Biology and biotechnology – Page 5
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ResearchArtificially expanded genetic alphabet evolves enzymes for the first time
Libraries of short DNA sequences incorporating synthetic nucleotides perform better as enzymes than ordinary DNA
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ResearchDiverse pharmaceutical building blocks prepared with evolved enzymes
Computation guides enzyme evolution to produce high-value drug compounds
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ResearchNMR spectroscopy used to guide evolution of better enzymes
Identifying mutagenic ‘hotspots’ could speed development of new proteins
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ResearchYeast engineered to ferment sugars into chemotherapy drug precursors
Semisynthesis offers new route to anticancer drug vinblastine
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ResearchFox urine compound as good as catnip for some felines
Dihydroactinidiolide is the first example of a compound excreted by a mammal that can elicit a catnip response
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ResearchCrispr editing of certain genes could trigger cell death
Researchers identify more than 3000 spots in the human genome where gene editing could cause toxic side effects and genomic instability
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ResearchArtificially evolved enzyme tackles tricky cross coupling
Directed evolution on the metalloenzyme cytochrome P450 creates a catalyst for making macrocyclic antibiotics
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ResearchRedox flow batteries charge up with peptide-based electrolytes
Study shows how electrolytes could be degraded using acid and heat
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ResearchRotting fish experiments reveal how organs fossilise
Most fossils are bones, but individual organs’ biochemistry determines whether they are preserved in rock
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ResearchTeixobactin’s two pronged antibiotic attack mechanism revealed
Understanding of formation of deadly supramolecular structures could help build improved antimicrobials
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ResearchTheories on origin of enzymes’ catalytic power united
Transition state stabilisation and ground state destabilisation both reduce the energy barrier by enhancing charge density but vary in their timing
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ResearchMystery of how plants make strychnine solved 75 years after characterisation
Three-quarters of a century after Robinson and Woodward cracked structure chemists unravel poison’s biosynthesis
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ResearchRenewable rocket fuel made by genetically engineered soil bacteria
Bioengineered bacteria synthesise extremely energy dense cyclopropane chains
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ResearchThe odour of amity: how you smell can predict friendships
Strangers who smell alike tend to form an instant connection with each other on first meeting
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ResearchEncapsulated bacteria show promise as injectable living drugs factories to treat diseases
Engineered E. coli produce insulin and vaccines in vivo
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ResearchLight-activated cancer treatment uses tumour-targeting enzymes to cut side effects
Enzymatic activation of a photosensitive prodrug in cancerous cells shows promise in mice
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ResearchFossil molecules reveal dinosaurs’ bird-like metabolism
Thioethers preserved in bones show that most dinosaurs were warm-blooded, though T rex may have been particularly sluggish
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ResearchBreaking bacteria’s genetic silence to synthesise antibiotics that evade resistance
Prospecting in bacterial genomes offers hope in search for new antimicrobial drugs
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ResearchGene therapy showcases technique to extend life in mice
Lab mice lived significantly longer after receiving one of two genes, delivered using a mouse herpes virus
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ResearchCancer progression and harmful bacteria tracked with next-generation sequencing
Proof-of-principle study keeps an eye on leukaemia mutations and bacterial strains in patients