Building on previous findings that show a specific protein is associated with gut health, University of Florida researchers have discovered an intricate molecular mechanism that encodes a unique address system, identifying the route a certain type of immune cell takes to reach its final destination: the large intestine. READ MORE

What do wildlife and cancer cells have in common?

Quite a lot, argues a new article authored by University of Florida researchers.

The article is the latest piece of scholarship to emerge from a decadelong collaboration among three scientists: Brent Reynolds, Ph.D., professor in the Lillian S. Wells department of neurosurgery at UF Health; Madan Oli, Ph.D., professor in the UF/IFAS department wildlife ecology and conservation; and Monika Oli, senior lecturer in the UF/IFAS department of microbiology and cell science. READ MORE

Yousong Ding, Ph.D., an associate professor of medicinal chemistry in the UF College of Pharmacy, is exploring new cellular targets for controlling undesirable microbial growth, which are broadly related to drug-resistant microbial infections and toxic cyanobacteria blooms. In a study published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Chemical Biology, Ding’s research team identified the enzyme dihydroxyacid dehydratase, or DHAD, as a target for inhibiting microbial growth.

“We found a way to essentially starve the cyanobacteria of an important nutrient essential for their growth,” Ding said. “If we can control cyanobacteria bloom development, then we can regain our ability to keep these harmful algae out of Florida’s freshwater lakes and rivers.” READ MORE