Scientists used Delta's GPU-based architecture to study the life cycle of the Hepatitis B virus, revealing how it binds human proteins called importins. The research provides a platform for developing inhibitors that could block this interaction and prevent the virus from accessing the nucleus.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's annual meeting features a stimulating group of high-profile speakers discussing various topics including climate change, microbial communities, and RNA regulation. The conference includes plenary sessions, award lectures, and other exciting events.
A team of researchers identified interactions between four compounds governing plant cellular processes in response to stress signals. Liquid-liquid phase separation plays a crucial role in coordinating cellular pathways, allowing plants to thrive and survive in adverse conditions.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has announced its 2024 class of 17 new fellows, who have demonstrated immense commitment to the society. The fellows will be recognized at ASBMB's annual meeting in San Antonio in March.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is offering complimentary press passes for its annual meeting, Discover BMB, taking place in San Antonio from March 23-26. Qualifying journalists can register to attend the event or access press materials electronically.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a molecular barcode system used by disease-causing bacteria to distinguish between beneficial and toxic molecules. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenicity, allowing for potential biotechnology applications to combat infectious diseases like tuber...
The study found that black spots in salmon fillets contain eumelanin, a type of melanin present in human hair and skin, while red spots do not detectably contain melanin. The discovery provides an important step towards understanding the cause of these unsightly spots.
A new algorithm, SIMSEF, significantly speeds up and simplifies the identification of chemicals in tissues, enabling researchers to confidently recognize and visualize their distribution in organs. This development has great implications for medical diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a genetic variant in the GIP receptor that may help individuals resist obesity. The variant enhances insulin release and glucose metabolism, allowing mice with the variant to process sugar more efficiently and stay leaner.
A new study reveals a nonenzymatic chemical network that could have produced pentoses on early Earth, providing clues about primitive biochemistry. The proposed pathway relies on chemical transformations reminiscent of the pentose phosphate pathway, bringing us closer to understanding the emergence of life.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.
Researchers studied shark and skate skin mucus to understand its unique biochemistry. They found a thin, neutral mucus layer with properties similar to human mucus, suggesting potential biomedical applications for wound care and treatment.
Researchers discovered a unique protein in bristle worms that distinguishes between sunlight and moonlight. The protein, L-Cry, disassembles under intense light and forms a stable connection in the dark.
Researchers have pinpointed the molecular mechanism by which a large portion of BRCA1 mutations cause cancers in women. The study found that the E3 ligase activity of BRCA1 is crucial in several stages of DNA repair and tumor suppression, reinterpreting previous findings.
A new approach allows researchers to create maps of coral biochemistry, detailing the distribution of compounds integral to reef health. This innovation provides unprecedented insight into coral resilience and potential stressors like warmer ocean temperatures and acidification.
A team at Osaka University used neutron crystallography to image the atom-by-atom structure of a copper amine oxidase enzyme, revealing unprecedented structural insights. The study provided details on the protonation/deprotonation state and motions of key cofactors, facilitating single-electron transfer.
The University of Texas at Arlington is leading a $3.2 million NSF grant to increase the number of underrepresented STEM faculty through mentoring advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. The project aims to deploy and refine tools to help underrepresented faculty succeed in academia.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new function of the key protein LSD1 that leads to cancer and other diseases. They found that degrading LSD1 rather than just short-circuiting its catalytic activity could be more effective in slowing or stopping cancer growth.
Researchers used DNA-PAINT to study base-stacking interactions in DNA strands, finding that adding one more interaction increases stability by up to 250 times. This information allowed them to design a highly efficient three-armed DNA nanostructure with potential biomedical applications.
A new study found that high-stress caregivers had higher klotho levels and longer telomeres in specific immune cells, which may provide protection against aging. In contrast, low-stress caregivers showed no significant associations between klotho levels and telomere length.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology named 2024 award winners, Tamás Balla and Margaret Phillips, who made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology. The recipients will give talks at the society’s annual meeting in March.
Researchers discovered a protein called TRPM4 that strongly signals the immune system to target and clean up dying cancer cells. This finding may enhance immunotherapies against solid tumors by promoting necrosis, a type of cell death that activates immune cells.
Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.
Researchers have created a biomedical compound that can block the interaction of metastasis-inducing protein S100A4 with its target inside the cell. The compound inhibits properties associated with metastasis at very low doses, showing potential therapeutic role in breast cancer treatment.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that contributes to genomic instability and birth defects. The study found that mice exposed to the protein experienced reduced fertility and increased birth defects, shedding light on potential cancer connections.
Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
A new AI tool, MAFDA, tracks individual fruit flies' complex behaviors and compares them with their genetic backgrounds. This enables researchers to study behavior genetics and gain insights into inherited traits.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a drug called DEQ that significantly reduces the ability of bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance. The study shows that DEQ works by slowing down genetic mutations in bacteria, thereby prolonging the effectiveness of antibiotics.
A review article proposes zero-waste methodologies to convert 100% of marine macroalgae (seaweed) into cosmetics ingredients using industrially available green technology. This enables the cosmetics industry to meet environmental sustainability and ESG requirements, while leveraging the potential of Brazilian seaweed.
A study has identified a potential treatment target for prostate cancer that is resistant to hormone therapy, a protein modification involving TRAF4. The researchers found that TRAF4 promotes the spread of cancer and may be associated with a new treatment option for patients.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have revealed the workings of a bacterial RNA riboswitch, a promising target for new antibiotics. The discovery uses a combination of biochemistry, structural biology and computational modeling to show how the riboswitch regulates transcriptional pausing.
