Plant biochemists have discovered a new level of regulation in the biochemical machinery that plants use to convert organic carbon into aromatic compounds. The research reveals new strategies for controlling plant biochemistry, including genetic tools to precisely control which compounds get produced in different parts of a plant.
Complimentary press passes are now available for Discover BMB, featuring leading experts and the latest advances in molecular life science. Qualifying journalists can register online to attend the March 25-28 event.
Researchers found that cells exchanging amino acids and glycerol with each other lived up to 25% longer. The study suggests this collaborative exchange extends the lifespan of cells within a community as a whole.
Researchers discovered a molecular 'clamping' mechanism within a male-specific protein-DNA complex that exploits a water molecule to stabilize the complex and enable sex reversal. The study sheds light on Swyer Syndrome, a condition where children with XY chromosomes develop female bodies.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that breast cancer cells use complex immune-modulatory programs to evade immune clearance, leading to treatment resistance. They identified 16 immune checkpoint genes and found that chemotherapy triggers a program of immune checkpoints that shield cancer cells from different lines of attack.
Researchers successfully reconstructed a two-billion-year-old enzyme, shedding light on an ancient evolutionary mechanism that enables modern enzymes to work efficiently despite interruptions. The study reveals the ancestral enzyme is processive, removing correctly added nucleotide building blocks, and shows how bioinformatics and bioc...
Researchers from University of Cologne and Technical University of Munich discovered that the signal peptidase complex plays a crucial role in quality control of membrane proteins. The complex cleaves faulty membrane proteins to initiate their degradation, maintaining cellular function. This discovery has important implications for und...
Researchers developed an integrated approach to accelerate drug discovery by combining complex datasets from two screening platforms and next-generation metabolomics analysis. The new framework identified known compounds, confirmed mechanisms of action, and discovered novel compounds with unique biological signatures.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
A new method of modifying our immune system has been demonstrated in a study published in Advanced Science, which could help treat skin cancer.
The researchers developed an extreme wettability surface that enables controlled evaporation, directional bouncing, and transport of droplets on it. The surface can be used to study biochemistry, microfluidic systems, cell culture, and energy harvesting and utilization.
Virginia Tech researchers found that a common oral bacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum, drives pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration. The bacterium can infect normal pancreatic tissue cells, stimulating nearby cancer cells to grow and spread rapidly.
Researchers developed a novel method to evaluate how mutations in the N protein impact rapid antigen tests' ability to detect antibodies. The study found that most major past and present variants of concern do not contain mutations affecting test performance, but some sequences could impact detection.
John Barrows, a postdoctoral researcher at Kennesaw State University, has earned a two-year NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship grant worth $138,000 to study DNA-binding proteins within bacteria. The funding will enable further research and mentoring of undergraduates in the lab.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a previously unknown bacteria-killing toxin that targets essential RNA molecules in other bacteria. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics by exploiting this vulnerability.
Biochemists have discovered that glutathione, an antioxidant, plays a crucial role in moving iron-sulfur cofactors across cell membranes. This finding could lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases caused by impaired iron metabolism, such as Friedreich's ataxia.
Researchers at Washington University have developed a hydrogel system that preserves biochemistry and mechanical environments of cultured podocyte cells. This allows researchers to identify new ways to control mechanisms used by cells to heal themselves, potentially leading to therapies for currently incurable diseases.
A new study suggests that current vaccine boosters intensify protections against serious infection caused by Omicron subvariants. The research found that booster doses bring neutralizing antibodies to appreciable levels against all Omicron subvariants, consistent with other evidence of expanded memory B cells and antibody production.
Researchers created an atomic-level computational model of the COVID-19 spike protein, finding that human cell modifications increase its flexibility and mobility. The study suggests that these modifications can enhance virus infectivity and immune avoidance.
Researchers from PSI, EPFL, and the University of Geneva developed a new method to distinguish between mirror-image molecules using helical dichroism. This approach provides stronger signals compared to circular dichroism (CD), which is widely used but has weak signals suitable only for gas-phase samples.
The CUNY Graduate Center's Nanoscience Connected to Life program will prepare diverse Ph.D. students for careers in biotech, clean energy, and other areas benefiting from bioinspired nanoscience. The $3 million NSF grant will fund dissertation research mentoring by faculty from multiple disciplines.
Scientists develop nanoparticles that break down physical barriers around tumors to reach cancer cells, releasing gene editing systems like CRISPR-Cas9. The new therapy effectively stops ovarian and liver tumor growth in mice.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has honored 14 scientists with its annual awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the field. The recipients will give award lectures at the society's annual meeting in March, and each award includes a cash prize, plaque, and transportation expenses.
Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...
A new study published in Nature Communications found that life cannot explain the composition of Venus' atmosphere. The researchers used a combination of biochemistry and atmospheric chemistry to test the 'life in the clouds' hypothesis, but their results showed no evidence of chemical fingerprints from life forms on Venus.
Ten early-career scientists from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay will receive grants to advance their research by working in US labs. The recipients include Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows who will collaborate with renowned researchers in various fields of biomedical research.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that the structure of DNA storage in archaea affects its evolution rate. The study discovered that compacted DNA compartments change at a faster rate than less compacted ones. This discovery has potential impacts on research on genetic diseases like cancer.
A team of scientists from the University of Bristol has identified a host cell pathway hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, allowing it to penetrate human cells. The study found that removing a protein complex called ESCPE-1 blocks COVID-19 infection by around 50%.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to alter the type of synapses between brain cells using enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for brain disorders caused by faulty synaptic information processing and exchange.
Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.
Scientists employed artificial intelligence to determine the 3D structure of the VP8* B domain in group B rotavirus, a crucial step towards understanding its interaction with host cells and developing new treatments. The newly described structure reveals unique sugar recognition capabilities, distinct from other rotaviruses.
