Protein News and Research

RSS

Proteins are complex molecules that are made up of amino acids. They can be found in every cell in the body, and carry out vital processes that keep human beings alive. Mutations in proteins can lead to a multitude of diseases, the most common being cancer.

Most baby foods are sweet, smooth, and poorly aligned with health advice, review finds

A new review of commercial baby foods in high-income countries reveals most products are high in sugars, low in texture diversity, and often fail to meet public health recommendations. Aggressive marketing and misleading labels further drive parental choices, despite official guidance favoring homemade options.

9 Jul 2025

Uncovering how a key inflammatory molecule causes esophageal smooth muscle contractions

A research group led by Dr. Keisuke Obara, Dr. Kento Yoshioka, and Professor Yoshio Tanaka from the Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, has uncovered important details about how platelet-activating factor (PAF)-a powerful molecule involved in inflammation and allergic reactions-triggers contractions in the smooth muscles of the esophagus.

9 Jul 2025

MIT develops implantable device to automatically release emergency glucagon

For people with Type 1 diabetes, developing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is an ever-present threat. When glucose levels become extremely low, it creates a life-threatening situation for which the standard treatment of care is injecting a hormone called glucagon.

9 Jul 2025

Innovative genome editing approach could be the key to lifelong effective weight management

Weight-loss drugs have surged in popularity, promising rapid results with regular injections. Now, researchers from Japan report a way for the body to make its own weight-loss drugs, doing away with injections in favor of a one-time treatment.

9 Jul 2025

Mapping vulnerability or resilience in Alzheimer's through imaging and genetics

It's been recognized for some time that Alzheimer's disease affects brain regions differently and that tau - a protein known to misbehave - plays an important role in the disease.

9 Jul 2025

Researchers develop blood test panel for early Alzheimer’s detection

Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, are developing a panel of biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and for distinguishing it from other types of dementia using blood tests.

9 Jul 2025

Research reveals Ghanaian children face high cancer risk from local fish

Researchers found that most fish sampled from Ghana’s Keta Lagoon had arsenic and mercury levels exceeding World Health Organization limits. Health risk assessments show these contaminants pose significant cancer and non-cancer risks, especially for children.

8 Jul 2025

New small molecule shows promise against cutaneous HPV infections

Human papillomaviruses, or HPVs, can cause dangerous infections in the skin and mucous membranes and may lead to cancer.

8 Jul 2025

Salivary enzyme levels rise with gene variation in diabetics

This research highlights the association between AMY1 gene copy number and salivary enzyme activity, with implications for glucose homeostasis in diabetes.

8 Jul 2025

Tiny nanobody shows big promise in fighting Nipah and Hendra viruses

Researchers have discovered a strategy to neutralize two highly lethal viruses for which there is currently no approved vaccine or cure.

8 Jul 2025

Scientists uncover hidden superfamily of lipid trapping proteins in bacteria

Scientists have identified a new type of protein in bacteria that could change our understanding of how these organisms interact with their environments.

8 Jul 2025

Landmark discovery reshapes understanding of key cancer protein MCL-1

Landmark research on MCL-1, a critical protein that is an attractive target for cancer drug development, helps explain why some promising cancer treatments are causing serious side effects, and offers a roadmap for designing safer, more targeted therapies.

8 Jul 2025

New gene editing approach targets mutation behind common genetic heart disease

Fourteen million people worldwide suffer from enlarged hearts, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disease that thickens the heart's walls, making it harder for the organ to pump blood - but many of them don't know it.

8 Jul 2025

New study finds UK mums-to-be miss out on key nutrients

A new British Nutrition Foundation review finds that most UK women of reproductive age fall short of key nutrients before and during pregnancy, with teens and low-income groups most affected. The paper urges targeted, consistent guidance and greater support for healthy weight, supplementation, and plant-based diets.

7 Jul 2025

Smallest known protein-based enzyme HARP reveals dual role in tRNA processing

To build proteins, cells rely on a molecule called transfer RNA, or tRNA. tRNAs act like protein-building couriers, where they read the genetic instructions from messenger RNA, mRNA, and deliver the right amino acids to ribosomes, the cell's protein-making factories.

7 Jul 2025

Astrocytes influence metabolism and cognitive function in obesity

Fatty diets and obesity affect the structure and function of astrocytes, the star-shaped brain cells located in the striatum, a brain region involved in the perception of pleasure generated by food consumption.

7 Jul 2025

New AI-informed method accelerates protein engineering

A team of Chinese researchers led by Prof. GAO Caixia from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a groundbreaking method that could transform the field of protein engineering.

7 Jul 2025

Synthetic Biology and the Pursuit of Living Diagnostics and Therapeutics

In this interview, Professor James J. Collins, founder of the field of Synthetic Biology, discusses his journey to founding the field of synthetic biology and the potential of living diagnostics.

From Pittcon 7 Jul 2025

ADA2 regulates inflammation through lysosomal and extracellular mechanisms

Adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) plays a critical role in immune regulation, particularly in monocyte differentiation and activation.

7 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025