Molecular & Structural Biology

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Structural proteomics approaches can help in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Two researchers from Skoltech and McGill University have published a review of the promising research field known as structural proteomics in the influential journal Chemical Reviews.

27 Jan 2022

New imaging method reveals the inner workings of a family of light-sensing molecules

Using an innovative new imaging technique, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have revealed the inner workings of a family of light-sensing molecules in unprecedented detail and speed. The work could inform new strategies in the burgeoning field of optogenetics, which uses light pulses to alter the activity of individual neurons and other cells.

27 Jan 2022

Omicron RBD mutations increase ACE2 binding and reduce antibody sensitivity

In a study conducted at the Florida International University, USA, scientists have investigated the impact of spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) omicron variant on its interaction with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

26 Jan 2022

New study holds promise to help plants defend themselves against viruses

New research, led by Washington State University scientists, into how viral proteins interact and can be disabled holds promise to help plants defend themselves against viruses - and ultimately prevent crop losses.

25 Jan 2022

‘Lefty’ protein pumps the brakes during initial stages of embryo differentiation

A protein known as Lefty pumps the brakes as human embryos begin to differentiate into the bones, soft tissues and organs that make us.

25 Jan 2022

Blood proteins could be potential targets for future drugs to slow aging process

Two blood proteins have been shown by scientists to influence how long and healthy a life we live, research suggests.

24 Jan 2022

REM sleep protects animals against predator attacks

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep brings about brief but periodic awakenings. In 1966, Dr. Frederick Snyder reported the "sentinel" function of REM could help animals prepare a fight or flight response against potential predator attacks.

24 Jan 2022

Researchers develop new biological parts to shape the flow of cellular processes along DNA

Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed new biological parts that are able to shape the flow of cellular processes along DNA.

21 Jan 2022

New findings could contribute to future therapeutics for muscle degeneration

An international team led by uOttawa Faculty of Medicine researchers have published findings that could contribute to future therapeutics for muscle degeneration due to old age, and diseases such as cancer and muscular dystrophy.

19 Jan 2022

New structure prediction method allows scientists to map thousands of secreted proteins

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have recently published work that lays the foundation for new ways of thinking about pathogen evolution.

19 Jan 2022

Yale research sheds light on the lifespan and myriad functions of messenger RNAs

It took a global pandemic, but the critical role of messenger RNA in all of life's functions has taken center stage in the past year with the successful rollout of mRNA vaccines to combat the SARS-Cov-2 virus.

19 Jan 2022

Study identifies cellular receptors for alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals

A new study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School has identified a set of cellular receptors for at least three related alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals that host the virus.

17 Jan 2022

Research provides a comprehensive map of exercise-induced signaling molecules present in the tissues

It is well established that exercise improves health, and recent research has shown that exercise benefits the body in different ways, depending on the time of day. But scientists still do not know why the timing of exercise produces these different effects.

17 Jan 2022

Pathogens turn off mitochondrial defense by hijacking a normal cellular response to stress

Mitochondria are known as energy suppliers for our cells, but they also play an important role in the defense against pathogens. They can initiate immune responses, and deprive pathogens of the nutrients they need to grow.

17 Jan 2022

UMass Amherst professor receives $2 million NIH MIRA grant for trailblazing research

Jianhan Chen, a University of Massachusetts Amherst chemistry and biochemistry and molecular biology professor, has received a five-year, $2 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to support research in his computational biophysics lab aimed at better understanding the role of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) in biology and human disease.

16 Jan 2022

New project aims to study how bacterial defenses influence the spread of mobile genetic elements

A major new project will investigate how bacterial defenses influence the spread of segments of DNA called mobile genetic elements (MGEs) between bacteria.

13 Jan 2022

Novel insights about dopamine can help find better drugs for Parkinson's patients

New findings provide a better understanding of how the synthesis of dopamine is regulated in the brain. It may shed new light on the mechanism behind diseases such as Parkinson's.

12 Jan 2022

Discovery of new protein could lead to effective treatments for developmental, neurological disorders

Understanding how the brain develops is crucial to formulating treatments and management protocols for a variety of developmental disorders, as well as degenerative neurological diseases. Right from the embryonic stage, brain development is facilitated by the differentiation of neurons (brain cells).

12 Jan 2022

New insights into molecular mechanisms that underpin the body's natural defenses against skin cancer

A study published today in Cell Reports reveals important insights into the molecular mechanisms that underpin the body's natural defenses against the development of skin cancer.

11 Jan 2022

Bmal1 gene present in the striatum influences alcohol consumption in both male and female mice

It's a commonly heard question after New Year's: "Why do we drink the way we do?" A group of researchers has found that at least some of it has to do with a particular protein in the part of the forebrain that regulates, among other things, decision-making and reward perception.

11 Jan 2022

Molecular & Structural Biology

Structural proteomics approaches can help in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

New imaging method reveals the inner workings of a family of light-sensing molecules

Omicron RBD mutations increase ACE2 binding and reduce antibody sensitivity

New study holds promise to help plants defend themselves against viruses

‘Lefty’ protein pumps the brakes during initial stages of embryo differentiation

Blood proteins could be potential targets for future drugs to slow aging process

REM sleep protects animals against predator attacks

Researchers develop new biological parts to shape the flow of cellular processes along DNA

New findings could contribute to future therapeutics for muscle degeneration

New structure prediction method allows scientists to map thousands of secreted proteins

Yale research sheds light on the lifespan and myriad functions of messenger RNAs

Study identifies cellular receptors for alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals

Research provides a comprehensive map of exercise-induced signaling molecules present in the tissues

Pathogens turn off mitochondrial defense by hijacking a normal cellular response to stress

UMass Amherst professor receives $2 million NIH MIRA grant for trailblazing research

New project aims to study how bacterial defenses influence the spread of mobile genetic elements

Novel insights about dopamine can help find better drugs for Parkinson's patients

Discovery of new protein could lead to effective treatments for developmental, neurological disorders

New insights into molecular mechanisms that underpin the body's natural defenses against skin cancer

Bmal1 gene present in the striatum influences alcohol consumption in both male and female mice

How microRNA is transforming science: From discovery to diagnostics

Advancing benzodiazepine detection

The Surgeon-Scientist Pioneering Regenerative Engineering

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