CO molecular tilting detected by red-shifted TERS
The invention of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques, including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), has led to a paradigm shift in the visualization and understanding of surface structures and related propert.....»»
Interdisciplinary approach provides new insights into molecular mechanisms of cholera infection
Cholera infections caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria can be life-threatening and the trigger is the cholera toxin produced by the bacteria. It binds to the surface of intestinal cells—more precisely, to certain "sugar lipids" (GM1 gangliosides, GM.....»»
How astronomers are using pulsars to observe evidence of dark matter
Tantalizing evidence of potential dark matter objects has been detected with the help of the universe's "timekeepers." These pulsars—neutron stars which rotate and emit lighthouse-like beams of radio waves that rapidly sweep through space—were us.....»»
Nearby exoplanet could be first known ocean world: Webb telescope
A planet relatively close to Earth could be the first ever detected with a potentially life-sustaining liquid ocean outside our Solar System, according to scientists using the James Webb space telescope......»»
Research team develops light-activated compounds to treat neuropathic pain
Light can be used to activate drugs in specific parts of the body through photopharmacology. This innovative approach involves modifying the chemical structure of a drug by adding a light-activated molecular switch, such as azobenzene. This allows th.....»»
Integrating small-angle neutron scattering with machine learning enhances measurements of complex molecular structures
Small-angle scattering (SAS) is a powerful technique for studying nanoscale samples. So far, however, its use in research has been held back by its inability to operate without some prior knowledge of a sample's chemical composition. Through new rese.....»»
Understanding the role of RNA methylation in cancer
RNA modification could serve as a therapeutic target for certain types of cancer, according to a new study published in Molecular Cell, which sheds new light on the complex process underlying RNA transcription......»»
Q&A: Researcher discusses how gravitational waves hint at dark matter and Big Bang mysteries
Gravitational waves, ripples in space-time predicted by Einstein almost a century ago, were detected for the first time in 2015. A new study led by Yanou Cui, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Riverside,.....»»
Opening the right doors: New work reveals "jumping gene" control mechanisms
International joint research led by Akihisa Osakabe and Yoshimasa Takizawa of the University of Tokyo has clarified the molecular mechanisms in thale cresses (Arabidopsis thaliana) by which the DDM1 (Decreased in DNA Methylation 1) protein prevents t.....»»
The detection of a massive harmful algal bloom in the Arctic prompts real-time advisories to western Alaskan communities
In the summer of 2022, a research cruise detected a massive harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the Bering Strait region of western Alaska. This expedition provided a dramatic example of science utilizing new technology to track a neurotoxic HAB, and effect.....»»
Study shows leaf shape and size can"t reliably distinguish wild coca plants from those grown to make cocaine
A new paper in Molecular Biology and Evolution indicates that while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has collected annual data on areas of coca cultivation in South America for decades to monitor the establishment of illegal plantations a.....»»
Receptors make dairy cows a prime target for influenza, team finds
As highly pathogenic avian influenza has spread in dairy herds across the U.S., the virus is being detected in raw milk. A new study by a broad team of researchers at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine helps explain why......»»
The art of molecular self-assembly: Crafting 2D nanostructures for advanced materials
Creating periodic nanostructures is vital for progress in material science and nanotechnology. Traditional methods often struggle with complexity and scalability. Integrating bottom-up self-assembly of block molecules with top-down lithography offers.....»»
Evidence of water vapor detected in the atmosphere of Smertrios
Using the CARMENES spectrograph, astronomers have found evidence of water vapor in the atmosphere of a hot Saturn exoplanet designated HD 149026 b, dubbed Smertrios. The finding, reported in a research paper published on the preprint server arXiv, co.....»»
Using a refrigerated microscope and antifreeze to directly observe the ice-liquid interface
Ice in nature is surrounded by liquid most of the time, and therefore it is key to understand how ice and liquid interact. A Kobe University and Institute for Molecular Science study has now for the first time directly observed the precise shape of i.....»»
Chemists develop chameleon-like molecular chain with dual ion binding capability
Everyday objects such as metal chains, handcuffs, and key rings are examples that demonstrate a unique combination of properties where hard, rigid rings are interlocked together to exhibit flexibility and strength as a whole, and as such enable them.....»»
Two new variable stars detected in globular cluster NGC 6558
An international team of astronomers has conducted a survey of variable stars in the field of a globular cluster known as NGC 6558. As a result, they identified dozens of variables, out of which two turned out to be new cluster members. The finding w.....»»
Researchers pioneer new methods in ultrafast science for sharper molecular movies
Imagine being able to watch the inner workings of a chemical reaction or a material as it changes and reacts to its environment—that's the sort of thing researchers can do with a high-speed "electron camera" called the Megaelectronvolt Ultrafast El.....»»
Researchers reveal how myrtle rust pathogen breaks into a host plant
A recent study looking at the molecular foundation of myrtle rust reveals how the pathogen breaks into a host plant and how the host plant responds. This insight will inform the design of useful tools to prevent future break-ins and safeguard plant h.....»»
Exploring the molecular basis of how pradimicin A binds to viral N-glycan, a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor
HIV, Ebola and most recently, COVID-19 viruses have had an enormous impact on our societies world-wide. All these viruses are "enveloped viruses," viruses that have an exterior envelope that surrounds them largely composed of their host's cells. This.....»»
Astronomers observe a strong shock front in galaxy cluster SPT-CLJ 2031-4037
Using NASA's Chandra X-ray spacecraft, astronomers from the University of Alabama in Huntsville have observed a merging galaxy cluster known as SPT-CLJ 2031-4037. They detected a rarely seen strong shock front in this galaxy cluster. The finding was.....»»