Articles tagged with Chemical Biology
Researchers found that amino acids linked up spontaneously into neat segments under conditions mimicking pre-life Earth. The preference for biological amino acids over non-biological counterparts suggests that early life may have selected a subset of building blocks based on their chemical properties.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have expanded the functions of conducting microbial nanowires, developing them into sustainable chemical and biological sensors. The new nanowires can be modified with peptides to specifically bind chemicals or biologics, offering promising possibilities for biomedical and environmental applications.
Professor Peter Schultz received the 2019 Tetrahedron Prize for his advances in chemical biology and drug discovery. He is credited with developing methods to expand the genetic code of living organisms and discovering catalytic antibodies.
Arizona State University will create a field-deployable device that can detect epigenetic signatures created by exposure to threat agents in under 30 minutes. The project, valued at $38.8 million, aims to identify and discriminate epigenetic changes to reveal the exact type and time of exposure.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a new method for modifying cysteines on peptides and proteins using ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs), allowing for dual attachment points for new chemical groups. This enables the study of biological processes without interfering with them.
Researchers at NIST have created a compact apparatus that rapidly measures the entire infrared band of light to detect biological, chemical, and physical properties of matter. The system successfully detects signature vibrations of amide bands in a monoclonal antibody reference material, providing insights into protein structure.
Scientists have synthesized a new MOF that mimics DNA's hydrogen-bonding interactions between adenine and thymine. The MOF successfully traps thymine molecules, allowing researchers to catalyze a chemical reaction and isolate di-thymine, related to skin cancer.
Researchers have found that water accelerates the conversion rate of furfural by a factor of two to three. The presence of water enables hydrogenation to occur in the liquid phase instead of on the catalyst surface.
The US FDA has approved the use of a rhesus macaque model to support the development of remdesivir, an investigational antiviral agent for treating Ebola virus infections. The study provides a framework for developing Ebola therapeutics under animal rule.
Researchers used DNA methylation to estimate biologic age and found that women with older biologic ages had higher breast cancer risks. The study suggests that biologic age may be tied to environmental exposures, potentially serving as an indicator of disease risk.
Researchers from Université de Genève and NCCR in Chemical Biology create probes inspired by lobster cooking to visualize physical forces in action, enabling imaging of forces within organelles like mitochondria. This breakthrough allows scientists to study mechanobiology and revolutionize life sciences.
Researchers at Xiamen University have created a device that enables the direct detection and mapping of chemicals inside biological cells. This breakthrough technique, called near-field desorption postionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (NDPI-TOFMS), overcomes challenges in high-resolution imaging and provides undistorted chemi...
Researchers at Kanazawa University develop a synthetic ligand that mimics the action of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), inducing comparable biological responses. The macrocyclic peptide molecule activates the MET receptor, leading to tissue regeneration and gene expression profiles similar to HGF.
An international team of scientists developed a hybrid micro mixer that increases mixing efficiency by up to 90%, making it suitable for various biological studies. The device combines different geometry elements, offering high process efficiency and replacing existing passive micro mixers.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified the biological process behind pontocerebellar hypoplasia type Ib, a deadly disease affecting infants. They believe their discovery could lead to the development of a drug to stop the disease progression and improve treatment options.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that water fleas detect predator presence through a cocktail of signalling molecules secreted by Chaoborus larvae during digestion. The fleas respond by growing defensive features such as neckteeth and spines, making them harder to consume.
A new article published by CU researchers provides an overview of biological and chemical agents that might be used in potential terror attacks. The authors describe how to recognize, diagnose, treat, and report exposures to various agents, aiming to better prepare healthcare providers for such emergencies.
A new class of polymer matrices has been developed to improve the detection of metabolites and track chemicals of interest in studying cancer. This breakthrough enables researchers to explore more research questions and increases the flexibility of the MALDI imaging technique.
Researchers have designed a nanopore system capable of measuring different metabolites simultaneously in biological fluids, all in seconds. The system uses substrate-binding proteins as electrical transducers to detect single molecules, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnosis.
The study reveals a new approach to assess compounds' bioactivity by identifying invariant signatures, enabling straightforward prediction of therapeutic applications and toxicity. This innovation has important ramifications for drug development, selection of safe drug candidates, and repurposing of existing drugs.
