Scientists have discovered that phosphatidic acid, a phospholipid component of cellular membranes, may be a promising novel anti-cancer drug target. Researchers found that siramesine, a previously failed anxiety medication, effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumors in mice.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a crucial protein called UHRF1 that acts like a bookmark to maintain the correct pattern of DNA methylation. This process is essential for normal development and preventing cancer, as alterations in methylation patterns can lead to gene silencing at the wrong times.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have observed a non-invasive MR imaging healing mechanism for asymptomatic carotid plaque rupture. The study, published in Circulation, shows that not all plaque ruptures are symptomatic and highlights the importance of monitoring vulnerable plaques.
Scientists have created a biophysical methodology to retune functioning regions of the ear to recognize frequencies associated with damaged areas, which could remedy even substantial hearing loss. The method uses modifications that enable remapping of frequencies without losing auditory information.
A team of Yale undergraduates collected and analyzed 135 endophytes from plants in the Amazon rainforest, discovering dozens with potential bioactivity. The study's findings highlight the vast scientific potential of tropical areas and the importance of preserving these microorganisms.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a baker's yeast protein, Hsp104, that can reverse protein aggregation in animal models of Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough finding holds promise for developing new treatments for the condition.
Iowa State University is developing new technologies for producing and improving biofuels with support from Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and ConocoPhillips. The projects focus on thermochemical technologies to convert biomass into bio-oil, catalysts for improving bio-oil production, and biorefinery studies.
A new USC study found that overweight Hispanic children are at significant risk for pre-diabetes, with persistent pre-diabetes during growth associated with progression towards type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of these children to detect potential risks early.
Researchers used terahertz absorption spectroscopy to study the motion of water molecules during protein folding. Water molecules change to a native-type arrangement much faster than the protein, helping establish its correct configuration. This 'designer fluid' plays a crucial role in life.
Scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University Medical Center have described the specifics of how brain cells process antidepressant drugs, cocaine, and amphetamines. Their breakthrough research reveals a finely-tuned process in which two sodium ions bind to enable neural signaling in the brain.
A study found that healthy children of Alzheimer's patients who carry the APOE-4 gene demonstrate reduced functional brain connectivity between key structures. This reduction is detectable long before clinical symptoms appear, with non-carriers showing significantly better connectivity.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center discovered that proton channels in basophils respond to agents triggering histamine release, with zinc inhibiting these currents. This finding points to a new approach to reduce the consequences of asthma and allergic reactions.
A team of University of Iowa investigators are applying findings from heart research to the study of asthma, focusing on an enzyme known to play a role in heart failure. They aim to learn more about airway smooth muscle cells and their response to the enzyme CaM kinase II.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario found a link between brain ventricle size and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's patients. They suggest that MRI scans can measure ventricle changes to provide earlier diagnosis and assess treatment effectiveness.
Scientists have identified 22 genes that control embryonic stem cell fate, which could accelerate the use of stem cells in therapy and disease treatment. The genes help maintain a memory of stem cell identity, allowing them to correctly read signals that determine cell type.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a computational tool to study complex units of clustered genes called operons in bacteria. The tool allows scientists to analyze many bacterial genomes at once and is more accurate than previous methods.
Scientists have identified a key step in ATP recycling and its low-energy counterpart ADP's interaction with the mitochondrion. The simulation reveals how ADP disrupts ionic bonds to unlock the door to mitochondrial entry.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified the role of transcription factors in controlling cell death in the heart, paving the way for gene regulatory therapy. They have successfully developed non-viral delivery mechanisms to transfer DNA and repress activation of specific transcription factors.
Researchers found that a chicken antibody behaves differently from its human counterpart, which sheds light on the origin of allergic reactions. The discovery could lead to designing drugs that alter the interaction between antibodies and white blood cells.
Researchers at USC have identified a novel genetic association between fasting glucose levels and melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes. The study found a connection between MTNR1B and circadian rhythm regulation, suggesting potential links to sleep disorders.
Two IEEE-USA Engineering Mass Media Fellows are writing news stories on science and technology for top California newspapers. The program aims to improve public understanding of STEM fields through clear communication.
Researchers at USC identified a gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels, providing new insights into blood sugar regulation. The study found that genetic variation in the G6PC2 gene may be responsible for reducing insulin secretion and increasing glucose concentrations.
Advances in super-resolution imaging technologies, such as STED, STORM, PALM, and structured illumination microscopy, have broken the diffraction limit of light, enabling the imaging of cellular structures as small as 50 nanometres. These techniques are driven by both biological and physical needs, inspiring new questions and discoveries.
Researchers found that reduced SMN protein levels impair the biochemical balance needed to make snRNP complexes for splicing RNA, producing abnormal mRNAs in various tissues. This discovery suggests that spinal muscular atrophy is a general disease of splicing that can affect all cell types.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a fruit fly protein called Argos that acts as a decoy receptor to neutralize tumor growth factors. This discovery may lead to new cancer drug designs by mimicking the silent binding of growth factors, similar to existing treatments like Avastin.
A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new, cheaper DNA-sequence method that can map disease genes in large patient groups, leading to quicker breakthroughs for new treatments.
Using total internal reflection microscopy, researchers have observed hundreds of thousands of molecules coming together to form a single HIV particle. The technique allows scientists to study the assembly process in real-time and gain insights into viral behavior.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a small molecule that selectively targets and dismantles misfolded protein fibers connected to Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases. This breakthrough has implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that mantis shrimp can see colours from ultraviolet to infrared and measure four linear and two circular polarisations, enabling them to detect subtle changes in light. This unique talent presents a new concept of polarisation vision, allowing shrimps to navigate and find food more effectively.
