Molecular & Structural Biology

RSS

Novel biomarker can distinguish between benign and malignant lung nodules

Researchers report a newly developed biomarker was 98% effective at distinguishing between benign and malignant lung nodules in a recent multicentre clinical trial.

18 Apr 2018

Study sheds light on how the HSC niche is maintained

Researchers have identified an important cellular protein involved in the maintenance of bone marrow cavities and the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche

18 Apr 2018

Scientists decipher mechanism of chemotherapy induced female infertility

Many chemotherapeutics act by damaging the DNA. Since cancer cells divide more often than most normal cells, they react more sensitive to DNA damaging agents.

17 Apr 2018

Scientists analyze nanostructure of chicken eggshells

The results of a study recently published in the prestigious international journal Science Advances have enabled researchers to better understand the role of eggshells in embryo development and hatching.

17 Apr 2018

Researchers develop new method to study activity of inflammatory cells

The process that the body sets in motion in the event of inflammation is complex, but also impressive. The main role here is played by immune cells migrating from the blood into the tissue to fight the inflammation.

17 Apr 2018

Study shows presence of beta-amyloid dimers in the brains of Alzheimer's patients

The most widely used biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are currently the concentrations of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated Tau in cerebrospinal fluid. However, it has been observed that not all individuals with alterations in these biomarkers develop the disease.

17 Apr 2018

Researchers shed light on role of striosomal neurons in reinforcement learning

A pleasant surprise or a nasty shock is likely to be a memorable experience. For instance, if you touch a hot oven, you very quickly learn not to do it again.

17 Apr 2018

Discovery of 100 new genes may aid research into pigmentation diseases

A new study identified more than 100 genes that play a key role in determining the color of human hair. The findings may have important implications for pigmentation diseases such as melanoma.

17 Apr 2018

Artificial antimicrobial peptides may help fight against drug-resistant bacteria

During the past several years, many strains of bacteria have become resistant to existing antibiotics, and very few new drugs have been added to the antibiotic arsenal.

16 Apr 2018

CNIO researchers determine structure of protein complex related to cell survival

A team from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre has determined for the first time the high-resolution structure of a complex (R2TP) involved in key processes for cell survival and in diseases such as cancer.

16 Apr 2018

Researchers use graphene to disrupt biofilms on dental implants

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden have demonstrated that a layer of graphene can form a protective film on the surface of implants that could prevent bacterial infection.

16 Apr 2018

Researchers use graphene to disrupt biofilms on dental implants

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden have demonstrated that a layer of graphene can form a protective film on the surface of implants that could prevent bacterial infection.

16 Apr 2018

Researchers develop new tool to protect against HIV infection

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a vaginal implant based on the theory of immune quiescence that could prevent women from contracting HIV.

16 Apr 2018

Glucose metabolism is key to neural network development, finds study

A new study has found that glucose metabolism is critical for the development of neural networks in the brain.

13 Apr 2018

Biologists discover surprising, additional function for soluble form of SNARE protein

In 2013, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists for their contributions to uncovering the mechanisms governing vesicle transport in cells. Their explanations provided both a conceptual and a mechanistic understanding of basic processes at the most fundamental level.

13 Apr 2018

Researchers unlock new way to use cell's nanostructures as disease biomarkers

Researchers at the University of Sydney have established a method to identify individual nanoparticles released by human cells, opening the way for them to become diagnostic tools in the early-detection of cancers, dementia and kidney disease.

13 Apr 2018

CReM researchers optimize process to engineer disease- or patient-specific lung stem cells

The Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University and Boston Medical Center has engineered two new categories of lung epithelial cells in vitro using pluripotent stem cells.

12 Apr 2018

LSD1 enzyme regulates skeletal muscle differentiation and metabolic activity

Our bodies convert food into energy for all life activities. These metabolic processes allow the cells that make up our bodies to produce (anabolism) and consume (catabolism) energy molecules from nutrients.

12 Apr 2018

Dietary fats play varied roles in disease

This month's issue of the Journal of Lipid Research features studies examining how fats in the diet affect health, including whether the ketogenic diet is a reasonable cancer therapy; how the type of unsaturated fats in a mouse's chow affects inflammation; and how cells respond to nutrient signals.

12 Apr 2018