Biochemistry

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Researchers identify missing component of innate immune signaling

How cells recognize pathogens and alert the immune system swiftly is a fundamental process of high importance for the survival of any species, including humans.

14 May 2020

New approach provides closer look at the development of multicellular organisms

Highly complex organisms can arise from a single cell, which is one of the true miracles of nature. Substances known as morphogens have an important role in this development, namely by signaling to cells where they should go and what they should do.

13 May 2020

Research shows how a fly’s brain learns to focus on more important odors

Quantitative biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSH) have discovered how the brain of a fly learns to focus on more significant odors by ignoring tremendously prevalent, ordinary ones.

12 May 2020

New technique gives reliable assessment of avocado fruit ripeness

A technique for measuring the ripeness of avocados could reduce waste by up to 10% and help fulfill consumer demand for ready-to-eat fruit.

12 May 2020

Study uncovers how innate cellular system triggers defense response in plants

In nature, every species must be equipped with a strategy to be able to survive in response to danger. Plants, too, have innate systems that are triggered in response to a particular threat, such as insects feeding on them.

8 May 2020

New open-source software tool aims to analyze lipid behavior

Lipids are essential building blocks of cell membranes, which control the exchange of substances and energy between a cell and its environment.

8 May 2020

Study shows soil infiltration can stabilize desert soils

Soils found in deserts are quite different from those found in other places. An unusual environment exists when there are extreme temperatures, limited flora, and less amount of water.

7 May 2020

Study shows how human sleep is influenced by genetic variations in the brain waves

Why do humans sleep? This has been an unresolved question of the 21st century.

6 May 2020

Infrared spectroscopy reveals DNA molecular processes in real time

DNA strand breaks can play a role in the aging process. Now, with infrared spectroscopy, scientists have visualized the processes that take place at breaks.

4 May 2020

Molecular basis of rare neurodevelopmental condition reveals possible treatment

Like people, neurons need to talk to one another. But instead of turning thoughts into words, these cells convert electrical signals into chemical ones. For nearly 30 years, biochemist Edwin Chapman has studied how one protein triggers this crucial conversion.

4 May 2020

A groundbreaking tool for efficient lipid analysis

Scientists are increasingly aiming to leverage the various functions of lipids in human bodies, for example, in blood coagulation or as blood fats, to better interpret and predict a host of diseases.

29 Apr 2020

Study develops a novel approach to fight against bunyaviruses

A study published recently in eLife reports that synthetic antibodies developed with bacterial superglue have the potential to protect against deadly viruses.

29 Apr 2020

Research on rare molecule aims to improve treatments for cancer, HIV

Stanford University chemist Paul Wender and his colleagues are working to improve treatments for cancer, HIV and Alzheimer's - and they are betting that a drab, weedy marine invertebrate is the means to achieving that end.

28 Apr 2020

Brain insulin sensitivity associated with body weight and fat distribution

Just where fat is deposited in the body and to what degree a person may benefit from a lifestyle intervention depends, among other things, on how sensitive the brain is to insulin.

27 Apr 2020

Developing a low-cost tool for rapid identification of body fluids at crime scenes

Engineers at UC Riverside's Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering have received a $600,000 grant from the National Institute of Justice to develop a test kit that can rapidly identify body fluids at crime scenes.

27 Apr 2020

Study shows why cold sugary foods have reduced sweetness

Individuals would have often wondered why a bite of warm cherry pie infuses their mouth with sweetness, but the same slice taken directly from the refrigerator is not as tempting as before?

27 Apr 2020

Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to search for Alzheimer's-related genes

Experts at the University of Tokyo have identified a new protein in the pathway that leads to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers used the "molecular scissors" of CRISPR/Cas9 to search for new genes related to the neurodegenerative disease.

22 Apr 2020

Discovery marks a critical step toward developing new anti-cancer drugs

A team of scientists led by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center has identified the binding site where drug compounds could activate a key braking mechanism against the runaway growth of many types of cancer.

21 Apr 2020

Glycomimetics can prevent viruses from infecting cells

Viruses are responsible for causing many different diseases, with the present coronavirus pandemic being one such example. Hence, these infectious agents are part of the human experience all through their lives.

21 Apr 2020

A new solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice fields

A collaboration between researchers have come up with a solution to the huge climate impact caused by global rice production. Click here to read more.

21 Apr 2020