Some RNA molecules have unexpected sugar coating
In a surprise find, scientists have discovered sugar-coated RNA molecules decorating the surface of cells......»»
This eight-armed octopus-like pore detects taste
The neurons in our bodies are dotted with tiny pores that let essential molecules pass in and out of our cells. Neurons need these channels to send the signals that allow us to move, think, and perceive the world around us. Now, structural biologists.....»»
Biologists publish new guidelines to facilitate data sharing of research on disordered proteins
For decades, structural biologists have been working on cracking the molecular 3D structures of proteins to understand their function. But what if a protein doesn't have a fixed structure? For molecules that keep changing their shape all the time, bo.....»»
Click chemistry as a connection tool: Grand opportunities and challenges
Click chemistry could help to synthesize a variety of molecules quickly and reliably by piecing together small units. In particular, it emphasizes the development of new combinatorial chemistry methods based on the synthesis of carbon-heteroatomic bo.....»»
New study reveals evidence of diverse organic material on Mars
A new study featuring data from the NASA Mars Perseverance rover reports on an instrumental detection potentially consistent with organic molecules on the Martian surface, hinting toward past habitability of the Red Planet. The research, led by a tea.....»»
Molecular scissors caught in the act: Describing the function of tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN based on its structure
In all living organisms, the biomolecule transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a fundamental role in protein production. tRNAs are generated from precursor molecules in several steps. The enzyme tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN), among other things, catalyzes on.....»»
Chemists develop reaction cascade to produce fluorinated molecules
Fluorine is rarely found in naturally occurring organic molecules. However, this chemical element is indispensable for the production of pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals. Synthetic chemistry has an important role to play in the development of new flu.....»»
"Lava lamp" vesicles show how cells could self-organize
The inside of a living cell is crowded with large, complex molecules. New research on how these molecules could spontaneously organize themselves could further our understanding of how cells manage their essential biochemistry in the crowded space. T.....»»
Rover sampling finds organic molecules in water-altered rocks on Mars
No clear implications for life, but some samples could be brought back to Earth. Enlarge / Jezero crater shows clear signs of water-formed deposits, so it's not a surprise to find water-altered material there. (credit: NASA/MSSS/.....»»
Rover sampling finds organic molecules in water-altered rocks
No clear implications for life, but some samples could be brought back to Earth. Enlarge / Jezero crater shows clear signs of water-formed deposits, so it's not a surprise to find water-altered material there. (credit: NASA/MSSS/.....»»
Recent advances in vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry of astrochemically important small molecules
The photodissociation of an isolated molecule from a well-defined initial quantum state provides a lens through which one can investigate how and why chemical reactions occur, and provides numerous opportunities for fruitful, synergistic collaboratio.....»»
Researchers unearth rare carpoid fossil dating to the Devonian
A recent and unexpected discovery at Penn Dixie has provided new insight into the evolutionary history of an unusual group of fossils......»»
New findings shed light on the chemical evolution of the Earth
The sun as a source of energy, and catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions, were of critical importance in the emergence of the first biochemical molecules on Earth. A research team has now shown that a solid deposited from ammonia and methane pla.....»»
Biologists" mapping method illustrates paths to new proteins
Scientists at The University of Texas at Dallas are using machine learning to study proteins—the molecules that carry out essential life functions—in a way that could impact protein engineering, human health and the evolutionary tracking of prote.....»»
A One-Time Shot for Type 2 Diabetes? A Biotech Company Is On It
Fractyl Health is developing a gene therapy alternative to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to control blood sugar and body weight without repeated injections......»»
Just add dendrimers, cellulose and graphene: New eco-friendly, long-lasting light-emitting electrochemical cell
In research that could lead to a new age in illumination, researchers from Japan and Germany have developed an eco-friendly light-emitting electrochemical cells using new molecules called dendrimers combined with biomass derived electrolytes and grap.....»»
Educational TV in Nigeria boosted preschool readiness during pandemic, study finds
A University of Maryland study upended by the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria made an unexpected discovery: Preschool children who regularly watched educational television programming at home while schools were closed showed significant strides in early.....»»
Laser pulse creates exotic order in quantum material
Water flows, ice is rigid—this clear difference between the liquid and solid state of substances is part of our everyday experience. It follows from the very regular arrangement of atoms and molecules in crystalline solids, which is lost when they.....»»
How one of nature"s most fundamental molecules forms
Life runs on ribosomes. Every cell on Earth needs ribosomes to translate genetic information into all the proteins needed for the organism to function—and to in turn make more ribosomes. But scientists still lack a clear understanding of how these.....»»
Chemists develop new process for the production of ring-shaped molecules
Most drugs on the market consist of cyclic (ring-shaped) molecules, many of which contain multiple rings. Developing simple and powerful methods for constructing important and novel ring systems remains a task and challenge for chemists in order to p.....»»
New breakthrough shows how short pulses of light destroy particles
Polaritons are a peculiar state, a kind of quasi-particles consisting of part-light and part-matter that can bring unexpected abilities to conventional chemical reactions. New research from Umeå University and others reveals that when the polaritons.....»»