Glucagon receptor structures uncover new arrestin interaction mechanism
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential for cell signal transduction and constitute the largest drug target protein family. Upon agonist stimulation, these receptors activate multiple downstream transducers, including G proteins and arresti.....»»
Research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite
Collaborating researchers have discovered a link between malaria parasites' ability to develop resistance to antimalarial drugs—specifically artemisinin (ART)—through a cellular process called transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification. tRNA m.....»»
Researchers unlock vital insights into metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts" reaction mechanism
A team of researchers has made significant strides in understanding metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts, offering alternatives to expensive platinum-group-metal (PGM) catalysts and a pathway to a greener future......»»
Researchers uncover what makes some chickens more water-efficient than others
In the first scientific report of its kind, researchers in Arkansas have shown that chickens bred for water conservation continued to put on weight despite heat stress that would normally slow growth......»»
Researchers elucidate ultrafast laser-induced solid-to-overdense-plasma transitions
The interaction of solids with high-intensity ultra-short laser pulses has enabled major technological breakthroughs over the past half-century. On the one hand, laser ablation of solids offers micromachining and miniaturization of elements in medica.....»»
Researchers uncover mechanism for short-distance vesicle movements
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have thrown new light on the mechanism for how vesicles move short distances within specific parts of the cell, an area not understood by scientists......»»
Chemical tweaks to a toad hallucinogen turns it into a potential drug
Targets a different serotonin receptor from other popular hallucinogens. Enlarge / The Colorado River toad, also known as the Sonoran Desert Toad. (credit: Mark Newman) It is becoming increasingly accepted that classic p.....»»
Study shows AI conversational agents can help reduce interethnic prejudice during online interactions
Prejudice and fear have always been at the core of intergroup hostilities. While intergroup interaction is a prerequisite for initiating peace and stability at the junction of clashing interests, values, and cultures, the risk of further escalation p.....»»
Tauonium: The smallest and heaviest atom with pure electromagnetic interaction
The hydrogen atom was once considered the simplest atom in nature, composed of a structureless electron and a structured proton. However, as research progressed, scientists discovered a simpler type of atom, consisting of structureless electrons, muo.....»»
Researchers shed new light on carboxysomes in key discovery that could boost photosynthesis
A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has discovered how carboxysomes—carbon-fixing structures found in some bacteria and algae—work. The breakthrough could help scientists redesign and repurpose the st.....»»
New DNA origami technique promises advances in medicine
A new technique in building DNA structures at a microscopic level has the potential to advance drug delivery and disease diagnosis, a study suggests......»»
Researchers demonstrate enhanced radiative heat transfer for nanodevices
Researchers from Japan have been working hard to keep their cool—or at least—keep their nanodevices from overheating. By adding a tiny coating of silicon dioxide to micro-sized silicon structures, they were able to show a significant increase in.....»»
Team develops an epigenome editing toolkit to dissect the mechanisms of gene regulation
Understanding how genes are regulated at the molecular level is a central challenge in modern biology. This complex mechanism is mainly driven by the interaction between proteins called transcription factors, DNA regulatory regions, and epigenetic mo.....»»
Study reveals new mechanism to explain how continents stabilized
Ancient, expansive tracts of continental crust called cratons have helped keep Earth's continents stable for billions of years, even as landmasses shift, mountains rise and oceans form. A new mechanism proposed by Penn State scientists may explain ho.....»»
Study pinpoints cellular response to pressure in sea star embryos
An international team of scientists has discovered a new cellular mechanism that explains how cells can adapt to pressure changes during tissue growth by packing themselves into a unique shape......»»
Free-forming organelles help plants adapt to climate change
Plants' ability to sense light and temperature, and their ability to adapt to climate change, hinges on free-forming structures in their cells whose function was, until now, a mystery......»»
Seeing is believing: Observation of migrasomes
Migrasomes, novel organelles first reported by Professor Li Yu' s team in 2015, are vesicular structures with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 3 micrometers that form on the retraction fibers at the rear of migrating cells. These structures contain vari.....»»
Rich molecular language guides tiny liquid droplet formation in cells
Peering into a biological cell reveals a bustling microscopic world. The workhorses within this realm are specialized structures called organelles that perform vital cellular functions. Curiously, some organelles defy accepted convention: Instead of.....»»
Researchers develop bioinspired Bouligand structure for enhanced mechanical properties
Bouligand structures, found in natural materials like fish scales, lobster peritoneum and bones, are known for providing exceptional mechanical properties to biomaterials. While progress has been made in creating bioinspired materials, most research.....»»
Experiment opens door for millions of qubits on one chip
Researchers from the University of Basel and the NCCR SPIN have achieved the first controllable interaction between two hole spin qubits in a conventional silicon transistor. The breakthrough opens up the possibility of integrating millions of these.....»»
Solar orbiter takes a mind-boggling video of the sun
You've seen the sun, but you've never seen the sun like this. This single frame from a video captured by ESA's Solar Orbiter mission shows the sun looking very fluffy! You can see feathery, hair-like structures made of plasma following magnetic field.....»»