Protein machinery of respiration becomes visible
Oxygen and sugar are the basis of life for animals, plants, fungi and many bacteria. The metabolic process called respiration makes it possible to convert food into energy for the cells. Biochemist Prof. Dr. Carola Hunte and her team from the Cluster.....»»
Mercury levels in tuna remain nearly unchanged since 1971, study says
Tuna is one of the most popular seafoods worldwide. But this protein-rich fish can build up high levels of methylmercury from feeding on contaminated prey, like smaller fish or crustaceans. Despite efforts to reduce mercury emissions into the environ.....»»
Toxoplasmosis: Researchers identify protein that evolved alongside infection machinery
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease found worldwide, caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In humans, infection poses a particular risk to pregnant women, as it can lead to birth defects. Like the closely related malaria pathogen.....»»
Q&A: Pork, pathogens and progress—a close look at PRRSV research
The pork industry provides people across different cultures a considerable source of protein, essential nutrients and a versatile ingredient for diverse culinary traditions. So, when the problem of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.....»»
Detection of a new state in the protein folding process
Scientists have discovered a new, intermediate state in the process of protein folding, showing folding can occur in two stages, one fast and the next found to be much slower. The findings are published in the journal Physical Review Letters......»»
Study shows how proteins guide electrons to the right place
Cells need energy to function. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg can now explain how energy is guided in the cell by small atomic movements to reach its destination in the protein. Imitating these structural changes of the proteins could le.....»»
RNA-dependent protein research advances the fight against malaria
New work by a team led by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, has taken research one step closer to designing new therapies to fight and eradicate malaria thanks to a lab technique called R-DeeP......»»
SPNS2 found to be directly exporting S1P for signaling, can be inhibited
When an enemy invades, defenders are ferried to the site to neutralize the marauders. In the human body, a protein carrier called SPNS2 transports S1P molecules from endothelial cells to rally immune cell response in infected organs and tissues......»»
The U.S. Tops the Manga Piracy Chart, While Iran Leads in Music Piracy
Piracy continued to rise globally in 2023 across all content categories. The largest relative increase was visible in the music and software categories, which saw double-digit growth. In the publishing category, manga comics dominate with the United.....»»
Discovery of new plant protein fold may be seed for anti-cancer drugs
University of Michigan researchers are celebrating their discovery of a new plant biochemistry and its unusual ability to form cyclic peptides—molecules that hold promise in pharmaceuticals as they can bind to challenging drug targets......»»
Using three AI protein prediction tools, study uncovers new wrinkles in the folding story of "orphan" proteins
When Profs. Joel Sussman and Israel Silman were asked to mentor Chinese students online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing they expected to come out of the experience was highly innovative research on protein evolution that could change our.....»»
By growing animal cells in rice grains, scientists dish up hybrid food
From lab-grown chicken to cricket-derived protein, these innovative alternatives offer hope for a planet struggling with the environmental and ethical impacts of industrial agriculture. Now, Korean scientists add a new recipe to the list—cultured b.....»»
Small adjustments can reduce nitrogen loss in peat meadows, says researcher
Relatively simple adjustments can reduce nitrogen losses on dairy farms in peatland areas. That's the conclusion of the Ph.D. research by Leiden environmental scientist Jeroen Pijlman at the Louis Bolk Institute. Protein-poor grass species and narrow.....»»
Secrets of soil-enriching pulses could transform future of sustainable agriculture
From lentils to chickpeas, and even the humble baked bean, pulses are perhaps best known as an alternative, plant-based source of protein. These plants are environmental heroes: they work together with soil microbes to "fix" nitrogen from the air, en.....»»
Virtual reality study finds that environmental interventions may not reduce fear of crime
It has long been established that changing an environment can reduce crime. For example, increased light in an area has the potential to discourage would-be offenders by making them more visible......»»
New research with implications for drug discovery makes it possible to visualize the smallest protein clusters
Penn Engineers have pioneered a new way to visualize the smallest protein clusters, skirting the physical limitations of light-powered microscopes and opening new avenues for detecting the proteins implicated in diseases like Alzheimer's and testing.....»»
Probing proton pumping: New findings on protein folding in bacteriorhodopsin
When it comes to drug development, membrane proteins play a crucial role, with about 50% of drugs targeting these molecules. Understanding the function of these membrane proteins, which connect to the membranes of cells, is important for designing th.....»»
Beyond cells: Unveiling the potential of genetic circuits on single DNA molecules
In a new Nature Communications study, researchers have explored the construction of genetic circuits on single DNA molecules, demonstrating localized protein synthesis as a guiding principle for dissipative nanodevices, offering insights into artific.....»»
Driverless Waymo car hits cyclist in San Francisco, causes minor scratches
The accident occurred after the cyclist was hidden by a truck and not visible as they crossed into the Waymo vehicle's path, the company said......»»
Decoding the molecular networks of early human development
New international research shines a light on the role of transcription factors during early embryonic development. Transcription factors are proteins that are critical for gene regulation. The study unveiled more than 1,000 protein–protein interact.....»»
Newly identified protein helps flowers develop properly
Flowers rely on a newly identified protein to develop properly with all of their organs, according to the research team who made the discovery. The team, led by Penn State biologists, identified the protein in the model plant species Arabidopsis and.....»»