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.....»»
Novel protein involved in mitochondrial gene expression identified
Researchers at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Karolinska Institutet have characterized a novel GTPase involved in ribosome production in mitochondria. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into.....»»
Pear-derived discovery: A genetic mechanism to fortify crops against drought
A recent study has shed light on a critical genetic mechanism that boosts plants' ability to withstand drought. The research uncovers the role of the transcription factor PbERF3, native to wild pears, which works in concert with the protein PbHsfC1a.....»»
Scientists uncover conserved mechanism of pericentric heterochromatin initiation in vertebrates
A study published in Nature on July 4 by Prof. Zhu Bing from the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shed light on the conserved mechanism responsible for the initiation of pericentric heterochromatin in vertebrates......»»
New theory reveals fracture mechanism in soft materials
A new theory has finally deciphered the physical mechanisms of fracture in soft materials. This discovery could soon lead to new, defect-free materials that are more resistant and durable as well as environmentally friendly. The article "Elastic inst.....»»
Food safety, quality review summarizes sustainable seafood preservation to minimize waste, losses
Seafood is in high demand across several regions of the world. Moreover, this demand for seafood is expected to surge by a whopping 56% by 2050. Given the high moisture content and susceptibility of seafood to microbial and biochemical decay, it ofte.....»»
Simulations demonstrate potential mechanisms of intermediate-mass black hole formation in globular clusters
Joint research led by Michiko Fujii of the University of Tokyo demonstrates a possible formation mechanism of intermediate-mass black holes in globular clusters, star clusters that could contain tens of thousands or even millions of tightly packed st.....»»
Scientists elucidate substrate recognition and proton coupling mechanism of transporter protein VMAT2
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is the only transporter protein in the central nervous system that mediates the storage of monoamine neurotransmitters. It plays a critical role in mediating nerve impulse transmission and neuroprotection......»»
DNA repair mechanism further elucidated in cryo-electron microscopy experiment
Researchers have discovered how the protein XPD detects severe DNA damage and controls its repair......»»
Researchers reveal a new mechanism of hyaluronic acid with a specific molecular weight to improve host inflammation
Previous studies on the function of glycosaminoglycans have primarily focused on improving host physiological indices. However, little attention has been paid to the material basis and mechanism of their mediated improvement of host health by gut mic.....»»
Droplets that swim toward dissolution could inspire fluid microbots
Researchers discovered that microscopic liquid droplets swim toward solvent conditions that favor their dissolution. This mechanism may underlie some transport processes within living cells, and could be exploited to develop fluid micro robots......»»
New insights into the interaction of femtosecond lasers with living tissue
Nonlinear light microscopy has revolutionized our ability to observe and understand complex biological processes. However, light can also damage living matter. Yet, the mechanism behind the irreversible perturbation of cellular processes by intense l.....»»
Study sheds light on how antibiotic "Velcro" kills bacteria
A small antibiotic called plectasin uses an innovative mechanism to kill bacteria. By assembling into large structures, plectasin latches onto its target on the bacterial cell surface, similar to how both sides of Velcro form a bond......»»
Study finds mitochondrial phosphate carrier plays an important role in virulence of Candida albicans
In a paper published in Mycology, Professor Yan Wang's team found that in both nematode and murine infection models, the lack of MIR1 gene, which encodes mitochondrial phosphate carrier, can lead to severe virulence defects in Candida albicans......»»
Research team uncovers mechanism for spikelet development in barley
The inflorescence architecture of crop plants like barley is predominantly regulated by meristem activity and fate, which play a critical role in determining the number of floral structures for grain production......»»
Biologists travel with their mobile laboratory to study a wide range of mitochondrial functions in avian migration
For Wendy Hood and Geoffrey Hill in Biological Sciences, Andreas Kavazis in Kinesiology, and their team, Emma Rhodes, Paulo Mesquita, and Jeff Yap, traveling the country to unlock the mystery of mitochondria in migrating aviary species has allowed th.....»»
Phycologists discover what makes some brown algae shimmer and others not
Compartments of consistently sized, tightly packed microspheres are what makes some brown algae shimmer like opal. The Kobe University discovery not only sheds light on the mechanism behind the alga's structural coloration, it is also the first to sp.....»»
U.S. Supreme Court backs consumer finance watchdog agency"s funding mechanism
Many conservatives and their Republican allies have portrayed the CFPB as part of an overbearing "administrative state," the network of agencies responsible for the array of federal regulations affecting businesses and individuals......»»
Research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite
Collaborating researchers have discovered a link between malaria parasites' ability to develop resistance to antimalarial drugs—specifically artemisinin (ART)—through a cellular process called transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification. tRNA m.....»»
Multi-scale, nanomaterial-based ice inhibition platform enables full-cycle cryogenic protection for mouse oocytes
Safe and high-quality fertility preservation is of growing significance for women in clinical trials. Current primary methods for cryopreserving human oocytes are slow freezing and vitrification, but existing techniques pose risks of biochemical toxi.....»»
Researchers unlock vital insights into metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts" reaction mechanism
A team of researchers has made significant strides in understanding metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts, offering alternatives to expensive platinum-group-metal (PGM) catalysts and a pathway to a greener future......»»