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. .....»»
Dalian Coherent Light Source reveals origin of interstellar disulfur
Studying the creation and evolution of sulfur-containing compounds in outer space is essential for understanding interstellar chemistry. CS2 is believed to be the most important molecule in comet nuclei, interstellar dust, or ice cores. It could prod.....»»
Newly discovered molecule disrupts virus infections through protein quality control pathways
A chemical probe molecule—a "first gen" molecule that can be used for drug development—that targets a host cell's protein quality control pathways can dramatically reduce infection by Dengue and Zika viruses. The research led by Lars Plate, assis.....»»
Genome-editing tool TALEN outperforms CRISPR-Cas9 in tightly packed DNA
Researchers used single-molecule imaging to compare the genome-editing tools CRISPR-Cas9 and TALEN. Their experiments revealed that TALEN is up to five times more efficient than CRISPR-Cas9 in parts of the genome, called heterochromatin, that are den.....»»
Position-specific isotope effects in butane—a new geochemical tracer
Position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA) is a technique that measures the isotope composition of a certain position in a molecule. It can provide valuable information of the formation mechanisms of a molecule......»»
Teamwork in a molecule
Chemists at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena have demonstrated the value of 'teamwork' by successfully harnessing the interaction between two gallium atoms in a novel compound to split the particularly strong bond between fluorine and carbon. T.....»»
Tiny structures generate powerful beams for enhanced optical imaging
Even the smallest molecule can tell a big story. For instance, observing a single molecule can throw light on underlying biological processes in the human body. In fact, molecular imaging procedures—which are noninvasive and painless—are being us.....»»
Unlocking "the shape of water" in mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
New high-resolution structures of the bacterial ribosome determined by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that a single water molecule may be the cause—and possible solution—of antibiotic resistance......»»
Electrons hop to it on twisted molecular wires
Researchers at Osaka University synthesized twisted molecular wires just one molecule thick that can conduct electricity with less resistance compared with previous devices. This work may lead to carbon-based electronic devices that require fewer tox.....»»
Molecular crystal structures pack it in
Whether organic chemists are working on developing new molecular energetics or creating new blockbuster drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, each is searching how to optimize the chemical structure of a molecule to attain desired target properties......»»
New method for the development of choline acetyltransferase inhibitors
The enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) catalyzes the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and could be a target molecule for pharmaceuticals. A Swedish research team has now determined the mechanism by which arylvinylpyridinium (AVP),.....»»
From molecule to medicine via machine learning
It typically takes many years of experiments to develop a new medicine. Although vaccines to protect against disease from the novel coronavirus are starting to reach clinics around the world, patients and doctors will still need treatments to manage.....»»
Chameleon-like material spiked with boron comes closer to mimicking brain cells
Each waking moment, our brain processes a massive amount of data to make sense of the outside world. Thus, by imitating the way the human brain solves everyday problems, neuromorphic systems have tremendous potential to revolutionize big data analysi.....»»
New synthetic molecule can kill the flu virus
EPFL scientists have developed a synthetic molecule capable of killing the virus that causes influenza. They hope their discovery will lead to an effective drug treatment......»»