Molecular gardening: New enzymes discovered for protein modification pruning
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are enzymes used by cells to trim protein modifications made from the protein ubiquitin, and thereby regulate proteins. Malfunctioning of DUBs could lead to diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders......»»
Method enhances solubility of pea protein for use in food and beverages
Research conducted at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in São Paulo state, Brazil, shows that heat treatment of pea protein and addition of guarana extract result in a compound with significant potential to be used as an ingredient of plan.....»»
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.....»»
Environmental pollutant decreases by half after passing through digestive tract of marine worm in Japan, study finds
Dr. Atsuko Nishigaki and their research team from Toho University, discovered that the marine worm Marphysa sp. E, an annelid living in the tidal flat sediments of Tokyo Bay, rapidly decreased the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PA.....»»
Discovery of key protein complex shows evolution and adaptability of photosynthetic organisms
A team of researchers has revealed the structure of a modified and evolved version of Photosystem I (PS I), a key protein complex used by plants and cyanobacteria to convert sunlight into chemical energy. This discovery sheds light on the evolution a.....»»
Straining a material"s atomic arrangement may make for cleaner, smarter devices
What's the best way to precisely manipulate a material's properties to the desired state? It may be straining the material's very atoms, according to a team led by researchers at Penn State. The team discovered that "spray painting" atoms of potassiu.....»»
Spectroscopy and AI method provide unique window into protein structure and mechanism of action
The lab of Hassane Mchaourab, director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Protein Dynamics and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, has developed a methodological blueprint that couples experimental double electron–el.....»»
Four new mushroom species discovered in Sweden
A researcher at Uppsala University has discovered four new mushrooms, three of which are found in Sweden—where they are already threatened with extinction. It is a case of hidden species diversity in the group of hydnoid fungi......»»
Turning corn colorful: Researchers demonstrate purple corn"s surprising health benefits
Americans love their corn—whether it's canned, fresh off the cob or in their favorite breakfast cereal. But what if this staple grain could be more than just a starch? What if it could become a critical source of protein and fiber while helping pre.....»»
Engineered enzymes may help plants adapt to higher temperatures
As global temperatures rise, it's imperative that plants can adapt to new and changing conditions. Michigan State University researchers from the Walker lab are looking at ways to give plants an assist. More specifically, their research aims to help.....»»
Unique microbial communities discovered beneath frozen surface of Antarctica"s Lake Enigma
An international team of polar researchers has found several types of microbiota living in the water below the frozen surface of Antarctica's Lake Enigma. In their study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, group members vent.....»»
Seagrass is fantastic at carbon capture—and it’s at risk of extinction
An underwater gardening experiment along the East Coast aims at restoration. In late September, seagrass ecologist Alyssa Novak pulled on her neoprene wetsuit, pressed her snorkel.....»»
Deep seabed mining: Bad for biodiversity and terrible for the economy
The debate around deep seabed mining has been gaining attention as concerns mount about its potential impacts on ocean ecosystems. The ocean is host to countless species yet to be discovered, some of which could hold the key to breakthroughs in medic.....»»
New pathway found for regulating zinc in E. coli
Cornell researchers have discovered a pathway by which E. coli regulates all-important zinc levels, an insight that could advance the understanding of metal regulation in bacteria generally and lead to antibacterial applications such as in medical in.....»»
A key transcription factor unlocks new potential in stem cell-based embryo models
Researchers from the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) have identified Nr1h2, a critical transcription factor essential for early embryo development. Published in Nature Communications, their findings enhance our understanding of.....»»
AI model enables reliable and accurate protein-ligand complex prediction
Understanding protein–ligand interactions is fundamental to molecular biology and biochemistry. These interactions are at the heart of many cellular processes, from enzyme catalysis to signal transduction. The foundational knowledge of protein–li.....»»
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.....»»
Large radio jet discovered in quasar J1601+3102
An international team of astronomers has observed an extremely radio-loud quasar known as J1601+3102. As a result, they found that the quasar hosts a large extended radio jet. The discovery is reported in a research paper published Nov. 25 on the arX.....»»
New catalyst can convert methane into useful polymers
Although it is less abundant than carbon dioxide, methane gas contributes disproportionately to global warming because it traps more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, due to its molecular structure......»»
Tiny dancers: Scientists synchronize bacterial motion
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered that E. coli bacteria can synchronize their movements, creating order in seemingly random biological systems. By trapping individual bacteria in micro-engineered circular cavities and coupling these cavities th.....»»
Team links comet water to Earth"s oceans
Researchers have found that water on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko has a similar molecular signature to the water in Earth's oceans. Contradicting some recent results, this finding reopens the case that Jupiter-family comets like 67P could have h.....»»