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Study suggests algorithm may help optimize future COVID-19 vaccine design

Scientists predict the COVID-19 pandemic is on its way to becoming endemic. The rising spread of COVID-19 variants such as Delta has helped infect unvaccinated and some vaccinated individuals. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best way to protect against severe illness and death, but there may be a need for vaccines to protect against a specific variant.

23 Aug 2021

How do glycans affect SARS-CoV-2 spike protein openings?

In a paper recently uploaded to the bioRxiv* preprint server, the role of glycan coating on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is further investigated by molecular dynamics simulations of the glycosylated and non-glycosylated protein, identifying several key glycans that play a role in stabilizing and protecting the RBD, and also encourage bonding with the ACE2 receptor.

18 Aug 2021

Protein implicated in tumor growth may protect against neurodegenerative diseases

Cells translate their genetic material at rapid rates with exquisite precision to reproduce, repair damage or even combat disease.

17 Aug 2021

Making the nanobody big again for Cryo-EM

Researchers describe the method that allows high-resolution structure determination of small proteins by single-particle cryo-EM using a Legobody.

17 Aug 2021

How delta and kappa variants of SARS-CoV-2 evade the immune system

A new study, available on the bioRxiv* preprint server, describes the neutralizing ability of the monoclonal antibodies against the variants and the difference of the ACE2 binding affinity found in the variants.

17 Aug 2021

New system combines computer software and cryo-EM to determine 3D structures of RNA-only molecules

The single-stranded genetic material RNA is best known for guiding the assembly of proteins in our cells and carrying the genetic code for viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and HIV.

16 Aug 2021

Optical nanoscopy reveals how SARS-CoV-2 infection alters human airway cells

How do viruses reorganize host cells with spatial and molecular specificity? Researchers from the Netherlands provided new insights in a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, where they use optical nanoscopy to look at severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-triggered changes in primary human airway cells.

12 Aug 2021

Scientists develop new approach to identify proteins in the living brain

For the first time, researchers have developed a successful approach for identifying proteins inside different types of neurons in the brain of a living animal.

11 Aug 2021

Novel imaging method shines new light on complex coordination molecules

Coordination compounds have molecular structures which consist of either one or multiple metal atoms at the center, surrounded by non-metal atoms.

10 Aug 2021

Cardioprotective role of HIF1α in COVID-19 patients

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which first emerged in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019, has quickly become the most urgent issue facing scientists worldwide. It has been reported that the respiratory infection causes cardiac dysfunction in 25-55% patients, including hospitalized patients and non-critical patients.

10 Aug 2021

A multi-scale cryo-correlative platform to image SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells

A new study describes the cytopathic episodes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 with virus replication processes in frozen-hydrated cells.

9 Aug 2021

New study describes SARS-CoV-2 ExoN enzyme that promotes antiviral resistance

A new study describes the structure of a crucial enzyme present in SARS-CoV-2.

8 Aug 2021

Two monoclonal antibodies broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Researchers in the United States and Canada have described the structural basis and mode of action for two monoclonal antibodies that potently neutralize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

4 Aug 2021

Study offers molecular views on how olfactory receptors work

All senses must reckon with the richness of the world, but nothing matches the challenge faced by the olfactory system that underlies our sense of smell.

4 Aug 2021

New understanding of the brain’s relay station could change medical treatment for brain disorders

New research shows cells gather more data than once believed inside the thalamus, a relay station of sensory and motor abilities in the brain. That could change how medicine treats schizophrenia, epilepsy and other brain disorders.

30 Jul 2021

Researchers develop two complementary bladder models to study UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections. They usually require treatment with antibiotics, and almost a quarter of treated cases lead to recurrent infection.

30 Jul 2021

Large nanodiscs simulate viral entry into host cells

In a paper recently uploaded to the journal Frontiers in Biotechnology by Padmanabha Das et al. (June 12th, 2020), a method of producing significantly larger homogenous nanodiscs up to 90 nm in diameter is described, and the advantages and applications of such nanodiscs are explored: better replicating the actual curvature and membrane symmetry of a real cell membrane, and allowing much larger or multiple membrane proteins to be loaded simultaneously.

30 Jul 2021

Mass spectrometry used to develop N-glycosylation profiles for SARS-CoV-2 D614G

A new study has characterized and compared the N-glycosylation of the wild type (S-614D) and variant (S-614G) of SARS-CoV-2 S glycoproteins using MS techniques.

28 Jul 2021

Study shows inhalable nanocatchers can protect lung cells against SARS-CoV-2

Inhalable nanocatchers that contain hACE2 have been recently developed by a group of researchers, providing a plethora of potential benefits in comparison to existing treatments against COVID-19.

27 Jul 2021

Study reveals the implication of lysosomes in the spread of Parkinson’s disease

Over the last few decades, neurodegenerative diseases became one of the top 10 global causes of death. Researchers worldwide are making a strong effort to understand neurodegenerative diseases pathogenesis, which is essential to develop efficient treatments against these incurable diseases.

23 Jul 2021