Molecular & Structural Biology

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DNA barcoding reveals hidden species diversity

The Earth is an almost unimaginably diverse planet in terms of species. Researchers have identified between two and three million species, but there are many more that we know nothing about.

18 Oct 2024

Molecular chaperones as key players in tumor suppressor stability

A new review was published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on October 1, 2024, entitled, "Molecular chaperones: Guardians of tumor suppressor stability and function."

16 Oct 2024

Epigenomic dynamics shape human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorder risks

Researchers investigate chromatin conformational and epigenomic reorganization during the development of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

14 Oct 2024

Discovery of USP50 protein sheds light on DNA replication processes

A protein that is involved in determining which enzymes cut or unwind DNA during the replication process has been identified in a new study.

14 Oct 2024

Computational tools unlock the secrets of the genome

In collaboration with the International Conference on Research in Computational Molecular Biology (RECOMB), Genome Research publishes a collection of 20 computational methods and their applications in genomics including spatial, single-cell, and long-read sequencing.

13 Oct 2024

New insights into stem cell control in plant meristems

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have identified the HAN molecule as an important regulator that controls plant growth in conjunction with WOX5.

12 Oct 2024

Unique protein complex found to influence brain function and anxiety

Scientists at Université de Montréal and its affiliated Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) have uncovered unique roles for a protein complex in the structural organization and function of brain cell connectivity, as well as in specific cognitive behaviors.

12 Oct 2024

Researchers uncover mechanism of protein GBP1 in immune defense

The protein GBP1 is a vital component of our body's natural defence against pathogens. This substance fights against bacteria and parasites by enveloping them in a protein coat, but how the substance manages to do this has remained unknown until now.

12 Oct 2024

Study unveils new molecular switch protecting cells from death

Researchers at LMU University Hospital have discovered a new molecular switch that protects against cell death.

12 Oct 2024

Innovative nanodiscs offer less invasive method for deep brain stimulation

Novel magnetic nanodiscs could provide a much less invasive way of stimulating parts of the brain, paving the way for stimulation therapies without implants or genetic modification, MIT researchers report.

12 Oct 2024

New study reveals unique metabolic function of lung-resident NK immune cells

Trinity College Dublin researchers, based at St James's Hospital have provided important insights into the behavior and metabolic function of a previously largely unknown, but crucial 'natural killer' (NK) immune cell resident in the lungs.

12 Oct 2024

AI-driven approach reveals hidden protein relationships

In a recently published article in Nature Communications, a team of researchers from the University of Virginia - including Phil Bourne, dean of the School of Data Science, Cam Mura, a senior scientist with the School, and Eli Draizen, a recent UVA alumnus - offer an AI-driven approach to explore structural similarities and relationships across the protein universe.

10 Oct 2024

CKMT2 regulates mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in type 2 diabetes

Creatine kinase M2 (CKMT2) plays a key role in mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, affecting energy metabolism in skeletal muscle.

10 Oct 2024

Decoding Cannabis: Differentiating Hemp and Marijuana

In this interview conducted at Pittcon 2024 in San Diego, Rabi Musah delves into her innovative use of DART-HRMS and chemometric analysis to differentiate between hemp and marijuana varieties of Cannabis sativa, exploring the forensic and legal implications of these findings.

From Pittcon 10 Oct 2024

Transposable elements found to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's brains, revealing potential targets for therapy

Study reveals widespread dysregulation of transposable elements (TEs) in aging human brains with Alzheimer's disease, using advanced techniques like CRISPR interference to identify TE-related risk genes.

9 Oct 2024

Liver X receptor beta offers new hope in treating depression and anxiety

Liver X receptor beta (LXRβ) shows potential in reducing depression and anxiety by improving neurogenesis, reducing neuroinflammation, and enhancing cognitive and emotional function. More research on LXR agonists could reveal new treatments for mental health disorders.

8 Oct 2024

Breakthrough in detecting adulteration in ginseng supplements

Rosalee Hellberg, an associate professor in Chapman University's Food Science Program, and her research team have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against adulteration in dietary supplements.

8 Oct 2024

Understanding proteasome function in Trichomonas vaginalis for drug development

Researchers from IOCB Prague are furthering the understanding of how medicines work and what it takes to develop their most effective variants.

8 Oct 2024

Overcoming CRISPR's side effects for therapeutic applications

CRISPR is a revolutionary tool that allows scientists to precisely modify the genome and gene expression of cells in any organism. It's a reagent - a substance that facilitates a reaction - that combines an enzyme with a programmable RNA capable of locating specific genetic sequences. Once guided to the correct spot, the enzyme acts like a pair of scissors, cutting, replacing, or deleting sequences of DNA.

7 Oct 2024

Schizophrenia-related hallucinations linked to disrupted motor-sensory signals

Researchers identified that impaired corollary discharge (CD) and noisy efference copy (EC) in schizophrenia disrupt self-monitoring, leading to auditory hallucinations. A computational model revealed how these motor-to-sensory dysfunctions contribute to hallucinations.

6 Oct 2024