Articles tagged with Chemical Biology
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new system has been developed to sample, measure, categorize and control nuisance odors from sewage and wastewater treatment facilities. The technology uses a range of methods, including plastic bags, metal containers and electronic noses, to identify the sources of the smells and develop strategies for elimination.
A study in Limnology & Oceanography Letters reveals that biological organisms achieve high population extremes in Midwestern lakes, defying expectations. Researchers found frequent records being set across variables like fish populations, plant growth, and plankton numbers, indicating a need to reassess ecological limits.
A mathematical model shows that injections of peptide CK2.3 can increase bone formation and decrease bone degradation, potentially treating osteoporosis. The researchers used a combination of biological and mathematical models to calculate ideal dosages for humans and mice, aiming to develop a promising remedy for the condition.
A team of chemists from Konstanz University has made a significant discovery about the effects of selective mutations on the alpha-synuclein protein. By applying magnetic probes to the protein, they found that these changes disturb the binding of alpha-synuclein to membranes.
Researchers identified 49 persistent haze events in China's capital region, with a significant increase in events since the 2000s. The scientists found that specific circulation patterns can trap pollutants close to the Earth, leading to prolonged haze events.
Researchers have developed a brighter and more biocompatible chemiluminescent probe that can be used in water and detect various cell activities. The new probe enables the detection of several biologically relevant chemicals, enzyme activity, and imaging cells using microscopy.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London trained bumblebees to roll a mini-ball into a goal, demonstrating unprecedented learning abilities. The study found that bees learned more efficiently when observing a skilled demonstrator, suggesting complex cognitive flexibility.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London found that a chromosome responsible for the social organization of colonies is likely to have evolved through a single genetic event. The study reveals that a 'supergene' region containing over 500 genes plays a crucial role in determining colony type and social organization.
A European Commission proposal to define and identify endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been widely criticized by experts, who argue it sets an unrealistic burden of proof and limits regulatory action. The Endocrine Society, led by UMass Amherst biologist Thomas Zoeller, claims the proposal will create gaps in identification criteria,...
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have developed a new technique to visualize molecular distributions on rippled, hairy, or bulgy surfaces. The 'corrective glass' method uses laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) to correct for surface topography and provide accurate chemical imaging.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a method to embed functional elements in silk-based materials, creating mechanical components that can change color with strain or respond to light. These materials have potential applications in orthopedics, surgery, and household goods.
A hormone-disrupting compound could provide a new strategy for controlling the spread of malaria by preventing transmission of malaria parasites in female mosquitoes. The study found that DBH-treated mosquitoes were less likely to be infected and produced fewer eggs, making it an effective alternative to insecticides.
Researchers have identified a novel microprotein called NoBody, which is involved in sweeping out unneeded genetic material inside cells. This discovery may signal the existence of additional microproteins involved in key biological mechanisms and diseases.
The discovery by University of Konstanz researchers reveals two regions within Ssb that mediate direct contact with the ribosome, supporting its function. The findings suggest a unique feature of Ssb that enables it to position itself optimally at the ribosome.
An international team has made a breakthrough by trapping an intermediate in the mechanism of heme peroxidase enzymes and determining its structure using neutron beams. This finding could change our understanding of how these enzymes work, shedding new light on their role in biochemical processes.
A recent study published in Journal of Vision found that women and men process facial information differently, with women exhibiting a stronger left eye bias and exploring faces more thoroughly. The researchers used eye-tracking technology on almost 500 participants to analyze their scanning patterns.
Scientists have developed multicolor electron microscopy, enabling up to three colors (green, red, yellow) to be used in an image. The new method has potential applications in biology, distinguishing cellular compartments and tracking proteins.
Researchers develop genetically engineered peptides to transmit information between biological systems and synthetic materials, enabling a coherent bioelectronic interface. The discovery enables the creation of biomolecular solid-state devices with potential applications in biomedical and electro-optical devices.
Researchers have created a fabric material capable of degrading chemical warfare agents (CWAs), rendering them harmless. The unique 'nano-kebab' structure, formed by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on nanofibers, breaks down CWAs with half-lives as brief as 2.3 minutes.
Scientists at KU Leuven have developed a new cocktail of biological pesticides and synthetic predator cues that kills mosquitoes more efficiently and sustainably. The combination triggers a stress response in mosquitoes, impairing their immune system and reducing the spread of diseases.
Researchers found that rats rely heavily on their whiskers to locate airflow sources, even when other sensory cues are available. The discovery could lead to the development of artificial flow sensors for robots.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have created a breathable material that provides protection from biological agents due to its small pore size. The material also responds to chemical hazards with dynamic functional groups, mimicking the adaptive response of human skin.
Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.
A team of Cornell University researchers has devised a method for isolating one specific enzyme activity of SIRT6, a protein with multiple biological functions. The study used a mutant form of SIRT6 to determine its contribution to various functions, including genome stability and metabolism.
Researchers discovered a lost hormone in starfish that is linked to human sexual maturity and evolution. The study found that the evolutionary history of the hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is written in the genes of the starfish, with two GnRH-like hormones found in both humans and fruit flies.
A London bee tracking project has begun, releasing 500 tagged bees to study their behavior and interactions with flowers in urban gardens. The project aims to understand the bees' preferred patches and favourite flowers, rewarding participants with prizes for identifying the most flowers visited by individual bees.
Researchers reconstructed ancient bacterial enzymes and found that they were sophisticated and functional, contrary to the widely-held theory. This discovery suggests that biological evolution progressed rapidly in its early stages, with enzymes becoming fully developed within a 500-million-year period.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive and flexible micro-Raman system for non-destructive analysis of biological samples, offering a fraction of the cost and capability of commercial tools. This system allows for label-free detection of variations in biomolecular composition and correlates it with corresponding biological changes.
