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.....»»
Simulations reveal the atomic-scale story of qubits
Researchers led by Giulia Galli at University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering report a computational study that predicts the conditions to create specific spin defects in silicon carbide. Their findings, published online in Natu.....»»
Scientists observe interaction of components in tire rubber at the atomic scale
Scientists have observed the molecular motion of rubber components typically used in automobile tires—polybutadiene and carbon black—with the world's fastest time resolution......»»
Concave, umbrella-like metal complexes provide space for giant molecular rotors to operate in solid state
Solid materials are generally known to be rigid and unmoving, but scientists are turning this idea on its head by exploring ways to incorporate moving parts into solids. This can enable the development of exotic new materials such as amphidynamic cry.....»»
Elk hoof disease likely causes systemic changes
Elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, previously thought to be limited to deformations in elks' hooves, appears to create molecular changes throughout the animal's system, according to epigenetic research from Washington State University......»»
Mechanism of methyltransferase METTL8-mediated mitochondrial RNA m3C modification and its relaxed substrate specificity
A study published in the journal Science Bulletin was led by Profs. Xiao-Long Zhou and En-Duo Wang (CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)......»»
Examining the genesis of CRISPR"s molecular scissors
Genome engineering may be the future of medicine, but it relies on evolutionary advances made billions of years ago in primordial bacteria, the original masters of gene editing......»»
Study reveals how marine bacteria combat algae
Algae and bacteria are inseparable in ocean ecosystems, with bacteria playing a crucial role in regulating the growth and metabolism of algae. In addition to mutualism, bacteria have developed various molecular-based strategies to combat algae......»»
Chemists used machine learning and molecular modeling to identify potential anticancer drugs
RUDN University chemists and colleagues from China built several machine learning models and discovered a group of potential drugs that inhibit the enzyme responsible for uncontrolled cell division. The results were published in Biomedicines......»»
Successful optical biosensing using dual optical combs: High sensitivity and rapid detection of biomolecules
Bio-sensors are biomolecular sensors that leverage or mimic the sophisticated molecular recognition capabilities of living organisms. They find widespread applications in fields such as health care, food, and the environment......»»
Iron-based molecular switch improves reaction yield by modulating zeolite catalyst acidity
A molecular switch, or molecule that changes in response to varying environmental stimuli, has successfully modified the acidity of a zeolite catalyst to improve the yield of paraxylene from methanol in heterogeneous catalysis, or a reaction where th.....»»
Team resolves molecular switching behavior of azonium compounds for light-controlled drugs
Molecules that change shape under the influence of light can be used as switches in biomedical applications, for instance to inhibit an enzyme. An international team of researchers, including chemists at the Universities of Amsterdam and Groningen, h.....»»
Scientists reveal intricate mechanisms cells use to build protein destruction signals
Within the intricate molecular landscape inside of a cell, the orchestration of proteins demands precise control to avoid disease. While some proteins must be synthesized at specific times, others require timely breakdown and recycling. Protein degra.....»»
High Blood Pressure Is the World’s Biggest Killer. Now There’s a Plan to Tackle It
Once considered a disease of the affluent, hypertension now affects a third of all adults. The WHO wants nations to get organized to combat it......»»
Molecular properties are only weakly correlated, study finds
The number of molecules thought to exist is unfathomably large—somewhere between 1050 and 1060 (for comparison, there are only 1022 to 1024 stars in the observable universe). The chemical and pharmaceutical sciences have sought a comprehensive unde.....»»
Zero-waste synthesis of new supramolecular materials with remarkable mechanical properties
Researchers from Japan have unlocked the potential of tannic acid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene oxide by using them to synthesize strong and smart supramolecular gels in a zero-waste process. These gels exhibit remarkable characteristi.....»»
Novel approach to engineered cells may enable molecular medical imaging
A tiny molecular structure that looks like a bubble may be able to significantly improve medical imaging, according to a Penn State research team. Called gas vesicles (GVs), these structures are naturally produced by certain microorganisms and are re.....»»
Ancient Roman “wow glass” has photonic crystal patina forged over centuries
Precise hierarchical molecular self-assembly formed so-called "Bragg stack" reflectors. Enlarge / Microscopic view of photonic crystals on the surface of ancient Roman glass. (credit: Giulia Guidetti) Nature is the ultim.....»»
Method to measure molecular distribution of MXene enables quality control in production process
Developed in 2011, MXene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial with alternating metal and carbon layers, which has high electrical conductivity and can be combined with various metal compounds, making it a material that can be utilized in various industr.....»»
Study estimates the energy costs of information processing in biological systems
The behaviors, physiology and existence of living organisms is supported by countless biological processes, which entail the communication between cells and other molecular components. These molecular components are known to transmit information to e.....»»
Researchers discover gravitational collapse and accretion flows in hub filament system G323.46-0.08
Hub-filament systems are ubiquitous in molecular clouds. Most dense clumps and cores are formed in filaments and play a key role in star formation process. Therefore, investigating hub-filament system is one of the best ways to understand high-mass s.....»»