New research led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) reveals that a human enzyme has changed little from its days as a bacterial enzyme. In fact, the enzyme appears to be unique in its ability to change ...
Biochemistry
Dec 9, 2016
0
231
MIT chemists have determined the structure of a bacterial enzyme that can produce biodegradable plastics, an advance that could help chemical engineers tweak the enzyme to make it even more industrially useful.
Polymers
Nov 11, 2016
0
27
(Phys.org)—A team of researchers from the U.S. and Canada has identified two enzymes that have proven able to break down bacterial biofilms, allowing antibacterial agents to more effectively kill their targets. In their ...
Antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing threat to public health, striking about 2 million Americans each year and killing at least 23,000 of them. Microbes are rapidly evolving resistance to existing drugs, making the ...
Biochemistry
Apr 18, 2016
0
94
The molecules that impart strength to paper, bamboo and wood-frame buildings—lignin and cellulose—have long stymied biofuels researchers by locking away more than half of a plant's energy-yielding sugar. In a study that ...
Biotechnology
Jan 6, 2016
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680
Most people who smoke cigarettes know it's bad for their health, but quitting is notoriously difficult. To make it easier, scientists are taking a brand-new approach. They are turning to bacteria that thrive on nicotine, ...
Biochemistry
Aug 12, 2015
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59
A new study from scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) explores a bacterial enzyme that might be used as a drug candidate to help people quit smoking. The research shows that this enzyme can be recreated in ...
Biochemistry
Aug 6, 2015
1
858
It may come as a bit of a surprise to learn that bacteria have an immune system - in their case to fight off invasive viruses called phages. And like any immune system - from single-celled to human - the first challenge of ...
Cell & Microbiology
Apr 13, 2015
1
47
Sulfites are sulfurous substances that occur naturally. They are poisonous for many life forms even at small concentrations. Sulfites and sulfur dioxide are also added to wine and dried fruit as preservatives that inhibit ...
Biochemistry
Feb 4, 2015
0
12
The theory of evolution suggests that present-day organisms evolved from earlier life forms.
Biochemistry
Dec 13, 2013
0
0
