Molecular & Structural Biology

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Mutations in folliculin gene affect embryo implantation

New information is unfolding on the genetic controls of an early turning point in pregnancy. As the tiny, dividing cell mass, the blastocyst, travels from the oviduct and lodges in the wall of the uterus, the cells must exit their pre-implantation state and be ready for post-implantation development.

7 Feb 2019

Insufficient sleep mirrored by DNA from blood leukocytes

An insufficient amount of sleep and qualitatively poor sleep are common among the general population. Prior studies have indicated that prolonged insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality are associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases, dementia and psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this connection are not well known.

7 Feb 2019

Scientists untangle how microbes manufacture key antibiotic compound

For decades, scientists and doctors have known that bacteria in soil were capable of manufacturing streptozotocin, an antibiotic compound that is also an important treatment for certain types of pancreatic cancer.

7 Feb 2019

New 'WormJam model' could provide valuable insights into human aging

What can worms tell us about human aging? A lot more than you'd think; as research led by the Babraham Institute but involving researchers from multiple disciplines drawn together from across the world has shown.

7 Feb 2019

Rare stem cell may be the root of all metastatic cancers

Researchers have discovered a rogue stem cell that could be the cause of all metastatic cancers. The breakthrough could affect all future research projects.

6 Feb 2019

Researchers describe first case of patient affected by dysfunctions in SLC28 gene family

A research team has described the first case of a patient affected by dysfunctions in a nucleoside transporter of the SLC28 gene family, which brings a set of genes which were not related to human pathologies in the scientific bibliography so far.

5 Feb 2019

Scientists shed light on biological process that helps production of healthy cells

Scientists have shed light on a biological process that helps the production of healthy cells, which may aid understanding of neurological diseases and other conditions.

5 Feb 2019

Newly launched CINECA enables researchers to access clinical research data

Registered researchers will have rapid access to an "unprecedented scale" of clinical research data through the new Common Infrastructure for National Cohorts in Europe, Canada and Africa, launched today.

4 Feb 2019

New genetic technique could allow scientists to study how smell affects behavior

Take a whiff when it rains after a dry spell, and breathe in the earthy scent that pervades the air. That smell comes from decomposing bacteria, and scientists call the compound geosmin.

1 Feb 2019

Rhomboid enzymes warp space to break cellular speed limit

Johns Hopkins researchers have found that rhomboid enzymes, which are special proteins that cut other proteins, are able to break the “cellular speed limit” as they move through the cell membrane.

1 Feb 2019

Discovery of proteins that control mucin secretion reveals clues to treating colon, airway diseases

Cells produce mucins at a constant rate, and when exposed to an allergen or pathogen, they produce more mucin in a rapid burst. Both the constant and rapid mucin secretion is controlled by calcium.

1 Feb 2019

Salk researchers pin down why some patients don't respond to common antidepressants

The most commonly prescribed antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, lift the fog of depression for many people. But for around a third of people with major depressive disorder, SSRIs don't make much of a difference.

1 Feb 2019

Mechanisms of insecticide resistance impact transmission of West Nile virus

In a context of overuse of insecticides, which leads to the selection of resistant mosquitoes, it is already known that this resistance to insecticides affects interactions between mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit.

31 Jan 2019

Scientists discover brain cells responsible for direction and memory

Research has revealed the cluster of neurons that helps the brain's internal GPS remember key landmarks.

31 Jan 2019

Japanese researchers develop highly sensitive method to detect potential cancer biomarker

Exosomes regulate intercellular communication in cancers, and are drawing attention as a potential cancer biomarker. A Japanese research group has developed a highly sensitive method for detecting these exosomes that could potentially contribute to early detection of cancer.

31 Jan 2019

Researchers discover how transcription factors find specific loci within DNA

Bioengineering experts have discovered that transcription factors which bind non-specifically to mitotic chromosomes are more efficient at finding their binding site within DNA during interphase.

30 Jan 2019

Dietary fiber polymers can influence gut environment through physical forces

Large molecules from dietary fiber, called polymers, can physically influence the environment in the small intestine by causing solid particles to group together (or aggregate), according to research published in eLife.

30 Jan 2019

Genetics determine whether you are an early riser or a night owl

An international study has shed light on how the genetics behind the human body clock may be linked to mental health and disease.

29 Jan 2019

Research provides new understanding of genome regulation in early life

After the fertilization of an egg cell, two become one; two sets of genetic information combine to form a genome. We can think of the egg and sperm as information capsules with stored instructions for starting a new life, but post fertilization, what kick starts the interpretation of these instructions?

29 Jan 2019

Researchers develop powerful new tool to create concrete cortical blueprint

With a bit of light, a few photo sensitive compounds and specialized paper, the blueprint was born. As the favored type of technical drawing for over a century, architects used this crucial tool for its fast reproducibility as well as its capacity for detailed documentation.

29 Jan 2019