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.....»»
Researchers characterize regulating mechanism of orderly zygotic genome activation in early embryos
Early development of an embryo is solely supported by maternally deposited RNAs and proteins until its own genome is activated through a process called zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Recent work by Chinese scientists has revealed a novel molecular.....»»
Neat, precise and brighter than ever: New technologies improve temporal coherence of XFEL pulses
X-ray free-electron lasers produce pulses of light that are exceptionally bright, making them powerful tools for studying ultrafast chemical reactions, biological processes, or probing the structure of materials at atomic scales......»»
Mathematical model can help understand coexistence in nature
Different species of seabirds can coexist on small, isolated islands despite eating the same kind of fish. A researcher at Uppsala University has been involved in developing a mathematical model that can be used to better understand how this ecosyste.....»»
Selenoproteins open new strategies for treating certain cancers in children
Selenoproteins are crucial for several biological functions, including the breakdown of harmful substances, immune system support, and regulating metabolic processes. However, in specific contexts, these proteins can be misused and shield cancer cell.....»»
Scientific breakthrough could make X-ray scans safer by reducing radiation
X-rays have fundamentally revolutionized healthcare, giving us views of the human body and even almost impossible views of atoms. However, the radiation involved in X-rays … The post Scientific breakthrough could make X-ray scans safer by reduc.....»»
Age on the molecular level: Research analyzes quantitative changes in a wide range of proteins
With the worldwide population aging at an unprecedented rate, the prevention of age-related diseases has become a prominent issue. It is important to comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the changes that aging causes at the molecular level in.....»»
Curly-Tailed Cats Communicate with an ‘Accent’
A genetic mutation makes some cats’ tail curl over their back, giving them something akin to an accent when they communicate with other kitties.....»»
New family of optimized omnigenous magnetic fields could display enhanced fusion plasma confinement
Physicists have been trying to design fusion reactors, technologies that can generate energy via nuclear fusion processes, for decades. The successful realization of fusion reactors relies on the ability to effectively confine charged particles with.....»»
Using genetic code expansion to study membrane proteins
Over the years, chemical biology methods have made an important contribution to the study of integral membrane proteins. A key modern approach is genetic code expansion (GCE), which makes it possible to modify proteins directly in living cells to giv.....»»
Picky proteins: Understanding yeast adaptor protein selectivity
The cellular membrane controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Some larger cargo, such as membrane proteins, nutrients, and pathogens, enter the cell via a process known as clathrin-mediated endocytosis......»»
Scientists compile library for evaluating exoplanet water
By probing chemical processes observed in the Earth's hot mantle, Cornell scientists have started developing a library of basalt-based spectral signatures that not only will help reveal the composition of planets outside of our solar system but could.....»»
Researchers Give Animal Cells the Ability to Photosynthesize for the First Time
A Japanese team has developed a technique to insert chloroplasts isolated from algae into animal cells, a feat that could revolutionize sustainable energy and how artificial meat and organs are created......»»
Seaweed proteins could be the next sustainable food source
The protein in sea lettuce, a type of seaweed, is a promising complement to both meat and other current alternative protein sources. Seaweed also contains many other important nutrients, and is grown without needing to be watered, fertilized or spray.....»»
Simple model system can break down fibrils to investigate drugs for neurodegenerative diseases
The origin of many diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's can be found at the molecular level in our body, in other words, in proteins. In a healthy system, these proteins are responsible for numerous physiological functions......»»
Bioluminescent proteins made from scratch enable non-invasive, multi-functional biological imaging
Bioluminescence is the natural chemical process of light creation in some living creatures that makes fireflies flicker and some jellyfish glow. Scientists have long been interested in borrowing the secrets of these animals' light-producing genes to.....»»
Bioengineered yeast mass produces herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is difficult to produce on an industrial scale. A team of Kobe University bioengineers manipulated the cellular machinery in a species of yeast so that one such molecule can now be produced in a fermenter at unprecedented concentratio.....»»
Miniature tag offers unique insight into the movement of hummingbirds
Scientists from the University of Aberdeen have attached tiny "backpack" type trackers to hummingbirds in the Andes in a bid to learn more about their movements......»»
Saturday Citations: Color vision created demand for colorful animals; observing black hole light echoes; deadlines!
This week, researchers hypothesized that human culture is distinguished from cultures of other species like whales by unique open-endedness—the ability to communicate and understand an infinite number of possibilities. An ancient unicellular organi.....»»
Two-faced membrane channel provides a simple, efficient way to separate oil and water
A team of chemists and engineers in China has developed a new, efficient way to separate oil and water mixtures. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes how they developed their new technique, how it works and the many po.....»»
Amazon’s Mass Effect TV series is actually going to be made
The pedigree of the producers and writers involved is cause for concern, though. Confirming previous rumors, Variety reports that Amazon will be moving ahead with producing a TV s.....»»