A NIST biophysicist and CU collaborator developed a microfluidic system that records biochemical reactions over milliseconds to seconds in living human cells modified as FRET sensors. The system measures sensor signals at two points in time at a rate of up to 15 cells per second, enabling the study of protein folding or neural activity.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of the 26S proteasome, a key protein degradation machinery, using a combination of structural biology methods. The discovery sheds light on how cells dispose of their waste and could have important implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that minuscule amounts of ethanol double the life span of a tiny worm, while higher concentrations are harmful. The discovery raises intriguing possibilities for human health benefits, but more research is needed to understand the mechanism behind this effect.
Researchers around Günter Wächtershäuser demonstrate a self-generating metabolism in hot water, which leads to the formation of genetic material and the first cells. This discovery suggests that life arose billions of years ago in volcanic-hydrothermal flow ducts.
LSUHSC researchers found that the ISG15 pathway triggers a cellular defense system that disrupts normal cytoskeletal function and increases cancer cell metastasis. This discovery provides a novel therapeutic target for future drug discovery and has important implications in other cancers.
Elisabetta Ullu has been awarded the inaugural Alice and C.C. Wang award for her discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), a novel mechanism of gene silencing that regulates gene expression in parasites. This breakthrough has significant implications for the understanding of parasitic diseases, including African sleeping sickness.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel antimalarial agent, BCX4945, which kills the deadliest malaria parasite by starving it of vital building blocks. The study shows promising results in non-human primates, paving the way for more potent therapies against this deadly disease.
A new study published in Cancer Discovery reveals that the 14-3-3σ gene plays a critical role in halting breast cancer initiation and progression. The research suggests that this gene is likely a major player in other types of cancer as well.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a highly efficient method for producing transparent electrodes using silver nanowires in combination with other nanomaterials. The new electrodes are flexible and highly conductive, overcoming the limitations of indium tin oxide (ITO) materials.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identified the genetic switch Spalt that regulates flight muscle formation in flies. Without Spalt, flies are flightless, but can still move their legs normally. This discovery has potential medical applications for understanding and regulating human muscle function.
A recent study by NYU School of Medicine reveals that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in protecting bacteria from various antibiotics. By targeting bacterial gas defenses, researchers aim to develop new strategies for increasing antibiotic efficacy and combating antibiotic resistance.
The Galaxy platform is now available as a cloud computing resource, providing researchers with access to powerful computing power and vast data storage capacity. This development enables scientists to perform large-scale DNA analyses without investing in expensive computer infrastructure.
A University of Bristol study found that omega-3-rich diets reduced disease by 50% compared to a standard diet in guinea pigs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Omega-3 influences biochemistry and helps prevent disease progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis.
A team of gamers solved the molecular structure of a retrovirus enzyme using online game Foldit, achieving results in just three weeks. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-AIDS drugs by targeting specific features on the molecule.
Researchers created an artificial blood protein inspired by woolly mammoths' ability to conserve heat. The new hemoglobin can unload oxygen to tissues in cold conditions, making it suitable for use in hypothermia treatments during heart and brain surgeries.
A study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that pure maple syrup improved liver function tests in rats fed a diet with 20% pure maple syrup compared to a control group. The results suggest that maple syrup's polyphenolic antioxidants may help regulate glucose metabolism and reduce liver enzyme levels.
Researchers have engineered new sensors that can detect estrogenic compounds in human cells, which is crucial for understanding the potential health risks associated with these substances. The sensors, developed by a team led by Huimin Zhao, were found to reliably detect estrogenic compounds within hours, even at low levels.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered the cellular mechanisms that generate chromosomal breaks in bacteria. They found that collisions between major gene expression lead to chromosomal breaks, which may explain stress-driven evolution in bacteria and certain human diseases.
Biomedical education leaders propose a new model that breaks down silos between disciplines, teaching students to work across fields and study organisms at multiple levels. The new framework includes hands-on training and skills courses to help students tackle fundamental biological questions.
Georgia Tech professors Paul Houston and C. David Sherrill were named ACS Fellows in 2011 for their work in chemistry, contributing to global challenges like providing clean water and new energy sources.
