Ion News and Research

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Electron cryo-tomography reveals 3D images of sarcomeres at high resolution

Using electron cryo-tomography, researchers have created the first high-resolution 3D image of the sarcomere.

25 Mar 2021

Catechin-type flavonoid compounds in tea relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins

A new study from the University of California, Irvine shows that compounds in both green and black tea relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall.

9 Mar 2021

An outlook on latest trends in peptide drug discovery and development

Currently, there are more than 80 peptide drugs on the global market and about twice as many in clinical development. Due to their beneficial properties, these biomolecules play already an important role in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hormone disorders, HIV infection, and multiple sclerosis.

11 Feb 2021

Synthetic biomolecule resembles dual stimuli-responsive channel

For the first time, researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and the University of Tokyo in Japan have produced a new artificial transmembrane ion channel—based on a naturally found transmembrane channel that plays a role in neuron signaling—that reacts to both electrical and chemical stimuli.

2 Feb 2021

Study shows why obese mothers tend to have children susceptible to metabolic diseases

A Brazilian study published in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction helps understand why obese mothers tend to have children with a propensity to develop the metabolic disease during their lifetime, as suggested by previous research.

27 Jan 2021

Researchers use novel technique to improve aquaculture

A team of researchers has effectively created larger-than-usual zooplankton strains by producing mutations with the help of a heavy ion beam.

18 Jan 2021

HKU researchers develop new drug discovery strategy targeting membrane proteins on live cells

A research team led by Dr Xiaoyu LI from the Research Division for Chemistry, Faculty of Science, in collaboration with Professor Yizhou LI from School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University and Professor Yan CAO from School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University in Shanghai has developed a new drug discovery method targeting membrane proteins on live cells.

29 Dec 2020

Subspace mass spectrometry imaging method can accelerate speed of data acquisition

A new computational mass spectrometry imaging method enables researchers to achieve high mass resolution and high spatial resolution for biological samples while providing data sets exponentially faster.

11 Dec 2020

Research shows magnesium contact ions stabilize complex folded structure of tRNA

In cells transfer RNA (tRNA) translates genetic information from the encoding messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein synthesis.

10 Dec 2020

Research highlights diverse applications of biogenic nanomaterials

Different inorganic nanomaterials can be produced using several techniques, which involve multiple experimental variables. For industries and scientists, it has been a long-time challenge to identify the best pair among various likely matches, to synthesize in an eco-friendly way.

8 Dec 2020

Scientists develop effective solution to improve direct methanol fuel cell

Because of the many environmental problems caused by the use of fossil fuels, many scientists worldwide are focused on finding efficient alternatives.

7 Dec 2020

Study explains why immunotherapy works on certain patients with head and neck cancer

Researchers have found new clues about why certain individuals with head and neck cancer are able to respond to immunotherapy, while others fail to do so.

25 Nov 2020

Study shows how drug-like small molecules regulate the activity of ion channels

Researchers have recently discovered how the function of therapeutically relevant ion channels is regulated by drug-like small molecules.

24 Nov 2020

Seaweed-shaped mats can remove toxic metal ions from drinking water

A group of scientists from Osaka University has created seaweed-shaped mats made of nanofibers for use in water filters. These mats can help eliminate toxic metal ions.

From Osaka University 20 Nov 2020

MIT chemists determine molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 protein

MIT chemists have determined the molecular structure of a protein found in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This protein, called the envelope protein E, forms a cation-selective channel and plays a key role in the virus's ability to replicate itself and stimulate the host cell's inflammation response.

From Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 16 Nov 2020

Researchers describe microscopic mechanism of vibrational energy harvesters

The Japanese research team elucidated the microscopic mechanism in which amorphous silica(1) becomes negatively charged as a vibrational energy harvester(2), which is anticipated to achieve self-power generation without charging.

12 Nov 2020

White blood cells can be trained to attack tumor cells

Scientists at the National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) and Dresden University Medicine, together with an international team of researchers, were able to demonstrate that certain white blood cells, so-called neutrophil granulocytes, can potentially - after completing a special training program - be utilized for the treatment of tumors.

9 Nov 2020

New method sheds light on the neuronal mechanisms of fly motion vision

Where in a nerve cell is a certain receptor protein located? Without an answer to this question, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the function of this protein.

3 Nov 2020

Similarities between animal and plant immune systems go beyond sensing

Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) and University of Cologne researcher Takaki Maekawa and colleagues have discovered that plants have independently evolved a family of immune proteins that are strikingly similar to animals.