enzyme

Plastic-eating enzyme ‘cocktail’ recycles plastic waste ‘endlessly’

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Scientists have been inspired by Pacman to create a plastic-eating ‘cocktail’, which could help eradicate plastic waste.  It’s made up of two enzymes – called PETase and MHETase – produced by a type of bacteria that feeds on plastic bottles, called Ideonella sakaiensis.   Unlike natural degradation, which can take hundreds of years, the super-enzyme is able to … Read more

‘Anti-ageing’ enzyme ‘tweaked’ by scientists made roundworms live longer

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‘Anti-ageing’ enzyme ‘tweaked’ by scientists made roundworms live longer – and it could work in humans too Researchers found a way to ‘tweak’ proteins that control cellular energy levels  VRK-1 and AMPK work in tandem to manage and monitor a creatures energy They were able to turn up and down levels in roundworm and increase … Read more

Scientists identify the key enzyme behind the pungent smell of BO

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Scientists identify the key enzyme behind the pungent smell of ‘BO’ – and it could lead to the development of a new generation of deodorants BO enzyme is created by Staphylococcus hominis bacteria which lives in armpits Enzyme turns odourless chemicals in sweat into pungent compounds  Believed the enzyme was inherited from now extinct ancient … Read more

Statins ‘block an enzyme thought to trigger ovarian cancer’ 

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Statins may have the power to slash ovarian cancer risk, scientists say. The controversial medication is prescribed to millions to lower cholesterol by targeting and blocking an enzyme in the body. Now, a study has found women who naturally have lower levels of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase have a 40 per cent lower risk of ovarian cancer.  … Read more