Key protein linked to appetite and obesity in mice
Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) have identified a protein that plays a key role in how the brain regulates appetite and metabolism. Loss of the protein, XRN1, from the forebrain, resulted in.....»»
Researcher creates algorithm to aid in discovery of new medicines
Ph.D. candidate Jeroen Methorst has developed a computer system that helps researchers find the protein they need to create new medicines. "Our whole group is now using this program," says Methorst. He will defend his Ph.D. thesis on April 2......»»
Workers with job flexibility and security have better mental health
Job flexibility and security were linked to significantly less psychological distress and anxiety. Enlarge (credit: Office Space) American workers who have more flexibility and security in their jobs also have better me.....»»
Scientists discover how a motor protein helps cells move
Scientists have used the latest advances in microscopy to characterize how a motor protein helps cells crawl, according to a study published in the Journal of Cell Biology......»»
The next antioxidant superfood? Canadian sea buckthorn berries offer diabetes and obesity potential
New research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture illuminates the untapped potential of the shrub sea buckthorn as a rich source of natural antioxidants in North America......»»
High speed protein movies to aid drug design
Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed technology to help scientists observe proteins in motion. Understanding how proteins move will allow novel drugs to be designed......»»
Research challenges "universal mechanism" concept, aiming to understand specific protein interactions
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are the chaperones of cellular stress response because they help guide the folding and unfolding of other proteins......»»
Scientists elucidate the role of GlyT1 in anti-schizophrenia drugs
Schizophrenia is a highly disabling mental disorder, and numerous studies have shown that the hypofunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is one of its pathogenic mechanisms. Glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1), a glycine transporter protein,.....»»
Using polarization to improve quantum imaging
Quantum imaging is a growing field that takes advantage of the counterintuitive and "spooky" ability of light particles, or photons, to become linked, or entangled, under specialized circumstances. If the state of one photon in the entangled duo gets.....»»
Nanoparticles target multiple COVID variants through the twist in the spike protein
Teardrop-shaped particles designed to inactivate multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus could one day complement existing treatments for COVID-19, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Michigan and Jiangnan University in.....»»
Greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries are linked with International Monetary Fund lending policies
Greenhouse gas emissions significantly increase in countries in the Global South within a few years after initially borrowing from the International Monetary Fund using structural loans, but not when more flexible lending conditions are involved......»»
City mouse or country mouse? Biologist collects mice from homes to study how they got so good at urban living
Dusty barns, gleaming stables and damp basements. These are all places where you might find a house mouse—or a member of my research team......»»
6 mice you should buy instead of Apple’s Magic Mouse
Looking for an alternative to Apple’s Magic Mouse? These mice pair perfectly with your Mac, offering you all sorts of extra performance for your money......»»
DNA parasite now plays key role in making critical nerve cell protein
An RNA has been adopted to help the production of myelin, a key nerve protein. Enlarge (credit: alex-mit) Human brains (and the brains of other vertebrates) are able to process information faster because of myelin, a fat.....»»
Forest and stream habitats keep energy exchanges in balance, global team finds
Forests and streams are separate but linked ecosystems, existing side by side, with energy and nutrients crossing their porous borders and flowing back and forth between them. For example, leaves fall from trees, enter streams, decay and feed aquatic.....»»
Social-emotional growth linked to higher math and English scores
Does empathy relate to algebra? Can social awareness predict one's grasp of Shakespeare?.....»»
New bioengineered protein design shows promise in fighting COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have been racing to develop effective treatments and preventatives against the virus. A recent scientific breakthrough has emerged from the work of researchers aiming to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus re.....»»
Research uncovers specific protein interactions needed for cells to break down and remove damaged mitochondria
Autophagy is a process used by cells as a recycling system to transport and break down organelles and other cytosolic components, which become enveloped in a membrane called the autophagosome. When this involves the removal of damaged mitochondria, i.....»»
A simple and robust experimental process for protein engineering
A protein engineering method using simple, cost-effective experiments and machine learning models can predict which proteins will be effective for a given purpose, according to a new study by University of Michigan researchers......»»
"GPS nanoparticle" platform precisely delivers therapeutic payload to cancer cells
A newly developed "GPS nanoparticle" injected intravenously can home in on cancer cells to deliver a genetic punch to the protein implicated in tumor growth and spread, according to researchers from Penn State. They tested their approach in human cel.....»»
New study discovers how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution
Researchers have discovered a mechanism steering the evolution of multicellular life. They identify how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution......»»