Molecular & Structural Biology

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UChicago scientists develop a new approach to study snoRNAs

Dynamic, reversible modifications of DNA and RNA regulate how genes are expressed and transcribed, which can influence cellular processes, disease development, and overall organismal health.

23 Nov 2024

Advanced 3D brain models created to study memory and perception

The hippocampus is one of the most fascinating brain regions. Associated with the formation of memories, it also helps us to navigate through the world without getting lost.

22 Nov 2024

Study sheds light on how cells repair damaged DNA

New research from the Kind Group at the Hubrecht Institute sheds light on how cells repair damaged DNA. For the first time, the team has mapped the activity of repair proteins in individual human cells.

22 Nov 2024

New microscopy technique enables 3D RNA analysis in intact mouse brains

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital have developed a groundbreaking microscopy method that enables detailed three-dimensional (3D) RNA analysis at cellular resolution in whole intact mouse brains.

22 Nov 2024

Researchers develop efficient approach for designing custom proteins

Protein design aims to create customized antibodies for therapies, biosensors for diagnostics, or enzymes for chemical reactions.

22 Nov 2024

Mapping human biology: Human Cell Atlas leads a new era in precision medicine

The Human Cell Atlas project maps human cells to understand biology, address global health disparities, and advance personalized medicine through ethical and inclusive research practices.

21 Nov 2024

SCimilarity revolutionizes single-cell data analysis with rapid cross-tissue comparisons

Researchers developed SCimilarity, a groundbreaking metric-learning framework, to rapidly analyze and compare single-cell data across tissues, diseases, and experimental conditions. This tool enables scalable discovery of shared cellular states and biological insights across the Human Cell Atlas.

21 Nov 2024

Ingestible capsule releases a burst of drugs directly into the walls of the GI tract

Inspired by the way that squids use jets to propel themselves through the ocean and shoot ink clouds, researchers from MIT and Novo Nordisk have developed an ingestible capsule that releases a burst of drugs directly into the wall of the stomach or other organs of the digestive tract.

21 Nov 2024

New approach to stabilize RSV protein could lead to better vaccines

In most people, the lung-infecting pathogens known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) trigger mild cold-like symptoms. But in infants and seniors, these viruses can cause severe pneumonia and even death.

20 Nov 2024

Study reveals high-resolution structure of blood pressure-regulating receptor

Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have determined the full-length structure of a blood pressure-regulating hormone receptor for the first time, uncovering how it functions, which may enable better drug targeting of the receptor for diseases like hypertension and heart failure.

15 Nov 2024

MassiveFold advances protein structure prediction with efficient parallel processing

Researchers developed MassiveFold, an enhanced AlphaFold version optimized for parallel processing, which accelerates protein structure predictions from months to hours while increasing structural diversity.

12 Nov 2024

Vitamin D receptor activation slows cell overgrowth in pulmonary hypertension

The study demonstrates that activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) with calcitriol suppresses cell proliferation in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, potentially reducing disease severity in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

12 Nov 2024

Does more education reshape your brain?

Researchers found no long-term brain structure changes from an extra year of compulsory education, challenging theories about education's impact on neural development.

10 Nov 2024

How gut bacteria regulate stress and sleep cycles

This study reveals that gut microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus species, regulate the daily rhythm of stress hormones like corticosterone, influencing stress responses and brain function at different times of the day. Disruptions in gut bacteria lead to altered stress responses and increased susceptibility to disorders like depression.

10 Nov 2024

New insights into early Huntington's disease mechanisms

Researchers uncover a link between impaired glutathione–ascorbate metabolism and early dopamine increases in Huntington's disease, suggesting GSTO2 as a potential therapeutic target to manage motor dysfunction.

4 Nov 2024

Mapping tumor microenvironments: Uncovering spatial subclones for improved cancer treatment

Researchers investigate the spatial organization of cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.

31 Oct 2024

Discovering how cells reorganize during division

A living cell is a bustling metropolis, with countless molecules and proteins navigating crowded spaces in every direction.

29 Oct 2024

Ground beef vs. soy-based meat: Which packs more muscle-building power?

Researchers compare the effectiveness of plant-based meat alternatives and ground beef in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

28 Oct 2024

Structural biology reveals secrets of DEV phage infection

The viruses that infect bacteria are the most abundant biological entities on the planet. For example, a recent simple study of 92 showerheads and 36 toothbrushes from American bathrooms found more than 600 types of bacterial viruses, commonly called bacteriophages or phages.

22 Oct 2024

Scientists reveal how miRNAs shape cancer and offer new paths for treatment

Review explores how microRNAs (miRNAs) interact in cancer development, their potential in diagnosis, and innovative therapeutic strategies, including overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

20 Oct 2024