Teamwork in a molecule
Chemists at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena have demonstrated the value of 'teamwork' by successfully harnessing the interaction between two gallium atoms in a novel compound to split the particularly strong bond between fluorine and carbon. T.....»»
Low levels of a simple sugar -- A new biomarker for severe MS?
Researchers have discovered a sugar molecule whose levels are reduced in the blood of patients with particularly severe multiple sclerosis. Their discovery could pave the way for a new therapeutic approach......»»
To enhance creativity, keep your research team fresh
Teamwork is becoming increasingly common in modern science. In this context, the effect of different characteristics of a team on its research performance has been studied extensively. Various factors such as team size, number of countries involved,.....»»
Restricting growth, spread of head and neck cancers
Researchers have discovered a key molecule that allows cancer stem cells to bypass the body's natural immune defenses, spurring the growth and spread of head and neck squamous cell cancers. Their study, conducted in mice, also demonstrates that inhib.....»»
DNA-inspired "supercoiling" fibers could make powerful artificial muscles for robots
The double helix of DNA is one of the most iconic symbols in science. By imitating the structure of this complex genetic molecule we have found a way to make artificial muscle fibers far more powerful than those found in nature, with potential applic.....»»
Best desk locations in an open-plan office grant visual control over the environment
Open-plan office workers with more visual control over their environment rated their focus, productivity, and teamwork more highly, according to a study published April 28, 2021 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Kerstin Sailer from The Bartlett.....»»
Engineering single-molecule fluorescence with asymmetric nano-antennas
NIR fluorescence has shown great potential in bioscience, but low quantum-yield has largely impeded research on most NIR fluorophores. Here, scientists in China use asymmetric plasmonic nano-antennas to drastically enhance an NIR dye's single-molecul.....»»
Researchers create long-sought zigzag-edged carbon nanobelts
NUS chemists have developed a strategy for the atomically precise synthesis of fully conjugated zigzag-edged carbon nanobelts (CNBs). The obtained molecule, known as octabenzo[12]cyclacene, is acknowledged as one of the first fully characterized synt.....»»
New catalyst for lower carbon dioxide emissions
If the CO2 content of the atmosphere is not to increase any further, carbon dioxide must be converted into something else. However, as CO2 is a very stable molecule, this can only be done with the help of special catalysts. The main problem with such.....»»
Fan-made Sonic game for PS5 was created inside another game
What makes this iteration of Sonic Adventure so special is the fact it was created inside another game. That’s right, YouTube user OpyGam3r built everything seen here in Dreams, the sprawling sandbox title from British developer Media Molecule. Foo.....»»
DNA structure itself is involved in genome regulation
The (when stretched) two-meter-long DNA molecule in each human cell is continuously being unpacked and packed again to enable the expression of genetic information. When genes must be accessed for transcription, the DNA double helix unwinds and the s.....»»
When FRETing over cancer biomarkers won"t work, focus on blinking instead
Fluorescence spectroscopy is indispensable in biomedical diagnostics. One can think of turning on fluorescence as turning on a flashlight in a dark room. A diagnostic assay can be designed to label, for example, a specific molecule of DNA with a fluo.....»»
A novel light-spin interface with europium(III) molecule advances development of quantum computers
Light can be used to operate quantum information processing systems, e.g. quantum computers, quickly and efficiently. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Chimie ParisTech/CNRS have now significantly advanced the development of.....»»
What is mRNA? What you should know about the key ingredient in some COVID-19 vaccines
One surprising star of the coronavirus pandemic response has been the molecule called mRNA. It's the key ingredient in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. But mRNA itself is not a new invention from the lab. It evolved billions of years ago and.....»»
Molecule could beat antibiotic-resistant infections
By using their knowledge of how bacteria co-exist and compete with one another in nature, Western University researchers have discovered a compound that can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a deadly bacterium that can cause pneumonia and.....»»
Glass nanopore pulls DNA like spaghetti through a needle
DNA sequencing has become so common, few realize how hard it is to even extract a single molecule of DNA from a biological sample......»»
Researchers extend the life of a dipolar molecule
In 2018, Kang-Kuen Ni and her lab earned the cover of Science with an impressive feat: They took two individual atoms, a sodium and a cesium, and forged them into a single dipolar molecule, sodium cesium......»»
Small-molecule therapeutics: Big data dreams for tiny technologies
Small-molecule therapeutics treat a wide variety of diseases, but their effectiveness is often diminished because of their pharmacokinetics—what the body does to a drug. After administration, the body dictates how much of the drug is absorbed, whic.....»»
Molecule attacks coronavirus in a novel way
Scientists at the University of Bonn and the caesar research center have isolated a molecule that might open new avenues in the fight against SARS coronavirus 2. The active ingredient binds to the spike protein that the virus uses to dock to the cell.....»»
Scientist discovers a new type of "bi-molecule" with applications for quantum sensors
Dr. Rosario González-Férez, a researcher at the Department of Atomic, Molecular and Nuclear Physics and the Carlos I Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics of the University of Granada, has published an article titled "Ultralong-Range R.....»»
First 3D images of a giant molecule
Capturing the structure of large molecular complexes with variable shape is an extremely difficult task. Scientists from Würzburg and Montpellier now have been able to do it—thanks to a new approach regarding an important protein machine......»»