A mitochondrial self-preservation mechanism
Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, convert sustenance into energy, fueling the cell's activities. In addition to power, mitochondria also produce reactive oxygen species, byproduct molecules primed to help facilitate communication among the ot.....»»
Molecular mechanism of transmembrane bilirubin transport by human ABCC2 transporter revealed
The metabolic process of bilirubin has been a focus of medical research since the abnormal accumulation of bilirubin has been found to be associated with a variety of diseases. Bilirubin is a substance produced by the breakdown of aging or damaged re.....»»
Scientists discover why ripe fruit is more susceptible to necrotrophic pathogens than unripe fruit
In a recent study published in Molecular Plant, researchers have elucidated the mechanism underlying the increased susceptibility to necrotrophs during fruit ripening and have developed a rapid strategy to improve tomato fruit resistance to necrotrop.....»»
Study reveals accelerated soil priming under climate warming
A first-of-its-kind study led by researchers at the University of Oklahoma highlights a crucial biosphere feedback mechanism and its effects on releasing soil carbon into the atmosphere......»»
New aging mechanism discovered in nematodes
Even the genes and proteins that have been most closely studied are still far from having given up all their secrets. Like a Swiss Army knife, they have many different, often unknown functions......»»
Cracking the code to a healthier potato chip
In a breakthrough for the snack food industry, a team of scientists led by Michigan State University professors Jiming Jiang and David Douches has discovered a key mechanism behind the darkening and potential health concerns associated with cold-stor.....»»
Research provides genetic insights into Nara"s sacred deer while exploring conservation challenges
In a world where human activities have left an indelible mark on ecosystems, the preservation of species and natural landscapes has become an urgent global concern. Despite such trends, Traditional taboos rooted in religious beliefs have sometimes se.....»»
Newly discovered bacterial defense system functions as self-destruct button
Wageningen researchers have discovered a molecular self-destruct mechanism in a bacterium living on seaweed. With this mechanism the bacteria sacrifice themselves when they are infected, thus protecting their brothers and sisters from infections. By.....»»
Scientists identify genetic mechanism responsible for plant leaf diversity
Plant leaves come in many different shapes, sizes and complexities. Some leaves are large and smooth, while others are smaller and serrated. Some leaves grow in single pieces while others form multiple leaflets. These variations in leaf structure pla.....»»
Paleontological analysis shows renowned fossil thought to show soft tissue preservation is in fact just paint
A 280-million-year-old fossil that has baffled researchers for decades has been shown to be—in part—a forgery, following new examination of the remnants......»»
How a wayside weed builds up explosive force to hurl seeds
Hairy bittercress is one of those plants that hurl their seeds in all directions to spread them effectively. A research team has now discovered that to do this, the plant uses a previously unknown mechanism that makes the seed pods contract and snap.....»»
Discovery of a subset of human short introns that are spliced out by a novel mechanism
The well-known essential pre-mRNA splicing factor U2AF heterodimer (U2AF2–U2AF1) has been identified as mediating early splicing reactions in all introns of different lengths. However, Dr. Kazuhiro Fukumura in the Akila Mayeda lab at Fujita Health.....»»
Nutrients direct intestinal stem cell function and affect aging, finds study
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered a new mechanism of action between the nutrient adaptation of intestinal stem cells and aging. The finding may make a difference when seeking ways to maintain the functional capacity of the agi.....»»
Q&A: Research visualizes a precise mechanism for how cells sort their trash
For decades it has been an open question in the ubiquitin research field how proteins are labeled as being defective or unneeded. In a recent study Brenda Schulman, Director at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Biochemistry, and Gary Kleiger, Chair o.....»»
Preclinical study uncovers two proteins" crucial role in causing cancer cell growth
Scientists at City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, have discovered a new cellular mechanism that plays an important role in cancer cells' ability to cause disease. The study is published i.....»»
Team discovers mechanism that protects tissue after faulty gene expression
A study at the University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research has identified a protein complex that is activated by defects in the spliceosome, the molecular scissors that process genetic information. Future research could lead.....»»
Researchers discover molecular mechanism that influences the symmetrical shape of the style
Humans are attracted to symmetry: in our buildings, our gardens, in our potential partners. For plants, the symmetrical shapes of organs are a matter of survival because the form directly impacts the function......»»
To stick or not to stick? Mixed sand columns illuminate design of better materials
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have been studying the strength and toughness of sand columns made of a mixture of sticky and non-sticky grains. They have uncovered the mechanism behind how the strength changes as grains are mixed in di.....»»
Scientists Just Discovered a New Type of Magnetism
In an atomically thin stack of semiconductors, a mechanism unseen in any natural substance causes electrons’ spins to align......»»
New simulation tool advances molecular modeling of biomolecular condensates
A University of Massachusetts Amherst team has made a major advance toward modeling and understanding how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) undergo spontaneous phase separation, an important mechanism of subcellular organization that underlies.....»»
Ancient "relaxant-inflammatory" mechanism gets sponges moving
Did you know that sponges can move? While not exactly the champions of underwater acrobatics, sponges exhibit coordinated movements—despite not having muscles or neurons......»»