Study of single protein ‘paves way to improved understanding of disease’

The scientists suggest the findings could help better understand proteins linked to conditions like anaemia or Parkinson’s.

The work by NTU researchers involves a very high concentration of light (Gabriel Sanderson/Nottingham Trent University/PA)

UK researchers have developed technology that makes it possible to isolate and study how a single protein – which is 10,000 times thinner than a human hair – behaves and changes over time.

The scientists suggest the findings could help better understand proteins linked to conditions like anaemia or Parkinson’s, and how they might respond to certain treatments.

Because changes to proteins – the building blocks of life – occur before symptoms of illness, their work could make it possible to identify and treat a range of diseases much earlier, potentially improving survival rates, researchers say.