonomous capabilities. The robot teams will be able to adapt to changing environments and team goals.
The journal ACS Chemical Biology explores recent discoveries in cellular function, including the inhibition of new blood vessel formation using an antifungal drug. Nanoparticles are also shown to enhance the delivery of short interfering RNAs to cells, potentially aiding clinical applications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that zinc pyrithione, an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos, can calm overexcited nerve cells, potentially treating seizures. The compound works by allowing more potassium flow through defective channels, restoring normal nerve cell activity.
Researchers from Virginia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University aim to create high-performance membranes and electroactive devices using ionic liquids. The project seeks to integrate ILs into various applications, such as fuel cell membranes, micro sensors, and smart clothes.
The journal reveals how changing protein charges enables cell membrane passage and introduces an enzyme's role in synthesizing antibiotics against resistant bacteria. Additionally, researchers develop artificial methods to induce keratinocytes' differentiation, providing insight into diseases like psoriasis and basal cell carcinoma.
Breakthroughs in environmental science and technology are showcased in the ACS News Service Weekly PressPac. Researchers have discovered a sugar-based solution to reduce chromium toxicity in industrial waste, while gold and silver nanoparticles offer an antidote to fuel cell poisoning. Meanwhile, scientists in protective clothing techn...
Researchers at the American Chemical Society's 233rd national meeting presented breakthroughs in sustainability, including the development of molecular-scale 'scissors' that can manipulate molecules using light. Additionally, a new biofuel cell produces electricity from hydrogen in air, paving the way for clean energy solutions.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers analyzed the simplest known biological clock and found that the protein KaiC, combined with KaiA and KaiB, creates a complex system to regulate biochemical processes. The study reveals that the proteins form a dynamic mixture of complexes at different stages of their cycles.
The American Chemical Society journal ACS Chemical Biology explores the latest research in cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives. Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for cancer by linking proteins to activate the immune system. Additionally, scientists have found that certain bacteria can in...
The journal reviews new techniques and tools for chemical biologists to study biomolecules in action, including advances in fluorescence that allow precise observation of cells. Researchers can use these tools to probe the internal workings of cells and develop new therapies.
Recent studies have made significant advancements in understanding HIV, bacterial quorum sensing, and cancer treatment. Researchers have discovered innovative strategies to combat HIV resistance and develop novel genetic circuits for industrial applications.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution successfully anticipated and chronicled a seafloor eruption along the global mid-ocean ridge, providing a rare opportunity to observe what happens in the immediate aftermath of an event. The study has added substantially to our understanding of how mid-ocean ridges work.
The University of Manchester will develop innovative new counter-terrorism technologies using £multi-million pounds in funding from the Home Office. The project aims to improve detection, identification and decontamination of chemical, biological and radiological materials.
Researchers witness steps in biological nitrogen fixation process, enabling microbes to convert atmospheric nitrogen to nutrients. The study suggests the biological process does not follow the same pathway as the chemical method.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a computer model that can fully map and predict how small proteins fold into three-dimensional shapes. The model tracks protein folding for up to 10 microseconds, significantly longer than previous methods.
Breakthroughs in protein interaction studies, antibiotic development, and signaling G Proteins are highlighted in ACS Chemical Biology. Researchers have also found a small molecule that controls thyroid hormone receptor activity.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel micropump that enables the creation of fully portable 'lab on a chip' devices. This innovation promises to revolutionize biology and chemistry by allowing for rapid and efficient testing in any setting, with potential applications in military use, medical diagnoses, and first responders.
A team of researchers is developing nanoscale surfaces that actively reassemble in the presence of DNA, which could lead to more efficient separation tools for genomics and proteomics. The new approach mimics nature's lipid bilayers and can be dynamically modified using temperature, light, or electric fields.
Researchers at Salk Institute and MRC discovered how slime molds synthesise the chemical signal DIF-1 using a unique type III PKS domain arrangement. This discovery informs the development of more efficient methods for producing modified polyketides for human use, highlighting the complexity of natural chemicals in biological systems.
Researchers have developed autonomous liquid microlenses that can adapt their focal length without external control. These smart lenses use hydrogels responding to physical, chemical or biological stimuli to enable new sensing methods in lab-on-a-chip environments and medical diagnostics.
Researchers have developed a new material that uses light to control the attachment of proteins to membranes, allowing for easier cleaning and potential applications in water treatment, drug release, and biosensors. The patented process involves attaching spiropyran molecules to poly(ether sulfone) and exposing them to UV light.
Engineers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a suite of sensors that can quickly detect chemical, biological, nuclear, and explosive materials. The sensors use millimeter/terahertz technology to identify unique spectral patterns - or fingerprints - that uniquely identify explosives and chemicals.
Researchers have created a biochemical metal detector to measure tiny amounts of zinc inside living cells. The technique can detect free zinc concentrations even in healthy cells, shedding light on zinc's role in health and disease.
Scientists at Georgia Tech have developed reusable hydrogel microlenses that can detect trace amounts of biological or chemical agents in a matter of seconds. These tiny lenses use antibody-antigen binding to change their focus when exposed to the target substance, enabling rapid detection and identification.
The NYAS China Conference showcased groundbreaking research on chemical biology, infectious diseases, genomic medicine, and neuroscience. Experts discussed innovative approaches to drug development, disease treatment, and brain growth, highlighting the importance of global collaboration.
