Protein News and Research

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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.

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2 shows no signs of greater danger

The Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from more than 90 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in over 40 countries dedicated to advancing research, collaboration, and pandemic preparedness, is monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2, sometimes informally referred to in media reports as the "cicada" variant, and emphasizes that current evidence does not indicate cause for alarm or heightened public concern.

3 Apr 2026

Study reveals how bacterial collagenase efficiently breaks down collagen

Collagen is an important protein that helps build the tissues of humans and animals. It is very strong because it is made of three protein strands twisted tightly together like a rope. Because of this sturdy structure, ordinary protein-cutting enzymes usually cannot break it down.

3 Apr 2026

Researchers uncover a chain of molecular events behind early brain changes in Alzheimer's

For the millions of people who carry the gene APOE4, the strongest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, their brain activity may begin changing long before any memory problems appear.

3 Apr 2026

Nanotube membrane injector enables precise transfer of cytoplasmic contents between cells

Cells are not isolated units; they continuously exchange proteins, genetic material, and even entire organelles with their neighbors.

3 Apr 2026

Pediatric experts say plain yogurt is safe from 6 months and belongs in a baby’s diet

An expert panel review says plain, whole yogurt with no added sugar or sweeteners can be introduced from 6 months as part of complementary feeding, provided it does not replace breast milk or infant formula as the main source of nutrition. It also explains that yogurt provides live microorganisms and key nutrients, is generally well tolerated, and helps address common myths about inflammation, mucus, acne, sugar, and safety.

2 Apr 2026

Stard7 plays unexpected role in intestinal cancer development

A new study led by researchers at the University of Liège highlights the unexpected role of Stard7 in the development of intestinal cancers.

2 Apr 2026

Tumor microenvironment drives resistance to ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer

Tumors driven by cancer-driving KRAS mutations are often susceptible to ferroptosis, a type of cell death that can be harnessed for cancer therapy.

2 Apr 2026

Machine learning uncovers thousands of unknown bacterial immune defense systems

Bacterial immune systems protect against viral invaders called phages by precisely targeting specific phage genetic sequences.

2 Apr 2026

New drying technique stabilizes vital vaccines at room temperature

A significant challenge in global healthcare and biotechnology is the "cold chain"-the network of refrigerated storage and transport required to keep protein-based drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests from degrading.

2 Apr 2026

Researchers discover new virulence regulator of diarrheal pathogen

Pathogenic bacteria often delay the activation of their virulence program until they are inside the host. Researchers have identified a new mechanism that controls this process.

2 Apr 2026

American Heart Association's 9 diet rules to lower heart disease risk

The AHA's dietary guidance emphasizes food choices over fad diets to reduce heart disease risk and improve cardiovascular health across all life stages.

2 Apr 2026

New method improves reliability of protein language model predictions

AI language models, used to generate human-like text to power chatbots and create content, are also revolutionizing biology by treating complex biological data like a language.

1 Apr 2026

NIH funds AI project to advance Alzheimer’s research and treatment

The National Institutes of Health has renewed support for Artificial Intelligence for Alzheimer's Disease, or AI4AD. The new $12.6 million award to advance the project's next phase, AI4AD2, brings its total investment in AI4AD to $30.7 million.

1 Apr 2026

New brain circuit discovery offers hope for chronic pain treatment

A new map of a brain circuit specific to chronic pain suggests a promising route to treatment for the roughly 60 million Americans living with persistent pain, according to a study published in Nature.

1 Apr 2026

Vitamin D levels in midlife tied to lower dementia risk marker

Having higher levels of vitamin D in the blood in middle age is associated with lower levels of tau protein in the brain, which is a sign of dementia, years later, according to a study published April 1, 2026, in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

1 Apr 2026

Small molecule may block protein buildup in neurodegenerative diseases

A team of researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi and the University of Denver have identified a promising small molecule that could help slow or halt the progression of serious brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease, offering new hope for treatments that go beyond managing symptoms.

1 Apr 2026

Molecular switch in neurons found to limit the regrowth of damaged axonal fibers

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a molecular switch in neurons that limits the regrowth of damaged axonal fibers.

1 Apr 2026

Early treatment helps patient recover from rare kidney disorder

When Bradley Lawrence gained 25 pounds in two weeks and started experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, he quickly sought care at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn.

31 Mar 2026

How could bisphenol A raise depression risk? Study identifies six key molecular targets

An integrative Translational Psychiatry study linked BPA exposure to major depressive disorder by identifying 571 shared targets and six core genes, with genetic, transcriptomic, docking, and mouse-model data supporting plausible mechanistic pathways. The strongest signals pointed to AKT1, SRC, PLCG2, and JAK3 as potential contributors, while EGFR appeared protective.

31 Mar 2026

How vitamin D in the first 1,000 days may shape lifelong health

This narrative review argues that vitamin D is clearly important for skeletal health during the first 1,000 days of life and may also shape immune, metabolic, and selected neurodevelopmental pathways during early development. However, the authors stress that human evidence for most non-skeletal outcomes remains heterogeneous, with benefits appearing most consistent in populations with baseline deficiency.

31 Mar 2026