Scientists at the University of Konstanz have gained detailed structural insights into DNA polymerases interacting with modified substrates. This knowledge can be used to advance genome sequencing and other areas of molecular biology-based diagnostics.
The FAT10 protein has a unique structure with two domains and a flexible linker, allowing it to regulate degradation in an efficient manner. This finding has significant implications for potential cancer therapies, as FAT10's presence is associated with aggressive tumor growth.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created an algorithm to reveal connections between cells over time, potentially impacting circadian rhythms. The approach, called ICON, shows the strength of these connections, which could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Lehigh University's Xiaoji Xu has been awarded a Beckman Young Investigator grant to develop an infrared microscopy technique that surpasses current limitations. The goal is to achieve nanoscale imaging in the aqueous phase, opening up new avenues for chemistry and biology research.
The 3.4 billion year old Strelley Pool microfossils had chemical characteristics similar to modern bacteria, supporting a biological origin and ranking them amongst the world's oldest microfossils. The analysis also shows that these ancient fossils have survived extreme conditions over the last 3.4 billion years.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a new flavonoid molecule that can release carbon monoxide in a controlled manner, triggering cancer cell death and reducing inflammation. The unique molecules are trackable, targetable, and triggerable using visible light.
A Stanford study discovered that apoptosis, a well-known form of cell death, spreads through perpetuating waves triggered by positive feedback loops and thresholds. This phenomenon, known as trigger waves, governs the progression of cell death in intact cells, as observed in Xenopus frog eggs.
Scientists are developing new recycling technologies to break down plastics into reusable materials. Current methods use mechanical processes that partially degrade polymers, reducing product quality. Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including chemical reactions and biological enzymes to speed up the process.
A new 3D printing technique allows for the direct printing of electronics on human skin, with potential applications in military technology and medical treatments for skin disorders. The printer uses computer vision to adjust to small movements of the body during printing and can be used to print temporary sensors or solar cells.
Lehigh University has launched a long-term collaboration with the National Synchrotron Light Source II at Brookhaven National Lab to explore cutting-edge materials and biomedical research. The partnership aims to foster collaboration among researchers from academia, government labs, and industry.
The Midlands Regional Cryo-Electron Microscope (Cryo-EM) Facility brings cutting-edge research technologies to the region. The £6M facility will enable scientists to study bio-molecules in exquisite detail, leading to a better understanding of disease processes and how to address them.
A new laser technique can detect even trace amounts of chemicals in the air, making it possible to alert communities to biological or chemical attacks. The technology is accurate and sensitive enough to determine if there is a molecule of any chemical present at concentrations as low as one part per billion.
Researchers have created a new kind of smoke that can block both visible and infrared detection, which is crucial for military operations. The development could lead to the creation of a 'Swiss army knife' of smoke grenades with multiple spectral capabilities.
The new sensor is designed to perform various chemical and biological analyses in small spaces with high sensitivity. It uses an S-taper configuration to detect changes in refractive index and measures concentration, pH, and other chemical parameters.
Researchers have successfully fused living and non-living cells to harness the natural ability of biological cells to process chemicals while protecting them from the environment. This system can lead to applications such as cellular 'batteries' powered by photosynthesis, synthesis of drugs inside the body, and biological sensors that ...
Researchers at Tufts University have developed highly selective membrane filters that can separate organic compounds by size and electrostatic charge, potentially reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The membranes mimic biological systems and can sort compounds in various filtration systems.
Researchers at MIT have developed a system that uses electric fields to manipulate droplets of chemical or biological solutions on a surface. This new approach enables parallel testing of thousands of reactions and could revolutionize the field of biological research.
A recent study by USAMRIID and collaborators found that the monkeypox virus outbreak in Nigeria likely originated from a local source, with one of the earliest cases dating back to 1971. The findings highlight the importance of local surveillance for early detection of viral spillovers.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding how Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is produced and functioned within cells. Research published in Cell Systems, Molecular Cell, and Cell Chemical Biology reveals new clues to CoQ biosynthesis and function.
Researchers have demonstrated two new routes to lignin conversion, combining the speed of chemical methods with the precision of biological ones. The process yields high-value chemicals like muconic acid and pyrogallol, valued at $255.7 billion, and has the potential to subsidize biofuel production.
