Molecular Biology News and Research

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Molecular biology is the study of biology at a molecular level. The field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry. Molecular biology chiefly concerns itself with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis as well as learning how these interactions are regulated.

Excessive daytime sleepiness in OSA patients linked to greater risk for cardiovascular diseases

Adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who experience excessive sleepiness while awake appear to be at far greater risk for cardiovascular diseases than those without excessive daytime sleepiness, according to new research published online in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

15 Feb 2019

HDL proteome behaves like a tiny Velcro ball that is rolling on surfaces

Cholesterol carried in high-density lipoprotein particles, or HDL cholesterol, has been dubbed the good cholesterol, because people whose HDL levels are high have a lower risk of developing heart disease. That link was first established in 1977 and has been confirmed over and over in epidemiological studies.

15 Feb 2019

Researchers study animal venoms to identify new medicines for treating diseases

Animal venoms are the subject of study at research center based at the Butantan Institute in São Paulo. But in this case, the idea is not to find antidotes, but rather to use the properties of the venoms themselves to identify molecular targets of diseases and, armed with that knowledge, develop new compounds that can be used as medicines.

15 Feb 2019

New method detects potentially disease-causing forms of proteins using fluorescence

A new method uses fluorescence to detect potentially disease-causing forms of proteins as they unravel due to stress or mutations.

14 Feb 2019

New rules requiring female athletes to lower testosterone levels are based on flawed data

New regulations requiring certain female athletes to medically lower their testosterone levels in order to compete internationally are based on "fatally flawed" data, according to new research led by the University of Colorado Boulder.

13 Feb 2019

Cell membrane complexes may be new target for drugs to kill cancer cells

Old molecules and new complexes: researchers at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina have discovered cell membrane complexes called ceramidosomes that may be a new target for drugs to kill cancer cells.

13 Feb 2019

New DNA methylation GrimAge tool allows you to predict lifespan and healthspan

The Grim Reaper arrives for each of us eventually--wouldn't it be nice to know when? Now UCLA researchers have developed a new tool to help you plan ahead for your date with the Angel of Death.

13 Feb 2019

Researchers identify genes that make Staphyloccocus bacteria resistant to treatment

A Rutgers-led team has discovered two genes that make some strains of harmful Staphyloccocus bacteria resistant to treatment by copper, a potent and frequently used antibacterial agent.

11 Feb 2019

When genomic sequencing fails to diagnose a rare disease

Routine sequencing has given unprecedented insight into the genetics of rare diseases, but genomics fails to diagnose up to half of patients who are tested. That's the problem German scientists tackled in a recent study in the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics.

11 Feb 2019

New research opens the way for tailored cancer drugs

New research on how cancer mutations influence a certain type of receptor on the cell membrane opens the way for the development of tailored drugs for certain cancers, such as rectal cancer and lung cancer.

11 Feb 2019

Vilcek Foundation prizes awarded to immigrants for their work on human biology and disease

The Vilcek Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Vilcek Foundation Prizes for Biomedical Science, awarded to immigrants who have made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Angelika Amon will receive the $100,000 Vilcek Prize, while Drs. Amit Choudhary, Jeanne T. Paz, and Mikhail G. Shapiro will each receive the $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise.

8 Feb 2019

EU-funded project investigates molecular mechanisms of aging in adult stem cells

Stem cells are the ultimate mother cells of the human body. Not only do they have the capacity to self-renew, they can develop into specific cell types as the body requires. But as the human body ages, the regenerative capacity of our stem cells diminishes.

8 Feb 2019

Spectrum's ultra-fast digitizer enables breakthrough in cell sorting

Cell sorting plays a fundamental role in molecular biology, pathology, immunology and virology research. It requires the ability to rapidly search through and sort out cells based on their unique chemical features and shapes.

From Spectrum Instrumentation GmbH 6 Feb 2019

Cannabinoid compounds may reduce viability of colon cancer cells

Medical marijuana has gained attention in recent years for its potential to relieve pain and short-term anxiety and depression. Now, Penn State College of Medicine researchers say some cannabinoid compounds may actually inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells in the lab.

6 Feb 2019