Animals and other creatures

Computational tool helps scientists create novel bug sprays

Rapid discovery of mosquito repellent compounds is enabled through a novel screening platform that combines both computational modeling and functional screening.

Innovative platform empowers scientists to transform venoms into therapeutics

Scientists combine phage display and a “metavenome” library to discover new drugs that bind clinically relevant human cell receptors. Read about this recent Molecular & Cellular Proteomics paper.

Elusive zebrafish enzyme in lipid secretion

Scientists discover that triacylglycerol synthesis enzyme drives lipoproteins secretion rather than lipid droplet storage. Read more about this recent study from the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Biotech startup worms its way into therapeutics

Andrea Choe's company, Holoclara, has created an anti-inflammatory drug based on a molecule from worms.

An ancient animal helps scientists improve modern technology

The same molecules that help tardigrades survive extreme weather can improve cryo-EM images of cellular structures and proteins, a team led by University of Wisconsin–Madison researcher Ci Ji Lim reports.

We are family: Tracing the evolution of animals

To understand the origins of muticelled life, researchers are studying a motley assortment of simpler animal relatives. The commonalities they’re unearthing offer a trove of clues about our mutual past.

Yellow food dye can make living tissue transparent

These new methods could one day improve cancer treatment, blood draws and even tattoo removal.

Tardigrades: Surviving extreme radiation

These tiny animals use a combination of DNA repair machinery and a novel protein to mend their genome after intense ionizing radiation.

Seeking the sweet spot to beat a pig parasite

Researchers extracted, separated and tested glycans from the porcine whipworm in an effort to determine the best way to develop treatments and vaccines.