Enzymes that don’t exist in nature have been made from genetic material that doesn’t exist in nature either, called XNA, or xeno nucleic acid. New Scientist reports how the breakthrough from Philipp Holliger’s group at the LMB reinforces the possibility that life could evolve without DNA or RNA, the two self-replicating molecules considered indispensible for […]
LMB In The News
Major synthetic life breakthrough as LMB scientists make the first artificial enzymes
For the first time ever, researchers have made synthetic enzymes – the vital ingredients needed for life – from artificial genetic material that does not exist outside the laboratory. This milestone from Philipp Holliger’s group at the LMB could soon lead to new ways of developing drugs and medical treatments, as reported in the Independent.
SELPEPCON – an exciting technology platform developed by the LMB’s Mike Gait
A technology platform to deliver cargoes using arrays of cell penetrating peptides was developed by the LMB’s Mike Gait, to help treat muscular degenerative diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Further developments on this SELPEPCON technology, which was patented by the MRC and is licenced to Cambridge Research Biochemicals, are highlighted here.
Madan Babu to give Colworth Medal Lecture on 1st December
Madan, from the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, will present his award lecture and receive the prestigious 2014 Colworth Medal at the Biochemical Society’s AGM, on Monday 1st December at Charles Darwin House, London. This article is no longer available from the source website.
Scientists find first evidence of local clock in the brain
Research by groups at Imperial College London and Michael Hastings’ group at LMB have revealed how local body clocks control waking and sleeping. A master clock found in part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is thought to synchronise lots of ‘local’ clocks that regulate many aspects of our metabolism, for example in […]
Crystal beauty: Illuminating the structure of matter
The LMB has played a pivotal role in the development of X-ray crystallography and the inspirational work of crystallographic scientists from round the UK is showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall. “Illuminating Atoms” presents a selection of photographs by Max Alexander, to celebrate the International Year of Crystallography. The exhibition can […]