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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

First molecular images of enzyme may help solve the mystery cause of hereditary neurodegenerative diseases

WEHI researchers have produced the first molecular images of an enzyme that controls proteins to signal and communicate with each other in human cells.

13 Jan 2022

Scientists examine key mechanisms underlying genomic imprinting

Hereditary diseases, along with cancers and cardiovascular diseases, may be linked to genomic imprinting.

13 Jan 2022

Scientists develop DNA-based fluorescent nanoantenna to evaluate protein activity

Researchers at the Université de Montréal have developed a nanoantenna to track protein movements.

13 Jan 2022

Scientists discover new Senp5S protein with crucial role in brain development

Understanding how the brain develops is crucial to formulating treatments and management protocols for a variety of developmental disorders, as well as degenerative neurological diseases. Right from the embryonic stage, brain development is facilitated by the differentiation of neurons (brain cells).

12 Jan 2022

Targeting MAPK4 in triple-negative breast cancer may lead to improved treatments

Scientific evidence supporting the involvement of the enzyme MAPK4 in cancer growth and resistance to certain therapies has been growing quickly.

12 Jan 2022

Experts develop Immuno-CRISPR assay to detect kidney transplant complications

Doctors monitor kidney transplant recipients for signs of rejection in several ways, including biopsy.

7 Jan 2022

Researchers develop new CAR T cells that act as a "micropharmacy"

Immunotherapies called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells use genetically engineered versions of a patient's own immune cells to fight cancer. These treatments have energized cancer care, especially for people with certain types of blood cancers.

3 Jan 2022

‘Smart’ food packaging material kills microbes and keeps food fresh

A team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, US, has developed a 'smart' food packaging material that is biodegradable, sustainable and kills microbes that are harmful to humans. It could also extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days.

29 Dec 2021

Genes key to microbial colonization of plant roots discovered

Some microbes can form thin films called biofilms. These biofilms give them an advantage over other microbes by protecting them from stresses such as a lack of nutrients or the presence of harmful substances in the environment.

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 identifies two proteins as novel markers of aggressive prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and is among the top five causes of cancer-related death. In most cases, prostate cancer can be successfully treated but there is a group of patients who suffer an aggressive course and often fatal outcome.

23 Dec 2021

Researchers identify genes responsible for “spinach teeth”

People are generally familiar with “spinach teeth,” the harmless but gritty-chalky mouthfeel triggered because of a vegetable.

23 Dec 2021

Researchers cultivate an archaeon that breaks down oil all by itself

Microbes are capable of converting oil into natural gas, i.e., methane.

23 Dec 2021

Gene mutation for Parkinson's disease drives mislocalization of iron in activated microglia

A common gene mutation for Parkinson's disease drives mislocalization of iron in activated microglia, according to a new study publishing December 16th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology, by Mark Cookson of the National Institute on Aging and colleagues.

17 Dec 2021

Researchers create a healthier form of starch in the cassava plant

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in Japan have recently created a healthier form of starch in the cassava plant. Published in the scientific journal Plant Molecular Biology, the study shows how reducing levels of starch branching enzymes (SBEs) in cassava plants changes the composition of tapioca starch, making it more resistant to digestion and healthier for us to eat.

17 Dec 2021

Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 to successfully target brown fat

Fat is an essential component of life, however too much fat leads to numerous health issues. Investigating the role played by fat or adipose tissue is significant to get a better understanding of obesity and other problems.

17 Dec 2021

What Role do Genes Play in the Development of Antibodies?

In this interview, we speak to researchers from the University of Toronto about their latest research that investigated the role genes play in the development of antibodies.

16 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

Gene writing helps develop advanced therapies safely and effectively

An international, multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Translational Synthetic Biology Laboratory at Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona, Spain), led by Dr. Marc Güell, has published an article in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

14 Dec 2021