Researchers at Rockefeller University have determined the three-dimensional structure of Hck, a cancer-causing protein that plays a key role in regulating cell behavior. The study reveals that the protein's shape is controlled by the SH3 domain, which enables it to transform cells into cancerous ones.
A half-million-year record of ostracodes shows that biodiversity declines during glacial periods and increases during interglacial periods. Global climate change may further affect the richness of life on Earth beyond habitat degradation.
Astronomers have discovered a 45-day cycle of radiation surges from V1159 Ori, a cataclysmic variable system. The energy release is due to hydrogen buildup around the white dwarf triggering a massive dump of material, resulting in an enormous energy surge.
Researcher Robert Connelly uses tensegrities to model molecular structures like buckminsterfullerenes, which have unique geometric stability. His work provides insights into the behavior of certain-shaped molecules and could lead to a catalogue of stable tensegrity structures.
The US South's economic transformation from rural farm to industrialized society was driven by government policies, including infrastructure investments and trade protection. Despite initial success, social inequalities persisted, with poverty rates for Black Americans remaining three times those for Whites.
The BirdSource website enables citizens to share their bird-watching observations, creating a comprehensive database of North American bird distribution, migratory pathways, and population trends. This initiative leverages citizen-science data from programs like FeederWatch and the Christmas Bird Counts.
Researchers studied 1,947 women and found that taking progestin with estrogen therapy reduces risk of endometrial cancer by four-fold, but risks increase with shorter progestin cycles. Women who took combination therapy for over five years had a higher risk of endometrial cancer compared to non-users.
The Stanford research group synthesized a compound that replicates the chemical wizardry of cytochrome c oxidase, a vital biochemical process found in all oxygen-using organisms. The model converts oxygen molecules into water, releasing energy to charge biological batteries and generate heat.
Most young molecular biologists (91%) are satisfied with their career choice despite facing challenges in the field. They believe effective gene therapy and a cure for AIDS will be significant breakthroughs in the next decade.
A study by Cornell University biologist Stephen T. Emlen found that evolutionary predispositions, such as helping closely related kin, can lead to conflict and violence in modern families. The biologist suggests that increasing awareness of these inherited behaviors can help minimize damage in stepfamily situations.
A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that graduate education programs often prioritize competitiveness over collaborative team efforts and ethical values. The research highlights the need for standardized methods to assess mentoring quality and emphasizes the importance of teaching general scientific ethics.