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.....»»
Dry days trigger leaves to send a surprising growth signal telling roots to keep growing
Scientists at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU) have discovered a new molecular signaling pathway, triggered when leaves are exposed to low humidity, that ensures plant roots keep growing towards water......»»
Cochlea cell atlas built from single-cell sequencing discovers new cell types, uncovers hidden molecular features
Researchers at the Pasteur Institute in France have conducted an in-depth genomic study of mouse cochlea to create a comprehensive transcriptomic atlas of the auditory organ at a molecular level......»»
Smart yet simple: Creating uniform DNA-encapsulating microgels that mimic a living cell
The living cell harbors physiologically relevant components such as the genetic material (DNA) and proteins in a "self-organized" setting. Understanding this process of self-assembly can reveal the underlying mechanism of self-organization of living.....»»
Ribosomal gatekeepers: Study sheds light on molecular control centers of eukaryote protein factories
Based on genetic blueprints, individual amino acids are assembled into long amino acid chains, the proteins, in the protein factories of our cells, the ribosomes. Each newly formed protein starts with the amino acid methionine. This amino acid is oft.....»»
Molecular filament shielded our young solar system from supernova, suggests study
Isotope ratios found in meteorites suggest that a supernova exploded nearby while the sun and solar system were still forming. But the blast wave from a supernova that close could have potentially destroyed the nascent solar system. New calculations.....»»
Researchers reveal new molecular mechanism for stimulating hair growth
The process by which aged (senescent) pigment-making cells in the skin cause significant growth of hair inside skin moles, called nevi, has been identified by a research team led by the University of California, Irvine. The discovery may offer a road.....»»
Understanding the cation effect on the CO coupling reaction at the electrochemical interface
Recently, the National Science Review published research from Prof. Jun Cheng (Xiamen University) and Dr. Jia-Bo Le (Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of Chinese Academy of Sciences). The research team used ab initio molecular.....»»
Team develops CRISPR tool with big data visualization platform for genome editing and modification
A research team from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed an analysis service platform called CRISPRimmunity, which was an interactive web server for identifying important molecular events re.....»»
"Viking disease" hand disorder may come from Neanderthal genes
A new paper in Molecular Biology and Evolution shows that a condition known as Dupuytren's disease is partly of Neanderthal origin. Researchers have long known that the disease was much more common in Northern Europeans than in those of African ances.....»»
World"s first illustration of the molecular machinery that makes cilia beat
The first image of the structures that power human cilia—the tiny, hairlike projections that line our airways—has been produced by a team involving UCL researchers and could lead to much-needed treatments for people with rare cilial diseases......»»
Cryo-EM study shows zinc transporter has built-in self-regulating sensor
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have determined the atomic-level structure of a zinc-transporter protein, a molecular machine that regulates levels of this crucial trace metal micronutrient inside ce.....»»
Mass spectrometry uncovers actions of protein "glues"
A screening technique commonly used in drug discovery can yield important details about the actions of molecular 'glues' in protein interactions......»»
Researchers discover a new way to develop drugs without side effects
Have you ever wondered how drugs reach their targets and achieve their function within our bodies? If a drug molecule or a ligand is a message, an inbox is typically a receptor in the cell membrane. One such receptor involved in relaying molecular si.....»»
Pulling its weight: Team identifies protein key to chromosome movement during cell division
During cell division, chromosomes, i.e., molecules containing our genetic material, must be properly replicated and segregated so that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set. Now, in an article published in Molecular Cell, a team led.....»»
When water temperatures change, the molecular motors of cephalopods do too
Cephalopods are a large family of marine animals that includes octopuses, cuttlefish and squid. They live in every ocean, from warm, shallow tropical waters to near-freezing, abyssal depths. More remarkably, report two scientists at University of Cal.....»»
AI system devises first optimizations to sorting code in over a decade
Writing efficient code was turned into a game, and the AI played to win. Enlarge (credit: Anas Photography) Anyone who has taken a basic computer science class has undoubtedly spent time devising a sorting algorithm—co.....»»
Number of deaths in armed conflicts doubled between 2021 and 2022, says new report
At least 237,000 people died in organized violence in 2022. A new report from Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) at Uppsala University shows that this is a 97% increase over the previous year, and the highest number since the Rwandan genocide in 19.....»»
Illuminating the molecular ballet in living cells using an ultrafast camera
Researchers at Kyoto University, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), and Photron Limited in Japan have developed the world's fastest camera capable of detecting fluorescence from single molecules. They describe the.....»»
Ferrari does not need to buy other supercar makers, CEO says
"I don't think it makes sense for us to buy other supercar makers," Vigna said during a conference organized by Bloomberg......»»
How a microbe creates its own sulfate reduction machinery
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, have uncovered the molecular secrets of a methane-generating microbe that can transform sulfate into sulfide—a ready-to-use cellular building block. This discovery o.....»»