Modifications to amino acids in sperm could be behind infertility
Sperm play a critical role in the creation of new life, delivering essentially half of the genetic material required......»»
New technique provides insight into how proteins involved in cellular processes communicate via extracellular vesicles
One way that cells communicate with one another is through the secretion and uptake of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs convey a multitude of cargoes, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Their uptake affects the function of recipient cells.....»»
Nanopores and deep learning aid in disease diagnostics
EPFL scientists have unveiled a method using biological nanopores and deep learning to detect protein modifications, offering new avenues in disease diagnostics......»»
Missing gene in mouse sperm could explain infertility
Mice lacking a certain gene are unable to produce offspring because their sperm lack the connection between the tail and the head. A new thesis from the University of Gothenburg indicates a probable cause of male infertility......»»
A Gel Injected Into the Scrotum Could Be the Next Male Contraceptive
Biotech company Contraline has safely implanted a sperm-blocking hydrogel in 23 men. It’s designed to be a fully reversible vasectomy......»»
Research team reports observing vibrational spectra of a single protein with infrared nanospectroscopy
An interdisciplinary research team, led by Assistant Prof. Jun Nishida and Associate Prof. Takashi Kumagai at the Institute for Molecular Science, has successfully observed vibrational spectra of single proteins, consisting of approximately 500 amino.....»»
Sperm whales found to live in large, matrilineally based clans
A sperm whale expert at Dalhousie University, in Canada, has found evidence showing that sperm whales form large matrilineally based clans that have their own coda dialect. In his paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, Hal Whitehe.....»»
Creating novel amino acid nanoparticles with enhanced anticancer activity
Amino acids, such as tyrosine and tryptophan, are the fundamental building blocks that make up proteins. These biomolecules have different chemical groups on each end and side chain, and so, have the natural ability to form a chain through the format.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of strawberry aroma: The crucial role of FanCXE1 carboxylesterase in ester metabolism and ripening
Strawberries owe their distinctive flavor to a complex mixture of sugars, acids, and over 900 volatile compounds, primarily esters, which are produced and degraded by alcohol acyltransferases (AATs) and carboxylesterases (CXEs), respectively......»»
Nematode proteins shed light on infertility
In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of Utah (the U) biologists have developed a method for illuminating the intricate interactions of the synaptonemal complex in the nematode C. elegans......»»
Novel approach uses ionic liquids for diverse aptamer applications
Aptamers, nucleic acids capable of selectively binding to viruses, proteins, ions, small molecules, and various other targets, are garnering attention in drug development as potential antibody substitutes for their thermal and chemical stability as w.....»»
Juvenile sperm whale euthanized after stranding on North Carolina beach
A juvenile sperm whale that appeared to be in poor health was euthanized Wednesday after stranding on a North Carolina beach......»»
Big impacts from small changes: Research reveals how filament interactions affect cellular networks
Tiny things matter—for instance, one amino acid can completely alter the architecture of the cell. Researchers at the Universities of Göttingen and Warwick investigated the structure and mechanics of the main component of the cell's cytoskeleton:.....»»
Agronomists map evolution and genetic diversity of millet to increase yield
Compared to other cereals, millet (Panicum miliaceum L) has an important advantage—resistance to a more arid climate. Millet contains all the essential amino acids, 10%–15% of its composition is protein. However, millet yields less than wheat, fo.....»»
New technology for long-term liquid storage of chicken semen by arresting energy metabolism
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have developed an advanced refrigerated storage technology that prolongs the fertilization capacity of chicken sperm by arresting the energy metabolism dynamics, achieved through the depletion of calcium ins.....»»
Perfluoroalkyl acids found to accelerate DNA degradation, highlighting potential ecological risks
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), infamous for their persistence and widespread environmental presence, have long been a concern due to their toxicological impacts. However, the specific ecological consequences of their interaction with environmental DNA.....»»
GPCR structure: Research reveals molecular origins of function for a key drug target
Through an international collaboration, scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have leveraged data science, pharmacology and structural information to conduct an atomic-level investigation into how each amino acid in the receptor that bi.....»»
Thianthrenium chemistry allows reactivity switch of a nucleophilic amino acid into a versatile intermediate
Chemical diversification of proteins is an important concept in the study of biological processes and the complex structures of the proteins themselves. Researchers from the Max Planck Society have now published their fascinating findings concerning.....»»
Researchers discover how cysteine activates a key regulator of cell growth in yeast
Amino acids are the building blocks of life. We obtain them from the food we eat, and the body uses them to make proteins, which in turn are used for growth, development, and a multitude of other functions. However, before the body can build with the.....»»
New study explores amino acid that turns into gel in water
Hydrogels, ubiquitous materials in our daily lives, are the focus of scientific research published in Chemistry—A European Journal. Conducted by the SupraBioNanoLab at the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta at.....»»
Saturday Citations: Dogs (woolly) and cats (athletic). Plus: Amino acid precursors on Enceladus, beer goggles on Earth
This week, scientists reported on drinking beer, Saturnian expulsions, an ancient North American dog breed, and cats playing dogs' favorite game, fetch......»»