Molecular & Structural Biology

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EPFL scientists measure the molecular footprint of aging

EPFL scientists have measured the molecular footprint that aging leaves on various mouse and human tissues. Using the data, they have identified likely regulators of this central process.

29 Sep 2020

Newly discovered genetic factor allows adult skin to regenerate like a newborn's

A newly identified genetic factor allows adult skin to repair itself like the skin of a newborn babe. The discovery by Washington State University researchers has implications for better skin wound treatment as well as preventing some of the aging process in skin.

29 Sep 2020

Computer model sheds light on how brain circuits might be altered in psychiatric diseases

Scientists have built a computer 'brain circuit', or artificial neural network, that mirrors human decision-making processes and sheds light on how circuits might be altered in psychiatric diseases, a new study published today in eLife reports.

29 Sep 2020

Induction of acute senescence may be a necessary process in hemorrhagic shock

It's called senescence, when stressed cells can no longer divide to make new cells, and it's considered a factor in aging and in some diseases.

29 Sep 2020

Study unravels how lysosomal damage response pathways prevent kidney injury

Human cells need to work like well-oiled machines to keep our bodies running as they should. Waste products such as misfolded proteins, damaged cellular components, and carbohydrates get in the way and must be quickly disposed of.

28 Sep 2020

A new generation of microelectrode-array chips for recording nerve cell impulses

ETH researchers have developed a new generation of microelectrode-array chips for measuring nerve impulses, enabling studies of how thousands of nerve cells interact with each other.

28 Sep 2020

Evolutionary and heritable axes shape the organization of brain structure

Every region has its place in the brain. However, it has been unclear why brain regions are located where they are.

28 Sep 2020

Epigenetic changes in the brain drive late-onset Alzheimer's disease

New findings suggest that late-onset Alzheimer's Disease is driven by epigenetic changes -- how and when certain genes are turned on and off -- in the brain. Results were published today in Nature Genetics.

28 Sep 2020

Researchers gain deep insights into the structure of birds’ brains

Some birds can perform amazing cognitive feats – even though their forebrains seem to just consist of lumps of grey cells, while mammalian forebrains harbour a highly complex neocortex.

26 Sep 2020

Researchers develop a stable nano-carrier for medications

Medications often have unwanted side-effects. One reason is that they reach not only the unhealthy cells for which they are intended, but also reach and have an impact on healthy cells.

25 Sep 2020

New optical switch to precisely control the lifespan of genetic 'copies'

A novel optical switch makes it possible to precisely control the lifespan of genetic "copies". These are used by the cell as building instructions for the production of proteins.

25 Sep 2020

Study identifies potential drug target for dangerous E. coli infections

Escherichia coli, known as E. coli, are bacteria which many people associate with causing mild food poisoning, but some types of E. coli can be fatal.

25 Sep 2020

Researchers use natural pigment for screening cell viability

Synthetic dyes are commonly used to assess the toxicity of chemical compounds in cell cultures. However, these dyes damage cells, rendering the cultures useless for long-term experiments.

25 Sep 2020

Two studies shed light on the biology and potential vulnerabilities of schistosomes

Two studies led by UT Southwestern researchers shed light on the biology and potential vulnerabilities of schistosomes - parasitic flatworms that cause the little-known tropical disease schistosomiasis.

24 Sep 2020

Research sheds light on how membrane proteins could be influenced by lipid environments

The cell membrane, the wall-like boundary between the cell interior and its outside environment, is primarily made up of two kinds of biomolecules: lipids and proteins. Different

24 Sep 2020

Researchers solve the mystery of how giant molecular proton pump works

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, generating energy that supports life. A giant molecular proton pump, called complex I, is crucial: It sets in motion a chain of reactions, creating a proton gradient that powers the generation of ATP, the cell's fuel.

24 Sep 2020