Membrane News and Research

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Researchers use innovative method to screen kinases for cancer drug's effectiveness

In recent years, a powerful suite of drugs known as kinase inhibitors have been developed to treat cancer and other diseases. Primary targets of such drugs include a family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) which protrude from cell surfaces like antennae and can activate cancer-related pathways in virtually all types of cancer when signaling molecules bind with them.

5 Feb 2018

Researchers shine light on ‘molecular butcher’ using neutron beams

Tucked away inside cell membranes, a molecular butcher does the bidding of healthy cells but also of disease agents. It has been operating out of clear view, but researchers just shined a mighty spotlight on it.

2 Feb 2018

New modular platform offers robust biological approach that targets endless number of diseases

The biological complexity of cancer and other diseases demands a more formidable arsenal of therapies than currently available. Most therapeutic approaches ignore the dynamic molecular network of genes, targeting instead only very few selected disease-related genes.

1 Feb 2018

Study unravels developmental splicing program that promotes neuronal maturation

Neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain communicate with each other by transmitting electric signals, or firing action potentials, through long processes named axons (which send out signals) and dendrites (which receive signals).

1 Feb 2018

Findings provide better understanding of cell membrane components

Research conducted by Toyohashi University of Technology in collaboration with Tohoku University elucidated the fusion process of proteoliposomes with an artificial lipid bilayer and the mechanism behind this process.

1 Feb 2018

Free magnesium ions regulate chromosome shape, new tool shows

Japanese researchers report a new ion detector, MARIO. Using it, they show that changes in the intracellular concentration of free magnesium ions (Mg2+) is critical for the chromosome folding that must occur for cells to divide.

1 Feb 2018

Super-resolution microscopy provides insights into cells' amazing flexibility

One of today's sharpest imaging tools, super-resolution microscopy, produces sparkling images of what until now has been the blurry interior of cells, detailing not only the cell's internal organs and skeleton, but also providing insights into cells' amazing flexibility.

31 Jan 2018

Researchers sequence human genome using pocket-sized device

Scientists have assembled the most complete human genome to date using a pocket-sized, portable DNA sequencer.

From Oxford Nanopore Technologies 30 Jan 2018

Scientists develop rapid test for early diagnosis of heart attack and to identify sepsis

NUST MISIS scientists have developed a new type of membrane test strip for the quantitative immunochromatographic rapid-test that will be able to accurately and quickly make an early diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction through the presence of disease markers in blood, as well as to identify various things such as sepsis, a pregnancy's duration, and viral & bacterial infections.

29 Jan 2018

Viral replication process weak spot may help develop cure for infections

Researchers at the Morgridge Institute for Research believe they have identified a weak spot in the replication process of positive-strand RNA viruses, which could yield treatment for viral infections such as Zika, Polio, Chikungunya, Hepatitis C and even common cold viruses.

29 Jan 2018

Immune system handles graphene oxide in a way similar to pathogens, study shows

A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, the University of Manchester and Chalmers University of Technology published in CHEM shows that our immune system handles graphene oxide in a manner similar to pathogens, paving the way for safer biomedical applications of this two-dimensional material.

27 Jan 2018

Changes in bacterial environment may predict risk of preterm birth

A recent study has found that changes in microbial communities within the reproductive tract of pregnant women were strongly linked to premature birth.

26 Jan 2018

Scientists discover promising new target to fight a class of viruses

Scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research have discovered a promising new target to fight a class of viruses responsible for health threats such as Zika, polio, dengue, SARS and hepatitis C.

25 Jan 2018

Researchers study how bioelectric signaling between cells influences cancer progression

Although breast cancer mortality has declined in the U.S., it is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 60 years old.

24 Jan 2018

Enzyme inhibitor and chemotherapy combination regresses glioblastoma

In animal experiments, a human-derived glioblastoma significantly regressed when treated with the combination of an experimental enzyme inhibitor and the standard glioblastoma chemotherapy drug, temozolomide.

24 Jan 2018

Scientists elucidate surprising dual function of ceramide synthase

Scientists at the University of Bonn have clarified a surprising dual function of ceramide synthase. The enzyme not only catalyzes a central step of the production of vital lipids. It also has the ability to turn genes involved in lipid metabolism on or off. The study is being published in the renowned journal Cell Reports.

24 Jan 2018

Changes in vaginal bacteria associated with premature births

Changes to the communities of microbes living in the reproductive tract of pregnant women could help to spot those at risk of giving birth prematurely.

24 Jan 2018

Researchers explore how cells navigate inside the body

Researchers have long wondered how our cells navigate inside the body. Two new studies, in which Lund University researcher Pontus Nordenfelt has participated, have now demonstrated that the cells use molecular force from within to steer themselves in a certain direction.

24 Jan 2018

Discovery offers fresh perspective on how the brain keeps its balance

As with all things in life, healthy brain function depends on a balance of forces. We think of our brains as active - moving a leg and saying a word are all "active" events.

22 Jan 2018

JAX researcher receives grant for retinal disease research

The National Eye Institute has awarded Jackson Laboratory Professor Juergen Naggert, Ph.D., a five-year grant totaling $2,187,500 to study genetically controlled breaks in an eye structure known as the external limiting membrane, which could hold the key to understanding and treating enhanced S-cone syndrome and other diseases of the retina.

22 Jan 2018