Enzyme

Researchers have resurrected ancient CRISPR proteins from millions and even billions of years ago. Not only can they still edit human cells, but they’re more versatile than modern versions, paving the way for new synthetic CRISPR gene-editing tools.

A new technique has been added to the CRISPR gene-editing toolbox. Known as PASTE, the system uses virus enzymes to “drag-and-drop” large sections of DNA into a genome, which could help treat a range of genetic diseases.

Scientists continue to unearth enzymes that can eat away plastic materials with high efficiency, and a team in Spain has just discovered more in the saliva of wax worms, which have the ability to degrade plastic bags in hours at room temperature.

Scientists have identified two molecules that could help treat leukemia, in a way that’s far less damaging to healthy cells than existing chemotherapy. The compounds work using a different mechanism that’s more selective for cancerous cells.

Organ transplants can be life-saving, but matching blood types means many people are left on waiting lists. Cambridge scientists have now demonstrated a technique that could one day make donated organs universal, by converting them to blood type O.

A team of researchers has found that hungry little critters known as "superworms" have a healthy appetite for polystyrene, which they were able to trace to specific enzymes in the worms' gut bacteria that convert the plastic waste into energy.

Scientists have leveraged machine learning to engineer an enzyme that degrades some forms of plastic in just 24 hours, with a stability and affordability that makes it well-suited to large-scale adoption.

In pursuit of a circular economy for plastic waste, scientists have discovered a new enzyme that helps break down one of its key building blocks, leaving simple molecules that can be repurposed for use in new products.

Matching blood types from donor to recipient is a major problem in organ donation. Researchers have now developed an enzyme treatment to convert donated organs to the universal O blood type, allowing them to be safely transplanted into any patient.

Modern medicine is locked in an arms race against antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” A new treatment may give us the upper hand again by knocking out enzymes that bacteria use to defend themselves against the drugs.

The CRISPR gene-editing system is built on a bacterial defense mechanism that allows scientists to make precise edits to DNA. Now scientists at MIT have discovered a new class of enzymes called OMEGAs that perform a similar function, perhaps better.

The CRISPR gene-editing system is usually associated with the Cas9 protein, but that’s not the only option. Stanford scientists have now developed a CRISPR tool called CasMINI, using a much smaller protein that's able to enter human cells more easily.