Under pressure: Manipulating protein-mimicking molecules with hydrostatic pressure
Stimulus-responsive supramolecular structures have emerged as an alternative to conventional ones, owing to their applications in sensing, drug delivery, and switchable memory systems. Now, scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology explore the hydr.....»»
Cellular agriculture research manages to culture pork fat tissue on rye protein scaffolds
National University of Singapore (NUS) food scientists have developed a simple and scalable method for culturing pork fat tissue using protein scaffolds made from secalin, a protein extracted from rye......»»
Fused molecules could serve as building blocks for safer lithium-ion batteries
By fusing together a pair of contorted molecular structures, Cornell researchers have created a porous crystal that can uptake lithium-ion electrolytes and transport them smoothly via one-dimensional nanochannels—a design that could lead to safer s.....»»
Quantum researchers come up with a recipe that could accelerate drug development
University of Copenhagen mathematicians have developed a recipe for upgrading quantum computers to simulate complex quantum systems, such as molecules. Their discovery brings us closer to being able to predict how new drugs will behave within our bod.....»»
Scientists find plant-like behavior in human cells
A team of scientists from Monash University has solved the structure of a protein known as "LYCHOS," which can detect and regulate cell growth by sensing cholesterol levels in the body......»»
Ancient protein structure may have enabled early molecular evolution and diversification
In a finding that offers fresh insights into the early evolution of life on Earth, two RIKEN biologists have conducted lab experiments that have revealed a previously unknown protein fold, which is completely absent in modern proteins......»»
Filament structure found to activate and regulate CRISPR-Cas "protein scissors"
CRISPR-Cas systems help to protect bacteria from viruses. Several different types of CRISPR-Cas defense systems are found in bacteria, which differ in their composition and functions. Among them, the most studied proteins today are Cas9 and Cas12, al.....»»
Protein involved in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration offers hope for prevention
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States. Despite existing treatments, the underlying causes of this disease and effective therapies remain elusive. Research published in the journal D.....»»
Researchers determine how a protein contributes to human immune defense against RNA viruses
An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Janosch Hennig from the University of Bayreuth has discovered how the TRIM25 protein contributes to defense against RNA viruses whose genetic material is contained as ribonucleic acid (RNA)......»»
Predicting river flow dynamics using stable isotopes for improved ecosystem health
An international science team has made significant strides in understanding river flow dynamics. The findings leverage isotope hydrology techniques such as measuring stable isotopes in water molecules to elucidate the contributions of various water s.....»»
3D structure of key protein could advance development of hormone-free male contraceptive pill
Melbourne-based scientists behind the development of a hormone-free, reversible male contraceptive pill have, for the first time, solved the molecular structure of the discovery program's primary therapeutic target, significantly increasing the chanc.....»»
Fluorescent molecules to illuminate life: Simplified synthesis with formaldehyde
A research team has recently made a breakthrough in synthesizing organic fluorophores more cost-effectively and atom-efficiently than ever before by using formaldehyde, the simplest carbon molecule. Their findings were published in Angewandte Chemie.....»»
DNA nanotechnology unravels complex protein interactions to inform cancer diagnostics
A team of researchers from NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech), led by Associate Professor Shao Huilin and Associate Professor Brian Lim, has developed a first-of-its-kind technology to map out diverse protein interactions.....»»
Protein study reveals how the tiny shrew achieves a resting heart rate of 1,020 beats per minute
The shrew's resting heart rate can reach up to 17 beats per second, equivalent to about 1,020 beats per minute. In comparison, the average human resting heart rate is around 60 to 100 beats per minute, making the shrew's resting heart rate approximat.....»»
Trimer complex TaNF-Y balances grain yield and quality in wheat: Study
Breeding efforts have focused intensively on improving grain yield and quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Content and composition of grain starch and seed storage protein (SSP) are two critical factors that determine grain yield and quality. St.....»»
Bioengineers and chemists design fluorescent 3D-printed structures with potential medical applications
In a process as simple as stirring eggs and flour into pancakes, University of Oregon researchers have mixed fluorescent ring-shaped molecules into a novel 3D printing process. The result: intricate glowing structures that support the development of.....»»
High-energy-density cubic gauche nitrogen successfully synthesized at atmospheric pressure
A research group led by Prof. Wang Xianlong from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully synthesized high-energy-density materials cubic gauche nitrogen (cg-N) at atmospheric pressure by treating.....»»
How a protein keeps gene clusters quiet in the cell nucleolus
In a discovery that sheds light on the complex mechanisms of gene regulation, scientists at EPFL have uncovered a critical role for the protein ZNF274 in keeping certain gene clusters turned off by anchoring them to the cell nucleolus. The study is p.....»»
The biological marvels of the seabed are being mined to create commercial products—here are the risks
Thousands of genes from deep-sea marine life are being used to create new commercial products ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. Genes are segments of DNA that provide instructions for making other molecules that are essential for the structu.....»»
Scientists identify structural basis of stitched-together protein complexes that recycle most proteins in cells
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a clearer picture of how crucial machinery in the human cell's recycling process for obsolete and misshapen proteins—known as proteasomes—are formed......»»
Shedding light on a decades-old protein sorting mystery
Christian de Caestecker, a Ph.D. student in the lab of Ian Macara, Louise B. McGavock Professor and chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, has proposed and validated a mechanism that addresses a decades-old mystery surrounding epi.....»»