Molecular & Structural Biology

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Research reveals how quickly pre-cancerous skin lesions can form on the DNA

Luis Ortiz-Rodríguez grew up on the beaches of Puerto Rico--surfing, swimming and running in the hot sand--and swears he had never put on sunblock a day in his life.

13 Aug 2020

Researchers identify a protein that facilitates spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus through cells

Eric Ross and Sean Cascarina, biochemistry and molecular biology researchers at Colorado State University, have released a research paper identifying a protein encoded by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, that may be associated with the quick spread of the virus through cells in the human body.

13 Aug 2020

Single-cell analysis provides new details about mitochondrial diseases

Investigators led by a team at Massachusetts General Hospital have made discoveries at the single cell level to uncover new details concerning mitochondrial diseases-- inherited disorders that interfere with energy production in the body and currently have no cure.

13 Aug 2020

Researchers to investigate the role of Connexin 26 protein controlled breathing

The protein Connexin 26 has been previously identified as being directly sensitive to Carbon dioxide and linked to conditions such as KIDS syndrome and deafness.

13 Aug 2020

Studying the Proteome and Human Diseases using Mass Spectrometry

An interview with Amanda Hummon, discussing how mass spectrometry can be used to analyze the proteome and how this can help with the study of human disease.

From Pittcon 13 Aug 2020

Researchers outline how Zika virus suppresses the host immune system

A research team led by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, has outlined how the Zika virus, which constituted an epidemic threat in 2016, suppresses the immune system of its host.

12 Aug 2020

Researchers reveal molecular workings of a key system in learning and memory formation

One of the new realities in biomedical research is that it's increasingly difficult to use a general approach to score advances. Now, investigations into disease mechanisms, for example, are often conducted at the molecular level by specialists who dedicate years to interrogating a single protein or signaling pathway.

10 Aug 2020

Finned nanoporous catalyst facilitates molecular transport

Thousands of chemical processes used by the energy industry and for other applications rely on the high speed of catalytic reactions, but molecules frequently are hindered by molecular traffic jams that slow them down.

10 Aug 2020

Zebrafish study shows individual differences in brain activity

Personality varies widely. There are bold and reserved individuals, who behave very differently when faced with the same environmental stimulus.

10 Aug 2020

Bioluminescent molecule in fireflies shines light on mitochondrial activity

The mitochondria provide energy for our cells, yet their role in many diseases is still poorly understood. Thanks to a bioluminescent molecule, scientists at EPFL can observe them at work in living mammals.

10 Aug 2020

Mathematical model shows how brain remains stable amid varying disturbances

Whether you are playing Go in a park amid chirping birds, a gentle breeze and kids playing catch nearby or you are playing in a den with a ticking clock on a bookcase and a purring cat on the sofa, if the game situation is identical and clear, your next move likely would be, too, regardless of those different conditions.

10 Aug 2020

Scientists find new way of identifying and targeting hidden HIV viral reservoirs during ART therapy

Scientists at The Wistar Institute may have discovered a new way of identifying and targeting hidden HIV viral reservoirs during treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

7 Aug 2020

Research identifies a potential therapeutic target for clogged arteries

New work led by Carnegie's Meredith Wilson and Steve Farber identifies a potential therapeutic target for clogged arteries and other health risks that stem from an excess of harmful fats in the bloodstream. Their findings are published by PLOS Genetics.

7 Aug 2020

Characteristics of electron emission from irradiated biomolecules

When fast-moving ions cross paths with large biomolecules, the resulting collisions produce many low-energy electrons which can go on to ionise the molecules even further. To fully understand how biological structures are affected by this radiation, it is important for physicists to measure how electrons are scattered during collisions.

7 Aug 2020

New approach improves SCA1 symptoms in animal models

Research has shown that a mutation in the ATAXIN-1 gene leads to accumulation of Ataxin-1 (ATXN1) protein in brain cells and is the root cause of a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1).

7 Aug 2020

USF Health researchers develop new reporter mouse strain for identifying P2X2-expressing cells

Despite frequent news announcing "medical breakthroughs," advancements in biomedical and clinical science typically happen incrementally.

7 Aug 2020

Study reveals the genetic cause of congenital malformation

Study by the University of Bonn reveals that genetic information controls development of the urinary tract, rectum and genitals Spontaneous mutations of a single gene are likely to cause serious developmental disorders of the excretory organs and genitalia.

7 Aug 2020

Chemists discover a way to create synthetic version of natural anti-cancer compound

Scripps Research chemists Hans Renata, PhD, and Alexander Adibekian, PhD, have discovered a way to efficiently create a synthetic version of a valuable natural compound called cepafungin I, which has shown promise as an anti-cancer agent.

6 Aug 2020

HDAC6 inhibitors increase efficacy of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer

Genetic modifier HDAC6 was found to control tumor growth and halt metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer in vivo, according to a new study published in the top-tier journal Cancer Research by investigators at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center.

6 Aug 2020

Discovery of enzyme could provide new route for treating Huntington's disease

Scientists at EPFL's Brain Mind Institute have identified an enzyme that can play a central role in developing a new route of treatment for Huntington's Disease.

5 Aug 2020