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What is Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing?

DNA sequencing works by using DNA polymerase to add nucleotides to a template. There are several technologies available for DNA sequencing. One such example is Single-Molecule Real-Time sequencing, or SMRT sequencing.

3 Sep 2019

What is Microbial Memory?

Complex organisms have the ability to remember, meaning that information about past experiences is memorized and can be recalled.

23 Aug 2019

Ebola-Neutralizing Antibodies

The Ebola virus causes severe and often lethal infections. While an efficient treatment has not yet been found, it has been observed that Ebola-infection survivors develop antibodies against the virus, from which antibody-therapies could be derived.

29 Aug 2019

Telomere Shortening, Aging, and Cancer

Telomeres are sections of DNA that form protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, a bit like the plastic coating found at the tips of shoelaces. Without these protective tips, DNA gets damaged over time and cells eventually fail to function properly.

1 Sep 2019

Measuring Cannabinoid Content in Seized Cannabis Samples

Researchers from the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Bern have developed a new method for the forensic analysis and quality control of cannabis products.

29 Aug 2019

The Immunological Effects of Cannabinoids

The therapeutic effects of cannabinoids have been well-documented, but the effect of cannabinoids on the immune system is still not explored to a great extent. In a recent study, the researchers investigate the potential effects of the cannabinoids on inflammation and the mechanisms behind it.

23 Aug 2019

Hemp Oil Extraction: A Comparison of Extraction Processes

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) seed oil is instrumental in the oil, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and fibers industries. Extraction of oil is varied, and the processes are limited in their efficiencies.

30 Aug 2019

Crystal Structure of the Human Cannabinoid Receptor CB2

Phytocannabinoids in the form of Cannabis plant is widely consumed by humans. Two of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 are the key targets of this endocannabinoid system.

30 Aug 2019

Collagen Degradation Pathways in Humans

Collagen is a major protein which is found in connective tissues and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Helical in structure, at least 27 types of collagen have been identified in the human body, with Types I-IV being the most prevalent.

30 Aug 2019

HIV Suppression Using Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Therapy

In this case study, adenovirus-mediated gene therapy was shown to stimulate the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies that suppressed HIV levels

26 Aug 2019

Metabolomic Profiling of Ricin

Ricin is one of the most toxic substances known to science with an LD50 between 3 and 30 µg/kg in humans.

20 Aug 2019

Spin Labels in Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectroscopy

In ESR, a spin label is added to the target site using cysteine substitution. The sulfhydryl group is then modified with a paramagnetic nitroxide reagent.

20 Aug 2019

2D NMR Spectroscopy: Fundamentals, Methods and Applications

2D NMR differs from 1D NMR by the acquisition stage being separated from the excitation stage. Each method of transfer of magnetization is described here.

20 Aug 2019

What is the Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor?

Formation of new blood vessels can be divided into two processes – vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.

13 Aug 2019

Detecting Cytokines using Intracellular Flow Cytometry

This article describes the validation of monesin in a 1993 study for use in intracellular flow cytometry for the detection of cytokines.

31 Jul 2019

Using Flow Cytometry to Test Platelet Function in Neonates

In this case study, scientists used flow cytometry as a means of determining platelet function in neonates.

26 Aug 2019

Does the Microbiome Interact with the Human Endocrine System?

Whilst the effect of the microbiome on the digestive system has been studied over the past decade, the understanding of its effect on the endocrine system is less well understood.

13 Aug 2019

Oxidative Stress, Glycogen Depletion and Lifespan

Glycogen has been linked to diverse processes, the most recent of which is its role in disease progression and ageing.

30 Aug 2019

Plasmonics in Biology and Nanomedicine

Plasma is one of the fundamental states of matter that is generated when a neutral gas is heated or subjected to a strong electromagnetic field, both of which can result in the breaking of bonds and the stripping of electrons from atomic nuclei.

30 Aug 2019

Lifestyle Profiling as a Forensic Analysis Technique

Lifestyle profiling represents a new method where the chemistries that are obtained from the personal objects of a person are used to build their lifestyle profile.

3 Sep 2019