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.

Meta-analysis of adults with autism shows large impairments in key cognitive domains

The first comprehensive, systematic review and meta-analysis of adults with autism shows that despite having an intact IQ, these adults have medium to large impairments in four key social- and non-social cognitive domains: theory of mind, emotion perception and knowledge, processing speed, and verbal learning and memory.

3 Jan 2019

Scientists cast new light on function of long-mysterious PCSK9 mutation

High levels of low-density lipoproteins, parcels of lipids and protein that carry cholesterol, are a leading risk factor for heart disease. Many cholesterol medications lower LDL, some of them by targeting the protein PCSK9. In the January issue of the Journal of Lipid Research, scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, report on an investigation into why experiments on PCSK9 give different results in a test tube and in liver cells.

2 Jan 2019

Study provides new insights into how genes are activated

In a study in Nature, researchers at Karolinska Institutet present a new method for analyzing how instructions in the genome control how our genes are activated in individual cells.

2 Jan 2019

Study uncovers how tumors backfire on neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Some patients with breast cancer receive chemotherapy before the tumor is removed with surgery. This approach, called 'neoadjuvant' therapy, helps to reduce the size of the tumor to facilitate breast-conserving surgery, and can even eradicate the tumor, leaving few or no cancerous cells for the surgeon to remove.

2 Jan 2019

Research reviews role of protein tyrosine phosphatase in molecular biology

As the proteomics technology develops and human genomic analysis becomes easier to execute, molecules involved in the regulation of biochemical signaling pathways have become interesting subjects for researchers.

28 Dec 2018

White colonies on kimchi surface is not formed by molds but by yeasts, finds study

WiKim reported that the white colonies on the surface of kimchi is not formed by molds but by "yeasts" and that genomic data was acquired regarding the hygienic safety of the yeast strains.

27 Dec 2018

New study reveals twist in how intoxication happens

As New Year's Eve approaches, many people will experience the familiar buzz that comes from imbibing a favorite cocktail or glass of wine.

27 Dec 2018

Researchers identify hundreds of new genes linked to blindness in lab mice

Hundreds of new genes linked to blindness and other vision disorders have been identified in a screen of mouse strains. Many of these genes are likely important in human vision and the results could help identify new causes of hereditary blindness in patients.

24 Dec 2018

Study uncovers initial folding mechanism of membrane proteins, key in design of new drugs

An international team coordinated by the Interdisciplinary Research Structure in Biotechnology and Biomedicine of the University of Valencia has proved how the folding of membrane proteins begins before they are inserted into biological membranes, a fact that has been central to the biochemical research for decades.

19 Dec 2018

Metal-based chemotherapy enhances the effect of cancer immunotherapy

Due to their powerful tumor-killing effect, metal-based chemotherapies are frequently used in cancer treatment. However, it was hitherto assumed that they damaged the immune system, because of their cytotoxic (cell-damaging) effect even against dividing healthy cells.

18 Dec 2018

Russian scientists identify molecular 'switch' that could be target for treatment of allergic asthma

A team of Russian scientists identified the role of the interleukin-6 molecule in the development of allergic asthma. Now it can be a new target for the treatment of this disease. The results are published in Frontiers in Immunology.

17 Dec 2018

New robust method for microscopically profiling tiny single cells

Many of the cell types in our bodies work in obscure ways, that science does not yet fully understand. That also goes for immune cells, which are vital for protecting us against serious diseases.

17 Dec 2018

Weakened metabolism of immune T cells may account for serious complications in elderly

The elderly suffer more serious complications from infections and benefit less from vaccination than the general population.

14 Dec 2018

IONTAS founder and pioneer in phage display technology attends Nobel Prize Award Ceremony

Dr. John McCafferty celebrates the success of phage display technology with Nobel Prize in Chemistry Laureates.

From FairJourney Biologics 12 Dec 2018

Paternal grandfather's access to food associated with grandson's mortality risk

A paternal grandfather's access to food during his childhood is associated with mortality risk, especially cancer mortality, in his grandson, shows a large three-generational study from Stockholm University. The reason might be epigenetic - that environmental exposures in one generation may influence health outcomes in following generations.

11 Dec 2018

New computer model predicts prostate cancer progression

An international team of cancer researchers from Denmark and Germany have used cancer patient data to develop a computer model that can predict the course of disease for prostate cancer.

11 Dec 2018

Discovery of gene that is calorie-burning and reduces fat storage

Australian researchers have found a gene which when removed could allow a person to eat as much as they want but not get fat. The study results were published in the latest issue of the journal European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Reports.

6 Dec 2018

Researchers take a step forward with a study of molecules of DNA

Researchers from the Andalusian center for Molecular Biology and regenerative Medicine and from the University of Seville have taken a step forward with a study of something as essential for life as the molecules of DNA.

5 Dec 2018

Bacterial infections may contribute to far more cancers than previously thought, shows study

The Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine announced today the discovery that DnaK, a protein of the bacterium mycoplasma, interferes with the mycoplasma-infected cell's ability to respond to and repair DNA damage, a known origin of cancer.

5 Dec 2018

Scientists support original theory about pancreas regeneration

A contentious debate among diabetes researchers has surrounded the regeneration of pancreatic insulin-producing cells: not if these cells regenerate, but rather how.

5 Dec 2018