Chemistry

Mapping vulnerabilities in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, made of RNA, reveals a path to fighting more than COVID-19.

"These grants highlight The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute’s unique expertise in areas that include neuroscience, immunology, biochemistry, drug discovery and RNA therapeutics,” said Scientific Director Patrick Griffin, Ph.D.

Liu’s research focuses on the discovery of small molecules for human proteins, as well as the functional characterization of these proteins in physiological and disease contexts.

A cancer-killing compound, called tiancimycin, combined with a cancer-seeking antibody, shows promise against an aggressive type of lymphoma.

One in five of our faculty holds a prestigious R35 Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Institutes of Health.

"Discovering new medicines is challenging work that requires the expertise of many. There are real synergies for our scientists and students as we build collaboration among departments," said Matthew Disney, Ph.D., chair of The Wertheim UF Scripps chemistry department.

A Parkinson's disease project from the lab of chemist Matthew D. Disney, Ph.D., has received a boost from a nonprofit focused on helping scientists translate their discoveries into treatments.

Scripps Research awarded doctoral degrees to 59 graduate students, including eight from its partner program based at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, during its 32nd commencement.

Antibodies for Zika virus can be confused in diagnostic tests with antibodies for dengue virus, making it difficult to tell if someone who tests positive previously had dengue, Zika or both.

Seminars on collagen structure and vesicle trafficking sparked thoughtful discussion during chemistry and neuroscience department talks in January.