How does RNA know where to go in the city of the cell? Using cellular ZIP codes and postal carrier routes
Before 2020, when my friends and acquaintances asked me what I study as a molecular biologist, their eyes would inevitably glaze over as soon as I said "RNA." Now, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the power and promise of this molecule to the world.....»»
New knowledge about cell receptors paves the way for future drugs against intestinal tumors
A new study from Karolinska Institutet published in Nature Communications provides valuable insights into the activation of receptors on the cell surface. The knowledge could lead to new targeted therapies and drugs against intestinal tumors, among o.....»»
"Silent" mutations found to have repercussions beyond their own gene
Genetic disorders—like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease—are considered incurable, with gene mutations occurring in essentially every cell of the body. Gene mutations occur when one nucleotide in a codon is switched. In non-synonymous muta.....»»
Simulation model shows ribosome tunnel"s impact on protein structures
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a new model that simulates the internal environment of a ribosome—the cellular site of protein synthesis. Using computer simulations, they have analyzed the structures of various proteins within t.....»»
Light microscopy study reveals molecular density changes during mitotic chromosome condensation
A team of scientists studying cell division developed a special light microscopy system and used it to analyze the molecular density of cellular environments. Their results provide a novel insight into mitotic chromosome condensation in living human.....»»
Discovery explains the chemistry behind the cell"s energy molecule
An international research team led by Professor Magnus Wolf-Watz at Umeå University has discovered how the magnesium atom directs the chemistry that catalyzes the production of the energy molecule ATP in a cell. The study is published in the journal.....»»
Q&A: Rwanda is creating shiny, modern cities after the genocide—but this won"t help communities heal from the past
Over the past 17 years, Rwanda has cleared informal settlements to make way for modern urban construction. Kigali's ambitious city master plan is expected to be fully realized by 2050. But what about the people who are pushed out in the process, and.....»»
While some cities clear homeless encampments, others are granting a "right to shelter"
At the end of June, the US Supreme Court upheld an Oregon city's ban on outdoor camping. The court's decision means that people experiencing homelessness can be arrested, ticketed and fined for sleeping outside, even when there are no alternatives......»»
AT&T 911 outage sees company fined $950k; yesterday’s outage now fixed
An AT&T 911 outage back in 2023 has seen the company fined almost a million dollars. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says that the carrier not only failed to provide adequate backup coverage, but also didn’t let 911 centers know what h.....»»
Toyota, BMW to upgrade fuel cell alliance, report says
BMW and Toyota plan to sign a memorandum of understanding for the partnership next week, with an official announcement set for Sept. 5, Nikkei Asia reported......»»
Scientists use evolution to bioengineer new pathways to sustainable energy and pharmaceuticals
Using evolution as a guiding principle, researchers have successfully engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generate cellular energy and support yeast growth without traditional carbon feedstocks like glucos.....»»
Dissecting caspase-2-mediated cell death: From intrinsic PIDDosome activation to chemical modulation
Caspase-2, an initiator caspase, plays a critical role in programmed cell death in response to certain cellular stresses. Its activation is facilitated by the PIDDosome, a multi-protein complex that assembles under conditions of genotoxic stress. Des.....»»
Study reveals bioactive power of a natural spearmint compound against weeds
A recent study reveals the natural compound (-)-carvone in spearmint as a potent and sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides. This research demonstrates how (-)-carvone targets and degrades microtubules in weeds, inducing cell death and inhibi.....»»
Researchers investigate cell-free DNA as early sepsis marker in foals
It's hard to be a horse. It's especially hard to be a newborn foal, dropped into a world of microbes and bacteria with your sole initial defense against devastating infections being the antibodies you get from your mother's milk, or colostrum. Resear.....»»
A hybrid arrowhead against immune disorders: Bacterially derived natural product inhibits cellular immune response
The so-called immunoproteasome is essential for the cellular immune response. In autoimmune diseases, however, it is overactive. Until now, it has not been possible to selectively inhibit the immunoproteasome without disrupting other cellular mechani.....»»
Tomato ripening study highlights cell wall component interactions
Tomato fruit ripening involves intricate biochemical and structural changes, particularly within the cell wall, which are vital for the fruit's final texture and quality. These changes include modifications in polysaccharides and proteins, but the sp.....»»
How to watch the 2024 US Open: dates, times, live stream
All eyes in the tennis world will be on New York City for the 2024 US Open. Find out how to watch a live stream of the tournament......»»
Mapping the sex life of malaria parasites at single cell resolution reveals genetics underlying transmission
Malaria is caused by a eukaryotic microbe of the Plasmodium genus, and is responsible for more deaths than all other parasitic diseases combined. In order to transmit from the human host to the mosquito vector, the parasite has to differentiate into.....»»
Schools are competing with cell phones. Here"s how they think they could win
Isabella Pires first noticed what she calls the "gradual apathy pandemic" in eighth grade. Only a handful of classmates registered for service projects she helped organize at her Massachusetts school. Even fewer actually showed up......»»
The promise of synthetic cells
For over a decade, scientists have made extraordinary progress on the long-held dream of fabricating an entire cell from nonliving molecules and materials......»»
Will the ‘Car-Free’ Los Angeles Olympics Work?
Organizers of the 2028 Summer Games will attempt to re-create the city’s public transport heyday of the early 20th century, but ousting the car—even for just a few weeks—will be costly......»»