https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18819 2026-04-11T03:25:21Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19159 Title: COST special issue [Editorial] Abstract: In this special issue of Xjenza Online, presented are papers by scientists based in Malta, notably from the University of Malta, with collaborators from institutions in Europe that have participated in European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) actions. COST is Europe’s longest-running intergovernmental framework for cooperation in science and technology. Founded in 1971, the mission of COST is to “enable breakthrough scientific developments leading to new concepts and products and thereby contribute to strengthen Europe’s research and innovation capacities.” The COST Actions connect scientific researchers across disciplines from across Europe and the world. They provide networking opportunities for early career investigators; increase the impact of research on policy makers, regulatory bodies and national decision makers as well as the private sector. Through its inclusiveness, particularly the participation of women researchers, COST actions support integration of research communities. This special issue of Xjenza Online showcases 9 articles. The first article, by Janet Mifsud, provides some history and background on COST. The paper highlights the increased participation of Malta in these actions, which has steadily grown from 47 researchers in 2011 to 149 in 2014. The other contributions are on topics associated with specific COST Actions. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/16001 Title: Role of protein structure in drug discovery Authors: Bonetta, Rosalin; Ebejer, Jean Paul; Seychell, Brandon; Vella, Marita; Hunter, Therese; Hunter, Gary J. Abstract: Many pharmaceuticals currently available were discovered either during the screening of natural of synthetic product libraries or by serendipitous observation. Such a \random" approach entails testing numerous compounds and developing countless high-throughput screening assays. On the other hand, a "rational" approach involves the structure-based route to drug discovery, where the structure of a target protein is determined. Hypothetical ligands may be predicted by molecular modelling, while movement of a molecule may be predicted by Molecular Dynamics Simulations prior to synthetic chemical synthesis of a particular molecule. Here, we will be discussing protein structure-based approaches to drug discovery. 2016-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12231 Title: Supramolecular chemistry in water : self-assembly of multi-component fluorescent molecular logic gates in micelles Authors: Magri, David C.; Costa, Paola F. da; Paterson, Kyle A. Abstract: A recent strategy for developing supramolecular logic gates in water is based on combinations of molecules via self-assembly with surfactants, which eliminates the need for time-consuming synthesis. The self-assembly of surfactants and lumophores and receptors can result in interesting properties providing cooperative e ffects useful for molecular information processing and other potential applications such as drug delivery systems. This article highlights some of the recent advancements in supramolecular information processing using microheterogeneous media including micelles in aqueous solution. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12224 Title: CM1106 STEMCHEM : chemical approaches to targeting drug resistance cancer stem cells Authors: Schembri-Wismayer, Pierre; Cassar, Analisse; Blaire Theuma, Krystle; Stipourou, Iona; Passarella, Daniele; Suleiman, Sherif; Micallef, Neville Abstract: STEMCHEM is a COST action aiming to target causes of drug resistance in cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are cells which are believed to be responsible for the larger part of the regenerative capacity of cancers. They are also thought to be similar to adult stem cells in that they do not proliferate most of the time and are thus resistant to many kinds of chemotherapy. The action brings together labs around Europe in both biological and chemical fields to work together in this regard. Biologists targeting individual stem-cell related molecules as well as stem cell phenotypes (like the un-diff erentiated state), test chemicals from numerous labs for activity in high throughput screens, with the aim of identifying new drug targets. This COST action, like most others, o ffers opportunities for Malta, both in a general way and also particularly for a small country with small labs. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z