Researchers have developed a portable and affordable wearable sensor, a ring that can detect chemical and biological threats, revolutionizing external threat detection. The device, designed with fashion in mind, offers a compact and non-invasive solution for widespread adoption.
Sandia researchers focus on decontamination foam development and sampling methods to determine contamination extent. The Underground Transport Restoration project explores subway system cleaning protocols and testing new decontamination methods in a mock system.
Researchers discovered that saccharin inhibits the activity of bitter taste receptors stimulated by cyclamate, while cyclamate reduces the off-taste elicited by saccharin. This finding provides tools for developing superior sweetener blends and improving their taste in food products.
The Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) at Iowa State University has introduced a new model for developing biorenewable technologies. By identifying 'bioprivileged molecules' with unique properties, researchers aim to create value from biomass and expand the bioproduct horizon beyond petrochemicals.
Researchers determined the crystal structure of a key enzyme in onion cells and developed a chemical mechanism explaining LF synthesis. The discovery reveals why people tear up when chopping onions, shedding light on this common culinary conundrum.
A study published in Cell Chemical Biology discovered a novel chemical procedure called T-REX that can selectively target cancer cells with specific mutations, leading to more favorable treatment outcomes. The researchers found that certain enzymes' redox-specific processes could be harnessed for targeted drug design.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have developed 'molecular cages' that can boost reactivity and storage capacity, offering promise for energy conversion and bio-sensing applications. The new material's enormous internal surface area makes it ideal for encapsulating molecules with specific functions.
The article reviews current chemical search engines, named entity recognition and text mining systems to efficiently access biomedical data. Researchers emphasize the need for structured databases to process unstructured data in scientific literature, clinical reports, and patents.
Researchers have gained near-atomic resolution insights into the disaggregase protein's unfolding process, which helps break apart toxic protein aggregates. The study's findings suggest a ratchet-like mechanism and potential applications in developing new drugs or understanding biological processes.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded funding to 22 early-career researchers to pursue foundational research in the biomedical sciences. The scholars will use novel approaches to illuminate the mechanisms of human biology and disease. This award aims to support scientists trying to crack some of the toughest questions in human health.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the 2017 class of Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research, five early-career scientists conducting groundbreaking research on finding cures for cancer. The scholars will receive flexible funding to invest in their work and investigate promising avenues to slow or stop cancer development.
Scientists have developed a way to adhere a lightweight coating onto fabrics that can neutralize nerve agents delivered through the skin, potentially protecting soldiers and emergency responders. The coating uses a zirconium-based metal-organic framework that deactivates harmful compounds in under 5 minutes.
A new study has resolved a long-standing debate on coral skeletal development by discovering a biologically controlled process. The research, published in Science, used advanced imaging techniques to reveal that coral skeletons form from organic matter and immature aragonite particles.
Researchers at Umeå University have successfully mapped the structure and function of a transient enzyme state using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The study reveals that the transient state is essential for enzyme function and provides clues on how enzymes speed up reactions with incredible specificity and efficacy.
The LimTox tool provides information on drug hepatotoxicity extracted from biomedical archives, enabling efficient associations to adverse reactions. It offers keyword searches and entity-specific queries for researchers and clinicians, promoting targeted search queries and biological knowledgebase construction.
Researchers at Cornell University have observed a previously unknown characteristic of water surrounding DNA, revealing a chiral water superstructure that follows the iconic helical structure of DNA. This discovery has significant implications for understanding reactivity and biology in biological systems.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography research team discovered bacteria in marine sponges produce toxic compounds nearly identical to man-made fire retardants. The study uses genome mining and environmental DNA sequencing to identify specific genes and enzymes involved in the production of these compounds.
A team of scientists has found that bacteria living in marine sponges can produce toxic compounds nearly identical to man-made fire retardants, also known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The discovery could help understand the human health implications of these additives.
Researchers have created a new chemiluminescent probe that can detect cancerous cells with improved sensitivity, using a novel mechanism developed at Tel Aviv University. The probe has potential applications in medical diagnosis and analysis of cellular activity.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends a tailored approach to PPI use for different conditions, weighing benefits against risks. Long-term PPI users should have their doses reevaluated regularly to minimize side effects.