Biochemistry – Page 2
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FeatureThe proteins that drive drug addiction
Jamie Durrani speaks to researchers exploring how epigenetic changes in the brain affect drug-seeking behaviours
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ResearchNew mechanism identified that is potentially linked to very early stages of Alzheimer’s
Understanding role of fragments of amyloid protein could lead to novel therapies for the disease
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ResearchMicroscopy structures reveal mechanism behind bitter taste
Cryo-EM images provide a detailed picture of bitter taste receptors
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FeatureHow microbes influence our brain health
Our gut microbiome has been linked to conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Anthony King reports on the connections
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ResearchDeep learning algorithm predicts structures of biomolecular assemblies
RoseTTAFold extended to predict structures of proteins bound to small molecules
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ResearchEnzyme engineering makes blue denim greener
Environmentally friendlier alternative to indigo dye can now be made at a competitive price
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FeatureSmall molecules that switch up cell development could transform medicine
Turning mature somatic cells back into flexible stem cells using small molecules could revolutionise medicine, especially for regeneration and cancer. Philip Ball reports
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FeatureThe chemistry of love
There’s chemistry behind every step of a romantic relationship, from the initial spark to the pain of break up, as Zahra Khan discovers
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FeatureMore than a mirror-image: left-handed nucleic acids
Now a biological reality, researchers are starting to figure out the many roles of left-handed nucleic acids such as Z-DNA – from immunity to controlling our genetics. Rachel Brazil reports
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ResearchHeavy metals are potential ovarian toxicants
Exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium and mercury linked to reduced egg production, earlier menopause for middle-aged women
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ResearchD-trypsin synthesis enables sequencing of mirror-image proteins
Reversing the chirality of a protein-digesting enzyme could aid the development of mirror-image therapeutics
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ResearchAutonomous platform engineers enhanced proteins
AI-powered robotic system designs and optimises proteins following its own ‘scientific method’
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ResearchMolecular movie captures DNA repair from start to finish
Study spans pico- to microsecond timescales to uncover enzymatic process
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ResearchUnderwater device reveals marine chemical diversity
I-Smel device probes metabolites produced by Mediterranean sponges
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ResearchPainting with DNA
Fluorescently labeled DNA strands produce a palette of 16 million colours
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ResearchControlling insulin activity in cells with ‘DNA origami’
Insulin–DNA nanorods elicit geometry-dependent insulin activity, which could lead to more targeted treatments for diabetes
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FeatureBattling long Covid with drugs
The challenge of finding drugs for a poorly understood disease with many symptoms is clear. Clare Sansom looks at the work going on to help the people suffering in its shadow
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OpinionMoving beyond protein structure
Efforts to understand how intrinsically disordered regions interact have produced a variety of answers
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ResearchMutation studies reveal how Antarctic octopus arms itself with cool enzyme
Understanding cold-tolerant enzyme could help with transplant organ preservation