Researchers ‘solve’ key Zika virus protein structure
Revealed: the molecular structure of a protein produced by the Zika virus that is thought to be involved in the virus’s reproduction and its interaction with a host’s immune system.
New atomic-level snapshots provide a map for the development of anti-parasite drugs
The first high-resolution snapshots of a deadly parasite's ribosome provide a detailed map of its structure to aid the design of new drugs.
Roger Cone named director of the U-M Life Sciences Institute
Roger D. Cone, Ph.D., will serve as the new Mary Sue Coleman Director of the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute, effective Sept. 1.
An unexpected role for TMC proteins in alkaline sensing
An LSI study identified a new type of alkaline sensor in nematodes.
Q&A: Prof. David Sherman on research efforts to stay ahead of drug-resistant bacteria
Last week, health officials announced the first case in the U.S. of E. coli resistant to colistin, a “last resort” antibioti
Research investments bring potential cancer treatments one step closer
New investments are accelerating an innovative approach to discovering potential cancer treatments that was developed at the LSI.
New anti-biofilm compounds show promise against drug-resistant bacteria linked to hospital infections
A new class of anti-biofilm compounds derived from marine microorganisms that show promise against a drug-resistant bacterium commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections.
Breaking the brain’s garbage disposal: New study shows even a small problem causes big effects
A international team makes a key discovery about how the brain’s “garbage disposal” process works — and how little needs to go wrong in order for it to break down.
Beyond Nature's Chemistry
The newest member of the LSI faculty aims to bridge the gap between the powerful chemistry developed over millions of years of evolution by bacteria, fungi and other natural organisms, and cutting-edge synthetic chemistry techniques.
Researchers identify liver pathway linked to negative impacts of high-fat, high-cholesterol diet
Identified: a pathway in the liver, controlled by a protein known as BAF60a, that contributes to the negative effects of a high-fat diet by stimulating the production of bile — which helps the body to absorb more cholesterol and other fats from the foods we eat.
Eye drops could clear up cataracts using newly identified chemical
A chemical that could potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, has been identified by a team of scientists from U-M and their collaborators.
Daniel Klionsky wins van Deenen Medal
LSI faculty member Daniel J. Klionsky was awarded the 2015 van Deenan Medal from the Institute of Biomembranes at Utrecht University in The Netherlands.
Could a drug engineered from bananas fight many deadly viruses? New results show promise
A banana a day may not keep the doctor away, but a substance originally found in bananas and carefully edited by scientists could someday fight off a wide range of viruses, new research suggests.
Pedro Cuatrecasas to receive honorary degree from U-M
Pedro Cuatrecasas, M.D., a renowned leader in the pharmaceutical industry and co-chair of the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute Scientific Advisory Board, is scheduled to receive honorary degrees at Winter Commencement 2015.
Resistance mechanism found against new antibiotics
A team from the LSI, University of Illinois, Chicago, and University of Southern Denmark has identified a resistance mechanism against ketolides, a new type of antibiotics just entering widespread use.
Unexpected link between organelles and the cell-division cycle
Studies using yeast genetics have provided new, fundamental insights into the cell-division cycle, researchers at the LSI reported.
Discovery of nanotubes offers new clues about cell-to-cell communication
Certain types of stem cells use microscopic, threadlike nanotubes to communicate with neighboring cells LSI researchers have discovered.
Cold improves longevity for some, but shortens life span for others
LSI research shows for the first time that the age-old temperature law does not apply equally to adults and developing young.
Mimicking Mother Nature: Pinpointing natural cancer drug’s true origins brings sustainable production a step close
For decades, scientists have known that ET-743, a compound extracted from the mangrove tunicate — a kind of sea squirt — can kill cancer cells. Until now, its precise origins were a mystery.
Cancer drugs may hold key to treating Down syndrome and other brain disorders
A class of FDA-approved cancer drugs may be able to prevent problems with brain cell development associated with disorders including Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.
LSI researchers make it easier to study diet-sensitive genes in worms
It’s going to be easier for scientists to use roundworms to study diet-sensitive genes thanks to an innovation led by the LSI.
U-M researchers find new gene involved in blood-forming stem cells
LSI-led research has identified a gene critical to controlling the body’s ability to create blood cells and immune cells from blood-forming stem cells — known as hematopoietic stem cells.
New strategy for preventing organ transplant rejection shows promise
Organ transplantation has been one of the greatest successes of modern medicine. But one of its largest limitations comes from a patient’s immune system treating the new heart, or lung, or liver like a foreign invader.