Current Plant Biology publishes articles on interdisciplinary plant science research, combining physics, mathematics, and chemistry disciplines. The journal aims to facilitate the growth of quantitative, interdisciplinary plant biology by publishing work openly and sharing research datasets.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that herbivores have a greater number of Tas2r bitter taste receptor genes than omnivores and carnivores. The researchers correlated the Tas2r gene repertoire with dietary compositions, revealing a significant relationship between plant diet fraction and Tas2r gene number.
The Synthetic Biology Project at Woodrow Wilson International Center has been awarded a €4 million EU grant to foster responsible governance of synthetic biology. The project aims to initiate mutual learning among stakeholders from science, industry, and civil society.
A study led by UC San Diego scientists reveals a new way in which RNA-binding proteins govern regulated gene expression, expanding potential targets for therapies. The discovery challenges existing models and has implications for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and certain cancers.
Berkeley Lab researchers design a programmable nanomaterial inspired by natural antibodies, capable of identifying diverse molecules. The new material resembles 'molecular Velcro' and has promising applications in chemical sensing and catalysis.
Researchers at UCI found that cells from a transplanted limb acquire the molecular 'fingerprint' of their new location, allowing them to transform into cells with the signature of the region they're grafted onto. This ability, called positional plasticity, has implications for regenerative therapies and cancer biology.
Two pioneering online biology video sites have merged to create a new platform offering world-class biologist videos for free. The new site features an expanded 'iBioEducation' section with microscopy courses, lecture series, and assessments for educators, reaching over 1.4 million views across 180 countries.
Plant genes called expansins were transferred from plants to bacteria, fungi, and amoeba, allowing them to weaken plant cell walls and colonize roots. This unique case suggests that rare gene transfers have contributed significantly to the evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species.
Scientists have developed a novel software tool, Molecular Control Toolkit, allowing researchers to intuitively control 3D molecular graphics using gestures and voice commands. This innovation enables life scientists to visualize complex molecule structures more easily, model behavior, and design better drugs.
A recent molecular biology study suggests a significant reduction in population sizes of common ancestors of humans and chimpanzees, from 1.2 million to 30,000, coinciding with a great ape ancestral migration event from Eurasia to Africa.
Researchers have identified molecular profiles of tumors with unknown primary sites, allowing for more effective treatment and improved survival rates. The study found that the biology of the tumor is more important than its primary site in determining treatment effectiveness.
The researchers validated 1,799 sites and predicted an additional 1,782 sites, resulting in a combined list of 3,581 accurate sites. The team gained insights into the model organism's fundamental biology, including patterns of editing and alternative splicing.
The Sociogenomics Initiative RCN will bring together researchers from prominent US and Canadian universities to study the genomic mechanisms underlying social behavior. The network aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of social behavior in molecular terms through large-scale collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches.
Researchers have identified a genetic deficiency linked to autism that impairs neuronal growth and connectivity. By compensating for the deficient molecular mechanisms, they found that growth could be restored, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Cardiac muscle cells can be purified using molecular beacons, enabling their use in treating heart diseases. The technique has broad applications across regenerative medicine.
Researchers have created a protein molecule that can be programmed to unite with three different steroids, opening up possibilities for biosensors, molecular sponges, and synthetic biology. The breakthrough could lead to detection of biomolecules in early-stage cancer and treatment of overdoses.
Dartmouth researchers have developed a pH-activated molecular switch that controls the assembly of a commercially available liquid crystal, changing its readout color from purple to green. This technology may help detect harmful gases, pathogens, and explosives.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies key molecular pathways leading to late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights several new potential drug targets, including SV2A and RFN219, which are involved in the processing and trafficking of amyloid precursor protein.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University created an artificial cellular system with varying levels of molecular crowding to study its effects on gene expression. The findings suggest that tight quarters enhance gene expression in artificial cells.
Researchers have captured a key step in the molecular 'dance' necessary for cell division by imaging the enzyme that unwinds DNA double helices. The study reveals how this enzyme recruits and interacts with the origin recognition complex, enhancing understanding of essential biological processes.