Scientists develop new method to control magnetic particles of two distinct sizes suspended in liquid, forming channels that drive small particles along, improving sorting and lab-on-a-chip device functionality.
A new project aims to mobilize the public to help local urban bees by planting bee-friendly flowers and tracking their movements. The London Pollinator Project encourages Londoners to plant flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, such as English lavender and spiked speedwell, to support the ailing urban bee population.
Researchers developed steric trapping method to analyze membrane proteins' folding, showing promise for treating diseases at early stages. The study's findings could lead to medicinal advances in understanding protein structure and function.
Researchers at Pitt and Penn State found that simple physical and chemical processes directed the self-assembly of microcapsules into colonies. The study suggests a plausible mechanism for protocell organization, potentially leading to the formation of larger biological structures.
Researchers developed a new method that uses plasma to deposit nanomaterials onto flexible surfaces and 3-D objects. The technique can produce wearable chemical and biological sensors, flexible memory devices, batteries, and integrated circuits with improved efficiency and reduced costs.
The 2016 Protein Society Awards recognized Dr. Gary Pielak, Dr. Rachel Klevit, Dr. H. Eric Xu, and Dr. Andreas Plückthun for their groundbreaking contributions to protein science. The winners received prestigious awards sponsored by Rigaku Corporation, Genentech, The Neurath Foundation, and The Protein Society.
A novel small-molecule antiviral compound, GS-5734, has been shown to protect rhesus monkeys from Ebola virus infection when administered three days post-infection. This preclinical result demonstrates the compound's ability to block viral replication and reduce disease severity.
Researchers successfully control ultrafast electron motion using FERMI's light, achieving a time resolution of 3 attoseconds. This breakthrough enables the study of fast chemical reactions on the scale of attoseconds, shedding new light on processes like photosynthesis and combustion.
A new non-destructive technique using EPR oximetry measures oxygen levels in smaller 3D cell cultures, reducing oxygen concentration loss and enabling comparable results to native tissues.
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors allow researchers to visualize the formation of valuable products in real-time and test billions of candidates at a time. This breakthrough enables efficient identification of the most productive microbes for fine chemicals, therapeutics, and biofuels production.
Researchers at Iowa State University have successfully developed a hybrid technology that combines genetic engineering and electrocatalysis to convert sugar into biobased, unsaturated nylon-6,6. This process offers several advantages, including low operating temperatures, the use of cheap metals, and production from water.
The 2016 ASBMB meeting featured scientific symposia on various topics including bioinorganic catalysis, cell signaling, chemical biology, chromatin organization, DNA replication, education, and glycoscience. Key researchers like Aziz Sancar will present their work on DNA repair and precision medicine.
A new synthetic biopathway enables efficient conversion of agricultural waste into various useful products, including spandex and chicken feed. The process results in a 70% higher yield and is better for the environment than previous methods.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing fluorescent chemical probes that can target specific cancer cells, allowing for more accurate tumor removal. These probes have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for repeat surgeries.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that Protoceratops' large bony frill increased in size as the animal matured, suggesting it played a role in attracting mates. The study provides the first demonstration of sexual selection in dinosaurs and sheds light on the evolution of ornamental structures.
Volatile organic compounds protect plants from stress, attract insects for pollination and seed dispersal, and send warning signs to neighbor plants and animals. Plant VOC emissions contribute significantly to the atmosphere, emitting approximately 600 million tons of carbon annually.
Researchers have developed a technique that enables the detection of single molecules of contaminants, explosives, or diseases using a combination of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and a slippery surface. This innovation has vast applications in analytical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and nation...
Researchers found schreibersite, an iron-nickel phosphide mineral, could provide phosphate essential for prebiotic molecules. The mineral's phosphorylation reaction with early Earth water likely played a role in the emergence of metabolic molecules.
A special issue of Future Medicinal Chemistry explores the diverse field of chemical biology, highlighting its expanding scope and sub-disciplines. The issue features reviews, opinion pieces, and primary research papers on topics such as protein-protein interactions, epigenetic modulators, and tissue regeneration.
A QMUL PhD student has found a simple way to produce two ancient chemical compounds, sultones and sultines, which have applications in antiviral agents and may lead to new treatments for diseases such as HIV and Herpes. The breakthrough reduces the production process from five to two steps, increasing yield by nearly 100%.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a novel pre-purification system to enhance the production of yersiniabactin, a metal-binding compound with potential applications in wastewater treatment and physiological metal imbalance. The new method improves the recovered levels of the final compound, paving the way for its use i...
Synthetic biology holds promise for revolutionizing science and medicine, but its safe and stable application is crucial before being applied in real-world settings. Engineers are working on developing safety infrastructure, including kill switches and microbial sensors, to ensure the reliability and predictability of engineered microbes.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed SLAP technology, a small labeling pair that achieves high sensitivity and efficiency in single-molecule localization microscopy. The approach avoids mislocalization artifacts caused by large detection markers, enabling precise analysis of protein clusters and oligomeric states.
Researchers will investigate three projects: one on menopausal symptoms, another on biological activity of botanicals, and a third on interactions with prescription drugs. The goal is to determine the safety and efficacy of botanical dietary supplements as alternatives to hormone therapy.
Researchers at MIT have developed a family of materials that can emit light of precisely controlled colors and respond to external conditions. The materials, made from rare-earth elements and polymers, show promise for detecting chemical and biological compounds, mechanical changes, and thermal conditions.
The Hybrid Photonic Mode-Synthesizing Atomic Force Microscope combines nanospectroscopy and nanomechanical microscopy, allowing for rapid non-invasive exploration of materials' surface and subsurface. Researchers can study synthetic and biological samples with high resolution and spectroscopic capabilities.