News

• Exploring the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota for treating liver diseases

  

  A recent study led by Partha Chakrabarti, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, explores the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota in preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study found that butyrate, a metabolite produced by gut bacteria, effectively reduces inflammation in liver macrophages, suggesting a potential treatment approach for NAFLD.

  Posted on Jun 16, 2023 in Biochemistry, Health & Medicine, Cell Biology & Research

  ---

• Redox medicine for the treatment of chronic kidney disease

  

  A new study performed by a team of researchers from various parts of India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt shows that citrate-functionalized Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles can effectively treat chronic kidney disease.

  Posted on May 16, 2022 in Biochemistry & Research

  ---

• Two avatars of enzymes to make lipids

  

  A recent study by Rajan Sankaranarayanan’s group from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad has found a novel mechanism of lipid metabolism. This opens up new avenues to understand the production of lipid-based bioactive molecules such as antibiotics.

  Posted on Jan 17, 2022 in Biochemistry & Research

  ---

• Mulethi: could this common herb be a potential therapy for COVID-19?

  

  As the world focused on developing coronavirus vaccines, a team of researchers from the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar, delved into finding a therapeutic route for COVID-19. They tapped into the rich repository of Ayurvedic herbs and found Mulethi to be a promising candidate. The herb contains an active ingredient that shows potential in alleviating aggressive symptoms of COVID-19. Here is a report on their findings.

  Posted on May 29, 2021 in Biochemistry, Health & Medicine, Pharmacology, COVID-19 & Research

  ---

• Scientists discover a new anti-cancer bioactive compound from bacteria

  

  The bacterial world contains a treasure trove of potent compounds with biological activities that can be harnessed for human benefit. Researchers from CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, have recently found that Urdamycin, a compound produced by Streptomyces bacteria, has the ability to induce cell death in cancer cells.

  Posted on Oct 26, 2020 in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Research

  ---

• Solving the mystery of an orphan enzyme

  

  This new study from researchers at IISER Pune delves into the potential biological function of an 'orphan enzyme' using a variety of biochemical, molecular, and structural techniques. Siddhesh Kamat, the Principal Investigator who led this project was recently awarded the EMBO Young Investigators Award as well as the Merck Young Scientist Award.

  Posted on Jan 18, 2020 in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Research

  ---

• A deal to heal: a unique peptide from Russell’s viper venom

  

  The global wound care market is on the rise with exorbitant costs incurred each year for skin wound care. Nature-derived drugs with wound healing properties that can be manufactured at a lower cost are presently a global requirement. Now, a study by scientists at Tezpur University has identified the country’s first wound-healing peptide from snake venom with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and non-enzymatic properties.

  Posted on Oct 14, 2019 in Biochemistry, Health & Medicine & Research

  ---