Molecule News and Research

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Scientists determine first 3D structure of COVID-19 main protease

A team of Chinese scientists has reported the high-resolution crystal structure of the main protease (Mpro) of the COVID-19 virus and has identified drugs that may hold promise in combating the virus.

15 Apr 2020

Clock protein moves in sync with temperature to coordinate rhythms in shoots, roots

Five years ago, researchers from the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics led by the CSIC Research Professor Paloma Mas made the breakthrough discovery that the circadian clocks in the growing tip of the plant shoot function in a similar way to the clocks in the mammalian brain, which in both cases are able to synchronize the daily rhythms of the cells in distal organs.

14 Apr 2020

Role of VRAC ion channel in fight against virus infections

VRAC/LRRC8 chloride channels play a crucial role in the transport of neurotransmitters, amino acids, and cytostatics.

14 Apr 2020

Novel isomer separation technique has major implications in biological processes

Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids, and a majority of these proteins have one or more methionine—a sulfur-containing amino acid.

From University of California Santa Cruz 13 Apr 2020

New study on proteins advances basic understanding of human life

A minute chemical modification on one of the most copious and vital proteins in cells—actin—has been a mystery as its function is not fully known.

9 Apr 2020

New microscopy technique reveals movements of cell muscles in unprecedented detail

For the first time, researchers from the University of Warwick have observed the movements of cell muscles in the form of minute filaments of proteins at unparalleled detail.

From The University of Warwick 8 Apr 2020

Researchers gain insight into synthesis and functions of lipids found in tears

New understandings of how lipids function within tears could lead to better drugs for treating dry eye disease.

7 Apr 2020

Phytochrome foci in plants exhibit different behaviors at different temperatures and light

Phytochrome B activates plant growth and regulates the flowering time, but the mechanism by which it performs these functions is not fully understood.

7 Apr 2020

Study shows promise for treating different types of cancer

This story looks into the potential to treat various types of cancers using cells and the process of apoptosis.

7 Apr 2020

Force can activate genes without intermediates, enzymes, or signaling molecules

A new study reports that cells tend to increase gene expression as a response to physical forces alone. According to the team, the initial step in the production of proteins—gene activation—begins within 1 ms once a cell gets stretched, which is hundreds of times faster than chemical signals can travel.

2 Apr 2020

New small molecules show promise for treating obesity and other disorders

Researchers have successfully identified novel compounds to prolong the period of the circadian clock and have also explained their mechanisms of action.

2 Apr 2020

Virtual Cell Predicts How Close Tumor Environment Influences Cancer Metastasis

The process of metastasis, which allows carcinoma cells to leave the tumor of origin, is still the leading cause of mortality for cancer patients.

2 Apr 2020

Upgrading Biomass With Selective Surface-Modified Catalysts

Scientists have designed a catalyst composed of very low concentrations of platinum (single atoms and small clusters) on the surface of titanium dioxide.

2 Apr 2020

Hidden Messages In Protein Blueprints

Scientists from DKFZ, HI-STEM have identified a new control mechanism that enables stem cells to adapt their activity in emergency situations.

2 Apr 2020

Fatty acids could be effective platform for drug delivery

Triglycerides have long been treated as a threat to human health. Now, researchers believe they could be an effective drug delivery platform.

1 Apr 2020

New strategy can help treat diabetes and other diseases

Transplanted islet cells that release insulin during very low blood sugar levels offer a potential way for treating diabetes.

From Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 31 Mar 2020

New model helps determine techniques used by cells to increase their sensitivity

The human body’s capability to identify foreign material, disease, and the location of food sources and toxins is governed by a mixture of chemicals surrounding the cells and also their ability to “read” these chemicals. Cells are extremely sensitive.

27 Mar 2020