News

Back with a Vengeance: The Trouble with Defeating Diseases

A common practice millions of Americans partake in to stay healthy is actually doing much more harm than good and may be contributing to the spread of drug-resistant disease.

Researchers Discover Possible New Target to Attack Flu Virus

Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered that a protein produced by the influenza A virus helps it outwit one of our body's natural defense mechanisms. That makes the protein a potentially good target for antiviral drugs directed against the influenza A virus.

Possible Explanation for Human Diseases Caused by Defective Ribosomes

Ribosomes are essential for life, generating all of the proteins required for cells to grow. Mutations in some of the proteins that make ribosomes cause disorders characterized by bone marrow failure and anemia early in life, followed by elevated cancer risk in middle age. These disorders are generally called “ribosomopathies.”

You Are Your Microbiome

Have you ever felt not completely like yourself? You’re not alone. In fact, you’re never really alone. No matter how hard you may try, you’re always in the company of 100 trillion microbial friends.

This Longhorn Has Been Brought to You by DNA

In a set of two recent papers, Andy Ellington and his lab show how DNA can make pictures, but more importantly, that DNA circuits could someday be used to manufacture drugs or grow organs, such as a new heart.

Mammalian Body Cells Lack Ancient Viral Defense Mechanism, Find UT Scientists

A team led by Chris Sullivan, a professor of molecular biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, has provided the first positive evidence that RNA interference (RNAi), a biological process in which small RNA molecules prevent genes from being expressed, does not play a role as an antiviral in most body, or “somatic,” cells in mammals.

Creating a Social Network for Genes

Computer scientist Inderjit Dhillon and biochemist Edward Marcotte are combining forces to create the first "social network" for genes, with a focus on finding genes associated with human diseases.  

Better Corn the Goal of $2.5 million Grant from the National Science Foundation

Understanding Why Chronic Wounds Don't Heal

The problem with chronic wounds, and the solution, may lie in the war between two bacteria, says Marvin Whitely.

Researchers Identify One of Alcohol’s Key Gateways to the Brain

What Real Scientific Controversy Looks Like

It is fun to be embroiled in an actual scientific controversy.

Engineering Algae to Make the "Wonder Material" Nanocellulose

Genes from the family of bacteria that produce vinegar, Kombucha tea and nata de coco may help turn algae into solar-powered factories for producing nanocellulose.

Engineered Immune Cells Resist Infection from HIV and Could Ultimately Replace Drug Therapy

Researchers cut and pasted a series of HIV-resistant genes into T cells, specialized immune cells targeted by the virus.

Lack of Key Enzyme in the Metabolism of Folic Acid Leads to Birth Defects

Scientists discover the clearest mechanistic link yet between folic acid and birth defects, which helps explain why folic acid dietary supplements don't prevent all neural tube defects.

Designer Bacteria May Lead to Better Vaccines

61 new strains of genetically engineered bacteria may improve the efficacy of vaccines for diseases such as flu, pertussis, cholera and HPV.