Flipping a protein switch could help hearts heal after an attack

The human body is good at replenishing cells to repair damage, but one vital organ lacks this ability – the heart. But now, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered a suite of proteins in mice that could be swit… Continue reading Flipping a protein switch could help hearts heal after an attack

Novel antibody treatment proposed for obsessive compulsive disorder

A new study has described the accidental discovery of a novel protein that may be associated with the anxiety and stress behaviors seen in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Blocking the expression of this protein in mice reduced anxious behaviors, o… Continue reading Novel antibody treatment proposed for obsessive compulsive disorder

3D imaging reveals inner workings of an “off-switch” for cancer

One of the ways the human body can fight off cancer cells is through enzymes known as protein phosphatases, which act as a brake to slow cancer growth. Molecules can be used to ramp up the activity of these enzymes, and through advanced imaging techniq… Continue reading 3D imaging reveals inner workings of an “off-switch” for cancer

Engineered proteins calm “cytokine storms” caused by severe infections

When it’s working properly, the immune system is a powerful ally to keep us healthy – but when it turns against us, the results can be devastating. A “cytokine storm” is a dangerous kind of immune overreaction that can be triggered by infection or othe… Continue reading Engineered proteins calm “cytokine storms” caused by severe infections

Discovery links glucose metabolism abnormalities to Alzheimer’s disease

An early biomarker of Alzheimer's may be changes to glucose metabolism protein patterns

A new study, funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, is offering novel insights into how protein expressions can be altered during the course of Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests proteins regulating glucose metabolism and the anti-inflammatory activity of brain immune cells are linked with Alzheimer’s pathology, and could point researchers toward new treatment and diagnostics.

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Alzheimer’s trial supports high amyloid levels as early sign of disease

An ongoing long-term trial suggests high levels of amyloid proteins in the brain do serve as an early sign of Alzheimer's disease before cognitive decline becomes apparent

A new study presenting the first data from a long-running US government trial is suggesting high levels of amyloid proteins in the brains of cognitively normal older adults can be an effective presymptomatic sign of early stage Alzheimer’s disease.

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Ancient tooth proteins reveal our relation to mysterious human species

It’s hard to piece together the full history of human evolution from piles of old bones. But now, scientists have made use of a new method to study proteins in dental enamel of an 800,000-year-old human species, helping place it in the family tree.Cont… Continue reading Ancient tooth proteins reveal our relation to mysterious human species

Solving a molecular mystery may have opened new class of cancer drugs

Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have solved a molecular mystery that might lead to new treatments for cancer. The team has uncovered just how a strange molecule works to kill cancer by inducing a little-known type of cell death, a… Continue reading Solving a molecular mystery may have opened new class of cancer drugs

Behind The Scenes Of Folding@Home: How Do You Fight a Virus with Distributed Computing?

A great big Thank You to everyone who answered the call to participate in Folding@Home, helping to understand proteins interactions of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Some members of the FAH research team hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit to provide us with behind-the-scenes details. Unsurprisingly, the …read more

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