First synthetic protein motor creates its own fuel as it ‘mows’

The body uses protein-based molecular motors to perform functions essential to life. Now, researchers have created ‘The Lawnmower,’ the first synthetic motor modeled on those found in nature that propels itself by harnessing the energy it creates as it… Continue reading First synthetic protein motor creates its own fuel as it ‘mows’

New molecule triggers burst of white blood cells to fight infections

White blood cells are important foot soldiers in the immune system, but their numbers can be cut by health conditions or treatments like chemotherapy. Yale scientists have now discovered a molecule that can be given to quickly boost their numbers back … Continue reading New molecule triggers burst of white blood cells to fight infections

“Molecular jackhammers” kill cancer by busting through cell walls

Scientists have demonstrated an intriguing new technique to treat cancer – “molecular jackhammers” that latch onto cancer cells, then vibrate vigorously to kill them when activated by infrared light.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: Cance… Continue reading “Molecular jackhammers” kill cancer by busting through cell walls

Activating certain brain cells slows aging and boosts lifespan in mice

Slowing down the dreaded aging process is something that everybody’s interested in, and now scientists have uncovered a new pathway to doing so. The team identified a feedback loop in the brain, and found that ramping up its activity helped mice live l… Continue reading Activating certain brain cells slows aging and boosts lifespan in mice

Synthetic biology breakthrough fixes CO2 from the air better than nature

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have developed a synthetic pathway that can capture CO2 from the air more efficiently than in nature, and shown how to implement it into living bacteria. The technique could help make biofuels and other products i… Continue reading Synthetic biology breakthrough fixes CO2 from the air better than nature

New antibiotic family kills superbugs in a way they can’t resist

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are poised to become a global health concern in the coming decades. In the race to develop new weapons, scientists from Texas A&M have created a novel family of antibacterial polymers that can kill ‘superbugs’ in a way the… Continue reading New antibiotic family kills superbugs in a way they can’t resist

“Swiss army knife” of life and energy buffet found on Saturnian moon

The most promising places to look for life beyond Earth might not be Mars but icy moons orbiting gas giants. Saturn’s moon Enceladus has just climbed the list, as NASA data reveals it’s home to a molecule thought to be key to the origin of life, and su… Continue reading “Swiss army knife” of life and energy buffet found on Saturnian moon

Medical nanobots could communicate by releasing molecules into bloodstream

Implants and tiny machines could eventually be working inside our bodies to help treat disease or monitor activity, but letting them communicate is tricky. Now scientists at EPFL have developed a system whereby devices can communicate by releasing mole… Continue reading Medical nanobots could communicate by releasing molecules into bloodstream

New compound knocks out 4 types of pain with no side effects in study

After screening 27 million compounds, researchers have found a small-molecule drug that performed as well as a common painkiller with no side effects in rodent tests. The hope is that the finding could lead to better pain management for humans.Continue… Continue reading New compound knocks out 4 types of pain with no side effects in study

I-SMEL device definitely doesn’t stink at collecting marine molecules

You can tell a lot about what’s going on in undersea environments simply by seeing which compounds are being released into the water by marine organisms. An experimental new device could soon make that process quicker and easier than ever before.Contin… Continue reading I-SMEL device definitely doesn’t stink at collecting marine molecules