New mechanism proposed for why some psychedelics act as antidepressants
We know what receptors they bind, but where they bind them might matter, too. Enlarge (credit: VICTOR de SCHWANBERG/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY) Psychedelic drugs are often used for entertainment purposes. But there have been.....»»
New microbe-central model predicts global grassland soil pH under climate change
In a study published in One Earth on July 5, a research team led by Prof. Deng Ye from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed the core-bacteria-forecast model (CoBacFM), which links the changes.....»»
Novel two-step electrolysis of water proposed for hydrogen production
A research team led by Prof. Chen Changlun from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with collaborators, developed advanced cobalt-doped nickel hydroxide bipolar electrodes and non-noble metal catalyst.....»»
Novel strategy proposed for selectively targeting G-quadruplex at specific genome loci
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are a type of quadruple helix structure formed by a continuous guanine-rich DNA sequence. Although DNA G4s are thought to be involved in various biological processes, in many cases their causative effects are largely unclear.....»»
Pear-derived discovery: A genetic mechanism to fortify crops against drought
A recent study has shed light on a critical genetic mechanism that boosts plants' ability to withstand drought. The research uncovers the role of the transcription factor PbERF3, native to wild pears, which works in concert with the protein PbHsfC1a.....»»
Scientists uncover conserved mechanism of pericentric heterochromatin initiation in vertebrates
A study published in Nature on July 4 by Prof. Zhu Bing from the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shed light on the conserved mechanism responsible for the initiation of pericentric heterochromatin in vertebrates......»»
3D covalent organic frameworks with zyg topology for photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide
A research team proposed a new synthetic strategy of COFs based on a new topology that remotely separates donor (D) and acceptor (A) units in 3D lattice to produce the expected metastable photo-induced charge-separated states......»»
New theory reveals fracture mechanism in soft materials
A new theory has finally deciphered the physical mechanisms of fracture in soft materials. This discovery could soon lead to new, defect-free materials that are more resistant and durable as well as environmentally friendly. The article "Elastic inst.....»»
Carriers should have to unlock your iPhone or Android phone within 60 days, says FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new rule, under which carriers will have to unlock your iPhone or Android smartphone within 60 days of activation. The proposal is intended to increase competition by making it easier for.....»»
Simulations demonstrate potential mechanisms of intermediate-mass black hole formation in globular clusters
Joint research led by Michiko Fujii of the University of Tokyo demonstrates a possible formation mechanism of intermediate-mass black holes in globular clusters, star clusters that could contain tens of thousands or even millions of tightly packed st.....»»
Europe seeks to emulate NASA’s revolutionary commercial cargo program
European governments must commit more funding for the program to achieve its goals. Enlarge / A rendering of the European cargo reentry vehicle proposed by Thales Alenia Space. (credit: Thales Alecia Space) The European.....»»
Scientists elucidate substrate recognition and proton coupling mechanism of transporter protein VMAT2
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is the only transporter protein in the central nervous system that mediates the storage of monoamine neurotransmitters. It plays a critical role in mediating nerve impulse transmission and neuroprotection......»»
DNA repair mechanism further elucidated in cryo-electron microscopy experiment
Researchers have discovered how the protein XPD detects severe DNA damage and controls its repair......»»
Viewpoint: Banning sex crime offenders from changing their names doesn"t make us safer
The government of British Columbia recently introduced a bill to ban people convicted of serious offenses from legally changing their name. The proposed amendment to the province's Name Act would also prohibit those found not criminally responsible d.....»»
Proposed Plastics Law Could Slash Wasteful Packaging
A law proposed in New York State seeks to reduce plastic packaging, ban certain plastic chemicals and mandate that producers of packaged consumer goods fund the recycling or disposal of what they sell.....»»
Researchers reveal a new mechanism of hyaluronic acid with a specific molecular weight to improve host inflammation
Previous studies on the function of glycosaminoglycans have primarily focused on improving host physiological indices. However, little attention has been paid to the material basis and mechanism of their mediated improvement of host health by gut mic.....»»
Droplets that swim toward dissolution could inspire fluid microbots
Researchers discovered that microscopic liquid droplets swim toward solvent conditions that favor their dissolution. This mechanism may underlie some transport processes within living cells, and could be exploited to develop fluid micro robots......»»
Japan could be next to force third-party app stores on Apple
The Japanese Parliament is debating a proposed law that would effectively emulate the EU's Digital Markets Act and require Apple to open up the App Store.An Apple Store in JapanOriginally proposed in 2023, the new bill is now being officially deliber.....»»
New insights into the interaction of femtosecond lasers with living tissue
Nonlinear light microscopy has revolutionized our ability to observe and understand complex biological processes. However, light can also damage living matter. Yet, the mechanism behind the irreversible perturbation of cellular processes by intense l.....»»
Study sheds light on how antibiotic "Velcro" kills bacteria
A small antibiotic called plectasin uses an innovative mechanism to kill bacteria. By assembling into large structures, plectasin latches onto its target on the bacterial cell surface, similar to how both sides of Velcro form a bond......»»
Research team uncovers mechanism for spikelet development in barley
The inflorescence architecture of crop plants like barley is predominantly regulated by meristem activity and fate, which play a critical role in determining the number of floral structures for grain production......»»