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Study uses artificial evolution to search DNA molecules for light producing deoxyribozymes

Once thought to function primarily as a storage molecule for genetic information, it is now known that DNA can also catalyze chemical reactions. Although such DNA enzymes (deoxyribozymes) have not been identified in nature, they can be isolated in the lab using powerful methods of artificial evolution.

22 Oct 2021

Viral diseases likely to contribute to neurodegeneration, says study

Scientists from DZNE revealed that certain viral diseases can contribute to neurodegeneration.

21 Oct 2021

Structural parameters of phosphatidylglycerol-DNA complex revealed

An interaction of DNA with lipids is of great interest because of their functions. As fatty acids and lipids can specifically bind to nucleic acids forming a code sequence of the genomic DNA, it is important to study the interaction of the oligonucleotide DNA (dA)20-(dT)20 with phosphatidylglycerol by the molecular dynamics method.

24 Sep 2021

New gene activity sensors, activators could help treat diabetes, cancer, and other disorders

People likely have apps on their cellphone. A new study at Rice University provides the viability of apps for actual cells.

19 Aug 2021

Insect olfaction could be used to help develop drug screening techniques

Scientists investigated a key element of the insect olfactory system to analyze how this insight might help humans.

18 Aug 2021

Natural killer cells target breast cancer using the body’s immune system

In a recent study, researchers investigated how natural killer cells target breast cancer using the body's own immune system.

18 Jun 2021

NIH grant awarded to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research

Computer scientist Lydia Kavraki of Rice University's Brown School of Engineering has won a prestigious National Institutes of Health U01 grant to develop a new approach to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research.

8 Jun 2021

Genetically encoded sensor helps detect hallucinogenic substances

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have created a genetically encoded sensor for detecting hallucinogenic substances.

From The University of California, Davis 29 Apr 2021

Study shows how stem cells make specific types of cells

With the help of a novel single-cell technique, researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) have revealed a new way to interpret the programming behind stem cells and how these cells make specific types of cells.

From Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) 16 Apr 2021

Study reveals RNA regulatory mechanisms within transcription-translation couplings

To gain a better understanding of how bacterial RNA gives rise to proteins scientists are now focusing on the special way this process takes place in bacteria.

15 Apr 2021

Study reveals how lipids and water molecules control 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors

Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a kind of neurotransmitter. 5-HT can regulate multifaceted physiological functions such as mood, cognition, learning, memory, and emotions through 5-HT receptors.

26 Mar 2021

Hyperactive RANK protein could trigger autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, in which the body's own immune system attacks healthy tissue, can be life-threatening and can impact all organs.

3 Feb 2021

Synthetic biomolecule resembles dual stimuli-responsive channel

For the first time, researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and the University of Tokyo in Japan have produced a new artificial transmembrane ion channel—based on a naturally found transmembrane channel that plays a role in neuron signaling—that reacts to both electrical and chemical stimuli.

2 Feb 2021

Researchers identify a new way to stop COVID-19 virus

While the world awaits broad distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, researchers at Ohio University just published highly significant and timely results in the search for another way to stop the virus -- by disrupting its RNA and its ability to reproduce.

22 Jan 2021

Proteogenomic study may lead to more effective treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Proteogenomic studies may provide a better understanding of how to match cancer patients with an effective treatment for their specific cancer.

8 Jan 2021

HKU researchers develop new drug discovery strategy targeting membrane proteins on live cells

A research team led by Dr Xiaoyu LI from the Research Division for Chemistry, Faculty of Science, in collaboration with Professor Yizhou LI from School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University and Professor Yan CAO from School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University in Shanghai has developed a new drug discovery method targeting membrane proteins on live cells.

29 Dec 2020

Researchers look for mechanisms that stabilize or destabilize key sections of biomolecules

Knowing precisely where proteins are frustrated could go a long way toward making better drugs. That's one result of a new study by Rice University scientists looking for the mechanisms that stabilize or destabilize key sections of biomolecules.

24 Nov 2020

Immune cell biomarker may help identify patients at risk for graft-versus-host disease

A recent report published in Science Translational Medicine by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center investigator Sophie Paczesny, M.D., Ph.D., sheds light on immune cell biomarkers that may reveal which patients are most at risk for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a life-threatening condition that can arise after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for treatment of liquid cancers such as leukemia.

8 Oct 2020

Researchers demonstrate mysterious molecular concept for targeted drug delivery

Researchers have demonstrated a type of cellular binding that could lead to highly targeted treatments against diseases like cancer.