Researchers found that BPA can mimic estrogen's actions in developing neurons, leading to potential harm to the brain. The study suggests that even low concentrations of BPA may be hazardous, as they are comparable to human fetal exposures and water supply levels.
Students created living bacterial photographs by projecting light onto genetically engineered E. coli bacteria, which produced pigments based on light exposure. This innovative technology has potential applications in fields such as medical treatments and tissue engineering.
Brandeis will develop a program in quantitative biology to understand biological functions. The university will hire a new faculty member and provide funding for courses, seminars, and instrumentation.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a new enzyme that can break down chloroacrylate pesticide residue in just 10,000 years, significantly longer than other environmental pollutants. This enzyme is found in bacteria that thrive on the pesticide and has implications for designing more efficient enzymes.
Researchers found that a protein called CPSF73 is necessary for producing mRNA needed to create histone proteins, which combine with DNA to form chromosomes. This discovery provides a unified mechanism for synthesizing all messenger RNAs.
The USC TREC Center will investigate how to prevent cancer by controlling obesity in children and adolescents, with a focus on high-risk ethnic groups.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identify a new way cells replicate through damaged DNA by using the protein Rev1 as a template. This discovery opens up a new area of study with potential innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that the antibody prevents the virus from rearranging its protein envelope after entering host cells, blocking infection. The study also uncovered a theory called antibody-dependent enhancement, which may help explain why some antibodies are ineffective against certain viruses.
Researchers found that abnormally long glutamine tracts in proteins can cause nerve cells to deteriorate and die. The study suggests that understanding the molecular mechanism behind polyglutamine diseases may lead to the development of new treatments, including small molecule drugs.
The study reveals the malaria parasite's release mechanism from infected red blood cells, contradicting previous theories. The findings provide new insights into the disease and its potential targets for treatment.
Researchers have discovered how defensins and mannan-binding lectin can prevent viruses from entering cells. Defensins block the influenza virus entry into cells by preventing membrane fusion, while mannan-binding lectin works in a similar way. These findings may lead to new strategies for preventing viral diseases.
A University of Kentucky professor has received the prestigious Young Investigators Award in recognition of their groundbreaking work in biophysics. The award honors their dedication to advancing the field through innovative research and contributions.
Destabilization of microtubules interferes with NMDA receptor action, affecting cognition and emotion. Dysfunction of this regulation may provide a potential mechanism underlying many mental disorders.
Researchers at UCLA and NIH have discovered a new compound that can block viruses from entering cells, providing potential relief for conditions like HIV, herpes, and the flu. The compound also shows promise in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that estrogen reduces levels of a crucial nuclear receptor corepressor, N-CoR, leading to increased breast cancer cell growth. The anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen can facilitate recovery of N-CoR, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for its use.
Researchers aim to build a computer model of gene and protein function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a single-celled fungus with human-like genetic traits. The project uses a unique 'genomic yeast library' to determine protein function and potentially develop new treatments for diseases.
A UCSF study has identified a signaling system composed of several genes as crucial for maintaining the stability of the nervous system. The research, led by Graeme Davis and Benjamin Eaton, found that a cytoplasmic enzyme called LIM Kinase1 is essential for stabilizing synaptic connections in fruit flies.
A new study confirms that APOBEC-3G edits the HIV genetic code, preventing viral reproduction. Higher levels of A3G are associated with lower HIV viral levels and higher CD4 T cell counts in patients. This discovery holds promise for a novel approach to fight HIV.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that humans can reliably discern the source of an odor when presented with it through one nostril. The brain's primary olfactory cortex is divided into separate areas for each nostril, allowing for accurate localization. This ability has implications for various fields, including truffle hunting.
A recent study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has identified a key protein, Upf1, that regulates histone production during cell division. The research suggests that an imbalance in DNA and histone production is lethal for cells and may be crucial in understanding tumor growth.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified microtubules as a critical target for treating Parkinson's disease, which is caused by damage to these intracellular highways. The study found that protecting microtubules can prevent the toxic effects of rotenone on dopamine-producing neurons.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that aquaporin channels are narrower for water than glycerol, allowing only water to pass. This discovery could lead to new drug targets for treating diseases related to impaired aquaporin function.
