Category archives: DIPC Biochemistry

Helix-focused peptide libraries for de novo inhibitor discovery

Helix-focused peptide libraries for de novo inhibitor discovery

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryDIPC Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

By DIPC

Protein molecules consist of one or several long chains of aminoacids (usually between and 300 units) called polypeptides – a peptide is an organic compound comprising two or mores aminoacids – linked in a characteristic sequence. This sequence is called the primary structure of the protein. These polypeptides may undergo coiling or pleating, the nature […]

Synthesis of organometallic helicenes by simple combinations

Synthesis of organometallic helicenes by simple combinations

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryMaterials

By DIPC

“Helicene” is the name introduced by Newman in 1955, to describe the benzologues of phenanthrene in which the extra ortho -condensed rings give rise to a (regular) cylindrical helix. The pioneer work of Newman in this field cannot be overemphasized; his brillant synthesis and resolution of [6]helicene will remain as a landmark, for it opened […]

Development of a barium detector for a neutrinoless double beta decay

Development of a barium detector for a neutrinoless double beta decay

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryDIPC InterfacesDIPC Particle PhysicsParticle physics

By DIPC

The observation of the neutrinoless double beta decay is the only practical way to establish that neutrinos are their own antiparticles. But, because of the small masses of neutrinos, the lifetime of neutrinoless double beta decay is expected to be at least ten orders of magnitude greater than the typical lifetimes of natural radioactive chains […]

Metal substrates in catalytic reactions

Metal substrates in catalytic reactions

CatalysisChemistryDIPC BiochemistryDIPC Photochemistry

By DIPC

When we consider the concepts metal and catalysis, we tend to assume quite matter-of-factly that the metal will be the catalyst. This assumption is based on the fact that metals can be found in reactions where they act as catalysts or co-catalysts in the form of coordination and organometallic compounds, nano-sized or bulk materials and […]

In situ recording of in vivo analyte biodistribution using X-ray fluorescence imaging

In situ recording of in vivo analyte biodistribution using X-ray fluorescence imaging

DIPC BiochemistryDIPC Photochemistry

By DIPC

There are instances in which you would intentionally deliver nanoparticles to animals (humans included). Contrast agents for medical diagnosis or therapeutic ones for medical treatments are two examples. It is also the case with plants, as some fertilizers take the form of nanoparticles. Unintentional exposure of animals or plants to nanoparticles is also possible: environmental […]

Best performing deep-red bio-HLED reported to date

Best performing deep-red bio-HLED reported to date

DIPC BiochemistryMaterials

By DIPC

Inorganic and organic light-emitting diodes (ILEDs and OLEDs, respectively) are quickly replacing incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps. The reasons for the success are easy to understand. For instance, ILEDs’ performance has met the market requirements for in-/out-door applications with single-point sources. However, ILEDs cannot be considered a sustainable solution as of today. One […]

The proper use of deep learning in microscopy image analysis

The proper use of deep learning in microscopy image analysis

Computer scienceDIPC Biochemistry

By DIPC

Microscopy is a leading technology in biological research. Today, a typical microscopy session may generate hundreds to thousands of images, generally requiring computational analysis to extract meaningful results. But a simple analysis is not enough any more. Over the last few years, deep learning (DL) has increasingly become one of the gold standards for high-performance […]

How to detect the daughter atom of a neutrinoless double beta decay

How to detect the daughter atom of a neutrinoless double beta decay

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryDIPC InterfacesDIPC Particle PhysicsMaterialsParticle physics

By DIPC

A new fluorescent bicolour indicator, an organic molecule, could help detect the daughter atom of a neutrinoless double beta decay. If this is achieved, there would be an explanation to the matter-anti matter asymmetry in the universe. Experiments performed in 1909 by Geiger and Marsden, also called Rutherford gold foil experiment because Rutherford was their […]

Flavin bioorthogonal photocatalysis mechanism

Flavin bioorthogonal photocatalysis mechanism

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryDIPC Photochemistry

By DIPC

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. As the catalyst itself takes part in the reaction it may undergo a physical change. Metal complexes are typically regarded as catalysts that convert organic substrates into more valuable compounds; however, to date, catalytic transformations […]

Huisgenases, new protein catalysts which are not enzymes

Huisgenases, new protein catalysts which are not enzymes

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryMaterials

By DIPC

Proteins can perform a huge number of biological functions with amazing efficiency. In order to achieve these different functions, proteins rely on the precise 3D arrangement of functional groups which are referred to as the protein fold. Some of these functions include acting as a catalyst in biochemical reactions; in these cases proteins are called […]