The structure of coagulation factor Va's membrane-binding domain has been determined, revealing a barrel-like shape with three major loops. This breakthrough provides new insights into the molecular details of blood clotting and protein-membrane association, with potential implications for cell-cell interactions and genetic diseases.
Cornell University researchers have discovered a gene, called SCR, that determines a plant's ability to accept or reject its own pollen. This gene is expressed in the anther and produces pollen with a specific label that distinguishes it from self-pollen.
A Harvard study finds that racial differences in kidney transplant access cannot be explained by patient preferences, with black patients being less likely to be referred for evaluation or receive a transplant. The disparity remains even after controlling for coexisting illnesses and socioeconomic factors.
The current WTO approach to risk assessment assumes new technologies are safe until proven otherwise, but this places excessive faith in limited knowledge. In contrast, a precautionary approach requires better testing and monitoring of new products' effects on the environment and people's health.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming dairy products rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced the incidence and number of mammary tumors in pubescent rats. CLA was shown to decrease the proliferation rate of mammary terminal end bud cells by 30%.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully built single iron carbonyl molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope. The team used the microscope to attach carbon monoxide molecules to individual iron atoms, forming new molecules with unique properties.