Molecular & Structural Biology

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Study describes anatomical embodiment of color sensations in the brain

A recent study published in Neuron described in greater detail than ever before the anatomical embodiment of color sensations in the cerebral cortex, linking brain structure to perceptual function.

28 Aug 2020

DNA repair enzymes offer potential drug targets for personalized cancer therapies

Chemical lesions in the genetic material DNA can have catastrophic consequences for cells, and even for the organism concerned.

28 Aug 2020

Largely ignored 'housekeeping' gene plays unexpected role in neurological diseases

Within cells, molecules known as transfer RNAs, or "tRNAs," play an important but unglamorous workhorse role in keeping the genetic translation process moving along from codes of DNA to functional proteins.

27 Aug 2020

Protein structural study may lead to more improved research on disease development

Researchers had identified an actin cytoskeketal nucleator, called Arp2/3 complex, more than 20 years ago.

26 Aug 2020

Chemical crosslinking data helps study protein dynamics

The mechanism for protein function can be unraveled by defining protein dynamics.

26 Aug 2020

Scientists document communication pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells

In the transmission of signals within the cell which, for example, stimulate cell growth or trigger metabolic processes, phosphate groups play an important biochemical role.

26 Aug 2020

Study uncovers how the immune system generates effective antibodies

An in-depth Garvan study of how the immune system generates effective antibodies provides new insights for vaccine design.

25 Aug 2020

New approach could slow colon cancer metastasis

When cancer metastasizes and spreads throughout the body, it can severely change the prognosis of the disease. It is estimated that metastasis is responsible for 90 percent of cancer deaths.

25 Aug 2020

Researchers discover antibodies that may provide effective immunity against SARS-CoV-2

A new study by researchers at MassBiologics of UMass Medical School published in Nature Communications suggests that COVID specific IgA monoclonal antibodies may provide effective immunity in the respiratory system against the novel coronavirus - a potentially critical feature of an effective vaccine.

25 Aug 2020

STING protein activates a pathway that kills tumor-fighting immune cells

The immune protein STING has long been noted for helping protect against viruses and tumors by signaling a well-known immune molecule. Now, UT Southwestern scientists have revealed that STING also activates a separate pathway, one that directly kills tumor-fighting immune cells.

25 Aug 2020

Fault in RNA quality control system causes haywire production of toxic proteins

Osaka, Japan - Researchers at Osaka University have identified a fault in the RNA quality control system of cells that leads to the haywire production of toxic proteins in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTLD/ALS).

From Osaka University 25 Aug 2020

Researchers identify a novel molecular mechanism of intestinal stem cells

Stem cells in the intestines maintain an excellent balance between two promising forms—developing into intestinal epithelial cells, or remaining as stem cells.

24 Aug 2020

Novel method to enhance biological nitrogen fixation in modern soybean cultivars

Soybean has been domesticated over 6000 years ago, and since then, it has been an innate part of Chinese agriculture for a long time.

24 Aug 2020

Newly discovered molecule can help develop anticancer treatments

A molecule recently discovered by scientists can trigger a natural immune-boosting protein, known as STING (short for STimulator of INterferon Genes).

24 Aug 2020

'Genetic Code Kit' could transform how biology and biochemistry are taught

An open-source educational biotechnology called the "Genetic Code Kit" has been developed by California Polytechnic State University researchers to allow students to interact with the molecular process inside cells in new ways.

20 Aug 2020

Study explains how epigenetic factors relate to aging

According to a study, headed by a psychologist at the University of California, genetic background may influence how people adapt to aging in late life.

20 Aug 2020

Study offers promising data for improved treatments for cardiac disease

A group of researchers have recently published an article that provides promising data for enhanced therapeutic treatments for cardiac disease.

20 Aug 2020

Small set of genes may help decide the identity of every neuron in worms

When it comes to brain cells, one size does not fit all. Neurons come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and contain different types of brain chemicals.

20 Aug 2020

Improving the accuracy of DNA melt curve

DNA is not only the blueprint of life, it has become the backbone for making tiny structures that can be inserted into the human body to diagnose and treat disease.

20 Aug 2020