An international research collaboration led by Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists that examined microscopic blobs of protein found in human cells has discovered that some morph from an almost honey-like substance to a hard candy-like solid. 

These mysterious droplets, known as biomolecular condensates, solidify when they carry a high proportion of the protein alpha-synuclein, the scientists reported in Science Advances. Clumps of alpha-synuclein are commonly found in the brain cells of people with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative brain disorder.

Researchers tested pyrvinium pamoate against Merkel cell carcinoma with positive results.