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.....»»
Focus groups can work without a moderator, research shows
Focus groups that feed views, experiences and opinions into politics, business and research might yield more open interaction and discussion within groups by moving moderators to a separate room, shows new research......»»
Exploring design rules for using supramolecular hydrogels to mimic the extracellular matrix
In human tissue, the cells are embedded in the extracellular matrix. This matrix is made up of fiber-like structures that provide firmness to the tissue, but also influence cell behavior and facilitate cell growth......»»
Scientists uncover aurora-like radio emission above a sunspot
In a study published in Nature Astronomy, astronomers from New Jersey Institute of Technology's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (NJIT-CSTR) have detailed radio observations of an extraordinary aurora-like display occurring 40,000 km above a rel.....»»
Literature provides valuable insight into the meanings of mobility and place
Cultural products, including works of literature, are not detached from reality; instead, they construct and challenge our understanding of the world. Literary texts show the complexity of reality, reflect on the power structures of the surrounding s.....»»
Evolution of taste: Study discovers bitter taste receptor in sharks
A research team from the University of Cologne, in collaboration with colleagues from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology in Freising, has discovered a receptor for bitter taste in twelve different cartilaginous fish (sharks and rays). The.....»»
How green algae count cell divisions illuminates key step needed for the evolution of multicellular life
An international research team led by James Umen, Ph.D., member, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has made an unexpected discovery of a biased counting mechanism used by the single-celled green alga Chlamydomonas to control cell division. Chlamyd.....»»
The unsafe Safeguard Mechanism: How carbon credits could blow up Australia"s main climate policy
A time bomb is ticking inside the Albanese government's climate policy. When it explodes, Australia will fall short of its climate targets and leave a gaggle of investors shirtless......»»
Record-breaking supermassive black hole is oldest even seen in X-rays
The supermassive black hole is 13.2 billion light-years away and could help uncover the mysteries of how the largest black holes form......»»
Crumpled sheets reveal a mechanism for glassy relaxations
We often crumple a scrap piece of paper into a ball before throwing it. This mundane action, however, creates a unique complex system with surprising mechanical properties. Take a thin plastic sheet such as cellophane and try it yourself. While a reg.....»»
Research explores molecular basis of ventilator-induced diaphragm weakness
A study, published in PNAS Nexus, presents evidence that mitochondrial fragmentation is a proximal mechanism underlying ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD)—and identifies a possible therapeutic to limit diaphragm atrophy during a stay.....»»
Cultural artifacts serve as "cognitive fossils," helping uncover the psychology of the past
No two societies in history think exactly alike. In fact, the mindset of a given society throughout history can help historians unpack important clues about the effects of psychological shifts—such as more social trust or more openness......»»
Identifying a silicon transporter to improve the yield of rice
Silicon (Si) is abundant in terrestrial environments and accounts for 0.1% to 10% of a plant's dry weight. Certain plant species show high levels of Si accumulation, and research has identified high Si accumulation as a protective mechanism against a.....»»
Microsoft Authenticator suppresses suspicious MFA notifications
Microsoft has quietly rolled out a new mechanism that shields users of its mobile Authenticator app from suspicious (and annoying) push notifications triggered by attackers. Preventing attacks relying on MFA fatigue When faced with MFA-protected acco.....»»
The cell"s "read–write" mechanism: Researchers uncover how instructions for gene expression are relayed
The "read–write" mechanism by which cells replicate and use chemical instructions for expressing genes has been uncovered by RIKEN researchers. The quality and quantity of gene expression correlates not only with instructions by transcription facto.....»»
Study examines the relationship between mice and a plant that flowers once a century
Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have revealed new insights into the interaction between mast seeding plants and the animals that eat their seeds. Hanami Suzuki and Professor Hisashi Kajimura examined the behavior of field mice using seeds f.....»»
Researchers use powerful AI tool to gain new insights into protein structures
An international team of researchers has revealed new insights about the three-dimensional structure of certain types of proteins by using the powerful artificial intelligence tool AlphaFold2......»»
Scientists reveal new mechanism for dynamic regulation of manchette microtubules during sperm development
Researchers led by Meng Wenxiang from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have shown that knocking out of the calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein 1 (CAMSAP 1) gene, which is associated w.....»»
Detecting hidden defects in materials using a single-pixel terahertz sensor
In the realm of engineering and material science, detecting hidden structures or defects within materials is crucial. Traditional terahertz imaging systems, which rely on the unique property of terahertz waves to penetrate visibly opaque materials, h.....»»
Where the heck did all those structures inside complex cells come from?
There are competing theories about the origin of the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum. Enlarge / Computer illustration of mitochondria, membrane-enclosed cellular organelles that produce energy. (credit: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHO.....»»
Researchers reveal hidden sensory mechanism of hair follicles
Imperial researchers have discovered a hidden mechanism within hair follicles that allow us to feel touch. The findings have been published in Science Advances......»»