Molecular & Structural Biology

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Discovery of antibodies that boost complement activation against K. pneumoniae

Researchers investigate antibody-dependent complement activation during Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.

30 Sep 2024

Novel mechanism enhances bacteria's defense against environmental threats

Researchers from Umeå University, Sweden, and Cornell University, USA, have discovered a widespread mechanism in bacteria that enhances the bacteria's defense against environmental threats.

26 Sep 2024

Scientists identify new trigger for autophagy

An international research team led by Osaka University has identified a new mechanism crucial for the initiation of autophagy, a self-degradation process cells use to eliminate unneeded or damaged components. In recent years, autophagy has also been recognized for its roles in aging and lifespan regulation.

24 Sep 2024

Enhanced TnpB protein offers new possibilities for gene editing

CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known "gene scissor" but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells.

23 Sep 2024

Brain scans reveal link between SSRI use and cognitive function

Researchers have found that SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) antidepressants have the potential to improve certain cognitive functions, such as verbal memory. They measured brain function in patients before and after taking the SSRI escitalopram and correlated this to a drop in the level of one of the serotonin receptors in the brain and to cognitive improvements during treatment.

22 Sep 2024

Dietary antigens reduce small intestine cancer by boosting immune T-cells

Study shows that dietary antigens can suppress small intestine carcinogenesis by activating T-cells through Peyer's patches. Adding bovine serum albumin (BSA) or ovalbumin (OVA) to antigen-free diets restored immune function and reduced tumor growth in mice.

22 Sep 2024

An evolutionary ancient brain region drives modern-day cognition

The superior colliculus is a midbrain region that is traditionally thought to help animals orient themselves toward important locations in space, like directing their eyes and head toward a bright flash of light. New research from the University of Chicago shows that this part of the brain also plays a role in complex cognitive tasks like visual categorization and decision making.

19 Sep 2024

Cellular sludge around hunger neurons linked to worsening diabetes and obesity

Investigating ECM changes in the hypothalamus reveals mechanisms behind insulin resistance, offering insights into obesity and metabolic disease treatment.

19 Sep 2024

Direct breastfeeding boosts microbial transfer to very-low-birth-weight infant guts

Researchers found that 30-40% of the very-low-birth-weight infant's gut microbiota came from the mother’s milk, and direct breastfeeding enhances microbial transmission despite antibiotic exposure.

18 Sep 2024

Study paves way for revolutionizing the management of muscle disorders

The type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is an important calcium release channel in skeletal muscles essential for muscle contraction.

18 Sep 2024

Discovery of 5-formylcytosine as an activating epigenetic switch

The team of Professor Christof Niehrs at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz, Germany, has discovered that a DNA modification called 5-formylcytosine (5fC) functions as an activating epigenetic switch that kick-starts genes in early embryonic development.

18 Sep 2024

A novel approach to biomolecule engineering

Thanks to a serendipitous discovery and a lot of painstaking work, scientists can now build biohybrid molecules that combine the homing powers of DNA with the broad functional repertoire of proteins -; without having to synthesize them one by one, researchers report in a new study. Using a naturally occurring process, laboratories can harness the existing molecule-building capacities of bacteria to generate vast libraries of potentially therapeutic DNA-protein hybrid molecules.

18 Sep 2024

Mechanically stimulated 3D multicellular systems

To study biomechanical forces in multicellular systems, effective mechanical stimulation is an essential tool. A 3D microstructure device is developed using Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP)-based 3D printing for mimicking the human multicellular environment.

From Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG 18 Sep 2024

Microbial-immune interactions in severe asthma: Insights into pathogen dominance and treatment approaches

Researchers assess the airway microbiome and host immune-inflammatory responses to identify treatable aspects of severe asthma.

17 Sep 2024

Research reveals only a few brain regions remain untouched by transition to motherhood

Research shows pregnancy triggers neuroanatomical changes in the brain, with decreased cortical volume and increased white matter integrity over gestation.

17 Sep 2024

Key enzyme identified as potential target for cancer treatment

During every moment of any living organism's life, enzymes are at work. These crucial proteins support life through most biological processes, including metabolism, movement, respiration, and digestion.

14 Sep 2024

New study explores the potential of hormone therapy for opioid recovery

In the midst of America's growing opioid crisis, a much healthier alternative to long-term pain management is emerging -; one affectionately known as "the cuddle hormone," or oxytocin.

11 Sep 2024

First crystal structure of alternative DNA shape from the insulin gene revealed

The first crystal structure of an alternative DNA shape from the insulin gene has been revealed by a UCL-led research team.

9 Sep 2024

Scientists reveal how DNA methylation drives astrocytes to become stem cells, unlocking new potential for brain repair

Researchers have discovered that DNA methylation is crucial for reprogramming astrocytes into stem cells in the adult mouse brain, especially after ischemic injury, with potential implications for regenerative medicine.

6 Sep 2024

Understanding the origins of spontaneous neural activity

A new study, published in Nature Communications this week, led by Jake Gavenas PhD, while he was a PhD student at the Brain Institute at Chapman University, and co-authored by two faculty members of the Brain Institute, Uri Maoz and Aaron Schurger, examines how the brain initiates spontaneous actions. In addition to demonstrating how spontaneous action emerges without environmental input, this study has implications for the origins of slow ramping of neural activity before movement onset-; a commonly-observed but poorly understood phenomenon.

5 Sep 2024