What is a protein? A biologist explains
Editor's note: Nathan Ahlgren is a professor of biology at Clark University. In this interview, he explains exactly what proteins are, how they are made, and the wide variety of functions they perform in the human body......»»
Scientists report that buffer and pH strongly affect the phase separation of SARS-CoV-2 N protein
In a new paper published in Molecular Biology of the Cell, the Allain lab (IBC) reported that the phase separation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein strongly depends on the chosen buffer and pH. For example, the protonation of a single histidine side chain.....»»
New research shows key molecules within nerve cells persist throughout life
After two decades in the United States, Martin Hetzer returned home to Austria in 2023 to become the 2nd President of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). A year into his new role, the molecular biologist remains engaged in the rea.....»»
New method reveals secrets of protein interactions with potential for drug discovery
Scientists from the University of Oulu (Finland) and Texas A&M University (U.S.), have developed a new method to study how proteins interact with small ligand molecules, paving the way, for example, for faster and more efficient drug discovery......»»
New study paves the way for precision drugs to treat blood cancers
The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) protein mediates signaling from several cytokine receptors in the regulation of hematopoiesis and immune responses. Somatic mutations in human JAK2 lead to constitutive activation and cytokine-independent signaling and under.....»»
Chinese scientists reveal the spinning mechanism of the silkworm
Mulberry silk is a natural protein fiber that is light, soft and fine in nature, known as the "second skin of the human body" and "Queen of fibers." China is the origin of the world's sericulture industry......»»
Chemists discover a key protein in how lysosomes work
Lysosomes, often reductively referred to as the "garbage disposals" of cells, play a pivotal role in our cells' digestive systems by getting rid of unwanted materials......»»
Study identifies protein responsible for gas vesicle clustering in bacteria
Gas vesicles are hollow structures made of protein found in the cells of certain microorganisms, and researchers at Rice University believe they can be programmed for use in biomedical applications......»»
Q&A: Archaeologist"s fieldwork finds movement of crops, animals played a key role in domestication
Archaeologist Xinyi Liu at Washington University in St. Louis teamed up with Martin Jones of the University of Cambridge to write a new paper for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that explains how recent research is connecting the.....»»
Researcher creates algorithm to aid in discovery of new medicines
Ph.D. candidate Jeroen Methorst has developed a computer system that helps researchers find the protein they need to create new medicines. "Our whole group is now using this program," says Methorst. He will defend his Ph.D. thesis on April 2......»»
Biologists uncover new species of tiger beetle: Eunota houstoniana
Rice University evolutionary biologist Scott Egan and his research team have unearthed a new species of tiger beetle, deemed Eunota houstoniana, honoring the region of Houston, where it predominantly resides......»»
Scientists discover how a motor protein helps cells move
Scientists have used the latest advances in microscopy to characterize how a motor protein helps cells crawl, according to a study published in the Journal of Cell Biology......»»
High speed protein movies to aid drug design
Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed technology to help scientists observe proteins in motion. Understanding how proteins move will allow novel drugs to be designed......»»
Research challenges "universal mechanism" concept, aiming to understand specific protein interactions
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are the chaperones of cellular stress response because they help guide the folding and unfolding of other proteins......»»
Scientists elucidate the role of GlyT1 in anti-schizophrenia drugs
Schizophrenia is a highly disabling mental disorder, and numerous studies have shown that the hypofunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is one of its pathogenic mechanisms. Glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1), a glycine transporter protein,.....»»
Nanoparticles target multiple COVID variants through the twist in the spike protein
Teardrop-shaped particles designed to inactivate multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus could one day complement existing treatments for COVID-19, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Michigan and Jiangnan University in.....»»
Astrophysicist explains science behind once-in-a-lifetime nova outburst that will light up the sky this year
The total solar eclipse isn't the only reason to keep your eyes to the sky this year. For the first time in 80 years, a star system 3,000 light years away will be visible to the naked eye thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime nova outburst......»»
The Keys to a Long Life Are Sleep and a Better Diet—and Money
Nobel Prize–winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan explores the science and charlatans of life-extension......»»
As the use of AI rises in games, SAG-AFTRA is fighting to make the tech ethical
As this year's GDC brings more AI gaming projects, SAG-AFTRA explains why its fighting for an ethical use of the tech......»»
How to Live Forever
A Nobel Prize–winning biologist explores the science and charlatans of life-extension......»»
City mouse or country mouse? Biologist collects mice from homes to study how they got so good at urban living
Dusty barns, gleaming stables and damp basements. These are all places where you might find a house mouse—or a member of my research team......»»