Molecular & Structural Biology

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Scientists identify new DNA structure within living human cells

For the first time, a team of researchers have identified a new DNA structure inside cells that has an entirely different shape to the iconic “double helix” shape uncovered by Watson and Crick in 1953.

24 Apr 2018

Scientists use haploid stem cells to create an atlas of the human genome

Researchers have used a sophisticated gene-editing technology to create a new type of embryonic stem cell and an atlas of the human genome.

24 Apr 2018

Scientists use haploid stem cells to create an atlas of the human genome

Researchers have used a sophisticated gene-editing technology to create a new type of embryonic stem cell and an atlas of the human genome.

24 Apr 2018

Role of extrachromosomal pieces of DNA in cancer development and treatment resistance

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. Response to standard-of-care treatment is poor, with a two-year survival rate of only 15 percent.

24 Apr 2018

New complex carbohydrate in moss could possibly be exploited for promoting health

An international team of scientists including the University of Adelaide has discovered a new complex carbohydrate in moss that could possibly be exploited for health or other uses.

23 Apr 2018

Researchers trigger E. coli’s toxin-antitoxin system to inhibit bacterial growth

According to new research, the toxin-antitoxin (TA) system found within E. coli can be induced to inhibit the growth of the bacterium. This may have important consequences for human infection.

23 Apr 2018

Researchers identify target gene in P. aeruginosa infection

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to fatal outcomes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection that could be used as a novel prognostic biomarker and treatment target.

23 Apr 2018

Scientists identify gene responsible for evolution of recombination rates

Genetics is a crapshoot. During sexual reproduction, genes from both the mother and the father mix and mingle to produce a genetic combination unique to each offspring. In most cases, the chromosomes line up properly and crossover. In some unlucky cases, however, "selfish DNA" enters the mix, causing abnormal crossovers with deletions or insertions in chromosomes, which can manifest as birth defects.

20 Apr 2018

New CRISPR tool allows DNA editing outside of the cell

Researchers have developed a cell free method of gene editing, which uses a new version of the CRISPR tool that can edit DNA outside of the cell. This technique could revolutionize cancer care.

20 Apr 2018

Innovative device shows promise in capturing and releasing circulating tumor cells

For years, bioengineer Yaling Liu has been in pursuit of the deadly tumor cell. Liu has been perfecting a microfluidic device the size of two quarters that has the ability to catch and release circulating tumor cells (CTCs)--cancer cells that circulate in a cancer patient's blood.

19 Apr 2018

Genetic make-up impacts long-term effectiveness of phobia treatment

Researchers have discovered that variations in the efficacy of psychological treatment for phobias are associated with the serotonin transporter gene.

19 Apr 2018

New microscopy techniques allow quasi-biochemical studies on living T cells

A joint study by the TU Wien and the Vienna School of Medicine has now led to a surprising result. While most opinion leaders in the field reasoned that T cell receptors must interact with one another for effective immune-signaling, the Viennese study shows: T cell receptors act alone. The study has now been published in the journal Nature Immunology.

19 Apr 2018

Finding the 'keyhole' to beat obesity at the cellular level

An international team has uncovered the potential to beat obesity at the cellular level, characterizing for the first time a complex, little-understood receptor type that, when activated, shuts off hunger.

19 Apr 2018

Researchers build molecular networks of calcific aortic valve disease

Calcific aortic valve disease - a disease that leaves the aortic valve stiff and calcified, preventing blood flow from the heart into the aorta - affects one quarter of the U.S. population aged 65 and over.

18 Apr 2018

Novel biomarker can distinguish between benign and malignant lung nodules

Researchers report a newly developed biomarker was 98% effective at distinguishing between benign and malignant lung nodules in a recent multicentre clinical trial.

18 Apr 2018

Study sheds light on how the HSC niche is maintained

Researchers have identified an important cellular protein involved in the maintenance of bone marrow cavities and the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche

18 Apr 2018

Scientists decipher mechanism of chemotherapy induced female infertility

Many chemotherapeutics act by damaging the DNA. Since cancer cells divide more often than most normal cells, they react more sensitive to DNA damaging agents.

17 Apr 2018

Scientists analyze nanostructure of chicken eggshells

The results of a study recently published in the prestigious international journal Science Advances have enabled researchers to better understand the role of eggshells in embryo development and hatching.

17 Apr 2018

Researchers develop new method to study activity of inflammatory cells

The process that the body sets in motion in the event of inflammation is complex, but also impressive. The main role here is played by immune cells migrating from the blood into the tissue to fight the inflammation.

17 Apr 2018

Study shows presence of beta-amyloid dimers in the brains of Alzheimer's patients

The most widely used biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are currently the concentrations of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated Tau in cerebrospinal fluid. However, it has been observed that not all individuals with alterations in these biomarkers develop the disease.

17 Apr 2018