Mimicking a molecule found in poppies
A Rice University undergraduate student's grit and talent paid off in a big way when she introduced the first synthesis of a rare and potentially potent molecule drawn from poppies. .....»»
Video: Repeat expansion disorders—how RNA may gum up the works
What happens when an RNA molecule contains too many repeats of the same short sequence of bases, or RNA building blocks?.....»»
Researchers discover a way to observe chromatin interaction changes in cancer-associated genetic mutations
Studying the microbiology of any entity, be it a molecule or a dolphin, ideally means putting a spotlight as close to the source material as possible. That can be especially challenging when you're investigating the Rube Goldberg environment of a cel.....»»
The modulation of a single-molecule electron source using light
Researchers at University of Tokyo, JTS PRESTO, Ludwig Maximilians Universität and Kindai University recently demonstrated the modulation of an electron source by applying laser light to a single fullerene molecule. Their study, featured in Physical.....»»
Mimicking biological enzymes may be key to hydrogen fuel production
An ancient biological enzyme known as nickel-iron hydrogenase may play a key role in producing hydrogen for a renewables-based energy economy, researchers have found. Careful study of the enzyme has led chemists from the University of Illinois Urbana.....»»
Understanding how cohesin makes DNA loops in the human genome and its role in Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Cohesin is a ring-shaped protein that surrounds and moves around the DNA molecule, forming the loops. It is a crucial process for the cell. Understanding how cohesin works has been one of the challenges of molecular biology in recent decades. A study.....»»
Discovery of drug candidate that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 could reduce length of infection upon exposure
The discovery of a small molecule in the research lab of Bradley McConnell, professor of pharmacology at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, may well be the genesis of new medication which could shorten the course of the SARS-CoV-2 virus......»»
A new, sustainable source for a promising cancer killer
Plants produce all types of curious chemicals. Some deter predators. Some smell wonderful. Some even have medicinal value. One of these hidden gems is (–)-jerantinine A (JA), a molecule with remarkable anticancer properties, produced by a plant cal.....»»
Without this, plants cannot respond to temperature
UC Riverside scientists have significantly advanced the race to control plant responses to temperature on a rapidly warming planet. Key to this breakthrough is miRNA, a molecule nearly 200,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair......»»
Using chemical exfoliation to produce superconducting tungsten disulfide ink
A team of chemists, engineers, material scientists and physicists from Princeton University, Rutgers University and the University of Regensburg has developed a chemical exfoliation technique to produce single-molecule-thick tungsten disulfide ink. T.....»»
New machine-learning approach identifies one molecule in a billion selectively, with graphene sensors
Graphene's 2D nature, single molecule sensitivity, low noise, and high carrier concentration have generated a lot of interest in its application in gas sensors. However, due to its inherent non-selectivity, and huge p-doping in atmospheric air, its a.....»»
Breaking bonds: Double-helix unzipping reveals DNA physics
Accurately reconstructing how the parts of a complex molecular are held together knowing only how the molecule distorts and breaks up—this was the challenge taken on by a research team led by SISSA's Cristian Micheletti and recently published on Ph.....»»
Chip-scale spectrometry using a photonic molecule
Chip-scale miniaturization of spectrometers allows rapid detection of spectral information in portable devices, opening up new applications. However, integrated spectrometers typically suffer from a trade-off between spectral resolution and optical b.....»»
Light-to-energy conversion in many aquatic microbes more complex than was previously known, researchers discover
Plants convert light into a form of energy that they can use—a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—through photosynthesis. This is a complex process that also produces sugar, which the plant can use for energy later, and oxygen. Some bac.....»»
Thousands scammed by AI voices mimicking loved ones in emergencies
In 2022, $11 million was stolen through thousands of impostor phone scams. Enlarge (credit: ArtemisDiana | iStock / Getty Images Plus) AI models designed to closely simulate a person’s voice are making it easier for ba.....»»
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.....»»
P. aeruginosa bacteria produce a molecule that paralyzes immune system cells
Researchers from Freiburg and Strasbourg have discovered a strong immunological effect of the molecule LecB—and a way to prevent it......»»
Researchers develop small molecule to stimulate natural killer cells against neuroblastoma
An MUSC Hollings Cancer Center research team has created what team members believe to be among the first small molecules designed to stimulate immune cells to fight cancer. More importantly, these compounds inhibit a specific enzyme that hasn't been.....»»
A new 3D-printed molecular model to teach students about nucleobase pairing
Molecular models are a tried-and-tested tool for teaching chemistry to students of all ages. By enabling users to visualize the three-dimensional structure of a molecule and how its atoms are arranged, they can accelerate the learning process for ess.....»»
Nanosatellite shows the way to RNA medicine of the future
The RNA molecule is commonly recognized as messenger between DNA and protein, but it can also be folded into intricate molecular machines. An example of a naturally occurring RNA machine is the ribosome, that functions as a protein factory in all cel.....»»
PanGu drug model: Learn a molecule like a human
A recent study published in the journal Science China Life Sciences was led by Dr. Nan Qiao (Laboratory of Health Intelligence, Huawei Cloud Computing Technologies), Dr. Hualiang Jiang (Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science.....»»