How hydrophobicity shapes protein assemblies
Through a nuanced balance of electrical and hydrophobic forces, biological molecules self-assemble into the large functional structures that maintain life's vital functions. Understanding how proteins self-assemble requires knowledge of both forces......»»
Cracking the secrets of virus "uncoating" may help fight infections
Influenza and other viruses pack their genetic material into a protein shell, which must be disassembled for the viruses to efficiently replicate. But how viruses "uncoat" their genes remains largely unknown. Now, Friedrich Miescher Institute researc.....»»
HKDC1 protein found crucial to maintaining two mitochondria subcellular structures, mitochondria and lysosomes
Just as healthy organs are vital to our well-being, healthy organelles are vital to the proper functioning of the cell. These subcellular structures carry out specific jobs within the cell; for example, mitochondria power the cell, and lysosomes keep.....»»
Novel food regulations are a barrier for edible insects
Edible insects could be the key to a more sustainable food system, yet food regulations could be restricting alternative environmentally friendly sources of protein for consumers, a new report has found......»»
Safety of aquatic animals as human protein sources amid SARS-CoV-2 concerns
Aquatic animals have historically constituted a vital and nutritious dietary component for humans, contributing to nearly 20% of animal protein intake for approximately 3.3 billion people. Unlike terrestrial animals, there has been no evidence indica.....»»
Agronomists map evolution and genetic diversity of millet to increase yield
Compared to other cereals, millet (Panicum miliaceum L) has an important advantage—resistance to a more arid climate. Millet contains all the essential amino acids, 10%–15% of its composition is protein. However, millet yields less than wheat, fo.....»»
Using molecular "cookie cutters" to view membrane protein organization
The membrane that encases a biological cell is not simply a barrier; it is chock full of proteins involved in all sorts of critical biological functions. To really understand what membrane proteins are doing and how, researchers need to know how they.....»»
Protein allows poison dart frogs to accumulate toxins safely, shows study
Scientists have identified the protein that helps poison dart frogs safely accumulate their namesake toxins, according to a study published today in eLife. The findings solve a long-standing scientific mystery and may suggest potential therapeutic st.....»»
Researchers identify protein with DYRK1A-inhibiting effect that may have implications for Down syndrome
Down syndrome, a congenital disorder stemming from abnormal cell division and differentiation, is most common in newborns fated to neurodevelopmental delays and other health complications......»»
Europe"s earliest cities relied on fertilizer and plant protein, isotope analysis shows
Nutrition in Trypillia mega-sites is currently the focus of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1266 at Kiel University (CAU). In the forest steppe northwest of the Black Sea—today the territory of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine—mega-sit.....»»
Characterizing the role of oxidized tryptophan residues in repairing damaged photosystem II protein
Photosynthesis refers to the fundamental biological process of the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by chlorophyll (a green pigment) containing plants. This seemingly routine process in plants sustains all the biological life and activ.....»»
AI generates proteins with exceptional binding strengths
A new study in Nature reports an AI-driven advance in biotechnology with implications for drug development, disease detection, and environmental monitoring. Scientists at the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington School of Medi.....»»
Drones capture new clues about how water shapes mountain ranges over time
Drones flying along miles of rivers in the steep, mountainous terrain of central Taiwan and mapping the rock properties have revealed new clues about how water helps shape mountains over geological time, according to a team led by Penn State scientis.....»»
Ribosomal protein exhibits remarkable evolutionary transformation
A team of researchers from the Universities of Newcastle and Umeå has discovered that a ribosomal protein exhibits a remarkable evolutionary transformation, with its three-dimensional structure changing drastically while its sequence remains relativ.....»»
Cells found to move differently in groups than they do when alone
A protein that helps generate the force needed for single cells to move works differently in cells moving in groups, a new study shows......»»
Research reveals a rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly
Scientists have revealed a never-before-seen phenomenon in a protein: Alone, the enzyme processes DNA and RNA but, when bound to another protein as part of a defense system, interacts with a completely different type of compound to help bacteria comm.....»»
A nanoprobe with a barcode: Sensors detect active proteases
Protein-splitting enzymes play an important role in many physiological processes. Such proteases are generally present in an inactive state, only becoming activated under certain conditions. Some are linked to diseases like infections or cancer, maki.....»»
New approach overcomes long-standing limitations in optics to enhance the efficiency of Mie scattering
When you look up at the sky and see clouds of wondrous shapes, or struggle to peer through dense, hazy fog, you're seeing the results of "Mie scattering," which is what happens with light interacts with particles of a certain size. There is a growing.....»»
A graphical user interface for analysis and design of protein–peptide interactions
Proteins function through interactions with other proteins or peptides, a complex process that is still not fully understood. Current research focuses on how amino acid residues interact in protein-protein or protein-peptide interactions to establish.....»»
FDA approves first CRISPR therapy—here’s how it works against sickle cell
The landmark treatment turns on another blood protein that prevents sickling. Enlarge / This digitally colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed some of the comparative ultrastructural morphology between normal red b.....»»
Researchers elucidate how IGF2"s secretory pathway mediates muscle stem cell differentiation
A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently revealed how TMED10, a type of transmembrane protein, regulates muscle stem cell differentiation through mediating the secretion of insulin-like growth factor.....»»