A Danish team of chemists has successfully created the world's smallest transistor using a single layer of graphene, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electronic devices. The breakthrough uses precise placement of molecules to test their functionality, significantly improving testing efficiency.
Scientists from the University of New Hampshire and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center explain how energetic particles create molecular hydrogen from water ice on the moon. They used data gathered by the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation to show that up to 100% of the H2 can be formed via charged particles.
A new study suggests that performance in foundational biology courses is a strong predictor of performance in high-level animal science courses. Students who take genetics as sophomores and juniors tend to perform well, while those who wait too long may struggle with advanced courses.
The Institute for Genomic Biology will develop foundational synthetic biology technologies and computational platforms for genetic modification of plants and animals. The grant aims to address grand challenges in human health and environmental sustainability, with potential applications in crop yields and disease treatment.
A recent IRB study published in Chemistry and Biology has identified 1,162 side effects caused by drugs, with molecular descriptions for 446 cases explained solely by biology and 68 by chemistry. The research provides a list of
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has developed a guideline for molecular testing in lung cancer, recommending testing for EGFR and ALK abnormalities in all patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. This approach provides individualized treatment options and improved quality of life for patients.
The rapid development of synthetic biology presents new dialogue opportunities between conservation and synthetic biology communities to address ecological and ethical concerns. The authors highlight five emerging issues requiring discussion, including potential impacts on biodiversity and conservation strategies.
Dr. Eric Olson, a UTSW molecular biologist, has won the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for his research on heart development and regeneration. His work has led to new insights into congenital heart disease and muscle dysfunction, with several drugs under study.
Dr. Eric N. Olson has discovered pivotal genes and regulatory pathways governing the development, disease, and regeneration of the heart and other muscles. His research offers hope for prevention and treatments for some of the most serious birth defects.
Researchers at CNIO have developed new computational methods to study the evolution of proteins and their interactions. These methods enable predictions of molecular relationships and structural changes, with potential applications in cancer treatment and drug development.
A UNC-led team has identified four molecular classes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with limited information on its molecular profile. The study confirms the presence of these subtypes and demonstrates their clinical relevance, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have discovered a molecular pathway contributing to triple-negative breast cancer and identified vitamin D as a possible new therapy. They also found three biomarkers to identify patients who could benefit from treatment, which may lead to less toxic therapeutic strategies.
The machine, inspired by natural ribosomes, can synthesize complex molecules in a synthetic process, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other industries. While still inefficient compared to natural ribosomes, the machine's development marks an important step towards more efficient manufacturing processes.
Women leave academia at higher rates than men in biology due to intense competition for tenure-track positions, particularly when they have children. In contrast, medicine's earlier competition period may contribute to lower attrition rates among women scientists.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a molecular compound called CLR01 that breaks up toxic protein aggregations in a mouse model, clearing amyloid-beta and tau aggregates and protecting neurons' synapses. The compound has shown high safety and efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a genetic sequence that can alter its host gene's activity in response to cellular energy levels, a finding that could have broad implications for biology and medicine. The energy-sensing switch, known as a riboswitch, detects the molecule ATP and controls global metabolic regul...
The Cancer Genome Atlas study identifies four main breast cancer subtypes defined by PAM50, with diverse genetic and epigenetic alterations converging into these phenotypes. The study's findings advance understanding of breast cancer biology and support the use of PAM50 as a gold standard for categorizing breast cancer by subtype.
A partnership between San Francisco State University and Bay Area community college biology instructors aims to refine their teaching through scientific research, collecting evidence from students to improve instruction. The goal is to increase student engagement in science and successful transitions to four-year colleges.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe molecular bonding, enabling predictions of binding free energy and resolving past inconsistencies. The new model provides a clear means for measuring this key parameter, critical for understanding material interactions.
Molecular biologists at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered that DEAD-box proteins, ancient enzymes found in all forms of life, function as recycling 'nanopistons' to unwind RNA. This mechanism has implications for treating cancer and viruses in humans.