A new study reveals the molecular mechanism behind bacterial DNA repair, showing that RNA polymerase plays a key role in identifying and fixing errors. Researchers found that RNaseHII cooperates with RNA polymerase to scan for misincorporated ribonucleotides in living bacterial cells.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRLs) are overexpressed in some cancers, making cells more metastatic and driving disease progression. The study sheds light on PRLs' role in binding magnesium transporters, a common pathway among all studied species.
Researchers found that certain soaps increased mosquito attractiveness while others decreased it, with coconut scented soap being the repellant. The study's findings have implications for disease prevention and could be expanded upon with further research.
Researchers deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus, identifying a target for antiviral drugs. The findings may lead to the creation of new antivirals effective against not only monkeypox but also COVID-19.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have determined the first cryo-EM structures of a surface receptor of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in complex with human complement factor C3. This discovery sheds light on how the parasite avoids clearance from the human bloodstream and survives within the immune system.
A team of researchers conducted the largest proteomic study on yeast cells to gain a detailed picture of previously unknown gene functions. The study revealed general principles governing protein expression and identified thousands of proteins with their biophysical properties.
Researchers identified potential neurological biomarkers of long COVID-19 in nonhuman primates, which could aid in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. The study found elevated proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A recent study revealed the key to a protein that commonly causes blindness, including its role in transporting toxic compounds out of the eye. Mutations in this protein can cause vision loss in diseases like Stargardt disease, which affects approximately 30,000 people nationwide.
Researchers discovered how aspirin reduces inflammation and its implications for cancer immunotherapies. Aspirin controls transcription factors and influences various inflammatory proteins, potentially paving the way for safer alternatives with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that cocklebur fruit extracts encouraged collagen production, sped wound healing, and exerted a protective effect against UVB radiation. However, high doses of the extract can be harmful and further research is needed to determine its safe use in cosmetic applications.
Researchers found that protein modifier SUMO plays a key role in cellular adaptation to simulated microgravity. The study identified 37 proteins that physically interact with SUMO, including those involved in DNA damage repair and energy production.
A new study suggests that acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a leading phthalate alternative, can disrupt neuron-like cells and interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons. The findings indicate that ATBC could harm brain development and health.
Researchers developed a new form of omega-3 fatty acid DHA that can cross into the retina, increasing retinal DHA content and preserving function. This approach overcomes previous barriers and shows promise for preventing Alzheimer's-related declines in visual function.
A new study found that specific biomarkers in blood can predict PTSD likelihood, diagnose disorder, or monitor treatment response. Researchers discovered four biomarkers with significant differences between those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD and those with high resilience.
A global analysis of coronavirus protein research found that countries with larger economies generated more 3D structure determinations for the protein components of coronaviruses. However, there were many outliers, with some advanced and prosperous countries publishing few or no structures, while others strongly affected by COVID-19 p...
Scientists have identified a compound that prevents C. difficile infection caused by multiple strains of the bacterium, including those causing serious illness. Researchers are now developing new drug candidates to prevent serious C. diff infections in people. The research also explores how diet and sex affect C. diff infection severity.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells' glycocalyx thickness affects immune cell evasion and engineered immune cells work better with thinner barriers. They also developed special enzymes to overcome the barrier, potentially improving immunotherapies.
A new study found that eating walnuts may alter the mix of gut microbes in a way that increases the body's production of amino acid L-homoarginine, which has been linked to lower cardiovascular risk. Researchers also discovered higher levels of certain bacteria in the gut of participants on the walnut diet.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is pleased to announce the availability of Discover BMB 2023 press materials. The meeting features groundbreaking research on various topics, including a new form of omega-3 that may prevent visual decline with Alzheimer's disease and markers of PTSD in the blood. Addi...
A study reveals an extremely long tail on a bacteriophage that allows it to infect tough bacteria in hot springs. The 'Rapunzel' virus has a nearly 1-micrometer-long tail and uses a unique 'ball and socket' mechanism for stability.
Researchers found that Fumarate Hydratase is repressed in macrophages, leading to the release of cytokines and worsening inflammation. Restoring or targeting this enzyme could lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies for diseases like Lupus and sepsis.
A new generation of software, MZmine 3, enables scientists to analyze large volumes of data from mass spectrometry, tracing hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds. This breakthrough accelerates data processing and opens up opportunities for researchers to investigate disease causes and mechanisms.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting will explore cutting-edge approaches in biochemistry and molecular biology. Leading experts will discuss the latest discoveries and advancements in fields such as AI, RNA regulation, and carbohydrates in health and disease.
A new UNCG study confirms that SARS-CoV-2 destroys the antioxidant activity of key human selenoproteins, weakening immunity and enabling virus replication. The findings suggest investigating selenium supplementation and dietary sulfur compounds as potential symptomatic treatments for COVID patients.
Researchers found that cholesterol increases the toxicity of a peptide implicated in Alzheimer's progression, altering its secondary structure and forming small, toxic clusters called oligomers. A diet rich in cholesterol may contribute to Alzheimer's disease development by changing the lipid composition of neuronal membranes.
Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a new treatment that blocks anaphylaxis caused by peanut allergies, potentially saving lives. The covalent heterobivalent inhibitor (cHBI) was tested in animal models and showed promise in preventing allergic reactions for over two weeks.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that a fish oil derivative called DHEA can reduce inflammation and disease severity in mice with multiple sclerosis. By supplementing the diet of mice with DHEA, researchers noticed a decrease in MS-like disease symptoms and an improvement in the immune system's response.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is hosting its annual meeting, #DiscoverBMB, featuring award lectures by high-profile speakers. The event will take place March 25-28 in Seattle, with topics including quorum sensing and developmental mechanisms in African Trypanosomes and precision oncology.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed computer models to determine a drug candidate's binding affinity to proteins. The models use computational physics and experimental data to estimate the effective energy of the ligand at every grid point, allowing for accurate estimation of binding affinity.