Biochemistry News and Research

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Researchers discover a key mechanism used by Zika virus to evade cell’s antiviral response

The world knows SARS-CoV-2 intimately now, but there are more than 200 virus species capable of infecting humans and causing disease.

19 Jan 2022

New finding could lead to the development of cell death regulators for cancer therapies

Scientists led by Professor Ana J. Garcia-Saez at the CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research at the University of Cologne have shown that apoptosis, the programmed cell death, involves a direct physical interplay between the two proteins BAX and DRP1.

17 Jan 2022

Researchers identify new potential drug target that may block SARS-CoV-2 infection

In the quest for new treatments for COVID-19, a team led by researchers at UC San Francisco has identified a new potential drug target that may block infection by SARS-CoV-2. The protein, called BRD2, regulates the ACE2 receptor, which the novel coronavirus relies on to gain entry to its host's cells.

17 Jan 2022

Bioenergy sorghum hybrids can improve soil fertility and potentially earn carbon credits

The world faces an increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and a shortage of carbon in the soil. However, bioenergy sorghum can provide meaningful relief from both problems, according to a new study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists.

10 Jan 2022

Cryo-ET reveals mechanisms underlying gene mutations that lead to blindness

Researchers have discovered the structural determinants of the highly specialized rod outer segments membrane architecture of the eye, which plays a crucial role in vision.

7 Jan 2022

"Heavy" hydrogen makes drugs to have a longer effect

Hydrogen (abbreviated "H") is the lightest of all elements. It usually consists only of a positively charged proton and a negatively charged electron and is also called protium in this form. But there are also two heavier hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium.

24 Dec 2021

Unraveling how DNAzymes work in real time

DNAzymes are precision biocatalysts that destroy unwanted RNA molecules. However, major obstacles to their use in medicine remain.

23 Dec 2021

Study evaluates the basic principles of bacterial community assembly

The bacterial communities present in the soil play a vital role in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling.

23 Dec 2021

Study identifies novel function for existing protein

Researchers recently identified a new role of the protein tBID, which was to date linked to the regulatory role in cancer and cell death. But tBID also directly mediates apoptosis (controlled cell death).

23 Dec 2021

Revealing a Cell's Components through Artificial Intelligence

We speak to Professor Trey Ideker and Yue Qin about their latest in cell biology and how artificial intelligence could be used to discover new components within cells.

23 Dec 2021

Experts identify proteins that regulate dual processes

According to recent research, the protein UBR7 acts as a histone chaperone and controls histone re-deposition at certain sites at the time of DNA replication.

22 Dec 2021

Study provides novel insights into biological energy conversion

The respiratory chain performs a major role in the cell’s energy metabolism. It is localized in mitochondria—the power plants of the cell.

21 Dec 2021

Genetic mutation appears to be a predisposing factor for COPD independent of smoking

In 2019, the WHO positioned chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) third in the global ranking of causes of death.

15 Dec 2021

Developing Sperm Cells from Primate Stem Cells

We speak to Professor Charles Easley about his latest research into male infertility, and how sperm cells could be potentially developed from primate stem cells.

15 Dec 2021

Developing a New Method to Detect Food Fraud

In this interview, we speak to Florian Cueni about his latest research that developed a new method to detect food fraud.

14 Dec 2021

Study details the design of RNA-based breathalyzer to diagnose SARS-CoV-2

In a new study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, published by Elsevier, investigators report on the design and testing of a breathalyzer, known as the Bubbler, that relies on viral RNA detection to diagnose SARS-CoV-2. Its name is derived from the bubbling sound that occurs when the patient exhales into the device.

14 Dec 2021