Using a genetic algorithm to uncover new catalyst molecules for organic synthesis
A team of researchers have used a computational method inspired by evolution to discover an organic catalyst with better performance than known catalysts. As the team reports in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a genetic algorithm.....»»
Ancient DNA helps uncover the Iberian lynx"s potential secret weapon against extinction
Many large mammals have lost genetic diversity, often thanks to the actions of people shrinking their populations. The implications can be severe because without genetic diversity, a population does not have a "genetic database" to fall back on to ad.....»»
How a butterfly invasion minimizes genetic diversity
Until a few years ago, the butterfly known as the southern small white could barely be found north of the Alps. That was before a Europe-wide invasion that brought a huge increase in the insect's distribution—at the same time as a rapid decrease in.....»»
Researchers uncover key insights into cholesterol"s structure in cell membranes
A new study by Rice University researchers led by Jason Hafner could open new pathways for understanding how cholesterol influences cell membranes and their receptors, paving the way for future research on diseases linked to membrane organization. Th.....»»
Research explores organic semiconductor materials for sustainable temperature sensors
New research into organic semiconductor materials, led by the University of St Andrews, paves the way for more sustainable temperature sensors for use in everyday technology......»»
How diversity in heat tolerance can help protect coral reefs
New research out of Southern Cross University has found previously undocumented variation in coral heat tolerance on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, giving hope that corals' own genetic resources may hold the key for us to help in its recovery and ad.....»»
Experts discover the deadly genetics of cholera, which could be key to its prevention
Experts have used a cutting-edge computational approach to discover the genetic factors that make the bacteria behind cholera so dangerous—which could be key to preventing this deadly disease......»»
A new genetic analysis of animals in the Wuhan market in 2019 may help find COVID-19"s origin
Scientists searching for the origins of COVID-19 have zeroed in on a short list of animals that possibly helped spread it to people, an effort they hope could allow them to trace the outbreak back to its source......»»
AI tools help uncover enzyme mechanisms for lasso peptides
Lasso peptides are natural products made by bacteria. Their unusual lasso shape endows them with remarkable stability, protecting them from extreme conditions. In a new study, published in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers have constructed and tes.....»»
New data science tool greatly speeds up molecular analysis of our environment
A research team led by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, has developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in the field of metabolomics, the study of small molecules found within cells, biofluids, tissues, and.....»»
AI for drug discovery: DrugSynthMC to make finding new medication more efficient
Scientists have devised a free AI algorithm that they believe will make finding new medicines far more efficient......»»
How a bacterial pathogen that causes dysentery manipulates molecular activity to assure its survival
Virginia Tech researchers have learned how bacteria manipulate molecules to infect the host organism. Daniel Capelluto and his research team have discovered the mechanism by which the bacterial pathogen Shigella flexneri, the causative agent of dysen.....»»
Study shows cholesterol enhances exosome-mediated RNA drug delivery
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has gradually become a cutting-edge technology for treating diseases such as genetic disorders and cancer due to its huge potential in gene expression regulation. However, the efficient delivery and safety of short.....»»
Algorithm used on Mars rover helps scientists on Earth see data in a new way
A new algorithm tested on NASA's Perseverance Rover on Mars may lead to better forecasting of hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather events that impact millions globally......»»
Researchers achieve aluminum molecular ring-based rotaxane and polyrotaxane
Rotaxanes have garnered interest for their unique structures consisting of mechanically interlocked axles and macrocycles. Numerous organic macrocycles have been employed to construct rotaxanes, including crown ether, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene),.....»»
Oceanic life found to be thriving thanks to Saharan dust blown from thousands of kilometers away
Iron is a micronutrient indispensable for life, enabling processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and DNA synthesis. Iron availability is often a limiting resource in today's oceans, which means that increasing the flow of iron into them can in.....»»
Sea surface micro layer: Researchers study boundary between the ocean and the air
The boundary between the ocean and the atmosphere, where the air and sea interact, is known as the sea surface microlayer. Understanding how nutrients, pollutants and organic matter are exchanged between the air and the sea is also vital for better u.....»»
The Strange Story of the Algorithm Meant to Solve Life, the Universe and Everything
Some researchers dream of solving all mysteries with a common method—but a mathematical paradox may keep such solutions out of reach.....»»
23andMe directors resign as the CEO of the genetic-testing company seeks to take it private
23andMe directors resign as the CEO of the genetic-testing company seeks to take it private.....»»
A new genetic analysis of animals in the Wuhan market in 2019 may help find COVID-19"s origin
A new genetic analysis of animals in the Wuhan market in 2019 may help find COVID-19"s origin.....»»
Love island: Bird"s refusal to leave resort life leads to genetic change
A little yellow-and-white bird that prefers to date its mates in an idyllic island lifestyle rather than fly to the mainland to mingle is an example of avian species evolution in action, according to new Australian research......»»