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Artistic interpretation of an enzyme activity assay using a macrocyclic receptor for a fluorescent dye. The macrocycle binds the enzyme substrate weakly but the product strongly, such that the product displaces the fluorescent dye, restoring its fluorescence. Cover by Erin Boyle.
Consistent laws against genetic discrimination are needed to allow the development of genomic medicine and ensure individual participation in genetic research.
The adaptation of the protein misfolding cyclic amplification assay (PMCA) to use recombinant hamster prion protein (PrP) as a substrate shows promise for both basic research applications and clinical diagnostic assays.
Two research groups describe different but complementary advances in bioluminescent-probe design that improve this often underappreciated relative of fluorescence imaging. In addition to being brighter, bioluminescent probes now span a larger color range.
Companies and academic researchers are developing more and more microfluidic devices. But what the technology stakeholders really want is an application that will trigger widespread adoption of microfluidics by biologists. Nathan Blow reports.