New modified CRISPR protein can fit inside virus used for gene therapy
Researchers have developed a novel version of a key CRISPR gene-editing protein that shows efficient editing activity and is small enough to be packaged within a non-pathogenic virus that can deliver it to target cells. Hongjian Wang and colleagues a.....»»
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.....»»
Scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 bird flu virus infection and potential transmission in humans
Avian influenza viruses typically require several mutations to adapt and spread among humans, but what happens when just one change can increase the risk of becoming a pandemic virus?.....»»
Historical outbreaks of coffee wilt disease linked to gene transfer from another fungus
The fungus that causes coffee wilt disease repeatedly took up segments of DNA from a related fungal pathogen, which contributed to successive outbreaks of the disease. Lily Peck of Imperial College London, U.K., reports these new findings in a study.....»»
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.....»»
Gene editing and plant domestication essential to protect food supplies in a worsening climate, scientists say
We all need to eat, but the impact of the climate crisis on our crops is throwing the world's food supply into question. Modern crops, domesticated for high food yields and ease of harvesting, lack the genetic resources to respond to the climate cris.....»»
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.....»»
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.....»»
New study sheds light on when to stand out or fit in
When it comes to job interviews, conventional wisdom often suggests that standing out is key to securing a position—seemingly at odds with the general human tendency to conform. A new study by SFI Complexity Postdoctoral Fellow Katrin Schmelz and h.....»»
Poplar tree study discovers a photosynthesis gene that boosts plant height
A team of scientists have identified a gene in poplar trees that enhances photosynthesis and can boost tree height. The study, "An orphan gene BOOSTER enhances photosynthetic efficiency and plant productivity," is published in Developmental Cell, and.....»»
Decoding protein interactions to better understand how mutations contribute to disease
Investigating how proteins interact is key to understanding how cells work and communicate. In a new study published in Nature Communications, FMI researchers have provided key insights into how protein interactions are governed and how mutations inf.....»»
Enzyme study sheds light on the molecular mechanism behind "sleepiness"
Recent research has observed that chemical modifications called phosphorylation of proteins in brain neurons dynamically regulate sleep and wakefulness. But the protein kinases that suppress sleep and the dephosphorylation enzymes that control sleep.....»»
Customized CRISPR toolkit allows remote-controlled genome editing
Thanks to CRISPR, medical specialists will soon have unprecedented control over how they treat and prevent some of the most challenging genetic disorders and diseases......»»
Researchers find a way to make 3D printed pea gels hold their shape better, strengthening potential for use as food
Using plasma, the stuff of the universe, University of Alberta researchers have improved the 3D printability of a valuable plant protein for use in food. The study is published in the journal Food Bioscience......»»
Study discovers a nano-switch mechanism controlled by a single hydrogen atom in all living organisms
A group of researchers in Japan has revealed, for the first time, a mechanism for controlling the potential of an electron carrier protein in the redox reaction that all organisms need to obtain energy. The study was published in the online edition o.....»»
Raw milk producer optimistic after being shut down for bird flu detection
A second lot of milk was recalled after testing of retail products came back positive. Bird flu has landed on a California farm that shuns virus-killing pasteurization, leading to.....»»
Peroxisomal protein boosts plant immunity to thrive under environmental stress
Salicylic acid is vital for protecting plants from pathogens, but its synthesis remains unclear. A team of Shinshu University researchers has discovered that the protein HSR201 is key to its production. They found that HSR201 localizes to specific or.....»»
Resurrecting an ancestral protein as a novel tool to study RNA biology
By deducing the possible ancient forms of a bacterial enzyme, OIST scientists have resurrected one of its ancestral versions, with a comparably higher ability to chemically modify RNA......»»
New understanding of a cancer-relevant protein reveals opportunities for drug discovery
A new approach to targeting a protein involved in cell division, which can misfunction in cancer, has revealed new insights into how it functions......»»
Seeing is believing: Leveraging defining morphological features for accurate selection of brain organoids
By combining morphological and single-cell level gene expression analyses, a team of researchers led by Professor Jun Takahashi in the Department of Clinical Application at Kyoto University has established a new non-destructive system to select high-.....»»