Molecular & Structural Biology

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Foxg1 gene works like a molecular knob to modulate electrical activity of the neurons

It works like a very fine "molecular knob" able to modulate the electrical activity of the neurons of our cerebral cortex, crucial to the functioning of our brain.

8 May 2020

New technique reveals the proliferation and genetic exchange of bacteria

Researchers have made a breakthrough interpretation of the way bacteria move and carry out genetic exchange—that may possibly result in the development of novel antimicrobial drugs.

From University of Exeter 7 May 2020

Junk food consumed by U.S. adults is associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Foods like cookies, cheese, soda, and French fries are often present in the diets of U.S. adults suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

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

Study reveals new gene that regulates cholesterol levels

Precision medicine is capable of customizing treatments according to the unique genetic sequence of a patient.

6 May 2020

Study shows how mutational signatures are shaped by DNA repair pathways

A research team has examined more than 2700 genomes from C. elegans worms to gain a better understanding on the causes responsible for mutations.

4 May 2020

Faulty mRNA in gene expression may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders

Complex organisms experience growth, followed by the transcription of these genes into RNA, and subsequently the translation of that transcript into proteins.

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

New antimicrobial peptide proves more effective in fighting drug-resistant bacteria

Through serendipity, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health considerably reduced the toxicity of a potential antibiotic against the most feared drug-resistant bacteria, while also improving its stability in fighting infections.

4 May 2020

Choosing alternate pathways of DNA repair to limit harmful chromosomal rearrangements

Homologous recombination is an essential process of DNA repair to maintain genomic integrity of the organism.

From Osaka University 30 Apr 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

Genes control courtship and aggressive behaviors in fruit flies

Similar to many other animals, fruit flies engage in many different courtship and fighting behaviors.

29 Apr 2020

Researchers study the evolution of multidrug-resistant bacteria

Although antibiotics are known to save lives, their use also supports the evolution and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

29 Apr 2020

Hyperosmotic stress induces phase separation of the proteasomes

Cellular proteostasis is regulated by a crucial proteolytic machine called proteasome via selective degradation of ubiquitylated proteins.

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

Def gene essential for maintaining liver homeostasis and regeneration capacity

Hepatocytes are responsible for diverse metabolic activities in a liver. Proper ribosome biogenesis is essential to sustain the function of hepatocytes.

28 Apr 2020

Study finds utrophin-based therapy could be used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy

If an actor is not in a position to perform in the theatre, an understudy—preferably one with some practice in the role—can take that role on stage.

27 Apr 2020

Study identifies role of interferon-stimulated genes in defense against hepatitis C viruses

The immune system responds immediately when a virus enters the cell, producing interferon—the signaling protein.

27 Apr 2020

Novel protein sensor controls the pathway of fat and sugar conversion in humans

Researchers in Pennsylvania and Texas have discovered a novel protein sensor that limits the amounts of fat and sugar that are converted into energy by human cells, during the starvation periods.

27 Apr 2020

Scientists elucidate precise shape of a key player in human metabolism

A USC-led international team of scientists has found the precise shape of a key player in human metabolism, which could lead the way to better treatments for obesity and other metabolic disease.

24 Apr 2020