The new microscope combines light-sheet microscopy and single molecule spectroscopy to record fluorescence and take snapshots every millisecond. It allows scientists to observe and measure fast processes like molecular diffusion across entire samples.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has named 12 scientists as award winners, including Stuart Kornfeld, Lovell Jones, and Susan Marqusee. The awards recognize their outstanding research achievements in various fields, including lipid research, protein folding, and eukaryotic signaling.
Researchers at NYU developed a compound that blocks signaling from a protein implicated in many types of cancer, including various developmental disorders and diseases. The compound disrupts the Sos-Ras interaction, which is crucial for stemming the production of cancer cells.
Researchers at Northern Illinois University have discovered a simple method for producing high-yield graphene using a new process that converts carbon dioxide into few-layer graphene. The technique is cost-effective and green, offering a promising alternative to existing methods.
New research reveals quantum mechanical tunneling as a driving force for chemical reactions, changing how scientists understand and devise reactions. The discovery has potential applications in materials science, biochemistry, and more.
Researchers found that MreB proteins assemble into patches and move in circular paths along the inside of the cell membrane, relying on a functioning cell wall for movement. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention and could lead to urgently needed alternatives to antibiotics.
Scientists have described a chemical interaction vital to blood clotting in atomic detail, resolving a decades-long mystery. The interaction between a clotting factor and cell membrane was first observed using nanodiscs and advanced modeling techniques.
Three Virginia Tech researchers, T.M. Murali, Padma Rajagopalan, and Rich Helm, are developing innovative solutions to study inter-cellular signaling in complex environments. They aim to provide a comprehensive picture of how cells communicate to maintain their phenotypes and optimize functions.
Heparan sulfate on human cells modifies growth factor proteins' connection to cell surfaces. The structure and interaction of heparan sulfate chains with growth factors determine normal cell growth.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have developed a protein-based inhibitor that blocks HPV protein expression in cell culture, paving the way for a topical treatment. The inhibitor, E2R, prevents viral gene transcription and has shown promise against various strains of HPV, including high-risk and low-risk types.
Researchers will use cultivated and wild tomato species to determine specific genes controlling chemical evolution and plant metabolism. The goal is to understand how plants produce diverse compounds for survival in their environment.
Antifreeze proteins have been found to bind to ice crystals through a specific mechanism involving hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. This discovery may lead to the development of stronger, more versatile AFPs with commercial applications in various industries.
Job Dekker, an associate professor at UMass Medical School, has been awarded the Young Investigator Award by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He developed methods to analyze millions of chromosome interactions in parallel, opening a new field of study.
Gutierrez-Hartmann's efforts to encourage underrepresented minorities and mentor students have been recognized with the award. The ASBMB established the award to honor scientists who promote diversity in science.
Charles E. Chalfant, a researcher at Virginia Commonwealth University, has won the Avanti Young Investigator Award in Lipid Research for his groundbreaking studies on ceramide and ceramide-1-phosphate. He is recognized for his research productivity and emerging leadership in lipid research.
Cheryl A. Kerfeld, a structural biologist, has won the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education for her innovative approach to teaching genomics and bioinformatics. Her educational programs have been adopted by over 65 institutions, empowering undergraduate students to ann...
Melissa J. Moore, a professor at UMass Medical School, has been awarded the ASBMB's 2011 William C. Rose Award for her groundbreaking research on pre-mRNA processing and mRNA metabolism. She is also recognized for her exceptional mentorship and leadership skills.
Dozens of D.C.-area junior high science teachers will partner with college faculty to develop hands-on activities in biochemistry and molecular biology. The partnership aims to encourage students to pursue high-tech studies and careers, starting earlier in their education.
Researchers discuss recent developments in DNA replication, recombination, and repair, highlighting their importance in cancer development and gene therapy. The thematic program brings together experts to present discoveries on aberrant DNA repair, site-specific recombination, and genomic instability.
The Experimental Biology 2011 conference showcased cutting-edge research in biochemical battle of the bulge, DNA replication, and bone health. Researchers presented findings on obesity, cancer, and gene therapy, highlighting the importance of understanding cellular processes in disease prevention.
