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Engineering biological reaction crucibles to rapidly produce proteins

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new technique that traps together cellular machinery to increase protein production rates. This approach uses synthetic disordered proteins to form compartments called biological condensates, which enhance the rate of protein production by bringing together biomolecular machinery...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.

Researchers call for legislative reform to improve transparency in drug company payments to healthcare professionals

A new analysis reveals critical gaps in the UK's self-regulated system for disclosing payments from drug companies to healthcare professionals and organisations. The study finds billions of pounds in untraceable research payments and non-research payments lack clarity, with significant breaches by major companies. Researchers are calli...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateJan 8, 2025

Can patient groups remain independent with drug company funding?

A new study highlights the risk of patient organizations losing independence due to funding from pharmaceutical companies. Researchers propose establishing a single database to track payments made to patient groups, doctors, and hospitals to improve transparency.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 2025

Harnessing multi-element perovskites as catalysts for selective oxidation of light alkanes

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo successfully developed a multi-element perovskite catalyst that selectively oxidizes light alkanes to alcohols with high yield and selectivity. The breakthrough catalyst operates under mild conditions and exhibits excellent stability and reusability.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

Data sharing is patient caring

A study found that 64% of clinical trials for the top 30 highest-revenue medicines had their data accessible to researchers, a significant improvement over prior assessments. Companies using independent platforms achieved higher eligibility rates than those relying on internal processes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical Trials·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2024

Clinical cancer research in the US is increasingly dominated by pharmaceutical industry sponsors, study finds

A recent study reveals that pharmaceutical industry sponsors dominate US cancer research, with a substantial increase in industry-sponsored clinical trials over the past decade. Federally funded studies have been underinvested and have missed opportunities for scientific advancements.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Teaching an old metal new tricks

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have successfully developed a method to recycle samarium diiodide, a crucial reagent in synthesizing molecules that can lead to new pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough enables large-scale industrial production, making it possible to create essential compounds like taxol, an anticance...

Framing sustainability strategies for the enactment of corporate actions with positive macro-level impact: Evidence from a developing country

Five pioneering firms in agriculture, manufacturing, and pharma retail have demonstrated businesses can catalyze social and environmental change. They address complex issues using scientific methods, partner with NGOs, and prioritize purpose alignment.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeCase study·DateAug 12, 2024

Unlocking complex sulfur molecules: a novel approach for synthesis of functionalized benzenethiol equivalents

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new method to synthesize complex sulfur molecules, including phenothiazines and thianthrenes, with high stability and control over reaction conditions. This approach uses readily available aryne precursors and avoids foul odors associated with conventional methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

First effective treatment found for spitting cobra snakebite

Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research

Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Access to prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors remains a significant barrier leaving patients at risk for heart attacks and strokes

A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Reshaping our understanding of granular systems

Scientists at the University of Rochester discovered that even small differences in grain shape can significantly alter grain segregation in dry and wet conditions. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to better understand and predict geohazards and alleviate segregation issues in industrial flows.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Trends in phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine sales

Despite a lack of clinical efficacy evidence, phenylephrine remained the most common oral decongestant in the US from 2012-2021, with hundreds of millions of units sold annually. Most phenylephrine products were co-formulated with antihistamines or antitussives, providing symptom relief for cough and cold symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 8, 2024

Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJan 31, 2024

Geisinger College faculty, graduate students publish paper shining light on conflicts of interest in guidelines for psychiatric care

A study published by Geisinger College faculty and graduate students found that 55% of DSM-5-TR panel members received payments from industry, highlighting the need for stricter standards. The researchers argue that individuals with financial ties to industry should not have decision-making authority in guideline development.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalBMJ·DateJan 25, 2024

Scientists in Germany develop a new analytical method, which enables improved insight into (mRNA) nanoparticles and similar pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products

Scientists in Germany developed a new analytical method to precisely elucidate the size of particles, structure, and RNA molecules in pharmaceutical products. This information can help evaluate product quality, enabling improved development of new products.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Scientists harness flower “super power” to pave the way for new drug treatments

Researchers at the University of Bath have created a novel bacterial system to mass-produce cyclic proteins and peptides, addressing a significant bottleneck in the development of new therapeutic treatments. By harnessing the natural cyclization process from the Oldenlandia flower, they improved heat and chemical stability, as well as ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJACS Au·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2023

New pipeline makes valuable organic acid from plants — saving money and emissions

Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023