Atomic structure of a staphylococcal bacteriophage using cryo-electron microscopy
Cryo-electron microscopy by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers has exposed the structure of a bacterial virus with unprecedented detail. This is the first structure of a virus able to infect Staphylococcus epidermidis, and high-resolutio.....»»
Ancient protein structure may have enabled early molecular evolution and diversification
In a finding that offers fresh insights into the early evolution of life on Earth, two RIKEN biologists have conducted lab experiments that have revealed a previously unknown protein fold, which is completely absent in modern proteins......»»
Filament structure found to activate and regulate CRISPR-Cas "protein scissors"
CRISPR-Cas systems help to protect bacteria from viruses. Several different types of CRISPR-Cas defense systems are found in bacteria, which differ in their composition and functions. Among them, the most studied proteins today are Cas9 and Cas12, al.....»»
Beyond "one pore at a time": New method of generating multiple, tunable nanopores
Nanoporous membranes with atomic-scale holes smaller than one-billionth of a meter have powerful potential for decontaminating polluted water, pulling valuable metal ions from the water, or for osmotic power generators......»»
Ring Protect rebrands to Ring Home and adds 24/7 recording
Ring Protect is now Ring Home, and while its pricing structure is the same, it benefits from several cool new features -- including 24/7 recording......»»
Seeing double: Designing drugs that target "twin" cancer proteins
Some proteins in the human body are easy to block with a drug; they have an obvious spot in their structure where a drug can fit, like a key in a lock. But other proteins are more difficult to target, with no clear drug-binding sites......»»
3D structure of key protein could advance development of hormone-free male contraceptive pill
Melbourne-based scientists behind the development of a hormone-free, reversible male contraceptive pill have, for the first time, solved the molecular structure of the discovery program's primary therapeutic target, significantly increasing the chanc.....»»
A new apparatus for analyzing partial coherence in integrated photonic networks
Anyone familiar with optics labs is familiar with the extremes of light coherence: laser beams are highly coherent, producing clear interference patterns used for precise applications like atomic manipulation or precise sensing. In contrast, light fr.....»»
3D-printed setup enables fast and accurate virus detection
A new method for quickly and accurately detecting nanoparticles and viruses marks a major advancement in virus detection technology, merging confocal fluorescence microscopy with microfluidic laminar flow. Unlike traditional PCR methods, which are sl.....»»
Geologists discover mysterious subduction zone beneath Pacific, reshaping understanding of Earth"s interior
University of Maryland scientists uncovered evidence of an ancient seafloor that sank deep into Earth during the age of dinosaurs, challenging existing theories about Earth's interior structure. Located in the East Pacific Rise (a tectonic plate boun.....»»
Research team succeeds in ultra-fast switching of tiny light sources
Extremely thin materials consisting of just a few atomic layers promise applications for electronics and quantum technologies. An international team led by TU Dresden has now made remarkable progress with an experiment conducted at Helmholtz-Zentrum.....»»
These 3D-printed pipes inspired by shark intestines outperform Tesla valves
Prototypes control fluid flow in a preferred direction with no need for moving parts. Enlarge / Shark intestines are naturally occurring Tesla valves; scientists have figured out how to mimic their unique structure. (credit: Sara.....»»
OpenAI drops nonprofit status in large-scale reorganization
OpenAI is reportedly planning to scrap the nonprofit structure of its core business in favor of a for-profit model that will be more attractive to investors......»»
How social structure influences the way people share money
People around the globe often depend on informal financial arrangements, borrowing and lending money through social networks. Understanding this sheds light on local economies and helps fight poverty......»»
Ultra-high speed camera for molecules: Attosecond spectroscopy captures electron transfer dynamics
In nature, photosynthesis powers plants and bacteria; within solar panels, photovoltaics transform light into electric energy. These processes are driven by electronic motion and imply charge transfer at the molecular level. The redistribution of ele.....»»
Cryo-ET study provides viral close-up of HTLV-1, the "overlooked cousin of HIV"
In collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Cornell University, Martin Obr and Florian Schur from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) provide new details into the architecture of HTLV-1 (Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1.....»»
New insights into hot carrier solar cells: Study explores hot electron tunneling and collection to enhance efficiency
Hot carrier solar cells, a concept introduced several decades ago, have long been seen as a potential breakthrough in solar energy technology. These cells could surpass the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit, which is a theoretical maximum efficien.....»»
Discovering new energy levels in atomic hyperfine structures
Since the late 1960s, the Laboratoire Aimé Cotton (LAC) in Orsay, France, has made significant progress in the classification of complex atomic spectra. These advances have been driven both by the development of Fourier transform spectroscopy, and t.....»»
Researchers uncover key insights into cholesterol"s structure in cell membranes
A new study by Rice University researchers led by Jason Hafner could open new pathways for understanding how cholesterol influences cell membranes and their receptors, paving the way for future research on diseases linked to membrane organization. Th.....»»
Chemists discover new ways in which single-celled organisms organize their DNA
It has only recently been discovered that single-celled organisms (bacteria and archaea) also have histones—proteins that structure DNA. Now, Leiden Ph.D. candidate Samuel Schwab has found that the histones in these organisms are much more diverse.....»»
From chaos to order: Proteins can re-structure themselves to create important substances
The protein "MIPS" changes its internal structure when it becomes active. Its disordered active center becomes a defined structure with special functions. The protein plays a key role in the production of inositol, which is also known as vitamin B8,.....»»