Elucidating the biosynthetic mechanism for protoberberine alkaloids from Coptis chinensis
Protoberberine alkaloids are a group of tetracyclic isoquinoline compounds known for their well-established antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Although protoberberine alkaloids are broadly found in various plant families such as Ranuncul.....»»
Study elucidates a mechanism for phosphorus cycling in subtropical forests
Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient element in plant photosynthesis. However, the adsorption of mineral P via leaching and erosion leads to a decrease in P availability and consequently P deficiency......»»
Elucidating the mechanism of cell division during plant self-healing
When the stem of a plant is injured, the surrounding cells proliferate to repair and fuse the damaged tissue, eventually restoring function. This self-healing property is utilized in grafting techniques to propagate fruit and vegetable plants......»»
Presence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators, study shows
Bacteria that live in soil and help roots fix nitrogen can boost certain plants' capacity to reproduce, according to an article published in the American Journal of Botany describing a study of this mechanism in Chamaecrista latistipula, a legume bel.....»»
Shedding light on a decades-old protein sorting mystery
Christian de Caestecker, a Ph.D. student in the lab of Ian Macara, Louise B. McGavock Professor and chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, has proposed and validated a mechanism that addresses a decades-old mystery surrounding epi.....»»
Advancing synthetic Ephedra-type alkaloids with a two-step enzymatic approach
Ephedra-type alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring compounds derived from plants in the genus Ephedra, have long held interest in the pharmaceutical industry due to their stimulant and airway widening effects. These alkaloids are used for the tre.....»»
Strategies for maximizing recombinant protein production in tobacco plants
Plant molecular farming (PMF) is a modern, sophisticated technology that utilizes plants' biosynthetic machinery to synthesize a plethora of recombinant proteins, including industrial and therapeutic enzymes. It has several advantages over traditiona.....»»
Mechanism behind autophagy trigger unveiled
An international research team led by Osaka University has identified a new mechanism crucial for the initiation of autophagy, a self-degradation process cells use to eliminate unneeded or damaged components. In recent years, autophagy has also been.....»»
Researchers identify novel endocytic recycling mechanism with "kiss-and-run" membrane fusion
Endocytosis and recycling control the uptake and retrieval of various materials in eukaryotic cells. Mammalian cells have developed several recycling routes, including the relatively extensively studied "fast" and "slow" tubulovesicular recycling pat.....»»
How a bacterial pathogen that causes dysentery manipulates molecular activity to assure its survival
Virginia Tech researchers have learned how bacteria manipulate molecules to infect the host organism. Daniel Capelluto and his research team have discovered the mechanism by which the bacterial pathogen Shigella flexneri, the causative agent of dysen.....»»
Decoding "Chachi" citrus: Unveiling the secrets of flavorful phytonutrients
Citrus reticulata "Chachi" (CRC), a staple in traditional medicine and modern pharmacology, is renowned for its rich flavonoid content, which underpins its health-promoting properties. Despite its widespread use, the biosynthetic pathways and genetic.....»»
New mechanism uncovered for the reduction of emu wings
.Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism underlying the skeletal reduction and asymmetry of emu wings. Their research reveals that the absence of distal muscle formation results in a lack of mechanostress during development, leading to the obser.....»»
Template synthesis creates multilayered perovskites with unique ferroelectric behavior
A group of Nagoya University researchers in Japan has synthesized 4- and 5-layered versions of the important electrical material perovskite. Analyzing the mechanism of ferroelectricity in the material, they found it has a unique function: the materia.....»»
Scientists discover nonstomatal control of water loss in critical crops
Scientists have discovered that certain plants can survive stressful, dry conditions by controlling water loss through their leaves without relying on their usual mechanism—tiny pores known as stomata......»»
Dual-feedback mechanism can enhance anti-oxidation coatings in fiber composites
Fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have been the primary choice for radome materials in hypersonic vehicles due to their high toughness, strength, and other advantageous properties. However, oxidation by oxygen in the atmospheric envir.....»»
Researchers aim to control gene expression by studying the memories of cells
Communication between cells is now believed to activate a memory mechanism that sustains gene expression, a finding based on the work of Dr. Gregory Reeves......»»
Discovery about ice layer formation in ice sheets can improve sea level rise predictions
A newly discovered mechanism for the flow and freezing of ice sheet meltwater could improve estimates of sea level rise around the globe......»»
Elucidating the mechanism underlying de novo membrane formation during gametogenesis
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have meticulously examined the gametogenesis of budding yeast, a process involving meiosis and spore formation, using live imaging techniques. Their findings reveal that during sporulation, the endoplasmic reticul.....»»
The olive tree"s blueprint: Key insights into high-quality oil production
A pivotal study has decoded the genetic basis of olive oil production, revealing a key regulatory mechanism that shapes oil biosynthesis. By mapping the olive tree's genome and metabolic pathways, researchers have identified how MYC2, a critical tran.....»»
Researchers reveal performance boost mechanism in single-atom catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Hydrogen energy, with its green, low-carbon and high-calorific-value properties, is emerging as the new key to solving the energy crisis. Electrochemically, water splitting has garnered much attention as a promising hydrogen production technique. How.....»»
Drosophila study discovers mechanism that could control longevity, cancer cell production
Researchers at UC Merced have used fruit flies to uncover a cellular process common to many organisms that could dramatically impact the understanding of cancer and aging......»»