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Cannabis terpenes offer potential new way to treat fibromyalgia pain

Research at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that certain terpenes in Cannabis sativa are effective at relieving post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain in preclinical models. Terpenes have been shown to provide significant pain relief in mouse models, with geraniol providing the most significant level of pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalPharmacological Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2025

A breakthrough in chiral capsule tools for advanced optical technologies

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo create terpene-based chiral capsules that facilitate the easy preparation of well-defined host–guest composites with tunable chiroptical properties. The resulting composites can be used in water without organic solvents, paving the way for advances in cutting-edge optical technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

An adjuvant made in yeast could lower vaccine cost and boost availability

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have successfully produced the QS-21 adjuvant in yeast, which is currently extracted from tree bark. The production process is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for lowering vaccine costs and increasing availability.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

New approach in the synthesis of complex natural substances

Researchers at University of Basel have developed a new method to synthesize complex natural substances like terpenes, which can be used as the basis for new medications. The approach allows for controlled molecular structure and targeted changes to improve properties, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2024

SRI seeks to learn how insects speak through smells

Researchers at SRI International have identified genes that enable insects to produce terpenes, a key component of their chemical communication. This breakthrough provides a roadmap for understanding how these chemicals are used and could lead to new ways to protect crops and prevent insect-borne diseases.

SourceSRI International·JournalProtein Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2023

RUDN University chemists created anti-hantavirus drugs 5 times more efficient than existing drugs

Researchers at RUDN University have synthesized a new class of compounds that inhibit the replication of the deadly Hantaan virus, which causes acute haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The resulting substances are 5 times more effective than existing antiviral drugs and show promise for treatment development.

SourceRUDN University·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateJun 7, 2021

New approach to terpene syntheses

Chemists at the University of Basel have developed a novel synthesis method for terpenes that uses molecular capsules to mimic nature. The method significantly reduces the number of steps and improves yield in the synthesis process.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 30, 2018

Citrus scent inhibits liver cancer

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that terpenes in citrus scents can inhibit liver cancer cell growth. The study discovered the signalling pathway used by (-)-citronellal and citronellol, two terpenes with anti-cancer properties.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics·DateJan 19, 2015

Bacteria could be rich source for making terpenes

New research at Brown University reveals that bacteria have the genetic capacity to produce terpenes, with 262 gene sequences found to code for enzymes responsible. The team used these enzymes to isolate 13 previously unknown bacterial terpenes, providing a new paradigm for discovering natural products.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2014

Clean smell doesn't always mean clean air

A Drexel University researcher studied indoor aerosol spikes caused by cleaning products and air fresheners, revealing the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) due to limonene reactions. The study suggests a significant impact on indoor air quality, warranting further public health research.

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 29, 2014

New chemistry technique from the Scripps Research Institute reproduces nature's elusive complexity

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a new technique to synthesize complex terpenes, a crucial step towards cheaper and fully synthetic cancer drugs like Taxol. The breakthrough mimics a natural biochemical phenomenon that allows cells to make these compounds, overcoming significant challenges in organic chemistry.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2012

MSU discoveries upend traditional thinking about how plants make certain compounds

Michigan State University researchers identify two new genes and two new enzymes in tomato plants that produce monoterpenes, a compound responsible for the plant's distinctive smell. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of how plants make monoterpenes, opening up new avenues for protecting plants from pests.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2009

Ginkgo SRMs: Tools for product analysis/quality

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a suite of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for ginkgo biloba, enabling the validation of analytical methods and support measurements associated with clinical trials or product label claims. The SRMs can also be used by dietary supplement manufacturers to improve p...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2007