Biochemistry

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Research reveals a gene responsible for anthraquinone synthesis in plants

Anthraquinones are a class of naturally occurring compounds prized for their medicinal properties, as well as for other applications, including ecologically friendly dyes. Despite wide interest, the mechanism by which plants produce them has remained shrouded in mystery until now.

25 Nov 2020

Hormone that suppresses food intake could help tackle obesity

A hormone that can suppress food intake and increase the feeling of fullness in mice has shown similar results in humans and non-human primates, says a new study published today in eLife.

25 Nov 2020

Novel targeted therapy blocks critical metabolic pathways in cancer cells

Scientists have designed a new targeted therapy, known as POMHEX, which inhibits vital metabolic pathways in tumor cells containing specific genetic defects.

24 Nov 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

Researchers prepare biocompatible protocells to pump up blood vessels

An international team comprising researchers from the University of Bristol, and Hunan and Central South Universities in China, have prepared biocompatible protocells.

23 Nov 2020

Chemists identify effective inhibitors to block the uptake of SARS-CoV-2

The cell membrane is impermeable to viruses: to get inside and infect a cell, they use a range of strategies to exploit the cellular and biochemical properties of the membranes.

23 Nov 2020

A non-physical method for generating random building blocks

True random numbers are required in fields as diverse as slot machines and data encryption. These numbers need to be truly random, such that they cannot even be predicted by people with detailed knowledge of the method used to generate them.

23 Nov 2020

Seaweed-shaped mats can remove toxic metal ions from drinking water

A group of scientists from Osaka University has created seaweed-shaped mats made of nanofibers for use in water filters. These mats can help eliminate toxic metal ions.

From Osaka University 20 Nov 2020

New coating material for semiconductors may create opportunities to produce green fuels

Hydrogen gas and methanol for fuel cells or as raw materials for the chemicals industry, for example, could be produced more sustainably using sunlight, a new Uppsala University study shows.

20 Nov 2020

Scientists elucidate the structure of ABC transporter protein

A high concentration of salt or sugar in the environment will dehydrate microorganisms and stop them from growing.

19 Nov 2020

Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease looks different at every dementia stage

Research into Alzheimer's disease has long focused on understanding the role of two key proteins, beta amyloid and the tau protein. Found in tangles in patients' brain tissue, a pathological form of the tau protein contributes to propagating the disease in the brain.

19 Nov 2020

New project receives $1.12 million to clean agricultural drainage water

The Natural Resources Conservation Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has awarded $1.12 million to support the University of Illinois-led research to clean agricultural drainage water through saturated buffers and denitrifying bioreactors.

19 Nov 2020

Novel DNA-based nanogel for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics

Current chemotherapy regimens slow cancer progression and save lives, but these powerful drugs affect both healthy and cancerous cells.

19 Nov 2020

High-protein total diet replacements may be a promising strategy to combat obesity

According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. In 2016, for example, more than 1.9 billion adults were categorized as overweight. Of these, more than 650 million had obesity.

19 Nov 2020

Study reveals metabolic signaling pathways that influence key immune cells

Effector regulatory T cells, also known as eTreg cells, are a specialized subset of white blood cells that maintain the immune system.

18 Nov 2020

Clostridium bacteria can help convert waste gas into valuable compounds

Several branches of industry discharge waste gases that contain mostly carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

17 Nov 2020

Several hepatitis C drugs can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Scientists have determined that drugs meant for treating hepatitis C can block SARS-CoV-2 main protease, which allows reproduction in the novel coronavirus.

17 Nov 2020

Salk’s HPI receives $30 million from Bezos Earth Fund to fight climate change

Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative will receive $30 million from the Bezos Earth Fund to advance efforts to increase the ability of crop plants, such as corn and soybeans, to capture and store atmospheric carbon via their roots in the soil.

17 Nov 2020

New removable coating cleans desalination membranes

A removable coating that can be used to clean desalination membranes has been developed by KAUST researchers. The nontoxic coating could provide a safer and more efficient alternative to harmful chemicals used to clean reverse osmosis systems for seawater desalination.

17 Nov 2020

Biochar holds promise for removing contaminants from wastewater

Biochar -- a charcoal-like substance made primarily from agricultural waste products -- holds promise for removing emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals from treated wastewater.

17 Nov 2020