Optimality in self-organized molecular sorting
The eukaryotic cell is the basic unit of animals and plants. Through the microscope, it looks highly structured and subdivided in many membrane-bound compartments. Each compartment has a specific function, and its membrane is populated by specific mo.....»»
Team discovers mechanism that protects tissue after faulty gene expression
A study at the University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research has identified a protein complex that is activated by defects in the spliceosome, the molecular scissors that process genetic information. Future research could lead.....»»
A type of plastic that can be shape-shifted using tempering
A team of molecular engineers have developed a type of plastic that can be shape-shifted using tempering. In their paper published in the journal Science the team, from the University of Chicago, with a colleagues from the US DEVCOM Army Research Lab.....»»
ALMA spots the shadow of a molecular outflow from a quasar when the universe was less than 1 billion years old
Theoretical predictions have been confirmed with the discovery of an outflow of molecular gas from a quasar when the universe was less than a billion years old......»»
Unveiling and decoding the regulatory mechanisms of secondary cell wall formation
Wood quality is primarily determined by the properties of its secondary cell wall (SCW). Gaining insight into the molecular processes governing SCW development is crucial for the genetic enhancement of wood quality. Although it's established that a m.....»»
Researchers discover molecular mechanism that influences the symmetrical shape of the style
Humans are attracted to symmetry: in our buildings, our gardens, in our potential partners. For plants, the symmetrical shapes of organs are a matter of survival because the form directly impacts the function......»»
Molecular simulation AI tool reveals unresolved structure of transporter protein
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled a previously unknown conformational state of a crucial transporter protein, OxlT, which plays a vital role in preventing kidney stone formation. This discovery, achieved through advanced computatio.....»»
How to shift gears in a molecular motor
A study published in Chemistry—A European Journal presents a proof-of-principle design of molecular motors......»»
New simulation tool advances molecular modeling of biomolecular condensates
A University of Massachusetts Amherst team has made a major advance toward modeling and understanding how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) undergo spontaneous phase separation, an important mechanism of subcellular organization that underlies.....»»
Deep learning reveals molecular secrets of explosive perchlorate salts
Perchlorates are a class of compounds that are notorious for their explosive nature. This raises safety concerns during experiments involving complex compounds that contain perchlorate ions, since explosions can be triggered even by the slightest sho.....»»
Team unravels activation mechanism of a protein that combats bacteria
The human immune system is constantly fending off a wide range of invaders—a feat that requires a diverse array of cellular troops and molecular weaponry. Although a great deal is already known about immune defense cells and the strategies they emp.....»»
Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms behind effects of MXene nanoparticles on muscle regeneration
Tissue engineering, which involves the use of grafts or scaffolds to aid cell regeneration, is emerging as a key medical practice for treating volumetric muscle loss (VML), a condition where a significant amount of muscle tissue is lost beyond the bo.....»»
New method for incorporating structurally unusual amino acids into proteins
A team of biochemists at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Cambridge has developed a new method to incorporate structurally unusual amino acids into proteins by using bacteria. The method is described in the journal Natu.....»»
Altered light-harvesting complex in a cyanobacterium allows low-energy light use
Researchers have isolated and determined the molecular structure of the light-harvesting antenna that helps some cyanobacteria—formerly referred to as blue-green algae—produce energy through photosynthesis even in lower-energy light......»»
Chrome can now organize your tab bar for you
A click in Chrome can turn your messy tab layout into carefully organized groups. Enlarge (credit: Google) You there! Reader! Be honest: How many tabs do you have open right now? Is your tab bar an unsalvageable mess wit.....»»
Tiny worm, giant leap: Discovery of highly specific fatty acid attachment to proteins
In a world where the intricacies of molecular biology often seem as vast and mysterious as the cosmos, a new study delves into the microscopic universe of proteins, unveiling a fascinating aspect of their existence. This revelation could hold profoun.....»»
Scientists spin naturalistic silk from artificial spider gland
Researchers have succeeded in creating a device that spins artificial spider silk that closely matches what spiders naturally produce. The artificial silk gland was able to re-create the complex molecular structure of silk by mimicking the various ch.....»»
Clutch-stack-driven molecular gears in crystals could propel material innovation
Gears are an essential component of everyday machines. The ability to shift gears, like in a car, allows for control of the degree or direction of motion generated, making machines more versatile......»»
Unraveling the health benefits of tomatoes: A molecular dive
Scientists at U.S. the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and The Ohio State University (OSU) have been working to investigate how tomatoes may be imparting health benefits in a recently published study......»»
Researchers observe how the flexibility of a protein hinge is crucial to the transfer of cell proteins
Ubiquitination—the addition of the protein ubiquitin—is a key stage in many cell processes, such as protein degradation, DNA repairs, and signal transduction. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) and molecular modeling, researchers l.....»»
Molecular sensor enables water bear hardiness by triggering dormancy, study finds
Tardigrades—hardy, microscopic animals commonly known as "water bears"—use a molecular sensor that detects harmful conditions in their environment, telling them when to go dormant and when to resume normal life. A team led by Derrick R. J. Kollin.....»»