The W.M. Keck Foundation has awarded a total of $25 million to 10 young scientists for groundbreaking research on human disease mechanisms. The recipients include Dr. Lu Chen, who aims to create functional synapses to reverse age-related cognitive decline.
Recent studies suggest that multiple rare mutations within a single gene may increase risk for autism. The SERT gene regulates brain levels of serotonin, which is involved in various biological processes and has been found to be elevated in about 25% of people with autism. SSRIs have improved some symptoms, leading scientists to propos...
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have designed a new version of factor VIII that doubles its ability to bind with factor IX, potentially reducing costs and immune reactions. The redesigned protein accelerates blood clotting, offering a promising alternative for next-generation hemophilia treatment.
Researchers discovered that bound NADH molecules rotate more slowly, affecting fluorescence levels in diagnostic tests. This finding resolves long-standing inconsistencies and enables better interpretation of quantitative data from diagnostic techniques.
The Protein Structure Initiative aims to determine protein structures to reveal their roles in health and disease. Columbia researchers will contribute to three centers, focusing on membrane proteins and cancer-related proteins.
Researchers found that taking pioglitazone for three years significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women who had previously had gestational diabetes. This is promising news for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, as it may help stabilize beta-cell function.
In a study published in Psychophysiology, researchers found that humans display decreased balance control and increased muscle stiffness when viewing unpleasant images, mirroring the behavior of deer in a threatening situation. This phenomenon is linked to neural circuits promoting defensive survival and is observed in various species.
Researchers found that removing the spleen and suppressing related factors can prolong survival in mice with leukemia. The study suggests a potential treatment model for human hematological malignancies, but further research is needed.
A team of researchers has created simple structural models for over 600 Escherichia coli membrane proteins using a combination of experimental techniques and theoretical methods. The study reveals which membrane proteins can be produced in large quantities by the bacterium, crucial information for drug development.
The NSF grant supports a research experience program for underrepresented students in molecular biosciences. Participants will conduct mentored research projects and attend faculty talks on scientific ethics.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a new understanding of the molecular structure and function of MsbA, a key player in drug resistance. The team used spin labeling to create a dynamic model of the protein, revealing its mechanism of action and opening and closing processes.
Researchers at Oregon State University have used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of nearly all possible sequences of a macromolecule, creating a map of DNA structure. This breakthrough should fundamentally improve our understanding of genetic function and biological processes.
Georgetown University is helping create a national cancer biomedical informatics grid to link research centers in real time, sharing data and results more rapidly. The $20 million grant aims to improve cancer research and treatment through the adoption of common research tools.
Researchers have discovered that the enzyme hDOT1L activates a key set of genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leading to unrestrained growth and a hallmark of the disease. The study suggests that targeting hDOT1L could be a promising approach for treating AML, particularly in cases where patients carry specific genetic mutations.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a key mechanism behind antibiotic resistance in bacteria. By analyzing the structural changes caused by a single nucleotide mutation, they found that this alteration reduces the ability of antibiotics to bind to ribosomes, allowing resistant bacteria to rapidly cause infections.
A breakthrough in gene therapy has successfully corrected hemophilia in laboratory animals by producing a normal level of clotting factor activity and preventing bleeding incidents.
A Georgetown University researcher reveals hidden sponsorship of articles and lectures in medical journals, compromising patient care. A public database is needed to disclose conflicts of interest.
The new technique improves specificity of human estrogen receptor alpha by 100 million times, allowing for targeted activation or deactivation of genes in living systems. This breakthrough could lead to advances in gene therapy, metabolic engineering, and animal disease model studies.
Researchers found that bacterial lineages can be traced despite widespread gene-swapping, which affects medicine and treatment. The study also identifies common genetic material transmission mechanisms.
Researchers at U Iowa have made significant breakthroughs in treating Huntington's disease by reducing protein levels in genetically engineered mice. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates the effectiveness of RNA interference in improving HD-like symptoms in a mouse model.
