Articles tagged with Chemical Biology
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to precisely control the timing of DNA droplet division, mimicking biological Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) droplets. This breakthrough enables precise control over synthetic droplet dynamics, key to developing bio-inspired systems.
A team of researchers from the University of Washington has developed a flexible pipe with an interior helical structure inspired by shark intestines, which can keep fluid flowing in one direction without flaps. The design rivaled and exceeded Tesla valves, a one-way fluid flow device invented over a century ago.
Industrial fishing practices in tropical and subtropical waters release high levels of methylmercury into the ocean. The majority of this mercury is found in large pelagic fish like tuna, which are then consumed by humans. This can lead to developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults.
Scientists at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have discovered a protein complex that regulates phospholipid scrambling, a process important for blood clotting and unwanted cell removal. The finding could lead to new treatments for diseases like epilepsy and anemia.
Researchers found that biological condensates, previously overlooked cellular structures, play a significant role in modulating cell activity and influencing global traits such as antibiotic resistance. These 'blobs' can separate or trap proteins and molecules, affecting cellular behavior and electrochemical processes.
A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
Scientists at the University of Utah's Department of Chemistry developed a new contrast agent that allows for the simultaneous observation of cell structure and function in electron microscopy. The discovery could improve imaging tools used to study signaling in functioning cells and other molecular-scale processes.
A new hybrid technology called SonoBio uses high-frequency ultrasound in combination with biodegradation to break down per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of 'forever chemicals'. Researchers aim to make PFAS completely harmless by turning them into carbon dioxide and fluoride.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective and easily reproducible point-of-care testing device that can accurately measure cortisol levels in the blood. The device uses iridium oxide nanoparticles to improve stability, sensitivity, and selectivity, allowing for commercial use.
A research team led by Magnus Wolf-Watz at Umeå University has discovered the chemistry behind the cell's energy molecule ATP. They found that a small angle change caused by magnesium can significantly speed up the chemical reaction producing ATP, linking structure and catalytic effect.
Researchers developed MUSCLE, a method that combines single-molecule fluorescence microscopy with next-generation sequencing to profile complex biological processes. The technique enables simultaneous observation of vast arrays of samples, uncovering general trends and dynamic signatures.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.
A team led by Harvard's Ryan Flynn has discovered the mechanism of how RNA is chemically linked to N-glycans, proving the existence of glycoRNAs. This finding broadens the scope of known glycoconjugates and opens new avenues for research into glycoRNA biology.
Researchers have developed a new class of synthetic polymers that effectively combat fungal infections by attacking the cells in multiple ways. These compounds mimic naturally occurring peptides and offer potential for sustainable treatment options with improved survival rates.
A research team from the University of Göttingen has developed a new method to analyze the oxygen isotope composition of coral skeletons, allowing for more accurate temperature reconstructions and insights into biomineralization processes. This breakthrough enables scientists to correct for 'vital effects' that can distort climate data.
Liheng Cai, a UVA engineering professor, has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to create advanced biomaterials that can be used to repair living tissues and build organ structures. His lab aims to develop polymers that mimic human biology and integrate healthy cells into the human body.
Researchers have developed a new therapy called PIPE-307 that targets an elusive receptor on certain cells in the brain, prompting them to mature into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. This could potentially reverse damage caused by multiple sclerosis, leading to improved movement, balance, and vision.
A team of researchers developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize ADP- and ATP-containing molecules with high yields, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The reaction uses a hydrolysis-stable reagent and achieves reproducible access to these molecules.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that altering GABA receptor density affects circadian rhythm amplitude and synchrony among SCN cells. Reducing or mutating these receptors decreased the mice's daytime wheel-running and reduced nocturnal activity.
A new handheld device enables rapid non-invasive detection of harmful chemicals and biological molecules using a Raman spectrometer and cellphone camera. This technology reduces analysis time from days to minutes, making it ideal for remote areas where laboratory spectrometers are impractical.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that faulty cell function in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI) is likely caused by intense exposure to hazardous biological and chemical agents during war service. This breakthrough provides clear scientific evidence for the condition, offering hope for new treatments.
A UC Riverside paper has opened the door to understanding more about life's beginnings and early evolution. The study weaves together data from ancient rocks, genomic studies of modern organisms, and recent breakthroughs about the evolving chemistry of the early oceans, atmosphere, and continents.
David Sarlah joins Rice University as a CPRIT-funded professor to contribute to the university's cancer research, focusing on natural product synthesis and total synthesis for cancer biology. His lab aims to streamline production of compounds used in cancer therapy.
Researchers at CeMM have identified a synthetic variant inspired by the Withanolides group that acts highly specifically against leukemia cells. The molecule disrupts the cholesterol metabolism of tumor cells.
Josh Smalley, a chemical biology researcher and Great British Bake Off finalist, explores the overlap between chemistry and baking. He credits his lab training for handling pressure in the tent and finding creative solutions to baking issues.
A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a simplified method for preparing protein samples for proteomics analysis, enabling faster, cheaper and more efficient testing. This breakthrough could pave the way for precision medicine by helping scientists better understand protein changes in the body.
Researchers use atomic force microscopy to study mouthfeel and flavor perception, potentially leading to health-promoting products with optimal taste. The study's findings could also redefine the traditional definition of flavor, incorporating mechanical perception as an additional factor.
A new study found that higher lifestyle scores associated with better heart health can lead to a younger biological age and lower risk of heart disease and stroke. The study used DNA methylation levels as a biomarker to estimate biological age.
Researchers discovered that just eight new biochemical reactions can bridge the gap between simple geochemistry and biochemistry, indicating a limited loss of biochemistry to time. This finding suggests that even extinct reactions can be rediscovered from clues left behind in modern biochemistry.
