Introduction In a new study, researchers from the Machine Biology Group have unveiled a novel class of antimicrobial agents dubbed encrypted peptides. his research—published in Trends in Biotechnology by Cell Press—challenges long-standing ideas about the immune system and opens exciting possibilities for new treatments. A Shift in Understanding Immunity Traditionally, we’ve viewed the immune system […]
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Mining human microbiomes reveals an untapped source of peptide antibiotics
Introduction In response to the alarming rise of drug-resistant bacteria, which has far outpaced the development of conventional antibiotics, our latest research published in Cell has identified a promising new avenue for antibiotic discovery within the human microbiome. As global health faces a severe threat from antibiotic resistance, our team in collaboration with Ami S. […]
Continue readingAI discovers antibiotics in extinct organisms
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats facing humanity today, making the need for new antibiotics more critical than ever. Traditional approaches to antibiotic discovery are painstakingly slow, often taking years to identify preclinical candidates. In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, our team introduces APEX, a new AI model […]
Continue readingAI-Driven Discovery of Nearly 1 Million New Antibiotics in the Global Microbiome
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats facing humanity and novel antibiotics are urgently needed. In a recent study published in Cell, our team, along with fantastic collaborators, leveraged computational techniques to accelerate the search for new antimicrobial compounds, specifically focusing on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). By employing advanced genome mining methods, we identified […]
Continue readingLego-Inspired Hybrid Peptides from Scorpion Venom: Pioneering Antimicrobial Therapy with Minimal Toxicity
Introduction: In a study published in Nature Communications Biology, researchers reveal a novel approach to developing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with enhanced antimicrobial activity and significantly reduced toxicity to human cells. Inspired by the modularity of Lego blocks, the paper titled “Molecular Hybridization Strategy for Tuning Bioactive Peptide Function” describes the design of hybrid AMPs (hAMPs) […]
Continue readingElectrochemical Device Offers Hope for Accurate and Affordable Herpes Detection
Introduction: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, known for causing genital herpes, has long been a prevalent and lifelong condition. However, the absence of a reliable and accessible diagnostic device has posed significant challenges in managing and preventing its spread. In a new development, our team along with fantastic collaborators has introduced an ultrasensitive […]
Continue readingEco-Friendly Diagnostic Test Offers Rapid and Low-Cost Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Introduction: The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt worldwide, particularly in low-income countries and communities with limited access to vaccines. In the battle against this relentless virus, the development of affordable and rapid testing technologies for accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants is crucial for outbreak prevention and infectious disease control. Today, […]
Continue readingAntibiotics Discovered in Ancient Humans: Molecular De-extinction Opens New Doors for Drug Discovery
The Power of AI: Opening New Frontiers Today our team announces a discovery marking a new chapter in the search for antibiotics and other valuable molecules. With the aid of computers, we can now systematically explore organisms, even those long extinct, expanding our understanding of life’s molecular diversity and sequence space. In previous work, we […]
Continue readingUnleashing Nature’s Power: Wasp Venom Peptides Hold Promise as Antibacterial Agents
Introduction: In a study published today in Cell Reports Physical Science, our team has made a significant breakthrough in the battle against bacterial infections. By harnessing the antimicrobial properties hidden within the venom of the solitary eumenine wasp Eumenes micado, we have successfully converted venom peptides into potent antimicrobial agents. This approach offers a new […]
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