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Computational chemistry and supercomputers to help understand the mechanisms of life

A new study from IIT, Uppsala University, and AstraZeneca uses computational chemistry and supercomputers to better understand splicing, a key process in gene expression. The results provide precise insights into splicing dynamics and help explain previously difficult-to-interpret data.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026

Groundbreaking AI aims to speed lifesaving therapies

A new open-source AI tool, ProRNA3D-single, has significantly increased accuracy in predicting and visualizing protein-RNA complex structures. This method can generate finely detailed images of molecules in 3D, enabling drug developers to design treatments by analyzing where viruses attach to human proteins.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell Systems·DateSep 16, 2025

Establishment of interpretable cytotoxicity prediction models using machine learning analysis of transcriptome features

This study establishes highly accurate cell viability prediction models with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. The models show good performance across diverse cell lines and enable accurate high-safety substance screening via cytotoxicity prediction.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 13, 2025

Re-purposing 5-nonyloxytryptamine and epirubicin as polysialic acid mimetics for protection from MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in human neuronal cells

Researchers investigated the neuroregenerative potential of 5-NOT and Epi, discovering they protected SH-SY5Y cells from MPP+ toxicity by regulating key proteins. The findings support 5-NOT as a glycomimetic drug candidate for Parkinson's disease treatment.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateApr 9, 2025

Microtubule mysteries revealed

Researchers used NSF-funded Frontera supercomputer to model microtubule tips, revealing new behavior and key differences in structures depending on GTP or GDP binding. This basic research could aid in understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as design cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2025

Study finds universality in moving cells – a discovery that could impact health and robotics

Researchers found that collective cell movement exhibits robust invariance across diverse systems, including cancer cells and bacteria. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of oncological diseases and tissue engineering, as well as applications in robot navigation and artificial intelligence.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2025

Synthetic RIG-I-agonist RNA induces death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

A synthetic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA has been shown to induce innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The addition of recombinant interferon-b potentiated this cell death, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating patients with liver cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Using alternative protein sources: Improving the mouthfeel of plant-based foods with fava beans

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that fava bean protein nanofibrils alter the activity of receptor genes and interact with cell membranes, influencing texture perception. The study aims to develop sensorially appealing plant-based foods with improved texture.

Imaging technique allows rapid assessment of ovarian cancer subtypes and their response to treatment

A new MRI-based imaging technique can rapidly assess ovarian cancer subtypes and their response to treatment, allowing for personalized treatment planning. The technique, called hyperpolarised carbon-13 imaging, distinguishes between two different subtypes of ovarian cancer and reveals their sensitivities to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalOncogene·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

The beneficial effects of fermented black garlic extract on prostate cancer are evaluated

Researchers found that fermented black garlic extract reduced tumor aggressiveness parameters, including cell proliferation, without affecting normal prostate cells. The extract altered key signaling pathways related to inflammation, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement to prevent or slow down prostate cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

Scientists at the CNIC discover an unexpected involvement of sodium transport in mitochondrial energy generation

Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

Align or die

Researchers at ISTA discovered that misaligned protein filaments 'die' and re-assemble to form a well-aligned ring structure essential for bacterial cell division. This mechanism could lead to the development of synthetic self-healing materials.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2024

Pioneering the cellular frontier

Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an effective way to image a single cell using multiple techniques, providing significant implications in medicine and agriculture. The team used advanced X-ray imaging technologies to capture high-resolution images of the cellular structure and chemical processes within cells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Organs on demand? UVA prints its first voxel building blocks

A UVA research team has developed biomaterials with controlled mechanical properties matching those of various human tissues, representing a significant leap in bioprinting technologies. Their unique digital assembly of spherical particles (DASP) technique can deposit particles of biomaterial in a supporting matrix to build 3D structur...

Endometriosis typology and ovarian cancer risk

A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 17, 2024

Roles of PEDF in exercise-induced suppression of senescence and its impact on lung pathology in mice

The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Scientists create first mouse model with complete, functional human immune system

Researchers have developed a humanized mouse model with a fully functional human immune system, enabling the study of immunotherapy development, disease modeling, and vaccine development. The new model, called TruHuX, mounts specific antibody responses and can develop full-fledged systemic lupus autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2024

U of T researchers develop deep-learning model that outperforms Google AI system to predict peptide structures

Researchers at U of T have developed a deep-learning model called PepFlow that can predict the full range of conformations for peptides, which are shorter than proteins but perform similar biological functions. The model combines machine learning and physics to capture precise and accurate conformations within minutes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 27, 2024

Simulating blood flow dynamics for improved nanoparticle drug delivery

A team of engineers has created a new mathematical model to accurately simulate the effects of blood flow on the adhesion and retention of nanoparticle drug carriers. The model, developed by University of Illinois professors Arif Masud and Hyunjoon Kong, was tested in vitro and demonstrated promising results.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2024

Heart disease model puts cells to work

Researchers develop a model of heart disease by tricking stem cells to behave like mature heart cells with a mutation that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study reveals the connection between mechanical stress and electrical function in hearts, shedding light on why genetic mutations can cause arrhythmias.

New cellular models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 reflect the clinical diversity of the disease

Researchers have developed three new cellular models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 that accurately represent the clinical diversity of the disease. The models show great heterogeneity in genetic expansion and molecular alterations, making them suitable for studying pathophysiology and testing therapeutic options.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

A railroad of cells

A new approach by researchers at ISTA reveals how cells navigate through complex environments and interact with each other. The study uses computer simulations to visualize different scenarios, showing that cells move in trains like an all-wheel drive system, while clusters are slower due to collisions.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024