Results 41 to 50 of 88
This discovery could lead to photosynthesis being ‘redesigned’ to achieve higher yields and meet urgent food security needs. The research, published in the journal Nature, reveals the structure of cytochrome b6f - the protein complex that significantly influences plant growth via photosynthesis. Using a high-resolution structural model, scientists found that the protein complex provides the electrical connection...
Hospital screening tests are failing to identify the true extent of microbial resistance, according to new research. Scientists have found that disease-causing bacteria carry antibiotic resistance genes that are dormant as a result of a genetic mutation. During screening, the bacteria appear susceptible to antibiotics. But such mutations easily become lost, rapidly transforming the bacteria...
Scientists have developed a new technique to trick bacteria into revealing hundreds of holes in their cell walls, opening the door for drugs that destroy bacteria’s cells. Targeting these pores could make current antibiotics more effective or allow for the development of antibiotic-free drugs that can use these openings. When subjected to certain stimuli, such...
The molecular machinery used by ‘superbugs’ to resist chemicals designed to kill them could also help produce precursors for a new generation of nylon and other polymers, according to new research. Scientists from the University of Leeds have collaborated with Australian researchers to identify ancient protein pumps that make infectious bacteria tough to treat, but...
Scientists have developed an integrated computational and experimental approach to investigate the way proteins and peptides – chains of amino acids – aggregate. Understanding the way the peptides assemble into such aggregates is important for two reasons: 1. Amyloid fibrils are a form of peptide aggregate and some of these are involved in the development...
Scientists have identified a new internal regulator that helps control the body’s response to fight infection. The discovery could be a target for new drugs to tackle autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma, where healthy tissues are attacked by the body’s own immune system. Autoimmune diseases include a wide range of difficult-to-treat conditions, including...
A recent study of enzyme inhibitors revealed potential new routes to anti-malarial drugs. The study, carried out in collaboration by the researchers at the University of Leeds and University of Helsinki, looked at enzymes that are important in plants in cold, drought and salt stress. Read the full press release on the Faculty of Biological...
Researchers at the University of Leeds are developing a cheaper and safer way of making the polio vaccine. The pioneering work is featured in the latest MadeAtUni campaign, a celebration of the pioneering research taking place in UK universities. The focus of the campaign is scientists involved in health research and innovation. Read the full...
As part of the University of Leeds' Global Challenge research, visiting researcher Dr Adeyemi works alongside Professor Nicola Stonehouse to tackle global problems. Funding from the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund has allowed molecular biologist Dr Oluwapelumi Adeyemito to be appointed a research visitor at the University of Leeds. Read the full press release on...
The research, published in Nature Communications, provides us with a better understanding of how the immune system kills bacteria and why our own cells remain intact. This may guide the development of new therapies that harness the immune system against bacterial infections, and strategies that repurpose the immune system to act against other rogue cells...