Crystallography News and Research

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Research reveals existence of a hidden ''pocket’ on the surface of key SARS-CoV-2 protein

With the continuous emergence of new variants and the risk of new strains of the virus, the development of innovative therapies against SARS-CoV-2 remains a major public health challenge.

23 Nov 2022

New method helps gain fundamental insights into ribosome function

Inside tiny cellular machines called ribosomes, chains of genetic material called messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are matched with the corresponding transfer RNAs (tRNAs) to create sequences of amino acids that exit the ribosome as proteins.

1 Nov 2022

Study shows the potential of experimental monoclonal antibodies to treat Epstein-Barr virus infection

A panel of investigational monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting different sites of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) blocked infection when tested in human cells in a laboratory setting.

27 Oct 2022

Discovery provides better understanding of retinal protein's structure and function

Scientists have discovered a mechanism by which an area of a protein shape-shifts to convert vitamin A into a form usable by the eye's light-sensing photoreceptor cells.

26 Oct 2022

Discovery of small molecule enzyme inhibitor could be the key to treating cancers, autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found a small molecule capable of manipulating an immune process that plays an important role in cancers and autoimmune diseases.

25 Oct 2022

Unc5-GPC3 complex modulates the migration of neurons and brain-derived cancer cells

During brain development, neurons have to migrate long distances through complex environments until they reach their final destination.

18 Oct 2022

Research sheds light on specific protein interaction that could provide new treatment strategy to combat Cholera

Bacterial infectious diseases are still a huge contributor to global disease burden and with antibiotic resistance on the rise worldwide there is an urgent need for novel treatment strategies against bacteria.

14 Oct 2022

Antibody escape mutations of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.75

A new study discusses how immune escape mutations allow a recent SARS-CoV-2 variant to evade neutralizing antibodies and cause breakthrough infections.

4 Oct 2022

New compound triggers the same anti-depressant action as rapidly acting psychedelic drugs

While illegal for recreational use, psychedelic drugs are showing great promise as treatments for severe depression and anxiety, as well as alcohol addiction and other conditions.

28 Sep 2022

Lab experiments add further evidence to the bradykinin storm theory of COVID-19’s viral pathogenesis

A new paper published in Nature Communications adds further evidence to the bradykinin storm theory of COVID-19's viral pathogenesis - a theory that was posited two years ago by a team of researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

16 Sep 2022

Scientists unravel the molecular origin of rare genetic disease cystinosis

The rare genetic disease cystinosis is caused by mutations in the gene for a protein called cystinosin. A team of scientists has now solved the structure of cystinosin and determined how mutations interfere with its normal function, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms and suggesting a way to develop new treatments for the disease.

15 Sep 2022

Discovery of antibodies that may eliminate the need for COVID vaccines

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11 Sep 2022

Discovery of bacteria-killing toxin could pave the way for new generation of antibiotics

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a previously unknown bacteria-killing toxin that could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics.

6 Sep 2022

'Rippled beta sheet' protein structure created and characterized using x-ray crystallography

An unusual protein structure known as a "rippled beta sheet," first predicted in 1953, has now been created in the laboratory and characterized in detail using x-ray crystallography.

2 Sep 2022

Evolution can favor flexible proteins, research suggests

When you think of proteins – the enzymes, signaling molecules, and structural components in every living thing – you might think of single strands of amino acids, organized like beads on a string.

26 Aug 2022

COVID-19 pandemic: An epidemiological update

Epidemics and pandemics have been frightening the human chase again and again. SARS, H1N1, Ebola, and more have exposed their real face in the past, but with every such outbreak.

25 Aug 2022

Researchers delve deeper into the structure of protein receptor crucial for cardiovascular health

5 Aug 2022

Researchers identify mechanistic principles for engineering antibodies to enhance cadherin adhesion

Future treatments for advanced cancer could work by sticking cancer cells in place and preventing their spread around the body. A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and the University of Washington shows how an antibody strengthens bonds between cells. The work is published Aug. 3 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

5 Aug 2022

$Synchrotron X-ray diffraction can aid in the diagnosis of invisible traumatic brain injuries$

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction can aid in the diagnosis of invisible traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually diagnosed with MRI and computed tomography scans, but these techniques often miss more mild damage.

31 Jul 2022

Researchers report near-atomic-resolution images of nitrogenase during catalysis using cryo-EM

Previously, it has been impossible to capture the high-resolution images of nitrogenase, the only enzyme capable of reducing nitrogen into ammonia, during catalytic action.

29 Jul 2022