A synthetic biology-based approach enabled rapid evolution of proteins, offering a way to engineer therapeutic proteins tailored for specific characteristics. Image credit:© Istock, Manjurul In nature, evolution takes years to sculpt new traits. In the lab, scientists hope to achieve this feat much faster: Being able to evolve proteins with enhanced or novel functions has…
Securing grants is hard, but writing proposals can be simple if researchers follow best practices to align with reviewer expectations. Image credit:© Istock, VectorHot After receiving my first independent NIH grant in 2017, I was asked to serve as a reviewer on study sections. Since then, I have reviewed hundreds of grants for federal agencies,…
Genetic information could be used clinically to assess obesity risk. Image credit:© Istock, Vertigo3d Despite the uptick in usage of weight management medications such as the GLP-1 inhibitor drugs, obesity statistics remain grim. In 2022, one in eight people worldwide were living with obesity, a rate which has doubled since 1990.1 Early intervention is key…
A host enzyme that HSV-1 hijacks could one day be targeted to prevent cold sores. Image credit:© Istock, Marochkina Cold sores—painful blisters that pop up on lips seemingly out of nowhere—bother more than 60 percent of people under 50 years old. After the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) virus, which causes cold sores, initially…
Just as examining a cube-shaped puzzle from different perspectives reveals more details, multiomics approaches provide researchers with a more comprehensive view of cancer’s complex biology, which helps them pinpoint new biomarkers and potential treatment targets. Image credit:© Istock, Akiyoko After losing his favorite aunt to cancer when he was around 10 years old, Dan Theodorescu…
Antibodies present in human breastmilk targeted an infant gut bacterium, preventing it from activating allergy-associated immune responses. Image credit:© Istock, Nestea06 Newborn babies may appear peaceful, blinking at the bright new world, but their tiny guts teem with microscopic life. These microbes produce signals that train the infant immune system to recognize friend from foe….
Prime editing allows a wide range of genetic engineering applications with less off-target effects. Image credit:© Istock, luismmolina CRISPR has undoubtedly revolutionized genetic engineering. However, the original version could introduce unwanted and potentially hazardous changes to the genome by causing double-stranded breaks to DNA. Later iterations of the tool, base and prime editing, could overcome…
A random mutation in a gene can alter its function and bring about a new characteristic that can pass down for many generations, but this may not be the only way that organisms can inherit a trait. People can acquire characteristics during life, such as improved strength from training or changes in body weight affected…