Scientists have identified a potential new treatment for structural heart disease by blocking the activity of a protein called CaM kinase. The findings suggest that inhibiting this protein may prevent or reduce symptoms associated with structural heart disease, including electrical instability and mechanical dysfunction.
Scientists have found that functional forms of missing tRNA genes can be created by copying from distant DNA sequences and joining them. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of extremophiles in the Archaea kingdom.
A novel sensor has been developed to measure tiny changes in cell volume, providing real-time results for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The technology, known as 'cell volume cytometry,' is highly sensitive and can detect changes in cell dimensions never seen before in living cells.
Lynne E. Maquat and her team identified a novel pathway for regulating RNA degradation, called Staufen1-mediated degradation (SMD). This mechanism affects numerous transcripts and is a new form of gene regulation. SMD activity may be regulated by cell signaling pathways.
A defect in neuroligin genes disrupts neuronal connections and results in an imbalance of neuronal function, providing a possible explanation for autistic children's neurodevelopmental defects. Understanding this cellular defect is crucial towards developing therapies for autism-spectrum disorders.
The University of Arizona will collaborate with IBM to build a massive storage environment for diverse types of life sciences data, including MRI images and genomic sequences. The project aims to scale to petabytes of data and enable researchers to manage, integrate, and access their digital assets.
Researchers found that mutated parkin genes combined with rotenone damage microtubules, disrupting dopamine transport and causing free radical release. This study may lead to novel therapies for Parkinson's disease by stabilizing microtubules against pesticide toxins.
Researchers developed a real-time patient dose-tracking system to prevent radiation-induced skin injuries. The system tracks radiation exposure on the skin, providing physicians with real-time visual feedback to adjust and minimize the risk of burns.
A new gene therapy has successfully corrected the genetic defect responsible for Fabry disease in mice, producing a sustained level of enzyme activity and reducing fat buildup in target organs. The treatment, administered shortly after birth, could potentially lead to a one-time treatment option for humans.
A team of scientists from various universities is investigating the early mechanisms responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They aim to understand how changes in the muscle cell membrane affect signaling and lead to muscle contraction weakness.
A multi-disciplinary team at SUNY Buffalo designed fibrin gel matrix-based vessel ready for test transplantation after only two weeks in culture, exhibiting remarkable remodeling and physiological levels of blood flow. The study holds significant promise for treatment of vascular disease and as a model system to address questions with ...
Researchers have discovered that actin acts as a binding protein in the nucleus, recruiting other proteins to facilitate DNA transcription. This process is crucial for cellular activity and understanding its dysregulation is essential for developing new treatments for diseases like cancer.
Researchers aim to overcome technical hurdles in new gene sequencing technology that could make genetic medicine possible with rapid, accurate, and low-cost sequencing of single DNA molecules. The method uses Atomic Force Microscopy and cyclodextrin molecules to read the sequence of amino acid code in the human genome.
Researchers discovered a molecule that brings DNA polymerase alpha to replication sites, and it stabilizes the complex. This finding suggests that targeting Mcm10 may prevent cancer cells from multiplying.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill develop new technique to trap single water molecule inside protein molecule using mass spectrometry, improving inhibitor molecules for cancer treatment. The discovery may lead to more effective combination therapies with anti-cancer agents like cytarabine.
Rutgers University has been awarded two major NIH Roadmap grants to support the training of graduate students in proteomics and develop computational tools for understanding molecular biology. The grants aim to foster interdisciplinary research and address pressing challenges in biomedical research.
Research by FSU scientist Cathy Levenson reveals that dietary iron imbalances trigger a chain of cellular events increasing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Excessive iron levels precipitate symptoms in healthy mice, while low levels delay onset and slow disease progression in those already infected.
Scientists at UNC have discovered a basic mechanism in cell growth control involving damaged DNA, pointing to a potential target for drug development. The study found that the cellular enzyme family Cullin4 plays a crucial role in preventing replication of damaged genomic material.