Inhalable molecules neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in mice
Nanofitins, which are derived from a protein found in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius—an archaeal microorganism found in hot springs—successfully neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in mice and were well-tolerated. When inhaled by the rodents, the engineered nanofi.....»»
Newly discovered degradation process for mRNA could lead to clinical treatments
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a process that breaks down mRNA molecules in the human body particularly efficiently. This could be useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer. The study is published in Molecular Cell......»»
Genetic method leverages bacterial transfer mechanism to produce new active ingredients
Microorganisms produce a wide variety of natural products that can be used as active ingredients to treat diseases such as infections or cancer. The blueprints for these molecules can be found in the microbes' genes, but often remain inactive under l.....»»
New chemical structures show vastly improved carbon capture ability
Oregon State University researchers have synthesized new molecules able to quickly capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, an important tactic in climate change mitigation......»»
"Mirror bacteria" could pose serious global health risks
A group of researchers has published new findings in Science Policy Forum on potential risks from the development of mirror bacteria—synthetic organisms in which all molecules have reversed chirality (i.e., are "mirrored")......»»
Fast, rewritable computing with DNA origami registers
DNA stores the instructions for life and, along with enzymes and other molecules, computes everything from hair color to risk of developing diseases. Harnessing that prowess and immense storage capacity could lead to DNA-based computers that are fast.....»»
Ultrafast electron imaging captures never-before-seen nuclear motions in hydrocarbon molecules excited by light
The interactions between light and nitroaromatic hydrocarbon molecules have important implications for chemical processes in our atmosphere that can lead to smog and pollution. However, changes in molecular geometry due to interactions with light can.....»»
Developing a cyclic molecule that captures phosphate in harmony with water molecules
Researchers at University of Tsukuba, Osaka University, and Kitasato University developed a novel amide cyclodextrin (cyclic oligosaccharide) that can selectively capture phosphate ions in water. In addition, the researchers revealed the mechanism by.....»»
Experiments provide evidence that interaction of light with a hydrocarbon molecule produces strained molecular rings
When molecules interact with ultraviolet (UV) light, they can change shape quickly, producing strain—stress in a molecule's chemical structure due to an increase in the molecule's internal energy. These processes typically take just tens of picosec.....»»
Scientists streamline creation of nucleoside analogs, a group of life-saving molecules
A team of researchers has found a quicker and more efficient way to create nucleoside analogs, a type of small molecule that can be used in treatments for everything from cancer to viral diseases......»»
Liquid water molecules are inherently asymmetric: New insight into the bonds between water molecules
Icebergs float on water because the underlying liquid water has a higher density than the iceberg. Liquid water itself has its highest density at 4°C—one of the so-called anomalies of water, i.e. properties of liquids that are rarely observed for.....»»
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.....»»
Evidence of human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a Brazilian zoo
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-led research at the Belo Horizonte Zoo in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has detected SARS-CoV-2 in multiple captive wild mammals, revealing potential human-to-animal transmission and viral evolution in new hosts......»»
Stable perovskite catalyst achieves selective oxidation of light alkanes
Light alkanes are relatively simple molecules made entirely of carbon and hydrogen, arranged in linear or branching structures. Their oxidized counterparts, which include alcohols, epoxides, ketones, and aldehydes, are ubiquitous in the chemical indu.....»»
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......»»
What came first, life or evolution? Self-replicating molecules demonstrate basic principles of Darwinian evolution
We know that Darwinian evolution acts on all forms of life, but does evolution act on non-living materials as well?.....»»
Tick tubes help reduce the parasites on mice, but time and frequency matter
Ticks are a nuisance across many areas of the U.S., capable of spreading harmful pathogens to both animals and humans. A new study led by researchers at Penn State has analyzed the effectiveness of a simple, inexpensive strategy for controlling ticks.....»»
Spin-powered crystals dramatically improve water splitting process for clean hydrogen production
Water splitting—breaking water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen—is a promising pathway to sustainable energy. However, this process has long been challenged by the slow chemical kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction that make hydrogen produ.....»»
Engineers refine lipid nanoparticles for better mRNA therapies
Penn Engineers have cooked up a new way to improve mRNA delivery, developing an optimal "recipe" for ionizable lipids—key ingredients in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the molecules behind the COVID-19 vaccines and other innovative therapies. The meth.....»»
Origin of life research finds RNA can favor both left- and right-handed proteins
The mystery of why life uses molecules with specific orientations has deepened with a discovery that RNA—a key molecule thought to have potentially held the instructions for life before DNA emerged—can favor making the building blocks of proteins.....»»
Engineering nature"s blueprint: Dendron-based assemblies for chlorophyll"s materials
Researchers often look to photosynthesis—a process that turns sunlight into chemical energy in plants and bacteria—as a model for innovation. Photosynthesis is in turn linked to chlorophyll pigments, tiny green molecules that play a key role in h.....»»