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Prion strain diversity may be greater than previously thought

The first example of prion strains that replicate independently in vitro and in vivo suggests that strain diversity may be greater than previously thought, according to a study published October 18 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Jason Bartz of Creighton University, and colleagues.

19 Oct 2018

Newly discovered toxin stands out from others in the battle for microbial domination

A newly discovered toxin that some bacteria deploy to fend off competing bacteria stands out from others in the battle for microbial domination. While many deadly substances have been identified among bacteria, this previously unknown toxin behaves in a familiar way.

19 Oct 2018

Understanding of metal-free enzymes used by bacteria could lead to new effective antibiotics

Some bacterial pathogens, including those that cause strep throat and pneumonia, are able to create the components necessary to replicate their DNA without the usually required metal ions.

19 Oct 2018

UT Southwestern biochemist receives 2019 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for innate immunity discovery

UT Southwestern biochemist Dr. Zhijian "James" Chen today was named winner of the prestigious 2019 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his discovery of the cGAS enzyme that launches the body's immune defense against infections and cancers.

19 Oct 2018

Muscle mass plays a critical role in health, shows research

Adults go to the doctor roughly three times a year. During their visit, vitals are taken such as blood pressure, pulse, and weight, but are these measurements really showing the full picture of a person's overall health?

19 Oct 2018

Gene sequencing reveals crucial molecular aspects of Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness, evades the immune system by repeatedly altering the structure of its surface coat. Sequencing of its genome and studies of its 3D genome architecture have now revealed crucial molecular aspects of this strategy.

19 Oct 2018

Next-generation RNA sequencing technology sheds new light on human mitochondrial diseases

The ability to translate the genetic code into proteins is an essential step in all living organisms. A cornerstone of this molecular process is the ability of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to couple recognition of the genetic code with the cognate amino acid, which are the building blocks of proteins.

19 Oct 2018

People with more copies of AMY1 gene digest starchy carbohydrates faster

Found in saliva, the protein enzyme encoded by the AMY1 gene begins the digestive process by breaking down starch when you chew your food.

19 Oct 2018

Healthy candies for diabetic patients

The technology of making sweets has been worked out for more than months, experiments have led to the invention of exclusive flavors, which are not yet available on the confectionery market.

19 Oct 2018

Midazolam-mediated alterations of PER2 expression may have functional consequences during myocardial ischemia

Innovative cardioprotective strategies are of imminent demand. Nonfatal myocardial ischemia (MI) poses a significant risk to patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery and these non-cardiac surgeries account for around 8 million myocardial injuries per year

19 Oct 2018

A new approach identified to control Zika virus, dengue fever

Mosquitoes are the world's deadliest animals, killing thousands of people and causing millions of illnesses each year.

19 Oct 2018

Molding bacteria into unnatural shapes reveals the robustness of cell division

Researchers at OIST have shown that microbes can be molded into an array of unusual, elaborate shapes that are not seen in nature.

18 Oct 2018

Research points to new target for treating periodontitis

T cells help fight off infection, but they can go overboard. A new study led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the National Institutes of Health shows that a subset of T cells contributes to the problematic inflammation and bone loss that is associated with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.

17 Oct 2018