Molecular "hub" regulates gene-silencing proteins
To keep their vital functions in balance, many organisms use small snippets of RNA to "silence" messenger RNAs that code for certain proteins. New research from FMI scientists has revealed a molecular hub that integrates the activities of different p.....»»
Hidden players in climate change: How microscopic proteins could shape our future
In the narrative about climate change, we often focus on the big and visible—like shrinking glaciers and churning hurricanes. But there's another world, microscopic and hidden, that's just as crucial and the focus of a new study by Amy Gladfelter,.....»»
Novel nanosensing technique for quality control of viral vectors in gene therapy
Viral vectors hold much potential for gene editing and gene therapy, but there is a pressing need to develop quality control methods to minimize potential side effects on patients. Addressing this, researchers from Japan developed a nanosensing-based.....»»
Electrical impedance tomography plus extracellular voltage activation technique simplifies drug screening
When developing new drugs, understanding their effects on ion channels in the body, such as the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) ion channel found in neurons and heart muscle cells, is critical. Blocking hERG channels can disrupt a normal hear.....»»
Parasite engineered to deliver therapy proteins to nerve cells
An international team of neurobiologists has developed a way to use a parasite to deliver protein therapies through the blood–brain barrier to treat nerve cell disorders. In their study published in Nature Microbiology, the group engineered the par.....»»
Developing new methods for targeted protein degradation
Northwestern Medicine scientists have developed a new, more precise method to target proteins implicated in certain types of cancer, according to a study published in Nature Chemical Biology......»»
Researchers create ADP- or ATP-containing molecules with improved yield and consistency
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-containing important biological molecules can modify macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids to alter their function in the cell. Synthesizing ADP- and ATP-containing molecules using.....»»
How an emerging disease in dogs is shedding light on cystic fibrosis
A canine gallbladder disease that involves the accumulation of abnormal mucus similar to that seen in human cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is caused by improper expression of the gene associated with CF in humans. The finding could have implications f.....»»
The hidden drivers of evolution: Transposable elements in Rosaceae genomes
Transposable elements are mobile DNA sequences that play a crucial role in plant genome architecture and gene regulation. They drive genome size variation and affect gene expression by altering regulatory networks. Despite their significance, the div.....»»
Researchers decipher new molecular mechanisms related to biological tissue regeneration
A new study published in The EMBO Journal opens new perspectives to better understand how the molecular mechanisms involved in regenerative medicine work......»»
Cheesemaking is a complex science—a food chemist explains the process from milk to mozzarella
Cheese is a relatively simple food. It's made with milk, enzymes—these are proteins that can chop up other proteins—bacterial cultures and salt. Lots of complex chemistry goes into the cheesemaking process, which can determine whether the cheese.....»»
Scientists hijack natural delivery system to send engineered proteins to target cells
Each cell in the body has its own unique delivery system that scientists are working on harnessing to move revolutionary biological drugs—molecules like proteins, RNA and combinations of the two—to specific diseased parts of the body......»»
Boosting plant health: The role of gene exchange with bacteria
A recent study has unveiled how plants and bacteria exchange genes to boost plant health and development. The team discovered 75 genes that were transferred between small, fast-growing plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) and its bacterial companions, influ.....»»
Study shows egg-laying mammals are unique, inside and out
The identification of a key gene in monotremes has increased our understanding of why the stomachs of platypuses and echidnas are atypically small, non-acidic, and, in the instance of platypuses, lack a pyloric sphincter......»»
New technique streamlines synthesis of heavy element compounds
Molecular compounds with heavy elements, like americium, curium and others can now be synthesized in a streamlined and efficient way thanks to a new technique developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers......»»
Sensing ultraviolet light with the help of molecular switches
The old saying "the dose makes the poison" also holds true for ultraviolet (UV) light. While UV light is essential for vitamin D production, it is also important in phototherapy, several industrial processes, and plant growth. It also has harmful eff.....»»
Innovative microscopy reveals amyloid architecture, may give insights into neurodegenerative disease
Amyloid-beta (A-beta) aggregates are tangles of proteins most notably associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Despite its constant stint in the limelight, however, researchers have been unable to get a good understanding of ho.....»»
New nanoparticle delivery method targets sickle cell mutations in bone marrow
Current gene therapies to treat sickle cell disease are complex, time-consuming, and are sometimes linked to serious side effects like infertility or blood cancer. To address these challenges, Johns Hopkins researchers have developed special nanopart.....»»
Rhythmic gene expression in plants is crucial for symbiosis with nutrient-providing bacteria, study finds
Legumes thrive in low-nitrogen environments by partnering with rhizobia, soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, a usable form for the plants. These beneficial bacteria are housed in root nodules formed on legume roots......»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»
Nature"s gender reveal: Key gene controls female flowers in Cucurbita pepo
Sex determination in cucurbits such as squash is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors, with ethylene being the primary hormone promoting female flower development......»»