Demonstrating the significance of individual molecules during mechanical stress in cells
The cells in our bodies are continuously exposed to mechanical forces that are either externally applied or generated by the cells themselves. Being able to respond to such mechanical stimuli is an indispensable prerequisite for a large number of bio.....»»
First visualization of valence electrons reveals fundamental nature of chemical bonding
The distribution of outermost shell electrons, known as valence electrons, of organic molecules was experimentally observed for the first time by a team led by Nagoya University in Japan. As the interactions between atoms are governed by the valence.....»»
Surprising mechanism for removing dead cells identified
Billions of our cells die every day to make way for the growth of new ones. Most of these goners are cleaned up by phagocytes—mobile immune cells that migrate where needed to engulf problematic substances. But some dying or dead cells are consumed.....»»
Quality control: Neatly arranging crystal growth to make fine thin films
Table salt and refined sugar look white to our eyes, but that is only because their individual colorless crystals scatter visible light. This feature of crystals is not always desirable when it comes to materials for optical and electrical devices, h.....»»
Physicists develop new model that describes how filaments assemble into active foams
Many fundamental processes of life, and their synthetic counterparts in nanotechnology, are based on the autonomous assembly of individual particles into complex patterns. LMU physicist Professor Erwin Frey, Chair of Statistical and Biological Physic.....»»
Proteins for skin strength also control cell signaling, study suggests
An extensive family of proteins that gives human skin mechanical strength also appears to organize molecular signals that control skin cell activity, a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers shows. The team's findings, published in D.....»»
Advances in bermudagrass research highlight genetic insights, potential for environmental resilience
A research team has reviewed recent studies to highlight the significant progress in understanding the growth and stress response mechanisms in bermudagrass, a widely distributed and valuable grass species. A recent review reveals the genetic diversi.....»»
Fortanix protects individual file systems on specified hosts
Fortanix announced a major enhancement to its Fortanix Data Security Manager (DSM): File System Encryption. This new feature complements full disk encryption with the ability to protect individual file systems on specified hosts through encryption, g.....»»
Novel ratchet mechanism uses a geometrically symmetric gear driven by asymmetric surface wettability
The ratchet mechanism is a fascinating energy-conversion system that converts disorderly or random motion into orderly, directed movement through a process known as spontaneous rectification. It is a critical component of mechanical systems, typicall.....»»
New forensics technique measures individual DNA shedding to aid criminal investigations
A pioneering new DNA forensics technique is looking for a reliable method to measure a suspect's individual level of natural shedding of skin and other cells to add to, and compare with, evidence collected at crime scenes......»»
New supramolecular polymer shows spontaneous unfolding and aggregation
In polymers, the competition between the folding and aggregation of chains, both at an individual level and between chains, can determine the mechanical, thermal, and conductive properties of such materials. Understanding the interplay of folding and.....»»
Sea anemone study identifies potentially regenerative stem cells linked to conserved genes
The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is potentially immortal. Using molecular genetic methods, developmental biologists led by Ulrich Technau from the University of Vienna have now identified possible candidates for multipotent stem cells in the se.....»»
Researchers shed light on how to make photopolymerization much more efficient
Polymers are materials made out of long, repeating chains of molecules, and it is the interaction between these chains that dictates most of a polymer's physicochemical properties. In accordance with this intuitive understanding of polymers, which da.....»»
New method uses nanoparticles to reprogram exhausted immune cells
A novel study led by Prof. Mira Barda-Saad and her research team at the Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University has unveiled a novel method to rejuvenate natural killer (NK) cells in the fight against cancer. The study, published on t.....»»
Going slow is better for fast cycling: Study reveals unique replication fork behavior in pluripotent stem cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent stem cells that can produce all cell types of an organism. ES cells proliferate rapidly and have been thought to experience high levels of intrinsic replication stress. However, a recent report published in E.....»»
Teenagers" motivation dips in high school—research shows supportive teachers can really help
Adolescence is often characterized as a time of "storm and stress"......»»
Peering into the mind of artificial intelligence to make better antibiotics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity. It powers models that help us drive vehicles, proofread emails and even design new molecules for medications. But just like a human, it's hard to read AI's mind......»»
Exploring Huntington"s disease: Researchers discover that protein aggregates poke holes in the nuclear membrane
Researchers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands have identified a new way in which the toxic protein aggregates associated with Huntington's disease may damage nerve cells and cause them to die......»»
New tool simplifies cell tracking data analysis
Studying cell migration is vital because it plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including immune response, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Understanding how cells move and behave can lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases, de.....»»
Enhanced model enables more realistic biofilms for studying ventilator pneumonia
Scientists at The University of Warwick have made a breakthrough which could help find new treatments for a deadly infection that can affect up to 40% of hospital patients using mechanical ventilators. The study is published in Microbiology......»»
Doom will never die — and modders are to thank
It took a team of former modders to make Doom + Doom II the fantastic remaster that it is, demonstrating how love for Doom will never die......»»