Potassium ions (purple dots) move through the narrow opening of an ion channel protein (coiled structure) to produce electrical signals and enable cellular communication. A flexible segment of the protein that�s disordered–or lacks a defined structure–temporarily blocks the passage of electrical signals after one is fired by nestling into a specific binding site. Because a protein�s 3-dimensional shape determines its function, it�s intriguing that an unstructured piece of one–and potentially many others–has certain tasks, too. This ion channel work could help explain why and also lead to novel ways to treat channel-related disorders, such as epilepsy, asthma and Parkinson�s disease. Image courtesy of Yu Zhou.

When you get an infection, the inflammatory response helps clear the invading pathogens. The body needs to carefully limit the response, because excessive inflammation can damage healthy tissues. New research reveals one way the body keeps inflammation in check. Scientists discovered that mice infected with bacteria produce natural molecules called resolvins and protectins that not only stem inflammation, but also stimulate the body�s bacteria-engulfing white blood cells. Their study also showed that the molecules enhanced the effectiveness of antibiotics–a discovery that could ultimately translate into reduced use of these medicines and slower spread of resistant organisms.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that leads to chronic lung infections. Gene mutations alter a protein that regulates salt and water levels, causing the protein to be degraded by recycling proteins in the cell at much higher rates. Less of the protein leads to mucus buildup in the lungs and pancreas. To help find new CF treatment options, scientists developed computer algorithms to search for and identify molecules that could slow the degradation process. They synthesized the most promising ones and then tested them in human cell cultures. Early results look promising, and the research team has made its software freely available to help speed progress.

Many populations have evolved over time to adapt to distinct environmental conditions. Recently, researchers analyzed the DNA of West African Pygmies and neighboring Bantus to uncover genetic regions that showed signs of positive selection. The scientists discovered a number of such regions, including a segment that contained two genes associated with stature and other regions with genes that possibly favored local adaptation at various points in the history of the Pygmy population. These findings offer new insights that may help scientists decipher the complex genetic basis of certain traits and the risk of certain diseases.

Bacterial infections cause major health problems worldwide, and the ability to quickly detect the pathogens underlying them would facilitate diagnosis and treatment. A new rapid nanoparticle technique could help. Scientists created hybridizing magnetic relaxation nanosensors (hMRS) that bind to a pathogen�s unique DNA sequence. The sensors emit signals that researchers can use to detect the pathogen in a patient sample. In an initial study, the researchers used hMRS to identify the pathogen responsible for Crohn�s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease in humans.

Before any cell can divide, it must copy its DNA so there will be a complete set of genes to pass on to the new cells. The process starts at defined DNA sites called origins of replication. To find these sites, cells use a protein machine called the “origin recognition complex,” or ORC. In its simplest form, the ORC starts as crescent-shaped protein complex (yellow). It wraps around and bends the DNA (red and blue). When an activating protein (green) joins the ORC, the ORC is ready to load the protein that will unwind the double-stranded DNA and further enable replication. These details may answer fundamental questions about the replication process and how errors can lead to disease.

Taking a medication can cause unexpected side effects. Increase the number of medications, and the potential for adverse drug events increases. Now, a new computer algorithm might help physicians better tailor prescriptions and scientists better understand a medicine’s biological effects on the body. Using data from the FDA’s Adverse Events Reporting System, researchers sifted through millions of reports, analyzed similarities among people taking a particular medication and then predicted previously unidentified side effects and drug interactions. The work has resulted in two publicly available databases for others to investigate adverse drug events.

If you’re in a good mood today, you may have your opioid receptors to thank, at least in part. These molecules lie in brain cell membranes and help control mood by binding to neurotransmitters like endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. They also mediate the pain-killing and mood-altering effects of morphine, heroin and related drugs. New snapshots of one of these receptors, the kappa opioid receptor, have provided scientists with close-up views of the molecule. The structure offers insights on how the receptor works and could pave the way for the design of new pain and addiction medicines.

Nisin, a naturally occurring antibiotic found in cow’s milk, has been used for more than 40 years to safely prevent food-borne diseases by killing a wide range of bacteria. Unfortunately, its chemical properties that make it unstable under certain conditions have restricted its use for broader food and pharmaceutical applications. Researchers have isolated a molecule, which they call geobacillin, that looks and functions like nisin but that is more stable. If experimental tests with the new antibiotic continue to go well, geobacillin may find greater medicinal use for treating foodborne and other bacteria-causing diseases.

This Earth Day, know that researchers are devising methods to manufacture drugs with less impact on the environment. To reduce the need for toxic materials, some scientists are using water as a solvent during chemical synthesis. One researcher is designing microbes to produce antimalarial and HIV drugs. Others have found ways to speed up drug synthesis by using metals like copper as a catalyst. By greening their methods, chemists may help save the planet, as well as manufacture drugs in larger quantities and at a lower cost.