How a calcium-sensing protein multitasks
The calcium-sensing receptor is critical for maintaining healthy calcium levels, but CaSR is also well-known for its side hustles. The receptor is increasingly recognized for its ability to detect other ions and proteins and for its role in breast ca.....»»
New electron microscopy technique reveals complex spin structures at femtosecond timescales
Plasmons are collective oscillations of electrons in a solid and are important for a wide range of applications, such as sensing, catalysis, and light harvesting. Plasmonic waves that travel along the surface of a metal, called surface plasmon polari.....»»
Grapevine protein resembles animal ion transport function, researchers discover
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that a protein which mediates the transport of alkali metal ions, such as potassium, and halide ions across plant membranes acts similarly to a protein found in animals......»»
Researchers highlight role "workhorse protein" plays in keeping nervous system running smoothly
A team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the first to show how proteins called "chaperones" are vital in ensuring that neurons can transmit signals to one another. When this neurotransmission breaks down, devastating dise.....»»
First-of-its-kind study uses remote sensing to monitor plastic debris in rivers and lakes
A first-of-its-kind study from researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities shows how remote sensing can help monitor and remove plastic debris from freshwater environments like the Mississippi River......»»
Molecular gardening: New enzymes discovered for protein modification pruning
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are enzymes used by cells to trim protein modifications made from the protein ubiquitin, and thereby regulate proteins. Malfunctioning of DUBs could lead to diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders......»»
New method speeds up protein study, aiding disease treatment research
Protein complexes are important for the majority of vital processes in the cell and human body, such as producing energy, copying DNA and regulating the immune system......»»
Protein"s "hopping" behavior uncovers new drug development avenues
Since 2006, Ruben Gonzalez's Columbia lab has used single-molecule light microscopy to study the structural dynamics of biomolecules......»»
Detecting problems during protein synthesis with a firefly luciferase-based reporter
A newly developed luciferase-based reporter can detect problems in protein translocation and disulfide bond formation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as reported by researchers at Science Tokyo. Inspired by natural mechanisms found in bacteria, th.....»»
Method enhances solubility of pea protein for use in food and beverages
Research conducted at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in São Paulo state, Brazil, shows that heat treatment of pea protein and addition of guarana extract result in a compound with significant potential to be used as an ingredient of plan.....»»
Discovery of key protein complex shows evolution and adaptability of photosynthetic organisms
A team of researchers has revealed the structure of a modified and evolved version of Photosystem I (PS I), a key protein complex used by plants and cyanobacteria to convert sunlight into chemical energy. This discovery sheds light on the evolution a.....»»
Spectroscopy and AI method provide unique window into protein structure and mechanism of action
The lab of Hassane Mchaourab, director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Protein Dynamics and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, has developed a methodological blueprint that couples experimental double electron–el.....»»
Polarization photodetector that mimics desert ant offers pathway for more sensitive, miniaturized imaging systems
Polarization photodetectors (pol-PDs) have widespread applications in geological remote sensing, machine vision, and biological medicine. However, commercial pol-PDs usually require bulky and complicated optical components and are difficult to miniat.....»»
Turning corn colorful: Researchers demonstrate purple corn"s surprising health benefits
Americans love their corn—whether it's canned, fresh off the cob or in their favorite breakfast cereal. But what if this staple grain could be more than just a starch? What if it could become a critical source of protein and fiber while helping pre.....»»
AI model enables reliable and accurate protein-ligand complex prediction
Understanding protein–ligand interactions is fundamental to molecular biology and biochemistry. These interactions are at the heart of many cellular processes, from enzyme catalysis to signal transduction. The foundational knowledge of protein–li.....»»
Discovery of molecular switch explains how bacteria control their protein biosynthesis through cell metabolism
Protein biosynthesis—the process whereby cells produce protein molecules, which are essential for life and growth—is a highly complex and strictly regulated affair. An interdisciplinary team led by LMU biologist PD Dr. Jürgen Lassak has now disc.....»»
Decoding protein interactions to better understand how mutations contribute to disease
Investigating how proteins interact is key to understanding how cells work and communicate. In a new study published in Nature Communications, FMI researchers have provided key insights into how protein interactions are governed and how mutations inf.....»»
Enzyme study sheds light on the molecular mechanism behind "sleepiness"
Recent research has observed that chemical modifications called phosphorylation of proteins in brain neurons dynamically regulate sleep and wakefulness. But the protein kinases that suppress sleep and the dephosphorylation enzymes that control sleep.....»»
Researchers find a way to make 3D printed pea gels hold their shape better, strengthening potential for use as food
Using plasma, the stuff of the universe, University of Alberta researchers have improved the 3D printability of a valuable plant protein for use in food. The study is published in the journal Food Bioscience......»»
Study discovers a nano-switch mechanism controlled by a single hydrogen atom in all living organisms
A group of researchers in Japan has revealed, for the first time, a mechanism for controlling the potential of an electron carrier protein in the redox reaction that all organisms need to obtain energy. The study was published in the online edition o.....»»
Quantum sensing using ultrafast laser pulses and a new class of molecular probes
In the effort to develop new quantum technologies of the future, scientists are pursuing several different approaches. One avenue seeks to use molecules as the fundamental building blocks of quantum technologies......»»