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Less is more

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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 10, 2015

Improving accuracy in genome editing

A team of scientists, led by Harvard University's David Liu, has developed an engineered form of the genome-editing protein Cas9 that can be turned on with a small drug-like molecule. This approach achieves up to 25-fold higher specificity in genome editing than the standard form of Cas9.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Easy recipe to make bone and cartilage

Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center have developed a new method to generate mouse cells that can form bone and cartilage using small molecules. This approach offers great potential in the repair of bone defects through cartilage, with the ability to be scaled up for clinical purposes.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 7, 2014

Researchers block plant hormone

Scientists identify a molecule that blocks the effect of jasmonic acid, a plant hormone involved in flower formation, root growth and defence against herbivores. The discovery was made using a biological selection process involving intact plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 19, 2014

Making better medicines with a handful of chemical building blocks

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that thousands of polyene compounds can be built from just 12 different chemical building blocks. This breakthrough could accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines by making synthesis more efficient and cost-effective. The team's findings, published in Nature Chemistr...

Scientists map all possible drug-like chemical compounds

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can model and catalogue the entire set of lightweight, carbon-containing molecules that chemists could feasibly create in a lab. The map helps scientists identify unexplored regions of the chemical space where new compounds may hold solutions to some of the world's most vexing challe...

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 22, 2013

UMass Amherst biochemists open path to molecular 'chaperone' therapy for metabolic disease

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified two small molecule chaperones that can stabilize the defective alpha-NAGAL enzyme, offering hope for developing the first drug treatment for Schindler/Kanzaki disease. These molecules, DGJ and DGJNAc, can increase the amount of functional enzyme in cells.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2012

Future memory

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new class of organic materials that can be used for ferroelectricity, which could improve computer memory and sensing devices. The discovery could save $6 billion in electricity costs annually if used in cloud computing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2012

Finally, the promise of male birth control in a pill

Researchers have discovered a compound that reversibly infertile men without affecting their sex drive, using the small molecule to target fertility proteins. The new form of birth control works by reducing sperm count and motility, making it an effective and novel strategy for male contraception.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 16, 2012

Stanford study points to potential treatment for stroke

A Stanford study suggests a potential treatment for stroke by increasing the generation of new nerve cells in the brain. The compound, LM22A-4, was administered three days after a stroke and showed faster recovery of athletic ability in mice. This approach may be a more accessible alternative to stem-cell therapy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalStroke·DateApr 24, 2012

Tiny worm points to big promise

Researchers at Northwestern University identified nine core genes that protect cells from protein misfolding, a common cause of over 300 diseases. They also discovered seven classes of small molecules that restore proper protein folding and reduce disease progression.

Small molecules may prevent ebola infection

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a family of small molecules that bind to the Ebola virus's outer protein coat and inhibit its entry into human cells. The findings demonstrate a potential breakthrough in preventing Ebola infection, with further studies planned to confirm efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2011

Catalyst sandwich

Scientists create a synthetic structure that mimics the behavior of PCR enzymes, allowing for highly sensitive detection of small molecules. The new catalysts could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental monitoring.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 2010

A good mimic promotes nerve cell survival

Researchers developed a two-step screening strategy to identify small molecules that bind to TrkB but not other related proteins. These compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions by activating TrkB signaling and preventing neuronal degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Scripps Research scientists solve mystery of fragile stem cells

Researchers solve the decade-old mystery of fragile human embryonic stem cells by discovering two novel synthetic small molecule drugs that promote cell survival. The team also unravels the mechanisms behind e-cadherin's role in cell signaling, providing a new understanding of stem cell biology and paving the way for potential therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2010