Researchers have validated a radiosensitivity molecular signature that can predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. The technology, called RSI, identifies radiosensitivity and radioresistance, opening the door to biologically guided radiation therapy.
The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.
Researchers have identified sphingosine kinase as a key player in promoting resistance to breast cancer therapies, such as tamoxifen. Targeted inhibition of SK has shown potential in inducing cell death and blocking tumor growth in drug-resistant models.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a method to model an organism's metabolism and gene expression simultaneously. The technology enables detailed calculations of the total cost of synthesizing chemicals, including biofuels, by accounting for material and energy requirements.
A new Weizmann Institute-led study identifies a potential molecular mechanism behind the link between cancer and faulty stem cell differentiation. The researchers discovered that the tagging of DNA pieces with ubiquitin is crucial for proper stem cell differentiation, and disruptions in this process can lead to cancer.
Researchers at UCLA found that glucose starvation activates a metabolic and signaling amplification loop that leads to cancer cell death. The discovery reveals the power of systems biology in uncovering relationships between metabolism and signaling.
LaJoyce Debro has made significant contributions to fostering research training among underrepresented minorities in microbiology. She is recognized for her dedication to mentoring students and promoting diversity in scientific careers.
AIBS awarded Dr. Barbara Schaal for pioneering plant molecular systematics and conservation biology research. Dr. Thomas Lovejoy received the Outstanding Service Award for his biodiversity conservation work. Dr. Diane Ebert-May was honored for her innovative teaching approaches and science education research.
The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at UC Santa Barbara has received two new grants to advance its interdisciplinary biology initiatives. The grants, totaling $2 million, will support workshops, postdoctoral fellowships, and a new summer program aimed at the interface of physics and biology.
Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a 'transformer' protein that allows cells to create vesicles of different shapes and sizes by changing the shape of individual building blocks. This breakthrough provides new insights into the structure and function of COPI protein-coated vesicles.
The San Francisco State University Department of Biology has received a $1.5 million grant to support faculty-led improvements in undergraduate science education. The Biology Faculty Explorations in Scientific Teaching (FEST) program aims to refine teaching skills and assess student learning through evidence-based methods.
A UNC-led team discovers that lung cancer molecular subtypes correlate with distinct genetic alterations and patient response to therapy. The study refines their previous report on three molecular subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer, suggesting new avenues for targeted treatment.
A Tulane research team found that applying high levels of oxygen to a severed bone facilitates bone regrowth, particularly when applied at the right time. This discovery may one day benefit injured soldiers, diabetics, and other accident victims with partial limb regeneration.
A biochemist is presenting his approach to making science accessible to non-science majors through a cooking class. The class combines food preparation with scientific experiments, allowing students to explore the intersection of chemistry and biology in real-world applications.
Research discovered a protein complex called the Translocation and Assembly Module (TAM), which forms a molecular pump allowing bacteria to shuttle disease-causing molecules from inside to outside the bacterial cell. This finding paves the way for designing new drugs that inhibit this process, potentially preventing antibiotic resistance.
The Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded five research scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute with prestigious accolades. The institute's director, Professor Doug Hilton, received the Lemberg Medal for his seminal contributions to blood cell production research.
The TARA OCEANS expedition mapped marine biodiversity across the world's oceans, understanding how microscopic organisms interact with their environment. The project aims to build a global systems biology map of these interactions, using advanced DNA sequencing and microscopy techniques.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have found a molecular mechanism that controls the transition of Candida albicans from yeast to fungus under elevated temperatures. This new pathway highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth and provides a potential target for drug therapies.
The journal will publish all future articles under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License, allowing non-commercial use and citation. This conversion enables wider dissemination of biomedical research and accelerates discovery.
Synthetic biology faces significant environmental risks if not addressed proactively. The authors propose four areas of focus: physiology differences, escaped organisms' impact, evolution, and genetic material exchange. Interdisciplinary research is crucial to mitigate these risks.