Researchers at the University of Bristol have been using Quantifoil as their support film of choice for this fascinating research into SARS-CoV-2. Using the cryo-EM facilities based in Bristol, as part of the GW4 consortium, they were able to resolve the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein to 2.85 angstrom. At this resolution, it was possible to discover an unexpected fatty-acid binding pocket. Upon binding of linoleic acid to this composite site, between receptor-binding domains (RBDs), S is locked in a closed “inactive” state, paving the way for targeted therapies.

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