Molecular & Structural Biology

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Inserting end-modified DNA fragments with CRISPR-Cas9 yields highest efficiency

University of Illinois researchers achieved the highest reported rates of inserting genes into human cells with the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system, a necessary step for harnessing CRISPR for clinical gene-therapy applications.

23 Dec 2019

Ancestral-sequence reconstruction of FMO genes unveils structure of important enzyme

To disarm toxic substances, many organisms - including humans - possess enzymes called flavin-containing monooxygenases. Despite their importance, the structure of the enzymes has not been resolved, as the protein is too unstable to study in detail.

23 Dec 2019

New, faster and cheaper method to uncover genetic variants in single cells

Researchers led by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg and the Center for Bioinformatics at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany, have developed a cheaper and faster method to check for genetic differences in individual cells, which outperforms existing techniques with respect to the information received.

23 Dec 2019

Researchers develop powerful computer algorithm for large-scale genomic analysis

Haplotypes are a set of genetic variations that, located side by side on the same chromosome, are transmitted in a single group to the next generation. Their examination makes it possible to understand the heritability of certain complex traits, such as the risk of developing a disease.

20 Dec 2019

Using artificial intelligence to disassemble hunting behavior of zebrafish into its components

What is the common ground between making a cup of tea and putting on your shoes? Both actions consist of several movements in a row.

20 Dec 2019

p53 may play a more important role in kidney cancer than previously thought

The p53 gene, which researchers had thought was less relevant in kidney cancer, may play an important role after all – a discovery that could lead to new treatments.

20 Dec 2019

Atomic-level structure of cardiac sodium channel

Atomic-level studies of the architecture of tiny sodium channel proteins, critical to generating electrical signals that start off each beat of the heart, are imparting striking details about their function, malfunctions, disruption by many disease mutations, and response to medication.

20 Dec 2019

Study reveals new role for a triple-negative breast cancer target

Unlike almost every other organ, the mammary gland does not develop until after birth. And it's unusually dynamic, shape-shifting during menstrual cycles, puberty, pregnancy, and lactation.

19 Dec 2019

Scientists create new classification system for tumors

Based on the largest study of cancer patients of its kind, scientists have created a new way of classifying tumors.

19 Dec 2019

Observing 3D Microscopic Images using Virtual Reality

Dr. Christopher Zugates discusses a revolutionary way of analyzing complex 3D images in protein biology… through virtual reality!

From arivis AG 19 Dec 2019

Different mutations in a single gene can have myriad effects on a person's health

Mount Sinai researchers have found that different mutations in a single gene can have myriad effects on a person's health, suggesting that gene therapies may need to do more than just replenish the missing or dysfunctional protein the gene is supposed to encode, according to a study published in Nature Genetics in November.

18 Dec 2019

Researchers identify frequent technical bias in data generated by RNA-seq technology

Reproducibility of research data is a major challenge in experimental biology. As data generated by genomic-scale techniques increases in complexity, this concern is becoming more and more worrisome.

18 Dec 2019

Researchers identify novel genetic signature with prognostic value for certain breast cancers

Researchers have identified a genetic signature with prognostic value for certain kinds of breast cancer. The discovery also contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathological angiogenesis, the aberrant proliferation of blood vessels that occurs during cancer and other diseases.

17 Dec 2019

High-fat meal can silence gut's communication with the body, study shows

A high-fat meal can silence communication between the intestine and the rest of the body, according to a new Duke University study in zebrafish.

17 Dec 2019

Brazilian researchers create hepatic organoids by 3D bioprinting

Using human blood cells, Brazilian researchers have succeeded in obtaining hepatic organoids ("mini-livers") that perform all of the liver's typical functions, such as producing vital proteins, storing vitamins, and secreting bile, among many others.

17 Dec 2019

Using bacterial nano-syringes as drug transporters in medicine

Pathogens can use a range of toxins to damage their host organism. Bacteria, such as those responsible for causing the deadly Plague, use a special injection mechanism to deliver their poisonous contents into the host cell.

17 Dec 2019

The Acoustics of the Brain: Random-access 3D Microscopy in Neuroscience

Máté Marosi and Zsolt Iván discuss the use of acousto-optic microscopes to study neural networks in the brain, from cell bodies to dendrites, to tiny spines.

From Femtonics Ltd. 17 Dec 2019

Research finds key reason why brain connectivity goes awry in rare neurodevelopmental conditions

Axons are the long thread-like extensions of neurons that send electrical signals to other brain cells. Thanks to axonal connectivity, our brains and bodies can do all necessary tasks.

16 Dec 2019

New concepts for efficient, reliable risk assessment of nanomaterials

From dyes to construction materials, and from cosmetic products to electronics and medicine, nanomaterials are found in many different applications. But what are these materials? "Nanomaterials are defined purely by their size," explains Dr Kristin Schubert from the Department of Molecular Systems Biology at UFZ.

16 Dec 2019

New Method of Creating Synthetic DNA Nanopores

A team has created a synthetic DNA nanopore that can translocate protein-sized macromolecules across lipid bilayers selectively.

16 Dec 2019

Molecular & Structural Biology

Inserting end-modified DNA fragments with CRISPR-Cas9 yields highest efficiency

Ancestral-sequence reconstruction of FMO genes unveils structure of important enzyme

New, faster and cheaper method to uncover genetic variants in single cells

Researchers develop powerful computer algorithm for large-scale genomic analysis

Using artificial intelligence to disassemble hunting behavior of zebrafish into its components

p53 may play a more important role in kidney cancer than previously thought

Atomic-level structure of cardiac sodium channel

Study reveals new role for a triple-negative breast cancer target

Scientists create new classification system for tumors

Observing 3D Microscopic Images using Virtual Reality

Different mutations in a single gene can have myriad effects on a person's health

Researchers identify frequent technical bias in data generated by RNA-seq technology

Researchers identify novel genetic signature with prognostic value for certain breast cancers

High-fat meal can silence gut's communication with the body, study shows

Brazilian researchers create hepatic organoids by 3D bioprinting

Using bacterial nano-syringes as drug transporters in medicine

The Acoustics of the Brain: Random-access 3D Microscopy in Neuroscience

Research finds key reason why brain connectivity goes awry in rare neurodevelopmental conditions

New concepts for efficient, reliable risk assessment of nanomaterials

New Method of Creating Synthetic DNA Nanopores

CellVoyant's AI-Powered Vision for the Future of Cell Therapy

Scalable, Smart, and Accessible: The Future of Lab Automation

Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: A Conversation with WHO’s Dr. Allotey

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