Molecular & Structural Biology

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New AI-based method can lead to faster, low-cost development of protein-based drugs

Thanks to a newly published study by scientists, artificial intelligence (AI) can now create novel and functionally active proteins.

1 Apr 2021

Supercomputer simulations help uncover the mechanism for HIV replication

Viruses lurk in the grey area between the living and the nonliving, according to scientists. Like living things, they replicate but they don't do it on their own. The HIV-1 virus, like all viruses, needs to hijack a host cell through infection in order to make copies of itself.

1 Apr 2021

New atomic force microscopy enables faster, less-invasive imaging of biological samples

Kanazawa University researchers have reported a new approach of atomic force microscopy for imaging biological processes and specimens.

31 Mar 2021

Study shows how WAVE2 protein maintains the immune system balance

Sinai Health researchers have reported that they have uncovered a new mechanism that regulates harmful overreactions in the body’s immune system.

26 Mar 2021

Specific protein helps insect-eating plants trap their prey

A Venus flytrap will shut immediately just at the brush of an insect’s wing.

26 Mar 2021

Study reveals molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance of naïve embryonic stem cells

Researchers have explained mechanisms that play a role in maintaining the embryonic stem cells in the most optimized state for use in regenerative medicine.

26 Mar 2021

Study reveals how lipids and water molecules control 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors

Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a kind of neurotransmitter. 5-HT can regulate multifaceted physiological functions such as mood, cognition, learning, memory, and emotions through 5-HT receptors.

26 Mar 2021

Silencing a key protein to “domesticate” COVID-19 virus

When cells in the human body are invaded by a virus, they send a signal to adjacent cells to boost their antiviral defenses to stop the spread of infection.

25 Mar 2021

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

Scientists generate a detailed molecular atlas of lung development

Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have produced a detailed molecular atlas of lung development, which is expected to be a fundamental reference in future studies of mammalian biology and of new treatments for diseases, such as COVID-19, that affect the lungs.

25 Mar 2021

New function of BMI1 gene can protect against Alzheimer’s disease

The Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre has taken another step toward interpreting Alzheimer’s disease.

24 Mar 2021

Study reveals a promising material to control root-knot nematodes

Root-knot nematodes are known to infect a wide variety of plants, including many agriculturally significant species, as well as a variety of ornamentals and vegetables.

23 Mar 2021

Study into cellular filopodia could optimize cancer therapy and wound closure

Imagine using only a finger to heal a wound! It seems like science fiction, reminding one of the 1982 movie E.T.

23 Mar 2021

“Hidden genetic defects” can cause a variety of illnesses in children

For the first time, scientists have gained a better understanding of the “hidden genetic defects” of the general population in Europe.

22 Mar 2021

Non-circulating memory T cells contribute to chronic transplant rejection

The main function of non-circulating memory T cells is to offer local protection against re-infection.

From University of Pittsburgh 22 Mar 2021

Study identifies new biomarkers for the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma

A study headed by UCM reports that polymorphisms in gene TGFB1 and low plasma levels of protein TGFB1 serve as biomarkers for the gastric adenocarcinoma prognosis.

19 Mar 2021

Immune receptor proteins can help treat autoimmune diseases

TARM1 is a receptor protein, whose function in the working of the immune system is not known yet. Now, in a new research work, Japanese researchers have analyzed mouse models to investigate the promising role of TARM1 protein in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

From Tokyo University of Science 18 Mar 2021

Study provides clues for designing more effective antiviral drugs

An international research team from the University of Turku based in Finland and PennState University based in the United States has solved an ancient puzzle of how living organisms differentiate between DNA and RNA building blocks at the time of gene expression, offering new possibilities for designing novel antiviral medications.

18 Mar 2021