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Protein Folding

Protein folding is a process by which a polypeptide chain folds to become a biologically active protein in its native 3D structure. Protein structure is crucial to its function. Folded proteins are held together by various molecular interactions.

22 Feb 2017

The 1968 Nobel Prize in Medicine

The 1968 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded jointly to Marshall W. Nirenberg, Har Gobind Khorana, and Robert W. Holley. These scientists were recognized "for their interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis."

3 Feb 2017

RNA Codons and DNA Codons

The genetic code is made up of a total of 64 base triplets or codons. At least one codon encodes the information for each of the 20 amino acids used in the synthesis of proteins during translation. While one codon can code for only one amino acid, more than one codon can code for the same amino acid, which is described as the degeneracy of the code. The majority of amino acids are encoded for by more than one codon.

3 Feb 2017

Chromatography Media Selection

Chromatography is a technique that is used for separation of mixtures. The name combines the Greek word chroma, or “color,” with graphein, “to write.” The technique was invented in 1900 by Mikhail Tsvet, who used it “to write the colors” of plant pigments, like chlorophyll carotenes and xanthophylls. He did this by dissolving the plant mixtures in a fluid, or mobile phase, and allowing it to flow through a solid material called a stationary phase.

2 Feb 2017

Histone Modification

Histones are proteins that condense and package DNA neatly into chromosomes. Modifications to these proteins affect different processes in the cell such as the activation/inactivation of transcription, chromosome packaging, DNA damage and DNA repair.

2 Feb 2017

Ribosome Function in Cells

A ribosome is a cell organelle that makes proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) by linking amino acids together. This process is called translation. When the amino acid chain is complete, the ribosome releases it into the cellular cytoplasm to be folded into a functional protein.

2 Feb 2017

Epigenetics and Epigenomics

Epigenetics is the study of chemical reactions that influence gene expression, through activation or deactivation of genes at specific times and locations. These changes in gene expression do not involve a change in the DNA sequence, meaning there is a change in phenotype, without any change in genotype.

1 Feb 2017

Virus Purification Methods

Virus purification methods include ultracentrifugation, chromatography, precipitation, nanofiltration

23 Jan 2017

Combined PET-MR Principles, Strengths, and Weaknesses

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a unique clinical imaging tool with significant applications in biomedical research in small animals. PET/MRI systems for use in humans were first introduced in the year 2010.

9 Jan 2017

Combined SPECT-MR Principles, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is combined with MRI to form a hybrid technology used in preclinical applications mainly in tumor and neuroscience imaging. SPECT integrated with MRI enhances SPECT quantification

9 Jan 2017

Micro-MRI in Cancer Research

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generates images based on the nuclear magnetic behavior of atoms in a sample in a magnetic field. It is a non-invasive imaging tool that offers 3D tissue images without using radiation.

9 Jan 2017

Micro-PAT in Cancer Research

Micro-photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging technique for full-body imaging of small animals in preclinical research. As small animals are being increasingly used for biomedical studies, in vivo whole body imaging of these plays a key role in these studies.

9 Jan 2017

Using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for Liposome Size Analysis

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a technique that is used to measure the size of particles, generally particles that are in the sub-micron region. The technique is also referred to as photon correlation spectroscopy and quasi-elastic light scattering.

5 Jan 2017

Thermal Analysis of Pharmaceutical Materials

Thermal analytical techniques are invaluable methods for characterizing the properties and structure of pharmaceutical materials. These techniques analyze the change in a specific property of the analyte as a function of temperature.

5 Jan 2017

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive nuclear imaging technique which uses radioactive tracers. PET scans specifically look at the metabolism of a particular organ or tissue, and uses a tracer dependent on which organ or tissues are the focus of the scan.

5 Jan 2017

Non-protein Functions of Amino Acids

Proteins are generally considered macronutrients that are vital to sustaining life. These biomolecules are made of amino acids, which not only function as the building blocks of proteins, but in several other crucial physiological capacities.

4 Jan 2017

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a form of non-invasive nuclear imaging used in order to determine how organs inside the body work. The scan can be used to illustrate how, for example, the blood flows into the heart and chemical reactions that are happening in the body.

4 Jan 2017

Optical, Electron and Scanning Probe Microscopy

Microscopes are of three basic types: optical, electron (or ion), and scanning probe. The modern optical or light microscope was developed in the mid-19th century. Optical microscopes use transparent lenses and visible light to enable viewing of objects in the micrometer scale, e.g., red blood cells

4 Jan 2017

Micro-PET Principles, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging tool for molecular and functional imaging of biological processes. While functional imaging is used to monitor parameters such as perfusion and metabolic rate, molecular imaging is done to study and measure cellular events like gene expression and receptor binding.

4 Jan 2017

Micro-PAT Principles, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a sensitive and rapid imaging tool. PAT is a hybrid technique that involves acoustic detection of light absorption by endogenous chromophores like oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin or exogenous contrast agents like nanoparticles and organic dyes. It is an emerging tool that finds widespread applications in preclinical research.

3 Jan 2017