Articles

Artwork combining green and blue colours with lines depicting circles and protein structure images

Targeting tumours: putting our best foot forward

Maytansine holds real promise as an effective cancer treatment, but its effectiveness requires a combination of targeted delivery and maximum potency. Can insights into its structure help us understand the nuances of this molecule and make sure that ‘the shoe fits�?

the artwork for myoglobin

The protein that lets you hold your breath

Think about those times when you've been playing or running around and, suddenly, you feel like you need to stop and catch your breath.

Image of covid-19 spiked artwork painted in green

COVID-19: Understanding the Viral Gatekeeper and its Evolving Variants

Scientists are cracking the code of the COVID-19 virus's spiky gatekeeper, the protein that lets it invade cells. This "crown" changes shape to unlock human cells, and mutations create new variants like Delta and Omicron. Studying these structures helps develop vaccines and predict future outbreaks�

A diptych artwork displaying a protein structure of lipoxygenase with the image of a soybean pod, displayed in two contrasting colour schemes

Unlocking the Flavor Secrets of Soybeans: World Vegan Day Celebration

On this World Vegan Day, we’re celebrating soybeans. Soybean is a fantastic superfood emerging as an excellent protein alternative. Let's explore what makes soybean so extraordinary and uncover the secret behind the distinctive "beany" flavour.

Artwork in monoprint with digital overlay using the software Procreate with the bright red colour signifying the beans of Abrus precatorius

When nature turns deadly: A look at Abrin

The naturally occurring toxin, abrin, is classified as one of the most potent poisons for humans. Abrin is lethal at minimal concentrations. However, till date there are no known antidotes which can reverse its effects. This month’s artwork focuses on this unique toxin. A detailed look at the�

Image of a textiles artwork depicting a human brain affected by Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid-Beta: Unravelling the Alzheimer’s Enigma

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that gradually deteriorates memory and cognitive abilities. It was estimated that over 55 million people worldwide were living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias in 2020. A major contributor to this disease is the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide.

Artwork inspired by Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channels and the sensation of touch with images relating to touch and sensation.

From force to function

Our senses guide our interactions with the world and determine how we act and communicate. But what about these sensations at a molecular level? How do proteins respond to these physical stimuli to impact biological processes?

Artwork with paper, wire and clay depict a citrus protein

Orange trees and their ‘brain-shaped� protein

Lovely lemons, tasty oranges, refreshing limes - these juicy fruits grow on citrus trees that, like all plants, must sense their environment and respond.

Histamine

Histamine: A molecular double agent

Histamine defends our immune system against infections but can also cause allergy symptoms. It has unique characteristics, making it both a friend and a foe. Interested in learning more about this fascinating molecule and its intriguing dual nature?

Artwork containing images of serotonin protein structure and toucan

Serotonin: A ruffling of feathers

Our mental health is a result of a complex interplay between environmental and biological factors. This month, we are highlighting the role of proteins in the development of mental health conditions.

Perforin artwork

The battle within that keeps us alive

An infection caused by pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi, can be seen as a battle between the invading pathogen and our body. The role of the immune system is to protect us against disease or invading threats.

Artwork with wire and thread depicting DNA and the human body in abstract form

DNA: Nature’s own director of Life

Survival of all life forms on the earth depends on the instructions embedded in nucleic acids (DNA/RNA). This month’s artwork captures how fundamental DNA is to lifeforms. The artist used wire and string to represent a human form generated by DNA-like spirals. Do you know the race behind DNA