A Texas A&M AgriLife team has described several protein structures of the C1 domain of protein kinase C, providing a reliable guide for designing drug candidates. The research sheds light on how C1 domains bind ligands and could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, AIDS, and cancer.
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
A team of researchers at UC Riverside has discovered that a protein complex called CAF-1 controls genome organization to maintain lineage fidelity in blood stem cells. The study found that CAF-1 keeps specific genomic sites compacted and inaccessible to transcription factors, ensuring the expression of lineage-specific genes.
Researchers unlocked the structure of an enzyme that regulates plant growth in response to strigolactone hormone. The enzyme, MAX2, targets repressor proteins for destruction when it's unlocked, allowing genes to be expressed and activating various growth processes. This discovery sheds light on how plants adapt to their environment.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a machine-learning model that can predict which pathogens antibodies will target, with an accuracy rate of over 85%. The model uses genetic sequences of antibodies to differentiate between influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Matthias Mann, Director of Proteomics and Signal Transduction at Max Planck Institute, presents latest research on Single cell and Deep Visual Proteomics for precision medicine. The conference focuses on accelerating aging research and discovery, with top-level speakers sharing groundbreaking research.
Dr. Tim R Peterson's research explores the molecular cause-and-effect between infectious disease and aging, identifying a shared biochemistry that drives senescent cell formation. The presentation highlights potential applications of FDA-approved drugs in developing novel senolytics.
University of Ottawa scientists, collaborating with Yale researchers, have discovered the hidden influence of a single variation between histone H3.1 and H3.3 proteins. This finding could expand our understanding of DNA damage repair and its role in diseases like cancers and sponastrine dysplasia.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have found that an enzyme called ART1 can modify a receptor on tumor-fighting immune cells, triggering their death. Blocking ART1 increased the presence of these immune cells within tumors and slowed or stopped tumor growth in animal models.
Researchers at Clemson University have identified a genetic variation associated with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) in German shepherd dogs, which is often fatal if left untreated. A genetic test using melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 and dog's sex can predict the risk of CIM with 75% accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a new twist on the 80-year-old Krebs cycle, which allows cells to use carbons in sugar to build important molecules like lipids. This alternate version of the TCA cycle takes place partly in mitochondria and partly in cytosol, and is associated with changes in cell identity.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry have discovered a new subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by high amounts of mitochondrial proteins and altered mitochondrial metabolism. This subtype, called Mito-AML, shows clinical resistance to chemotherapy and can be effectively combated with inhibitors again...
Researchers at the University of Washington developed an AI-designed protein that can awaken individual dormant genes by disabling chemical 'off switches'. This approach allows for safe upregulation of specific genes to affect cell activity without permanently changing the genome.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified Itaconate as a potential therapeutic target for severe asthma. The discovery could pave the way for effective new treatments, especially in children, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
Scientists identified 16 compounds that affect SARS-CoV-2 enzymes Mpro and PLpro, which are essential for viral replication. The team found that combining Mpro and PLpro inhibitors has an additive antiviral effect, providing greater inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These findings offer hope for developing new COVID-19 treatments t...
Researchers discovered that obesity causes macrophages to become senescent, leading to fibrosis and accelerating cellular aging in fat. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating obesity-related complications.
A team of scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and the Max Planck Institute discovered the essential final step in mRNA production. The process involves 16 proteins that precisely control the structure of mRNA, which determines protein function and disease risk.
Researchers found that the immune system helps produce ketone bodies, which energize the brain and body, even in healthy individuals. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system maintains bodily equilibrium.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the ancestors of Legionella bacteria infected eukaryotic cells around 2 billion years ago. This finding challenges the chicken-or-egg debate about which came first, phagocytosis or mitochondria evolution.
Researchers led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski create two-photon excited fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TPEF-SLO) to observe molecules supporting visual pigments in retinal cells in real-time. The device allows for non-invasive assessment of metabolic processes and biochemical markers, leading to new insights into eye diseases.
Researchers at WVU are studying the Musashi proteins to understand their role in retinal degeneration and develop a universal therapy. By investigating protein translation and gene suppression, they hope to identify potential pathways to boost protein production and slow vision loss.
A study published in Aging and Cancer found that most cancer-free individuals over 60 carry at least 100 billion cells harboring oncogenic mutations. Researchers hope to understand how these mutations interact with the tissue environment to determine cancer risk, and how they differ between tissue types.
Researchers have discovered the Apterous protein's crucial role in retaining memories through its interaction with the Chi cofactor and regulation of neurotransmitters. In fruit flies, Ap plays a double role in long-term memory consolidation, highlighting potential new treatment approaches for memory-related disorders.
Researchers found that packaging neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles is a major source of energy consumption, even when the vesicles are filled and inactive. The process, known as proton efflux, continues to consume energy due to a 'leaky' energy threshold set by evolution.
Researchers have developed a new AI technique, MuSIC, which combines microscopy, biochemistry techniques and artificial intelligence to reveal approximately 70 components contained within a human kidney cell line, half of which had never been seen before.
Researchers have discovered a substance derived from the cotton plant, gossypol, which enhances the activity of DFF40/CAD, allowing glioblastoma cells to complete apoptosis. This breakthrough treatment shows promise in promoting cell death and may provide new tools for developing effective strategies against this incurable disease.
Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.
Researchers developed a method to determine how antibiotics interact with Gram-negative bacterial membranes, revealing that positively charged groups can facilitate passage through pores. The technique, called molecular dynamics simulation, will help design new drugs to target resistant microbes.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a new molecule called 4-OI that can limit the production of prostaglandins from macrophages. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory compounds for treating diseases such as COVID-19 and sleeping sickness.