Johnson was chosen for pioneering site-specific incorporation of non-natural amino acids and biophysical fluorescence approaches to study complex molecular machines. His work remains the most powerful tools to study biochemical systems, emphasizing mentorship over enterprise.
Axel T. Brunger, a Stanford University professor, has been awarded the inaugural DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences for his work on structural biology and crystallographic refinement methods. The award recognizes his contributions to making computer technology accessible to the scientific community.
Experts at EB2011 discuss the links between metabolic function and disease onset, highlighting recent findings on mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic signal transduction. The meeting focuses on the biochemical reactions that sustain life and their impact on serious diseases.
Brown and Goldstein will present their award lecture on the SREBP pathway and its application to cholesterol regulation at Experimental Biology 2011. The pair's joint discoveries have placed them at the forefront of regulatory biochemistry, a field pioneered by Earl Stadtman.
Yusuf Hannun has pioneered the understanding of bioactive sphingolipids, a class of lipids regulating multiple cell functions. His research group is one of the best-funded lipid research groups in the US.
A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry suggests that vegans may be at higher risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis due to low levels of essential nutrients. Increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can help mitigate these risks, particularly through sources like salmon, walnuts, and fortified milk.
NYU School of Medicine researcher Cosimo Commisso will receive a grant to investigate the role of fluid uptake in pancreatic cancer cells. The goal is to understand how this process contributes to tumor development and identify potential targeting strategies.
Stark's contributions span biochemistry, gene regulation and cell signaling, influencing immunity and cancer research. He is recognized for developing Northern and Western techniques widely used in research and clinical applications.
A consortium of researchers has identified four new genes associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed over 54,000 individuals and found that these genes contribute to the disease by disrupting brain biochemistry. Understanding the role of these genes could lead to the development of new treat...
Dr. Jan-Åke Gustafsson leads a team to develop new methods for treating severe prostate cancer using plant-derived and synthetic chemicals. The team aims to create drugs that target new areas of the androgen signaling system, offering innovative approaches to slowing cancer growth.
Researchers at University of Minnesota develop technology to convert CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels using bacteria and sunlight, a potential solution to fossil fuel depletion and climate change. The process uses ketones produced by bacteria as feedstock for diesel fuel production.
Scientists at Notre Dame and Cornell have made a breakthrough in understanding the genetic disorder Niemann-Pick Type C, which affects brain cells and causes devastating symptoms. Using histone deacetylase inhibitors, researchers were able to correct the damage done by the genetic flaw and restore normal cell function.
Researchers found that MeSeCys killed more lung cancer cells than SeMet, which may explain conflicting results on selenium's health benefits. The study could provide insight into the chemopreventive properties of different selenium forms.
Researchers at Brandeis University have developed a method to study the splicing of pre-messenger RNA molecules using lasers and a custom microscope. This technique allows for the visualization of the spliceosome's assembly process in unprecedented detail, providing insights into the fundamental biology of protein synthesis.
Iowa State researchers have identified and described two parts of the three-part system that pumps toxins from bacteria and allows them to resist antibiotics. The discoveries provide novel insights into how the transporter functions and could lead to ways to block its activity, heightening bacteria's sensitivity to antibiotics.
A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry finds vegans at elevated risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis. Key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can mitigate this risk with dietary supplements or fortified foods.
Four Dartmouth professors, including three from Medical School, were elevated to AAAS Fellows for their outstanding work in protein trafficking, cholesterol metabolism, and bacterial secretory protein translocation. This recognition honors the individual and interdisciplinary achievements of these scientists at Dartmouth.
Researchers develop an online game, EteRNA, that uses crowdsourcing and game play to design and validate molecules of RNA. The game is integrated with Facebook and scores players based on how well their virtual designs can be rendered as physical molecules.
A Washington State University study found that whey-based protein supplements can significantly reduce elevated blood pressure, resulting in a more than six-point reduction in average blood pressure. The study's findings have practical implications for personal health and the dairy industry.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have adapted gene chip microarray technology to the study of glycans, using an approach called 'shotgun glycomics.' This technique allows for the separation and analysis of thousands of glycans, enabling researchers to test what sticks to them. The method has been used to identify a mo...