Microstructure simulations reveal strong influence of elastic deformation on charging behavior of layered oxides used as cathode of sodium-ion batteries. The study found that fast charging creates mechanical stress that may damage material permanently, leading to degradation mechanisms and reduced capacity.
Nach0 was trained on diverse tasks, including natural language understanding, synthetic route prediction, and molecular generation. The model performed well on molecular tasks using molecular data and outperformed ChatGPT, making it a significant step toward unlocking the full potential of LLMs for drug discovery.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed menthyl esters with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. The compounds outperformed menthol in inflammatory assays and suppressed genes involved in immune responses. They also inhibited adipogenesis, showing promise for addressing metabolic disorders.
Farny will investigate the impact of methylation on gene expression of Pseudomonas putida in soil and laboratory conditions, building gene circuits to test engineered bacteria. The project aims to advance the use of bacteria for environmental cleanups and create educational resources for undergraduate students.
Insilico Medicine's lead compound demonstrates strong enzymatic activity, selectivity, and favorable ADME properties, as well as antitumor activity in various animal models. The company's generative AI-powered platform generated over 3,600 candidate molecules before identifying the promising lead compound.
Three FAU researchers have received $1M in FDOH grants to develop innovative approaches against Alzheimer's disease. Mare Cudic aims to explore the link between glycosylation and neuroinflammation, while Ruth Tappen develops an online screening tool for older drivers with cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.
Scientists from OIST created synthetic droplets to mimic biological processes, finding that pH gradients facilitate Marangoni effect and enabling droplets to detect and migrate towards each other. This study sheds light on the movement of simplest forms of life in primordial soup billions of years ago.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a world-first device that can image individual cells' stiffness, potentially catching cancer earlier. The technology uses Brillouin scattering to detect stiffness down to billionths of a meter and could replace traditional biopsies with non-invasive, single-cell imaging.
The researchers developed a process to engineer bacteria to grow sustainable textiles with their own pigment. They created shoe and wallet prototypes using the new material, which has potential for various colors and patterns. The self-dyeing leather alternative could solve environmental problems in the fashion industry.
The event aims to gather young researchers to discuss opportunities offered by advanced experimental synchrotron techniques available at Sirius. The School will feature lectures, poster sessions, and guided tours, taught by experts in the field.
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...
Researchers have identified a potential path to eliminate the viral reservoir that prevents people from being completely cured of HIV. A new drug candidate, called a proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) molecule, triggers the degradation of the Nef protein, which suppresses HIV replication and restores immune system detection. This ...
Virginia Tech researchers have received a five-year National Science Foundation grant to develop an open-source automated forecasting system for lakes. The system will enable real-time data collection and publishing, allowing researchers to predict water quality in lakes around the globe.
Researchers have demonstrated novel proteins that can efficiently reach intramembrane targets using a customized computer-based approach. The study yields a general computational process for streamlining protein design aimed at intramembrane targets, opening up possibilities for therapeutic applications and understanding signaling mech...
A University of Arizona-led study explores sulfur's significance in the emergence of life on Earth, shedding light on its possible role as an RNA precursor. The research suggests that sulfur's reactivity could have hindered its availability for origin-of-life chemistry.
Researchers create a technique using prime editing to quickly and easily screen cancer genes, revealing new information on p53 mutations. The method allows for the analysis of over 1,000 different mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53, which are seen in more than half of all cancer patients.
A new biomarker, N-methylpyridinium, has been validated for coffee consumption and is considered a reliable qualitative biomarker. The substance is specific to roasted Arabica and Robusta coffee and can be easily detected in various body fluids after coffee consumption.
Researchers found that obesity increases allosteric regulation during feeding and decreases it when fasting in mice livers. This disruption may lead to metabolic disorders like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes.
PandaOmics uses advanced AI algorithms to process vast quantities of diverse data, performing gene and pathway analysis and target predictions. The platform has been extensively validated in multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, inflammation, and immunology.
A team of scientists from SFU has created a synthetic protein-based motor that harnesses biological reactions to propel itself, called 'The Lawnmower'. The device uses the digestive enzyme trypsin to cut peptides and convert them into energy, enabling self-guided motion.
Researchers identify five grand challenges in biomedical engineering to address social needs, existing gaps, and technological limitations. The Convergence Revolution and Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to shape the future of medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation training.
A UCF-developed technology uses a plasmonic platform to detect the chirality of molecules with high precision, enabling more accurate drug development and therapies. The platform improves upon current methods with sensitivity nearly 13 orders of magnitude greater.
Scientists successfully synthesized pantetheine, a chemical essential for all living things, in lab conditions mimicking early Earth. The compound is crucial for metabolism and may have played a role in the emergence of life on Earth.
Researchers at KIT's Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology found that the interplay of hydrodynamic forces, friction, and forces of attraction and repulsion affects adsorption in membrane nanopores. This study provides basic findings with respect to water processing and may benefit ultra- and nanofiltration processes controlled by...
Researchers have created fluorescent, colour-changing dyes that can visualise multiple distinct biological environments using only one dye. These dyes enable 'time travel' within cells by allowing scientists to distinguish between cellular and delivery vessel environments in real-time. The breakthrough has significant implications for ...
Researchers found that root microbes can boost theanine levels and improve amino acid content in tea plants, leading to better-tasting tea. The discovery could help reduce chemical fertilizer use and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have discovered a way to study MUC2, a critical gut protein, from fecal matter, providing a non-invasive method for monitoring gut health. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in managing and preventing gut-related diseases.
The team proposed a novel machine learning model with data augmentation, which accurately predicts the plastic anisotropic properties of wrought Mg alloys. The model showed significantly better robustness and generalizability than other models, paving the way for improved design and manufacturing of metal products.