Molecular & Structural Biology

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Missing a key protein in the brain can cause autism-like behaviors

Scientists at Rutgers University-Newark have discovered that when a key protein needed to generate new brain cells during prenatal and early childhood development is missing, part of the brain goes haywire - causing an imbalance in its circuitry that can lead to long-term cognitive and movement behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorder.

9 Jan 2020

Insect leaf-wounding produces healthier organic fruit

Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists found benefits of insect leaf-wounding in fruit and vegetable production. Stress responses created in the fruits and vegetables initiated an increase in antioxidant compounds prior to harvest, making them healthier for human consumption.

9 Jan 2020

Research reveals cardiac thin filament structure and function

Researchers at Osaka University used electron cryomicroscopy to image essential cardiac muscle components, known as thin filaments, with unprecedented resolution.

9 Jan 2020

Researchers report first structural model for key enzyme associated with inherited eye diseases

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have reported the first structural model for a key enzyme, and its activating protein, that can play a role in some genetically inherited eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and night blindness.

8 Jan 2020

Scientists map the location of structural proteins in pig ovary for the first time

For the first time, scientists identified and mapped the location of structural proteins in a pig ovary. Ongoing development of an "ink" with these proteins will be used for 3-D printing an artificial (or bio-prosthetic) ovary that could be implanted and allow a woman to have a child.

6 Jan 2020

Discovery of cellular 'hands' could have implications in the fields of cell, developmental biology

The protein, called syndecan-4, combines with fellow cell membrane proteins, called integrins, to form protruding 'hands' that sense the environment outside the cell.

6 Jan 2020

Researchers reveal how antibodies assemble to form a circle for defensive attack

Antibodies are key players in our immune system. These antibodies recognize antigens displayed on foreign cell membranes and thereby recruit attacking forces, called complements.

6 Jan 2020

Novel study on molecular interactions could make it easier to develop new medicines

A first-of-its-kind study on molecular interactions by biomedical engineers in the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering will make it easier and more efficient for scientists to develop new medicines and other therapies for diseases such as cancer, HIV, and autoimmune diseases.

3 Jan 2020

Structure of most lethal toxin produced by C. difficile bacteria identified

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and their colleagues have identified the structure of the most lethal toxin produced by certain strains of Clostridium difficile bacteria, a potentially deadly infection associated with the use of antibiotics. The

2 Jan 2020

Early modern humans in southern Africa cooked starchy plants 170 thousand years ago

"The inhabitants of the Border Cave in the Lebombo Mountains on the Kwazulu-Natal/eSwatini border were cooking starchy plants 170 thousand years ago," says Professor Lyn Wadley, a scientist from the Wits Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

2 Jan 2020

Measuring glycans in samples of antibodies

When Lorna De Leoz invited laboratories to participate in her glycomics study, she hoped for 20 responses. Instead, she was deluged by emails from around the world.

2 Jan 2020

Study reveals key insight into the development of hair bundles

New research reveals a key insight into the development of hair bundles, the intricately complex assemblies in the inner ear responsible for hearing.

2 Jan 2020

Studying Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease using Pre-Formed Fibrils

Ariel Louwrier discusses the development of pre-formed tau and alpha-synuclein fibrils for research into Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

From StressMarq Biosciences Inc. 2 Jan 2020

Research reveals how the brain balances pleasure and pain

As our brains take in information about the world and use it to steer our actions, two key principles guide our choices: seek pleasure and avoid pain.

31 Dec 2019

Crab study advocates a more 'multimodal' approach to defining cell identity

A longstanding goal in neuroscience is to classify the brain's many cells into discrete categories according to their function.

31 Dec 2019

Grizzly bears' strategy could help prevent muscle atrophy in humans

Grizzly bears spend many months in hibernation, but their muscles do not suffer from the lack of movement. In the journal "Scientific Reports", a team led by Michael Gotthardt reports on how they manage to do this.

30 Dec 2019

Study provides better understanding of mechanisms that limit cilia number in cells

One of the wonders of cell biology is its symmetry. Mammalian cells have one nucleus and one cell membrane, and most humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

30 Dec 2019

A HSC surface marker plays key role in ontogeny of hematopoiesis

A group of researchers at Osaka University revealed that ESAM (Endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule), a surface marker for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and vascular endothelial cells (ECs), played an important role in the ontogeny of hematopoiesis in mice, particularly in the development of adult-type erythropoiesis.

26 Dec 2019

Researchers develop new approach for studying experience-driven activity of transcription factors

Our brains have a remarkable knack for adaptability. Each and every day the neuronal connections within are constantly changing, molded by what we experience in our daily lives.

26 Dec 2019

Inputs to the motor cortex can guide dexterous movements in mice

In a sleepy haze, reaching out and grabbing the coffee cup in front of you seems to happen on autopilot. But your caffeine-deprived brain is working hard.

26 Dec 2019

Molecular & Structural Biology

Missing a key protein in the brain can cause autism-like behaviors

Insect leaf-wounding produces healthier organic fruit

Research reveals cardiac thin filament structure and function

Researchers report first structural model for key enzyme associated with inherited eye diseases

Scientists map the location of structural proteins in pig ovary for the first time

Discovery of cellular 'hands' could have implications in the fields of cell, developmental biology

Researchers reveal how antibodies assemble to form a circle for defensive attack

Novel study on molecular interactions could make it easier to develop new medicines

Structure of most lethal toxin produced by C. difficile bacteria identified

Early modern humans in southern Africa cooked starchy plants 170 thousand years ago

Measuring glycans in samples of antibodies

Study reveals key insight into the development of hair bundles

Studying Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease using Pre-Formed Fibrils

Research reveals how the brain balances pleasure and pain

Crab study advocates a more 'multimodal' approach to defining cell identity

Grizzly bears' strategy could help prevent muscle atrophy in humans

Study provides better understanding of mechanisms that limit cilia number in cells

A HSC surface marker plays key role in ontogeny of hematopoiesis

Researchers develop new approach for studying experience-driven activity of transcription factors

Inputs to the motor cortex can guide dexterous movements in mice

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