New enzyme could mean better drugs
Just as a choreographer's notation tells a dancer to strike a particular pose, an enzyme newly discovered by Rice University scientists is able to tell specific molecules precisely how to arrange themselves, down to the angle of single hydrogen bonds.....»»
Quantum researchers come up with a recipe that could accelerate drug development
University of Copenhagen mathematicians have developed a recipe for upgrading quantum computers to simulate complex quantum systems, such as molecules. Their discovery brings us closer to being able to predict how new drugs will behave within our bod.....»»
Bacteria-derived enzyme shows potential for polyethylene biodegradation
Every year, 400 million tons of plastic products are produced worldwide, half of which are single-use items discarded within a year. In particular, non-biodegradable plastic waste, which takes over 500 years to decompose naturally, is mostly treated.....»»
Seeing double: Designing drugs that target "twin" cancer proteins
Some proteins in the human body are easy to block with a drug; they have an obvious spot in their structure where a drug can fit, like a key in a lock. But other proteins are more difficult to target, with no clear drug-binding sites......»»
Study enhances thermostability of carboxypeptidase A for broader industrial applications
A research team has successfully enhanced the thermostability of carboxypeptidase A (CPA), a crucial enzyme with significant potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries, through the innovative use of disulfide bonds. This development promises.....»»
Neutron experiments settle 40-year debate on enzyme for drug design
In just two neutron experiments, scientists discovered remarkable details about the function of an enzyme that can aid drug design for aggressive cancers......»»
Better together: Gut microbiome communities found to have enhanced resilience to drugs
Many human medications can directly inhibit the growth and alter the function of the bacteria that constitute our gut microbiome. EMBL Heidelberg researchers have now discovered that this effect is reduced when bacteria form communities......»»
AI tools help uncover enzyme mechanisms for lasso peptides
Lasso peptides are natural products made by bacteria. Their unusual lasso shape endows them with remarkable stability, protecting them from extreme conditions. In a new study, published in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers have constructed and tes.....»»
Obesity-Drug Pioneers Win Prestigious Lasker Award for Medical Science
Three scientists are honored for developing a class of blockbuster weight-loss drugs. Is a Nobel prize on the way?.....»»
New testing system uses Janus particles to rapidly and accurately detect COVID-19
The importance of testing for diseases was thrust into the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have undergone a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test within the past four years......»»
Bioengineers create new substrate to study wood-decomposing enzyme
Researchers want to transform the natural and abundant resource wood into useful materials, and central to that is a molecular machine found in fungi that decomposes the complex raw material into its basic components......»»
New Sickle Cell Treatments Reach Patients after Years of Effort
The FDA recently approved three sickle cell drugs, and dozens more are in development.....»»
Researchers develop new method for delivering RNA and drugs into cells
Researchers at the University of Toronto and its hospital partners have developed a method for co-delivering therapeutic RNA and potent drugs directly into cells, potentially leading to a more effective treatment of diseases......»»
Enzyme-inspired catalyst puts chemicals in right position to make ethers
Taking inspiration from enzymes, chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed a catalyst to simplify the synthesis of ethers, key functional components of many drugs, foods, personal care items and other consumer goods. The catal.....»»
New findings in a decade-long study of enzyme catalysis
Synthetic chemistry provides an essential material basis for our clothing, food, housing, transportation, and medicine and is an important driving force for economic development. However, traditional chemical synthesis has bottleneck problems such as.....»»
Experimental nanomedicine delivers chemo drugs directly to tumors in mice
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a nanomedicine that increases the penetration and accumulation of chemotherapy drugs in tumor tissues and effectively kills cancer cells in mice......»»
Solving the side effect problem of siRNA drugs for genetic disease treatment
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs are a class of therapeutic agents that silence specific genes associated with inherited diseases. However, siRNA drugs have challenges because siRNAs often silence genes other than the target ones, causing side eff.....»»
Worm study shows risks posed by antidepressants in water
Common drugs such as antidepressants enter the environment via sewage. In her PhD research, Toxicologist Merel van der Most has shown that this affects the behavior of nematodes. These drugs may also be harmful to many other aquatic creatures. Van de.....»»
Light-activated polymerization methods unlock new possibilities for intracellular applications
Synthetic polymers play a crucial role in cell biology, serving as delivery vehicles for DNA and drugs, acting as fluorescent probes for cellular sensing, functioning as bioinks for tissue engineering, and mimicking biological functionality (e.g., ar.....»»
New knowledge about cell receptors paves the way for future drugs against intestinal tumors
A new study from Karolinska Institutet published in Nature Communications provides valuable insights into the activation of receptors on the cell surface. The knowledge could lead to new targeted therapies and drugs against intestinal tumors, among o.....»»
Kamikaze termites protect their colony with the help of a special enzyme whose secrets have now been uncovered
Researchers from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with colleagues from the Faculty of Tropical AgriScience of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, are unraveling the myst.....»»