Researchers investigated collagen IV’s thermal instability, finding that a cystine knot keeps collagen threads together and helps facilitate refolding. Image credit:© Istock, quantic69 As the foundation for connective tissues like tendons, bones, cartilage, and skin, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It serves as the body’s scaffolding, supporting cells as they…
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become a prominent therapeutic modality due to their binding specificity and ability to engage a diverse range of targets. However, isolating mAbs remains a laborious process, traditionally requiring animal immunization or vast library screens of randomly generated variants. To address these limitations, a research team at the University of Washington, led…
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are immune cells that naturally recognize and penetrate tumors to kill cancer cells, making them a promising approach for treating solid tumors. This potential was recently validated by the FDA’s accelerated approval of the first TIL therapy, lifileucel, for advanced melanoma. Developing and manufacturing TILs for the clinic requires a robust workflow…
FRanklin steela molecular biologist and geneticist, passed away at age 95 at his home in Eugene, Oregon, on April 2, 2025. The news, along with the cause of his death, was not publicized until recently. Stahl died from congestive heart failure, his son Andy shared with The New York Times. Stahl, who was an emeritus…
Allison Rosen was 32 years old when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. At the time, she was single, but she knew that one day, she’d want to have children. However, her treatment, which would involve pelvic radiation, would very likely affect her fertility. Following a detailed discussion with her oncologist and care team, Rosen…
The proteome is an incredibly rich and dynamic source of biological information, key to understanding how cells function in sickness and health. Genes and genomes give hints as to what might happen in a cell, but proteins do the work and reflect what is happening in real time. However, it is challenging to measure the…
Physcomitrium patens is a species of moss frequently used in applied biotechnology to culture valuable compounds at scale. Image credit:Britta Rothgänger, ReskiLab, University of Freiburg Moss is an often-overlooked, ancient plant that is far from insignificant. Among the first to colonize land, mosses greened the planet and transformed Earth’s climate, providing an oxygen-rich atmosphere that…
Engineering a commensal bacterium with mercury-resistant genes can lower the amounts of harmful methylmercury derived from a fish diet in pregnant mice. Image credit:© Istock, Alleko From coal burning to gold mining, human activities have led to widespread mercury pollution in the air. This mercury eventually settles in water, where it transforms into toxic methylmercury…
