Nickelback could have kickstarted life on Earth, says new study

One of the most profound mysteries facing science is how exactly life arose from non-living matter. Now, scientists have pinpointed a particular peptide that potentially kickstarted life – and it could all be nickelback’s fault.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Nickelback could have kickstarted life on Earth, says new study

Bottlebrush-shaped molecules carry drug combos to combat cancer

Scientists at MIT have developed bottlebrush-shaped molecules that can carry groups of different cancer drugs in just the right ratio. Tests in mice showed significantly improved outcomes compared to just giving the drugs loose.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Bottlebrush-shaped molecules carry drug combos to combat cancer

Synthetic “cellular glue” bonds tissues for better regenerative medicine

Researchers have created a synthetic “cellular glue” that can help cells bond together to different degrees. The technique could help speed up wound healing, even in tissues that don’t heal well naturally, and eventually allow scientists to build bette… Continue reading Synthetic “cellular glue” bonds tissues for better regenerative medicine

Self-assembling molecules suffocate cancer cells within hours

By deploying a newly-developed drug against a key energy source of cancer cells, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have developed a new way of eliminating them in mere hours. The technique relies on self-assembling molecules t… Continue reading Self-assembling molecules suffocate cancer cells within hours

First known RNA-targeting toxin launches “total assault” to kill bacteria

Scientists at McMaster University have identified a toxin used by bacteria to kill other bacteria through a never-before-seen mechanism. The toxin is the first found to directly target RNA molecules in what the team describes as “a total assault on the… Continue reading First known RNA-targeting toxin launches “total assault” to kill bacteria

Engineered yeast produces complex cancer drug, saving tons of flowers

A commonly used cancer drug called vinblastine is sourced from certain flowers, but unfortunately it takes literally tons of plant matter to make each gram of the drug. To find an alternative source, scientists have now engineered yeast to produce the … Continue reading Engineered yeast produces complex cancer drug, saving tons of flowers

A vicious cycle of DNA damage and repair could be turned against cancer

Researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) have discovered that a common lab molecule, used to label DNA, can trigger a runaway process that eventually leads to cell death. But the team says this could have a positive use too, as a potential… Continue reading A vicious cycle of DNA damage and repair could be turned against cancer

T-cell-refreshing molecule could be key to preventing immune exhaustion

The immune system is our first and most powerful line of defense, but during long-term battles the T cell foot-soldiers can become exhausted. Now, researchers have identified a specific molecule that helps certain T cells refresh themselves, which coul… Continue reading T-cell-refreshing molecule could be key to preventing immune exhaustion

New treatment for a root cause of asthma proves promising in mice tests

Asthma is an incredibly common disease that’s usually managed by treating the symptoms. But new research shows a potential way to target a root cause of the disease, with a molecule preventing structural changes in the airways of asthmatic mice and all… Continue reading New treatment for a root cause of asthma proves promising in mice tests

Newly discovered chemical reactions could explain the origin of life

Exactly how non-living molecules sparked into life is one of the most puzzling mysteries of science. Now scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a new set of chemical reactions that can produce the building blocks of life out of materials though… Continue reading Newly discovered chemical reactions could explain the origin of life