All wound up: A reversible molecular whirligig
Over the last few decades, researchers have built minuscule molecular machines that rotate or shuttle other molecules. However, it's difficult to determine the mechanical work and forces that these tiny contraptions produce, which is important when u.....»»
A divergent strategy enables molecular diversity: Synthesis of nine complex natural compounds
A research group led by chemist Thomas Magauer has accomplished a divergent strategy to synthesize nine complex natural compounds. The developed method requires significantly less time and results in a variety of compounds with different structures a.....»»
Rainforest releases oxidized organic molecules that form aerosol particles in tropical free troposphere, study reveals
Molecular-level measurements at Chacaltaya, Bolivia revealed that oxidized organic molecules were linked to isoprene emissions from Amazon rainforests hundreds of kilometers away. This potentially plays a crucial role in new particle formation, shedd.....»»
Molecular signals key to malaria parasite"s development, shows study
A key developmental step in the life cycle of the most virulent species of malaria parasite depends in part on a series of molecular signals, detailed in a new study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine. The findings may help scientists devel.....»»
Researchers reveal how cells rewrite their fate
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association in Berlin have revealed how cells accelerate changes to their identity, a process known as cell fate.....»»
Molecular "hub" regulates gene-silencing proteins
To keep their vital functions in balance, many organisms use small snippets of RNA to "silence" messenger RNAs that code for certain proteins. New research from FMI scientists has revealed a molecular hub that integrates the activities of different p.....»»
Electron tunneling associated with ferritin in vivo in the retina, the cochlea, macrophages and other tissues
Electron tunneling associated with ferritin was proposed as early as 1988, but it is still viewed skeptically despite substantial evidence that it occurs. In our recent paper published in IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological and Multi-Scale Com.....»»
Researchers identify molecular mechanism of cancer invasion
A cancerous tumor is the accumulation of cells uncontrollably dividing, some of which can invade other parts of the body. The process is difficult to predict in detail, and eradicating the cells poses even greater difficulty......»»
Dry days trigger leaves to send a surprising growth signal telling roots to keep growing
Scientists at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU) have discovered a new molecular signaling pathway, triggered when leaves are exposed to low humidity, that ensures plant roots keep growing towards water......»»
Cochlea cell atlas built from single-cell sequencing discovers new cell types, uncovers hidden molecular features
Researchers at the Pasteur Institute in France have conducted an in-depth genomic study of mouse cochlea to create a comprehensive transcriptomic atlas of the auditory organ at a molecular level......»»
Ribosomal gatekeepers: Study sheds light on molecular control centers of eukaryote protein factories
Based on genetic blueprints, individual amino acids are assembled into long amino acid chains, the proteins, in the protein factories of our cells, the ribosomes. Each newly formed protein starts with the amino acid methionine. This amino acid is oft.....»»
Molecular filament shielded our young solar system from supernova, suggests study
Isotope ratios found in meteorites suggest that a supernova exploded nearby while the sun and solar system were still forming. But the blast wave from a supernova that close could have potentially destroyed the nascent solar system. New calculations.....»»
Researchers reveal new molecular mechanism for stimulating hair growth
The process by which aged (senescent) pigment-making cells in the skin cause significant growth of hair inside skin moles, called nevi, has been identified by a research team led by the University of California, Irvine. The discovery may offer a road.....»»
Understanding the cation effect on the CO coupling reaction at the electrochemical interface
Recently, the National Science Review published research from Prof. Jun Cheng (Xiamen University) and Dr. Jia-Bo Le (Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of Chinese Academy of Sciences). The research team used ab initio molecular.....»»
Team develops CRISPR tool with big data visualization platform for genome editing and modification
A research team from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed an analysis service platform called CRISPRimmunity, which was an interactive web server for identifying important molecular events re.....»»
"Viking disease" hand disorder may come from Neanderthal genes
A new paper in Molecular Biology and Evolution shows that a condition known as Dupuytren's disease is partly of Neanderthal origin. Researchers have long known that the disease was much more common in Northern Europeans than in those of African ances.....»»
World"s first illustration of the molecular machinery that makes cilia beat
The first image of the structures that power human cilia—the tiny, hairlike projections that line our airways—has been produced by a team involving UCL researchers and could lead to much-needed treatments for people with rare cilial diseases......»»
Cryo-EM study shows zinc transporter has built-in self-regulating sensor
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have determined the atomic-level structure of a zinc-transporter protein, a molecular machine that regulates levels of this crucial trace metal micronutrient inside ce.....»»
Mass spectrometry uncovers actions of protein "glues"
A screening technique commonly used in drug discovery can yield important details about the actions of molecular 'glues' in protein interactions......»»
Researchers discover a new way to develop drugs without side effects
Have you ever wondered how drugs reach their targets and achieve their function within our bodies? If a drug molecule or a ligand is a message, an inbox is typically a receptor in the cell membrane. One such receptor involved in relaying molecular si.....»»
Pulling its weight: Team identifies protein key to chromosome movement during cell division
During cell division, chromosomes, i.e., molecules containing our genetic material, must be properly replicated and segregated so that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set. Now, in an article published in Molecular Cell, a team led.....»»