How inflammatory signalling molecules contribute to carcinogenesis
Researchers have managed to identify a previously unknown molecular connection between an inflammatory signalling molecule and one of the main oncogenes......»»
Simulating space to explore the great mystery of interstellar chemistry
The universe is more than 13 billion years old and space is often depicted as a vast, empty vacuum. Other than planets and stars, there's nothing there, right? Actually, space is littered with complex, carbon-based molecules. However, the range of mo.....»»
Video: An antidote for deadly mushrooms?
Almost all mushroom-related fatalities worldwide are caused by a single group of molecules, cyclopeptides, which are found in death caps and destroying angels......»»
Structure-destabilizing mutations transform Bcl-2 from an antiapoptotic protein into a proapoptotic protein
Bcl-2 family proteins are highly conserved molecules that play a crucial role in regulating the release of apoptotic proteins from mitochondria. They possess Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains, which are characterized by both sequence and structural similar.....»»
New observations confirm important step in star formation
New observations have confirmed a key step in the process of star formation: a rotating "cosmic wind" made of molecules, which is vitally important for collapsing gas clouds to contract sufficiently so as to form a hot, dense young star......»»
New noble-metal-free electrocatalyst decreases the energy required to generate hydrogen gas from water
As a combustible fuel, the burning of hydrogen gas does not contribute to global warming. Today, the majority of hydrogen gas is generated from fossil fuels, however, and this process releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Generating hydrogen.....»»
Manipulating collective motions of electrons and solvent molecules in a polar liquid
Researchers at the Max-Born-Institute have now mapped the linear and nonlinear optical polaron response using ultrafast two-dimensional spectroscopy in the THz frequency range. As they discuss in the current issue of Physical Review Letters, multi-ph.....»»
Physical theory improves protein folding prediction
Proteins are important molecules that perform a variety of functions essential to life. To function properly, many proteins must fold into specific structures. However, the way proteins fold into specific structures is still largely unknown. Research.....»»
Study demonstrates antimicrobial action of polyalthic acid from copaiba oil
Polyalthic acid from copaiba oil is an effective antibacterial and should be used to develop alternative medications that can contribute to the effort to overcome antimicrobial resistance ("superbugs"), according to an article by researchers based in.....»»
Targeting a coronavirus ion channel could yield new COVID-19 drugs
The genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus encodes 29 proteins, one of which is an ion channel called E. This channel, which transports protons and calcium ions, induces infected cells to launch an inflammatory response that damages tissues and contributes t.....»»
Dangerous "Superbugs" Are on the Rise. What Can Stop Them?
Traditional antibiotics drive bacteria toward drug resistance, so scientists are looking to viruses, CRISPR, designer molecules and protein swords for better superbug treatments.....»»
How clouds protect coral reefs, but will not be enough to save them from us
Coral reefs are vital ecosystems for people and coastal communities. They provide food and livelihoods and protect coastlines from storms, contribute to local economies and preserve cultural heritage......»»
Investigating the detection limit of electrochemistry
With recent improvements in instrumentation and confinement techniques, the detection of molecules using electrochemical techniques has become easier than ever before; however, there are still many conditions which restrict the electrochemical detect.....»»
Annular distribution of SiC2 in circumstellar envelopes of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars
The circumstellar envelopes (CSE) of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars contain a large number of molecules, which account for about one-third of all molecules discovered in interstellar space......»»
Paleontologists find first molecular evidence of ginger pigment molecules in fossil frogs
Paleontologists at University College Cork (UCC) have found the first molecular evidence of pheomelanin, the pigment that produces ginger coloration, in the fossil record......»»
Digitizing UK natural history collections is vital to understand life on Earth, says report
A new report, published in Zenodo, has evaluated the use and impact of digitized natural science collections held in the UK and how they contribute to scientific, commercial and societal benefits......»»
Molecular knots, left and right: How molecules form knots
Helical molecules, similarly to a corkscrew, have a spiral shape that can be either left- or right-turning. Such "chiral molecules" can collectively organize (assemble) into large left- or right-handed twisted structures. These exhibit special optica.....»»
Researchers investigate role of water molecules in formation of condensates in cells
In order to fulfill their function, biological cells need to be divided into separate reaction compartments. This is sometimes done with membranes, and sometimes without them: the spontaneous segregation of certain types of biomolecules leads to the.....»»
Separating molecules requires a lot of energy. This nanoporous, heat-resistant membrane could change that
Industry has long relied upon energy-intensive processes, such as distillation and crystallization, to separate molecules that ultimately serve as ingredients in medicine, chemicals and other products......»»
Earthworms contribute to 6.5% of world grain production: study
Most gardeners know that earthworms help keep soils healthy, now scientists have assessed just how important their underground activities are to global food production—and how to protect them......»»
Machine learning helps predict drugs" favorite subcellular haunts
Most drugs are small molecules that bind firmly to a specific target—some molecule in human cells that is involved in a disease—in order to work. For example, a cancer drug's target might be a molecule that is abundant inside of cancer cells. The.....»»