Why prescription drugs can work differently for different people

The same dose of a drug can have varying degrees of effectiveness and safety depending on how well the liver can metabolize it.

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Oct. 4, 2021 ~9 min

Snake venom-related enzyme may drive COVID-19 mortality

An enzyme related to neurotoxins found in rattlesnake venom may be a key molecular mechanism behind COVID-19 severity, researchers report.

Rose Brandt-Arizona • futurity
Aug. 26, 2021 ~7 min


Fungal enzyme tells molecules to face left or right

A small fungal enzyme that affects chirality could make it simpler to develop and manufacture drugs, report scientists.

Mike Williams-Rice • futurity
July 6, 2021 ~6 min

Gut-testing capsule indicates benefits to prebiotics

A bioluminescent capsule tests levels of bile salt hydrolase in the gut and its creators say its findings suggest the power of probiotics.

Eric Stann-Missouri • futurity
Feb. 5, 2021 ~6 min

How spit gets its ‘army’ of proteins

A new paper maps out how saliva gets its many proteins. It's a baseline for further investigations into spit as diagnostic fluid.

Charlotte Hsu-Buffalo • futurity
Nov. 20, 2020 ~6 min

Tweaked enzyme may treat spine injury and stroke damage

An enzyme called chondroitinase ABC that regrows damaged nerve tissue in animals has been too unstable for human use. New work could change things.

Jim Barlow-Oregon • futurity
Sept. 8, 2020 ~6 min

Tuning PARP inhibitor drug amps up its cancer-killing power

With modification a PARP inhibitor drug that's struggled in clinical trials kills cancer much more effectively, researchers say.

Melissa Moody-Penn • futurity
April 10, 2020 ~5 min

1 enzyme is key for successful fertilization

One enzyme may determine whether human development starts correctly. The discovery could help explain why some fertilization fails.

Mathias Traczyk-Copenhagen • futurity
April 3, 2020 ~3 min


Method reprograms cells to build stuff on brain cells

A new technique called genetically targeted chemical assembly reprograms cells to build artificial structures to carry out functions inside the body.

Stanford • futurity
March 23, 2020 ~4 min

New class of enzymes could lead to bespoke diets, therapeutics

Professor Emily Balskus and her team have identified an entirely new class of enzymes that degrade chemicals essential for neurological health, but also help digest foods like nuts, berries, and tea, releasing nutrients that may impact human health.

Caitlin McDermott-Murphy • harvard
Feb. 18, 2020 ~6 min

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