Supernova: A glowing DNA enzyme
Once thought to function primarily as a storage molecule for genetic information, it is now known that DNA can also catalyze chemical reactions. Although such DNA enzymes (deoxyribozymes) have not been identified in nature, they can be isolated in th.....»»
Scientists unlock key to breeding "carbon gobbling" plants with a major appetite
The discovery of how a critical enzyme "hidden in nature's blueprint" works sheds new light on how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for life on Earth......»»
Dogma-challenging telomere findings may offer new insights for cancer treatments
A new study led by University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center researchers shows that an enzyme called PARP1 is involved in repair of telomeres, the lengths of DNA that protect the tips of chromosomes, and that impairing this process can.....»»
New space company seeks to solve orbital mobility with high delta-v spacecraft
"If we’re going to have a true space economy, that means logistics and supply services." Enlarge / What a Supernova spacecraft might look like in orbit. (credit: Portal Space Systems) Over the course of the last seven.....»»
Researchers decipher how an enzyme modifies the genetic material in the cell nucleus
Inside the cell nucleus, the DNA molecule is found in a densely packed DNA-protein complex known as chromatin. Here the DNA is wrapped around a core of histone proteins and densely packed to form nucleosomes. The structure of the nucleosomes determin.....»»
Researchers unveil PI3K enzyme"s dual accelerator and brake mechanisms
A group of researchers have expanded conventional knowledge on a critical enzyme that controls cell migration. In a publication in the journal Nature Communications, they reported that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) not only acts as an accelerator.....»»
A supernova caused the BOAT gamma ray burst, JWST data confirms
But astronomers puzzled by the lack of signatures of expected heavy elements. Enlarge / Artist's visualization of GRB 221009A showing the narrow relativistic jets—emerging from a central black hole—that gave rise to the brig.....»»
Discovery of the first fractal molecule in nature
An international team of researchers led by groups from the Max Planck Institute in Marburg and the Philipps University in Marburg has stumbled upon the first regular molecular fractal in nature. They discovered a microbial enzyme—citrate synthase.....»»
Cutting-edge enzyme research fights back against plastic pollution
Since the 1950s, the surge in global plastic production has paralleled a concerning rise in plastic waste. In the United States alone, a staggering 35 million tons of plastic waste were generated in 2017, with only a fraction being recycled or combus.....»»
Researchers reveal structure and assembly mechanism of unique module in cellulosome
Cellulosomes are multi-enzyme complexes known for their efficient lignocellulose degradation, which is valuable in bioenergy technique development. The diverse composition and intricate assembly of cellulosomes give them exceptional substrate degrada.....»»
Daily Telescope: Peering into the remnants of an 800-year-old supernova
Incomplete explosions can leave a kind of "zombie" star. Enlarge / A composite image of SNR 1181. (credit: NASA, ESA, JPL et. al.) Welcome to the Daily Telescope. There is a little too much darkness in this world and.....»»
Research unlocks supernova stardust secrets
Curtin University-led research has discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient extra-terrestrial meteorite that was formed by a star other than our sun......»»
Research reveals new starting points for the rapid and targeted development of future drugs
Many important medicines, such as antibiotics and anticancer drugs, are derived from natural products of bacteria. The enzyme complexes that produce these active ingredients have a modular design that makes them ideal tools for synthetic biology. By.....»»
Unveiling the formation of the first galaxies
Utilizing high-resolution three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics simulations and a detailed supernova physics model run on supercomputers, a research team led by Dr. Ke-Jung Chen from the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica (A.....»»
Generative AI illuminates enzyme secrets using sequences evolved in nature
Enzymes, nature's remarkable biocatalysts, play an integral role in various aspects of daily life. Consider the awe-inspiring sight of fireflies lighting up a summer night. Their captivating glow serves not just to enchant observers but also plays a.....»»
See the stunning Vela supernova remnant in exquisite detail in expansive image
An enormous new image of the ghostly Vela supernova remnant shows off the fascinating and elaborate structure of this striking cosmic object......»»
Dark Energy Camera captures remains of a massive star that exploded nearly 11,000 years ago in huge gigapixel image
This colorful web of wispy gas filaments is the Vela Supernova Remnant, an expanding nebula of cosmic debris left over from a massive star that exploded about 11,000 years ago. Located around 800 light-years away in the constellation Vela (the Sails).....»»
How did evolution produce a firefly?
A new study looks at the development of a firefly's light-emitting organs. Enlarge (credit: Xinhua Fu) On one level, we have fireflies figured out. We know the enzyme they use to make light (called luciferase), as well a.....»»
Study shows that the ATLAS detector can measure the flux of high-energy supernova neutrinos
High-energy neutrinos are extremely rare particles that have so far proved very difficult to detect. Fluxes of these rare particles were first detected by the IceCube Collaboration back in 2013......»»
Researcher proposes paradigm shift in enzyme biochemistry
Although you may never have heard of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes, these proteins play diverse and critical roles in humans through the metabolic processing of drugs, pesticides, fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and chemical carcinoge.....»»
Daily Telescope: Finally, we’ve found the core of a famous supernova
In the astronomy community, SN 1987A has somewhat legendary status. Enlarge / Webb has observed the best evidence yet for emission from a neutron star at the site of Supernova 1987A. (credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, et. al.).....»»