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Proteins are complex molecules that are made up of amino acids. They can be found in every cell in the body, and carry out vital processes that keep human beings alive. Mutations in proteins can lead to a multitude of diseases, the most common being cancer.

Study reveals a tug-of-war between genes inherited from the father and the mother

Cambridge scientists have identified a key signal that the fetus uses to control its supply of nutrients from the placenta, revealing a tug-of-war between genes inherited from the father and from the mother. The study, carried out in mice, could help explain why some babies grow poorly in the womb.

28 Dec 2021

COVID-19 virus spreads through cell-to-cell transmission

The virus that causes COVID-19 has adopted some stealth moves to stay alive and kicking, and one secret to its success is hiding from the immune system by spreading through cell-to-cell transmission, a new study has found.

24 Dec 2021

Blocking function of blood-clotting protein prevents bone loss from gum disease in mice

Blocking function of a blood-clotting protein prevented bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease in mice, according to research led by scientists at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health.

24 Dec 2021

Researchers uncover a new signaling pathway essential for T cell viability

They are at the forefront in the fight against viruses, bacteria, and malignant cells: the T cells of our immune system. But the older we get, the fewer of them our body produces.

23 Dec 2021

Study identifies two proteins as novel markers of aggressive prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and is among the top five causes of cancer-related death. In most cases, prostate cancer can be successfully treated but there is a group of patients who suffer an aggressive course and often fatal outcome.

23 Dec 2021

Discovery may lead to a better understanding of prion and other neurodegenerative diseases

Prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), are fast-moving, fatal dementia syndromes associated with the formation of aggregates of the prion protein, PrP.

23 Dec 2021

Researchers develop plant-based emulsifier likely to replace eggs or dairy

A group of researchers recently created a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in antioxidants and protein and also has the properties to replace dairy or eggs.

From Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) 23 Dec 2021

Study identifies novel function for existing protein

Researchers recently identified a new role of the protein tBID, which was to date linked to the regulatory role in cancer and cell death. But tBID also directly mediates apoptosis (controlled cell death).

23 Dec 2021

Study uncovers mechanism that triggers cancer cell death

Scientists recently pinpointed the mechanism by which inhibitors of the ERK5 protein kinase diminish cancer cell proliferation and trigger their death.

23 Dec 2021

Revealing a Cell's Components through Artificial Intelligence

We speak to Professor Trey Ideker and Yue Qin about their latest in cell biology and how artificial intelligence could be used to discover new components within cells.

From UC San Diego 23 Dec 2021

Experts identify proteins that regulate dual processes

According to recent research, the protein UBR7 acts as a histone chaperone and controls histone re-deposition at certain sites at the time of DNA replication.

22 Dec 2021

Novel tool provides an unprecedented view of brain cell activity

To decipher the mysteries behind memory and learning, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a system to trace millions of connections amongst brain cells in mice.

22 Dec 2021

Study provides novel insights into biological energy conversion

The respiratory chain performs a major role in the cell’s energy metabolism. It is localized in mitochondria—the power plants of the cell.

21 Dec 2021

Researchers identify production mechanism of light-sensitive protein of photoreceptors

Every 6 minutes someone is told they're going blind. One of the major causes of human blindness is a disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which causes progressive degeneration of the retina and vision loss.

20 Dec 2021

Antibody-like proteins from sharks can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Small, unique antibody-like proteins known as VNARs -; derived from the immune systems of sharks -; can prevent the virus that causes COVID-19, its variants, and related coronaviruses from infecting human cells, according to a new study published Dec. 16.

17 Dec 2021

New methods help chemists to understand how bacteria turn light into chemical energy

Chemists have come to a deeper understanding of how photosynthetic bacteria convert light into chemical energy and discovered why one step in the process may be more robust than previously realized, according to a new study published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

17 Dec 2021

Gene mutation for Parkinson's disease drives mislocalization of iron in activated microglia

A common gene mutation for Parkinson's disease drives mislocalization of iron in activated microglia, according to a new study publishing December 16th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology, by Mark Cookson of the National Institute on Aging and colleagues.

17 Dec 2021