enzymes

Researchers have discovered that a cell’s nucleus is metabolically active, with cellular enzymes moving to protect DNA integrity upon damage. This shift in understanding of cellular metabolism can inform new strategies in cancer treatment, as cancer cells often hijack metabolic processes for their growth.In crisis, the nucleus calls antioxidant enzymes to the rescue. The nucleus being metabolically active is a profound paradigm shift with implications for cancer research.The human nucleus is metabolically active,…

New images of the SIRT6 sirtuin enzyme—which regulates aging and other metabolic processes—help explain how it is able to access genetic material within the cell. This cryo-electron microscopy map shows the enzyme in complex with the nucleosome, a tightly packed complex of DNA and proteins called histones. Credit: Song Tan Lab, Penn StatePenn State researchers have revealed how sirtuin enzymes interact with nucleosomes to regulate aging and metabolic processes. Their findings, using cryo-electron microscopy, may inform…

The hangover cure of the future just might be a chuggable probiotic. In research out this week, scientists in China detail the creation of bacteria that can produce an enzyme meant to help the body break down alcohol faster. Alcohol-fed mice that were given the probiotic beforehand experienced less drunkenness and recovered more quickly, the study found.La Borinqueña’s Connection to Puerto Rico | io9 InterviewFun as the acute effects of ingesting alcohol can be, too much can be dangerous, even deadly. To protect us, the…

Artificial enzymes can fight the COVID-causing virus by selectively snipping apart its RNA genome, a new study suggests. Researchers say the technique may overcome key problems with previous technologies and could help create rapid antiviral treatments as threats emerge. When the COVID pandemic struck, University of Cambridge chemical biologist Alexander Taylor scrambled to repurpose a gene-cutting technology he and his colleagues had been developing: synthetic enzymes called XNAzymes (xeno nucleic acids) formed from…

Researchers in Spain have resurrected ancient CRISPR proteins from millions and even billions of years ago. Not only can they still edit human cells, but they’re more versatile than modern versions, paving the way for new and improved synthetic CRISPR gene-editing tools.CRISPR systems evolved in bacteria as a self-defense mechanism. When a bacterium was infected by a virus, it would use CRISPR enzymes to snip off a fragment of the pathogen’s DNA and store it. If the bacterium later encountered that same type of virus, it…

The study also shed light on how photosynthesis adapted to the rise of oxygen.Back to the future of photosynthesis. Rubisco, the central biocatalyst in <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>photosynthesis</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>Photosynthesis is how plants and some microorganisms use sunlight to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.</div>"…

…

Illustration: Grandeduc (Adobe Stock)io9 is proud to present fiction from LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE. Once a month, we feature a story from Lightspeed’s current issue. This month’s selection is “The CRISPR Cookbook: A Guide to Biohacking Your Own Abortion in a Post-Roe World” by MKRNYILGLD. You can read the story below or listen to the podcast on Lightspeed’s website. Enjoy!The CRISPR Cookbook: A Guide to Biohacking Your Own Abortion in a Post-Roe WorldIf you’re reading this—on some godforsaken imageboard, or dog-eared book…

Four sportswear brands are teaming up to help recycling technology get to market more quickly as the clothing industry comes under pressure to reduce waste. French startup Carbios SA said Wednesday it signed a two-year agreement with Patagonia Inc., Puma SE, On Holding AG and Salomon SAS to hasten the commercialization of its biorecycling technology, which uses enzymes to break down polyester for reuse in new products. The... Four sportswear brands are teaming up to help recycling technology get to…

Packing material, disposable cutlery, CD cases: Polystyrene is among the most common forms of plastic, but recycling it isn't easy and the vast majority ends up in landfills or finds its way to the oceans where it threatens marine life.  Scientists at Australia's University of Queensland have now discovered that superworms – the larvae of Zophobas morio darkling beetles – are eager to dine on the substance, and their gut enzymes could hold the key to higher recycling rates.Chris Rinke, who led a study that was published…