May 1, 2015
This (blue) protein is STtriatal-Enriched tyrosine Phosphatase, or STEP. Increased STEP levels are found in several genetic brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and fragile X syndrome. Discovered by Dr. Paul Lombroso, STEP...
Jan 2, 2015
The first person to correctly identify the New Years Eve mystery molecule was James Tyrwhitt-Drake. He was (very) quick to recognize Alcohol Dehydrogenase, an enzyme that converts alcohol (ethanol) into acetaldehyde in the liver and stomach lining, which, for many of...
Dec 31, 2014
As we ring out 2014, and welcome the new year, here’s a puzzle for you. Be the first to identify the molecules pictured above, and you’ll win an Art of the Cell prize! Hint: they’re probably quite busy this time of year. 🙂 So leave a comment, send an...
May 9, 2014
As my workload allows, I plan on spending some time revisiting many of the subjects from The Inner Life of the Cell, and where better to start than with a new version of this guy. The kinesin motor protein was a real scene stealer in Inner Life, although it...
