Molecular & Structural Biology

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Researchers report how Zika proteins hijack host cells

Most people infected with Zika never show symptoms. But the virus sometimes causes severe disability -- from microcephaly in babies to weakness or partial paralysis in adults -- and there is no treatment.

28 Aug 2018

Researchers develop 3D map of the human genome

Researchers have developed a way of mapping the positions of genes within cells to understand more about how the genome is organized.

28 Aug 2018

NorthShore University HealthSystem highlights utility of Streck ARM-D Kits for antimicrobial resistance detection

Streck, Inc., received great interest for Streck ARM-D Kits, used in the detection of antibiotic resistance, at ASM Microbe 2018 in Atlanta.

28 Aug 2018

Pancreas' network of enzyme ducts resembles formation of rivers

With methods used to analyze road systems and rivers researchers from the University of Copenhagen have studied the formation of the pancreas' network of ducts transporting digestive enzymes in mice.

27 Aug 2018

Discovery will allow scientists to target hypoxia in cancer

Researchers have discovered a new GPCR that will allow them to target hypoxia in cancer, offering a new, less harmful treatment for patients.

27 Aug 2018

Changes in TRPV3 genes may have helped mammoths withstand lower temperatures

Columbia University biomedical researchers have captured close-up views of TRPV3, a skin-cell ion channel that plays important roles in sensing temperature, itch, and pain.

25 Aug 2018

Researchers identify series of molecules involved in regeneration of damaged nerves

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified the series of molecules involved in the regeneration of damaged nerves in roundworm, showing that it largely overlaps with the signals used by the intrinsic removal system to take up and process dying cells.

24 Aug 2018

MSU researchers move one step closer to solving arthritic disease in teenagers

A new Michigan State University study has found that a malfunctioning gene associated with a common arthritic disease that often starts in teenagers is now directly linked to the loss of vital immune cells that may prevent it.

24 Aug 2018

Scientists identify molecular pit crew responsible for refueling in signaling cells

During IndyCar races, pit stop crews will often refuel a car, replace wheels and complete minor repairs on a race car within 10 seconds. In this short time, a dozen or so people work rapidly and in a highly coordinated manner to complete a number of tasks with extraordinary efficiency.

24 Aug 2018

Genetic interindividual variability influences nutritional requirements

Approximately 0.1%: that is the average genetic difference between two individuals. This small percentage is responsible for the variations of certain physical traits, such as eyes, hair, and height, but also for differences in our susceptibility to certain diseases and our capacity to absorb vitamins and phytomicronutrients, involved in the prevention of chronic disease.

24 Aug 2018

Researchers uncover how RNA regulates genes during critical stage in embryonic brain development

Scientists at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and colleagues discovered how a type of RNA, called Evf2 enhancer RNA, regulates key genes during a critical stage in embryonic brain development.

24 Aug 2018

Research uncovers unexpected upside of E. coli

Best known as a pathogen that causes food poisoning or steals nutrients away from its host, the E. coli bacterium actually plays a critical role in promoting health by producing a compound that helps cells take up iron, new CU Boulder research shows.

24 Aug 2018

Finding ways to improve cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects dopamine signaling neurons in patients' brains. Cell-replacement therapy shows some promise as a treatment for Parkinson's. A recent paper in the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics reports a technical advance in selecting cells to use in this therapy.

24 Aug 2018

Natural enzyme found in the human lungs can biodegrade graphene

Graphene Flagship partners discovered that a natural human enzyme can biodegrade graphene. These findings could have great implications in the development of graphene-based biomedical devices.

23 Aug 2018

Study provides new clues to connection between aging and neurodegeneration

For decades researchers have worked to shed light on the causes of neurodegenerative disorders, a group of devastating conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, that involve the progressive loss of neurons and nervous system function. In recent years, numerous factors, from genetic mutations to viral infections, have been found to contribute to the development of these diseases.

23 Aug 2018

Scientists demonstrate rapid immune system development in newborn babies

Using new analytical techniques, researchers have shown for the first time the dramatic development of the human immune system after birth.

23 Aug 2018

Single neuron in fruit fly triggers new behavior and also suppresses antagonistic behavior

In the fruit fly, a single pair of brain neurons command backward locomotion in both larvae and adults, researchers report.

23 Aug 2018

New 'micro-organ' within the immune system identified

For the first time in decades, researchers have identified a new 'micro-organ' within the immune system - and they say it's an important step towards understanding how to make better vaccines.

22 Aug 2018

Scientists develop universal vaccine with the potential to protect against multiple flu strains

Researchers have developed a universal vaccine that can protect against multiple strains of influenza in animals.

22 Aug 2018

Wyss researchers create model of the BBB-brain interface using microfluidically linked Organ Chips

The human brain, with its 100 billion neurons that control every thought, word, and action, is the most complex and delicate organ in the body. Because it needs extra protection from toxins and other harmful substances, the blood vessels that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients are highly selective about which molecules can cross from the blood into the brain and vice versa.

22 Aug 2018