Some RNA molecules have unexpected sugar coating
In a surprise find, scientists have discovered sugar-coated RNA molecules decorating the surface of cells......»»
Safety tests of insecticides inadequate for bees
Queen Mary researchers have revealed unexpected variation in bee neural receptors, challenging current safety assessments of insecticides, which work by targeting these receptors......»»
A plethora of plant molecules provides a ple"flora" of data
Researchers at the University of Geneva have established a searchable library of spectra and molecules found in a collection of 1,600 plant extracts. This collection was accessed through a collaboration with Pierre Fabre Laboratories. The resulting o.....»»
Speeding up sugar"s conversion into fuel
University of Queensland researchers have found a way to more efficiently convert sugarcane into a building block of aviation fuel and other products......»»
Sugar-based inhibitors that can disarm the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The hospital pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires the sugar-binding proteins LecA and LecB to form biofilms as well as to attach to and penetrate host cells. These so-called lectins are therefore suitable targets for active substances to combat P.....»»
Multi-layered "space skin" can help future satellites and spacecraft harvest energy
A research team has shown that their innovative nano-coating, called the Multifunctional Nanobarrier Structure (MFNS), can reduce the operating temperatures of space-qualified structures from 120 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius......»»
Surprising protein behavior could improve our understanding of aging
Researchers have discovered a surprising anomaly in the behavior of how proteins form, upending long-held assumptions about the way cells produce these crucial molecules and potentially leading to a better understanding of aging and neurodegenerative.....»»
Evolution of uniquely human DNA was a balancing act, study concludes
Humans and chimpanzees differ in only one percent of their DNA. Human accelerated regions (HARs) are parts of the genome with an unexpected amount of these differences. HARs were stable in mammals for millennia but quickly changed in early humans. Sc.....»»
One-pot reaction creates versatile building block for bioactive molecules
Chemists from the University of Groningen have found a simple way to produce previously inaccessible chiral Z-alkenes, molecules that offer a significant synthetic short-cut for the production of bioactive molecules......»»
Chemists cook up brand-new kind of nanomaterial
There's a new nanomaterial on the block. University of Oregon chemists have found a way to make carbon-based molecules with a unique structural feature: interlocking rings......»»
Tokamak experiments provide unique data for validating spacecraft heat shield ablation models
When a spacecraft enters a thick atmosphere at a high velocity, it rapidly compresses the gas in front of it. This creates temperatures high enough to ionize the gas molecules into a hot, dense plasma. To protect against damage, spacecraft are typica.....»»
Optical coating approach prevents fogging and unwanted reflections
Researchers have developed an optical coating system that combines antifogging and antireflective properties. The new technology could help boost the performance of lidar systems and cameras......»»
Discovery of cross-species signaling pathway unlocks mysteries around parasite immunity, development
Research led by a University of Maryland team has identified the first inter-species signaling pathway between an arthropod parasite and host, where molecules in the blood of a host animal triggers the immunity and development of a parasite. The stud.....»»
Researchers devise a new way to control "3D" effects in chemical reactions
Researchers have observed steric effects—the interactions of molecules depending on their spatial orientation (not just between their electrons involved in bonding)—in a chemical reaction involving non-polar molecules for the first time. The brea.....»»
Researchers explore quantum effects of light on the creation of Rydberg states in hydrogen molecules
Rydberg atoms and molecules are characterized by having one or more electrons in highly excited bound states. Such atoms and molecules are said to be in "Rydberg states" and are also called "hollow" atoms and molecules. Rydberg states are useful for.....»»
How grasses avoid inbreeding
Corn, rice, wheat, sugar cane—the grass family contains a number of species that are important food sources for humans and have been bred and cultivated for millennia. Wild and farm animals, too, depend heavily on grasses for feed: cows, sheep, hor.....»»
Visualizing a complex electron wavefunction using high-resolution attosecond technology
The early 20th century saw the advent of quantum mechanics to describe the properties of small particles, such as electrons or atoms. Schrödinger's equation in quantum mechanics can successfully predict the electronic structure of atoms or molecules.....»»
Abnormal RNA gums up the works in brain cells, shows study
Our DNA contains four types of molecules, adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine—called nucleotides or bases—running along the strands that make up our chromosomes. Since there are only four, it is not unusual to find a short sequence of DNA rep.....»»
Sweet discovery has potential for effective new virus and cancer drug treatments
Scientists have discovered sugar-based molecules can be used to block activity of a receptor in cells that are involved in the development a range of viral infections and cancer......»»
Poetry and meditation power enhanced qualitative data analysis
A new study reveals that 'poetic meditation' can enhance qualitative data analysis by offering researchers improved sensory experience and an ability to approach data analysis from unexpected directions......»»
Novel synthesis process for sustainable production of small molecules
Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, have discovered a new synthetic pathway with which they can produce a specific organic compound from the simple molecule carbon monoxide (CO), namely anionic ketenes. These were previously only known as.....»»