A novel, nature template-based computation design method has been proposed, and demonstrates the potential for design of peptides for chemical biology and medicinal chemistry.
Ascidians: Our Closest Invertebrate Relatives?
Recent knowledge about metamorphosis and adult organ formation of ascidians is reviewed, in order to elucidate the molecular similarities with those in vertebrates.
Polypeptides as Structural Materials via Chemoenzymatic Synthesis
Polypeptides have a rich variety of structures and functions. Their chemoenzymatic synthesis is reviewed by the Enzyme Research Team at RIKEN, Japan.
Turning a Material Upside Down can Make it Softer
New research points to the future development of “smart mechanical materials” for use in smart coatings and ferroelectric memories.
Serotonin Neuron Development: Shaping Molecular and Structural Identities
Serotonin neurons are highly plastic; their development, maturation and regeneration is controlled by a complex gene regulatory network in constant interaction with the environment. An overview article recently published in WIREs Developmental Biology offers an updated view of these fundamental developmental mechanisms, pointing to the many ways by which developmental dysfunction of serotonin systems might occur at different periods in life. This opens new possibilities for therapeutic intervention, which can range from prevention of risk to stem cell therapies.
Omics Insights into (Nano)Materials–Organism Interactions
PROTEOMICS is inviting papers for a Special Issue on Omics insights into (nano)materials–organism interactions.
UV Light against Microorganisms in Wine
Wine bottles and cups can be treated and disinfected with special UV radiation.
Limbal Stem Cells for Treatment of Corneal Blindness
Limbal stem cells have attracted a lot of interest in the field of regenerative medicine because of their unique ability to fully restore the whole cornea upon transplantation. Several important aspects of limbal stem cell biology are reviewed such as limbal stem cell identification, developmental origin and therapeutic potential.
Low-Cost Battery from Waste Graphite
Swiss researchers have discovered a promising approach to how we might produce batteries out of waste graphite and scrap metal.
RNA Nanotechnology and Biomedical Applications: RNA Versatility, Flexibility and Thermostability
Recent advances in fabricating RNA nanostructures are highlighted, including their applications in vivo as imaging or therapeutic devices via specific delivery and targeting, or intracellular expression and assembly.