Biochemistry News and Research

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New genomic method helps obtain high-resolution maps of DNA in the cell nucleus

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a new sequencing method that makes it possible to map how DNA is spatially organised in the cell nucleus - revealing which genomic regions are at higher risk of mutation and DNA damage.

26 May 2020

Researchers recombine entire chromosomes with CRISPR/Cas technology

The CRISPR/Cas molecular scissors work like a fine surgical instrument and can be used to modify genetic information in plants.

25 May 2020

Understanding mechanism behind antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea sets stage for new treatments

Due to the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, existing treatments for gonorrhea, the sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium, are no longer effective. In the absence of a vaccine, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatment options.

22 May 2020

Virginia Tech researcher wins $661,216 grant to study Lyme arthritis

With a $661,216 grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Brandon Jutras, an assistant professor of biochemistry in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will study Lyme arthritis, including the cellular component that contributes to it.

22 May 2020

Researchers collaboratively evaluate mask effectiveness to prevent coronavirus pandemic

In the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, masks were in such short supply they were nearly impossible to find. As a result, people began creating substitute masks out of anything possible - scarves, repurposed old T-shirts, even vacuum bags.

21 May 2020

Doctoral candidate receives NIH fellowship to study how adenovirus affects heart function

A dose of adenovirus hits most people like a common cold - a cough, a fever, maybe a sore throat. But for an unfortunate few, the usually benign bug hacks the heart's cellular electrical communication system and sometimes proves fatal.

20 May 2020

Early life antibiotic exposure linked to increased risk of childhood obesity

Very young children exposed to antibiotics at an early age (from birth to 12 months) are associated with higher risks of childhood obesity and increased adiposity in early to mid-childhood.

19 May 2020

Researchers are developing a diagnostic test that predicts the advanced stages of COVID-19 patients

A research team from the University of Valencia, led by Professor Juan Saus from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is developing a project to provide the healthcare system with a diagnostic test that anticipates the entry into advanced stages of patients with COVID-19 and a scalable oral treatment for the disease.

19 May 2020

Cross-neutralization of SARS and COVID-19 coronaviruses by a monoclonal antibody

An antibody first identified in a blood sample from a patient who recovered from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003 inhibits related coronaviruses, including the cause of COVID-19.

18 May 2020

Interdisciplinary team to develop a new physics-based technology for COVID-19 detection

One of the most challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the lack of testing needed to detect and trace infections--and without adequate testing, government officials do not have the data they need to make the best possible decisions in the interest of public health.

15 May 2020

Antiviral agent accelerates virus clearance in cases of COVID-19

A team of researchers from have found an antiviral therapy that seems to be an effective treatment for patients with moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

15 May 2020

Researchers discover a combination punch to treat drug-resistant infections

McMaster University researchers have discovered a combination punch to treat drug-resistant infections that is showing promise based on testing in mice.

14 May 2020

Potential targets discovered for COVID-19 therapy

A team of biochemists and virologists at Goethe University and the Frankfurt University Hospital were able to observe how human cells change upon infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19 in people.

14 May 2020

Scientists to focus on personal and planetary health problems at inaugural Systems Chemistry Symposium

Nearly 1,000 international scientists from over 40 countries and six continents will gather for three days in cyberspace beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, for the inaugural Systems Chemistry Symposium, where they will explore molecular principles of living systems as models for discoveries designed to address human and planetary health challenges.

14 May 2020

Researchers identify CoV Mac1 proteins as a potential SARS-CoV-2 drug target

A recent study by researchers at the University of Kansas and published on the preprint server bioRxiv* reveals that Mac1 protein implicated in the infection process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a strikingly similar structure and activity in all coronaviruses – suggesting that possible future treatments targeting this protein may exert broad antiviral activity.

13 May 2020