Οκτώβριος 2013

A European study aims to capture protein–protein interactions in vivo by applying a minimal perturbation to the natural system. This method uses unnatural amino acid mutagenesis and affinity crosslinking to isolate proteins with their natural ligands.

Further information: cordis.europa.eu

Metabolic flux is the movement of metabolites such as chemicals and molecules in cellular metabolic pathways. Cancer is believed to cause changes in metabolite regulation, the products of which could be used as markers in disease diagnosis.

Further information: cordis.europa.eu

An EU-funded project developed a new technology for the early characterisation of circulating tumour cells (CTCs). This should aid doctors in selecting the best possible cancer treatment.

Further information: cordis.europa.eu

Is there any connection between wine and biodiesel? The answer is yes, however surprising it may seem. Acetals are chemical compounds found in many wines, like port, for example, which give it a unique, sweet smell. However if acetals are blended with biodiesel, they improve its properties. The SUPREN research group of the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Environment of the Faculty of Engineering in Bilbao (UPV/EHU) is working on a project that is seeking to encourage the use of this rare fuel. The idea is to produce acetals more easily and more cheaply.