A new study reveals that female concave-eared torrent frogs emit high-pitched chirps spanning audible and ultrasonic frequencies to signal their interest. Males respond instantaneously, with impressive accuracy in localizing the sound, a feat shared only by elephants, humans, barn owls, and dolphins.
The Iowa State-ConocoPhillips collaboration has supported 26 research projects on various biofuel production technologies, biorefineries, and biomass production. The partnership aims to diversify America's energy sources and meet growing energy demand.
A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease. The team found that oxidation can sustain the enzyme's activity, which is implicated in arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart cell death.
Researchers develop a system that transmits unprocessed medical images via cellular phones, enabling sophisticated radiological diagnoses and treatment in remote areas. The technology uses electrical impedance tomography and reduces costs by simplifying the apparatus at patient sites.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a system that uses cell phones for medical imaging, reducing costs and increasing accessibility. The system consists of a data acquisition device connected to a central server where the image is processed, making it possible to view images on a cell phone screen.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered aggregates of red and white blood cells in patients with sickle cell disease. These clumps may play a role in blocking small blood vessels, causing sudden painful episodes.
A new study reveals that yeast mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell division, with implications for treating human diseases. The research found that mitochondria can act as the 'command center' directing cell division, and that understanding this process could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.
A University of Central Florida scientist has secured $1 million in NIH funding to research the death protein, BAX, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating cancer and heart disease. By understanding how BAX triggers cell death, she hopes to develop a peptide-based therapeutic approach to stimulate or protect healthy cells.
A study by researchers at the University of Mississippi found that consuming green tea's EGCG significantly inhibits breast tumor growth and angiogenesis in female mice. The results suggest that EGCG may provide protection against breast cancer by targeting tumor blood vessels and cells.
Scott A. Strobel has made seminal contributions to the understanding of RNA structure and function, revealing its catalytic role through various disciplines. He will give the award lecture at the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting.
Researchers at Yale University have visualized the crystal structure of group II introns, a type of RNA that catalyzes its own removal during gene maturation. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of mRNA splicing in humans and shares a close evolutionary heritage with ancient bacteria.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago discovered a new biomarker for depression by analyzing the location of a protein in the brain. The study found that depressed individuals have a greater proportion of Gs alpha protein confined to lipid rafts, which can be used to predict the efficacy of antidepressant therapy.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that the PPAR gamma protein regulates blood pressure and vascular function, shedding light on why certain diabetes medications also lower blood pressure. The discovery may lead to more specific treatments for cardiovascular diseases associated with type II diabetes.
University of Minnesota researchers have determined the atomic structure of APOBEC3G, a protein that inhibits HIV-1 infection. This discovery will help researchers manipulate the protein to combat HIV and develop methods to neutralize Vif, which triggers the destruction of APOBEC3G.
Researchers identify the first protein to activate G-protein signaling from within a cell, opening up new pathways for drug development. The discovery of Arr4 could lead to more selective and effective medications with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that leaky muscle cells cause fatigue in both marathoners and heart failure patients. An experimental drug that plugs the leak may provide relief from exhaustion for those with chronic heart failure.
A study at Rush University Medical Center suggests that bubbles may regulate ion channel opening and closing, providing a vital piece of the molecular puzzle. This discovery has significant implications for treating diseases linked to malfunctioning ion channels, such as heart disease and cystic fibrosis.
A new strategy for designing drugs that target resistant viral strains has been discovered by Penn researchers. The M2 protein, located in the viral envelope, forms a long, narrow channel allowing protons to flow into the viral interior, an essential step for infection.
Researchers found that boiling water increases BPA release from polycarbonate bottles, with rates increasing 15-55 times faster than at lower temperatures. The study's findings suggest that cumulative environmental exposures may harm human health.
Researchers discovered that mast cells in the lungs release renin, an enzyme that helps trigger bronchoconstriction, a hallmark of asthma. This finding suggests potential new targets for treatment against asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Researchers investigated how cell signaling in the stroma of cervical cancer affects tumor growth, revealing a key role for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). A genetic variant impairing glycogen synthesis was also identified in human skeletal muscles and linked to decreased muscle glycogen content.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered a complex metabolic pathway in mosquito species, which they aim to disrupt with a harmless molecule. This could lead to an insecticide that kills both mosquitoes and their eggs, slowing the spread of diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
A yearlong study showed that overweight individuals who lose a moderate amount of weight experience improved heart health, regardless of whether it's achieved through calorie restriction or exercise. The researchers found that participants' hearts regained some of the elasticity characteristic of younger heart tissue, allowing them to ...
Researchers at Arizona State University develop a gene detection platform using self-assembled DNA nanostructures, enabling label-free detection of RNA genes in single cells. The technology has potential applications for disease diagnosis and could revolutionize the way gene expression is analyzed.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have created a three-dimensional picture of the PIK3CA enzyme, often mutated in various cancers. The study reveals how mutations affect the enzyme's activity and interactions with other proteins.
Researchers warn that powerful molecular tools in cancer research can lead to misleading conclusions due to the complexity of generated data. The team highlights the need for better understanding of the challenges in analyzing these genomic and proteomic technologies.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of the 2008 Minority Travel Awards, which support participation at the Annual Meeting by minority students studying biophysics. The awards are given to ten recipients from universities across the US.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its student travel award for presenting at the Joint Meeting in Long Beach, California. The recipients include researchers from top universities worldwide, who will receive a travel grant and be recognized at a reception.
The Biophysical Society has announced the recipients of its international travel grants, who will attend the Joint Meeting in Long Beach. The award aims to foster interaction between American biophysicists and scientists in financially difficult countries.
Researchers have discovered a new platinum-based compound that is up to 80 times more powerful than current anti-cancer drugs and can target cancer cells with high accuracy using light activation. The compound's stability and non-toxicity in the dark make it an attractive alternative for treating surface cancers.