ICWater is a computer-based tool that integrates multiple information sources and data from incident commanders to help predict contaminant reach times for drinking water intakes. The tool is currently used by water utilities and response teams in the US, with an operational version set to be deployed nationally by summer 2006.
Ohio State University researchers have developed a process to uncoil long strands of DNA and form precise patterns, potentially enabling the creation of biologically-based electronic circuits. The technique involves using a tiny rubber comb to pull DNA strands from water and arrange them into complex structures.
T-rays use terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum to sense and image objects, providing spectroscopic information about composition. Advances enable nanoscale detection and long-range imaging up to 100 meters, with potential applications in national security, genetics, and protein folding research.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are using stream fish to assess water quality, finding that different species respond to pollution in unique ways. This study aims to improve the accuracy of water quality assessments by incorporating fish movement patterns and diversity.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has received an NIH grant to establish a center for cheminformatics research, which will utilize computational techniques to predict chemical compound behavior. The RECCR aims to strengthen collaboration between researchers in various disciplines and advance biotechnology and life sciences research.
Tomio Joins Blackwell Publishing to Advance Chemical Biology & Drug Design, Focusing on Smart Chemistry and Innovative Drug Development. Tomio brings extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery and multidisciplinary research at ARIAD Pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new method to determine the orientation of surfactant molecules on water, providing insight into their role in environmental challenges. The study, led by Geri Richmond, has broad implications for understanding how these molecules function in practical applications.
A two-year, $1.5 million project will provide fundamental information about sediment translocation in Venice lagoon, using a multidisciplinary approach to analyze geochemical, physical, microbial, toxicological, and ecological science. The research aims to assess the effects of sediment movement on the lagoon's ecosystem.
Researchers developed a tool that combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to monitor both topography and biochemical activity simultaneously. The technology promises to be valuable for various biomedical and biotechnological applications, including studying cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new type of high-frequency circuit using widespread complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The 105 GHz circuit has potential applications in bioterrorism detection, as its frequency closely matches that of tiny pathogens and chemical bonds.
Researchers have isolated a new enzyme, Orf2, that can modify a wide range of small aromatic molecules by adding a prenyl group. This modification can significantly impact the molecule's biological properties and could be used to create biologically active compounds for drug development.
The National Children's Study aims to track 100,000 children's health from birth to 21, but faces $2.7 billion funding gap over 25 years. The study will examine environmental factors contributing to childhood chronic disease, with potential economic benefits of reducing disease burden by 1% annually.
The research aims to determine a biological sample's origin by identifying markers, such as metal and protein changes. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate funds the project.
Researchers have identified materials with high charge mobility, crucial for flexible displays and electronic devices. By studying single crystal structures, scientists can now assess intrinsic electronic properties without external factors affecting results.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism reveals a significant association between serum hyaluronan (HA) levels and osteoarthritis severity. The research, conducted on over 3,000 volunteers, suggests that HA levels may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing osteoarthritis.
Researchers propose a 'systems engineering approach' to protect public spaces from chemical and biological terror attacks. This involves central command centers, response strategies tailored to facilities, and sterilizing chambers built into air-circulation systems.
Researchers found that chiral compounds, including organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids, pose previously uncalculated toxic risks due to their biologically different behaviors. Using just the active isomer can achieve similar pest control with reduced chemical use and environmental benefits.
Researchers have developed a new stand-alone detector that can identify three types of biological agents: bacteria, viruses, and toxins. The Autonomous Pathogen Detection System continuously monitors the air like a biological smoke detector, providing information required before public-health action can be taken.
Scientists on a research cruise off the Alaskan coast have identified previously undiscovered deep-sea habitats and sparked debate about the causes of a devastating 1946 tsunami. The expedition used cutting-edge technology to map the seafloor, collect sediment samples, and probe the region with an ROV.
Researchers are developing new technologies to extract hemicelluloses from wood chips, which can be converted into fuel ethanol, industrial polymers, and composite products. The goal is to create an integrated forest products biorefinery that increases paper production while reducing costs.
Researchers create nanotubes with antimicrobial properties that can detect and kill biological agents. The nanostructures can change color in response to UV light and have been shown to be effective against E. coli bacteria.
Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.
The new database will allow researchers to submit a single chemical inventory once a year, reducing the need for frequent updates. It will also screen for hazardous chemicals and explosives, providing critical information in emergency situations and helping prevent laboratory accidents.
A new research program will focus on improving evidence acquisition and analysis for weapons of mass destruction in marine environments. The program aims to develop sensors and technologies to detect signs of WMDs, enhancing coastal security and national infrastructure protection.
The project aims to enhance the prospects of PCF sensors for diverse applications, including environmental monitoring and medical diagnosis. The researchers will fabricate PCFs via a modified sol-gel method and conduct surface-functionalization studies using various techniques.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers shows that social networks can efficiently lead to global organization, even with imperfect information transmission due to noise or error. The model is adaptable and robust, capable of responding to external conditions, and people tend to adjust their opinions based on the majority
The Advanced Carbon Nanotechnology Research Program aims to explore carbon nanostructures for biological and chemical sensors, energy-conversion devices, and electron emission devices. The research will train graduate students and establish interactions with industry and government laboratories.
A study by UCSD and Brazilian biologists found that bees can use scent markings from other species to find food. This ability allows aggressive stingless bee species to take over food sources previously discovered by competitors, providing a clear evolutionary advantage in scarce floral resources.