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Bio-inspired biomimetics can outperform natural coenzymes

Researchers have developed a range of synthetic biomimetic compounds to replace the relatively expensive natural NADH and NADPH coenzymes in enzymatic conversions of industrial relevance. They show that some of the compounds even outperform their natural counterparts.

Feb 1st, 2016

More efficient DNA technology for targeted disease detection and treatment

Researchers improved on existing technologies to create a modified single-stranded DNA molecule called aptamer. DNA aptamers are ideal for pharmaceutical applications because they can specifically bind to any molecular target in the body such as proteins, viruses, bacteria and cells.

Feb 1st, 2016

New material with built-in vitamin A may reduce scarring

Researchers have developed a new biodegradable material with built-in vitamin A, which has been shown to reduce scarring in blood vessels. This soft elastic material can be used to treat injured vessels or be used to make medical devices, such as stents and prosthetic vascular grafts, to give them intrinsic healing properties.

Jan 27th, 2016

Making liver tissue in the lab for transplants and drug screening

Engineered liver tissue could have a range of important uses, from transplants in patients suffering from the organ?s failure to pharmaceutical testing. Now scientists report the development of such a tissue, which closely mimics the liver's complicated microstructure and function more effectively than existing models.

Jan 27th, 2016

Hacking the programs of cancer stem cells

Scientists have discovered a molecule that interrupts biochemical signals essential for the survival of tumor cells called Wnt-addicted cancer stem cells. The discovery is the product of an approach known as 'rational drug design', targeting specific molecules based on a thorough understanding of the biology of a disease and the biochemical signals that support it.

Jan 26th, 2016

No more insulin injections?

Encapsulated pancreatic cells offer possible new diabetes treatment.

Jan 26th, 2016

Cell morphology shapes protein patterns

Precise control of the distribution of specific proteins is essential for many biological processes. Researchers have now described a new model for intracellular pattern formation. Here, the shape of the cell itself plays a major role.

Jan 21st, 2016

Researchers pinpoint place where cancer cells may begin

Scientists use fruit fly genetics to understand how things could go wrong in cancer.

Jan 21st, 2016

Biologists discovered a new facet of the mechanism of protein biosynthesis

Researchers have clarified how the living cell determine where protein synthesis should begin.

Jan 20th, 2016

Memory capacity of brain is 10 times more than previously thought

Scientists have achieved critical insight into the size of neural connections, putting the memory capacity of the brain far higher than common estimates. The new work also answers a longstanding question as to how the brain is so energy efficient and could help engineers build computers that are incredibly powerful but also conserve energy.