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What are Affimers?

Antibodies have been the most popular method for studying protein expression and function for the past decades, but have been dogged by lack of validation and the poor cost-effectiveness of constantly generating new antibodies.

25 Sep 2019

Genetic Factors that Influence Bacterial Diversity in the Human Gut

“Microbiota” is a term used to describe the collection of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes) living in a particular environment. One such environment that hosts numerous microorganisms is the human gut.

24 Sep 2019

Malaria: A Force Shaping Blood Cell Evolution?

The existence of the DARC blood group in Africa suggests that the Plasmodium parasite is influencing the evolution of red blood cells in humans.

9 Sep 2019

What is Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing?

DNA sequencing works by using DNA polymerase to add nucleotides to a template. There are several technologies available for DNA sequencing. One such example is Single-Molecule Real-Time sequencing, or SMRT sequencing.

3 Sep 2019

Ebola-Neutralizing Antibodies

The Ebola virus causes severe and often lethal infections. While an efficient treatment has not yet been found, it has been observed that Ebola-infection survivors develop antibodies against the virus, from which antibody-therapies could be derived.

29 Aug 2019

Telomere Shortening, Aging, and Cancer

Telomeres are sections of DNA that form protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, a bit like the plastic coating found at the tips of shoelaces. Without these protective tips, DNA gets damaged over time and cells eventually fail to function properly.

1 Sep 2019

Super-Resolution Microscopy vs. Electron Microscopy

Conventional light microscopy has its limits. Light, being a wave, is subject to diffraction which severely limits the size of structures one can resolve.

20 Sep 2019

Identifying Protein Biomarkers for COPD from Exhaled Air Condensate

In this case study, scientists identified novel protein biomarkers from exhaled air condensates from patients with COPD. The samples were analyzed by LC-MS.

9 Sep 2019

Measuring Cannabinoid Content in Seized Cannabis Samples

Researchers from the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Bern have developed a new method for the forensic analysis and quality control of cannabis products.

29 Aug 2019

Proteomics of Single Mouse Brain Slices

In this case study, researchers demonstrated a two-phase extraction method that allows protein analysis of brain slices using nanoLC-MS.

9 Sep 2019

Using Imaging Flow Cytometry to Monitor Viral-host Interactions

In this case study, researchers developed an imaging flow cytometry protocol to provide a high-throughput, robust method for studying virus−host interactions.

9 Sep 2019

Hemp Oil Extraction: A Comparison of Extraction Processes

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) seed oil is instrumental in the oil, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and fibers industries. Extraction of oil is varied, and the processes are limited in their efficiencies.

30 Aug 2019

Crystal Structure of the Human Cannabinoid Receptor CB2

Phytocannabinoids in the form of Cannabis plant is widely consumed by humans. Two of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 are the key targets of this endocannabinoid system.

30 Aug 2019

Collagen Degradation Pathways in Humans

Collagen is a major protein which is found in connective tissues and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Helical in structure, at least 27 types of collagen have been identified in the human body, with Types I-IV being the most prevalent.

30 Aug 2019

ATR-FTIR for Single Cell Analysis

An acronym for attenuated total reflection Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy, ATF-FTIR is an analysis technique that can be used to analyse biological specimens in a cheap, economical way.

5 Sep 2019

HIV Suppression Using Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Therapy

In this case study, adenovirus-mediated gene therapy was shown to stimulate the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies that suppressed HIV levels

26 Aug 2019

A Failed Cannabis Hair Test - How Topical Application Results in Cannabinoid Incorporation

A team based at the University of Bournemouth have determined that topical application of is cannabis can result in cannabinoid incorporation – in the hair follicle.

3 Sep 2019

Oxidative Stress, Glycogen Depletion and Lifespan

Glycogen has been linked to diverse processes, the most recent of which is its role in disease progression and ageing.

30 Aug 2019

Plasmonics in Biology and Nanomedicine

Plasma is one of the fundamental states of matter that is generated when a neutral gas is heated or subjected to a strong electromagnetic field, both of which can result in the breaking of bonds and the stripping of electrons from atomic nuclei.

30 Aug 2019

Lifestyle Profiling as a Forensic Analysis Technique

Lifestyle profiling represents a new method where the chemistries that are obtained from the personal objects of a person are used to build their lifestyle profile.

3 Sep 2019