Biochemistry – Page 3
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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
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NewsmRNA vaccine pioneers win medicine Nobel prize
Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman honoured for breakthroughs that enable the rapid development of new vaccines, including several of those used against Covid-19
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FeatureUsing DNA evidence to picture suspects
Forensic DNA phenotyping predicts people’s appearance and reveals their ancestry, finds Andy Extance, but has some significant challenges to overcome
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ResearchBiochemistry behind CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects points to new ways to treat inflammation
Cell studies unravel mechanism of action but human studies are needed
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ResearchLife’s energy currency ATP made using electricity from the grid for the first time
Simplified system uses just four enzymes with socket-supplied electrons replacing biochemical energy
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FeatureThe drug developers fighting the antibiotic resistance problem
Andy Extance talks to the researchers innovating across different drug classes in the hunt to develop new treatments
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FeatureWho will pay for new antibiotics?
Governments around the world are starting to consider alternative funding models and incentives for antibiotics. Katrina Megget asks if it is enough
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FeatureCharting the rise in antimicrobial resistance
We look at the data behind antibiotic drug discovery and development, bacterial resistance and the financial problems with the current business model
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FeatureThe science behind a ‘runner’s high’
Exercise addicts need to stop talking about getting their endorphin hit, writes Hayley Bennett, and start looking at endocannabinoids