Recent advances in bioengineering and computational modeling have enabled researchers to study complex biological processes with molecular-level detail. Multidisciplinary work on proteins and modeling highlights challenges as the field develops high-resolution, high-throughput organs on a chip.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa offer a unique tool to accelerate nanopore research development, making it more accessible and affordable. The innovative approach enables fast, low-cost, and automated fabrication of solid-state nanopores, which hold promise for various applications in medicine, IT, and life sciences.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a new gene editing tool called INTEGRATE, which uses cryo-electron microscopy to capture high-resolution images of the complex in action. The tool appears to work by targeting DNA for accurate insertion of genetic payloads without introducing DNA breaks.
The German Research Foundation has approved €12 million for the Collaborative Research Centre on selective autophagy. The research alliance aims to better understand autophagy at molecular and cellular levels to counteract imbalances in the system.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have illuminated the basic mechanism of Piezo proteins, which function as sensors in the body for mechanical stimuli. The discovery provides insights into the roles of Piezo proteins in human diseases and potential new therapeutic strategies.
A study found that chaperone protein Hsp70 inhibits toxic protein aggregates in the androgen receptor, which causes Kennedy's disease and prostate cancer. Hsp70 may be useful as a therapeutic target to treat these conditions.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown role of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in rapidly removing lipid debris from damaged cells. This process is crucial for tissue healing and survival during acute events such as injury, infection, or inflammation.
A team of scientists has identified 104 high-risk genes for schizophrenia, which may lead to the development of targeted treatments. The study's framework could also help track down genetic suspects in other complex diseases.
Llinás' research on membrane biophysics and the active neuron concept has significantly advanced our knowledge of neuronal function and behavior. He was recognized for his work on dendritic calcium spikes, electrotonic coupling, and subthreshold oscillations in mammalian neurons.
Dr. Michael Rosen, a leading biophysicist, has been recognized as UT Southwestern's first Allen Distinguished Investigator. His research focuses on protein phase transitions and biomolecular condensates in the cell nucleus.
Researchers developed a gene-suppressing drug that, when combined with an over-the-counter gel, accelerated wound healing in mice. The treatment, tested on mice with skin excisions or burns, showed significant improvements in healing outcomes, including regeneration of hair follicles and collagen networks.
The Cluster of Excellence PoL aims to understand the organization of living matter and its mechanisms. The researchers hope to shed light on tissue formation and structure, which will provide solutions to pressing bioengineering and health issues.
A standardized protocol for FRET has been established, enabling precise measurement of distances within biomolecules. This breakthrough methodology can overcome size and stability limitations of other structural biology methods, leading to targeted drug development and new research opportunities.
The Biophysical Society has honored 10 distinguished members as 2019 Society Fellows for their groundbreaking work on cytoskeleton filaments, protein folding, single-molecule methods, and cellular dynamics. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field of biophysics.
Juli Feigon, Distinguished Professor at UCLA, receives the 2019 BPS Founders Award for her pioneering work in NMR structural biology. She has made significant contributions to understanding the conformational variability of DNA and RNA, as well as the structure and function of telomerase complexes.
Jeff Gelles to receive 2019 BPS Kazuhito Kinosita Award in Single-Molecule Biophysics, recognizing his exceptional contributions to single-molecule studies and cross-disciplinary research. The award aims to promote further developments in the field, advancing an appreciation of single-molecule biophysics among scientists.
The Biophysical Society named Yves De Koninck its 2019 Emily M. Gray Award winner for his work in developing transdisciplinary training initiatives in neurophysics and neurophotonics. The award recognizes his dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Meytal Landau is honored for her creative and committed work on amyloid-like fibers and alpha-helical structures. The Biophysical Society recognizes her contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting diversity in researchers.
Enrico Gratton, a renowned researcher in lipid biophysics, will receive the 2019 Avanti Award. His pioneering work has led to significant discoveries on membrane heterogeneity and nanodomains, advancing our understanding of biological membranes.
Elizabeth Rhoades, Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has been awarded the 2019 Michael and Kate Bárány Award for her outstanding work on structure-function relations in disordered systems. The award recognizes her innovative use of single-molecule tools to gain insights into conformational landscapes.
Researchers at TU Wien have rethought the distribution of T cell receptors, suggesting a random arrangement that enables rapid immune reactions. This new understanding may lead to improved medical treatments and better comprehension of the initial stages of identifying pathogens.
Researchers discovered that Kapβ2, a nuclear localization signal, plays a crucial role in transporting the FUS protein into the nucleus. The study found that when this system fails, FUS proteins aggregate and form toxic droplets, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like familial ALS.
Researchers discovered a chemical compound that lowers sugar levels as effectively as metformin but with a 30-times lower dose, providing an alternative treatment option for patients unresponsive to the current medication. The study published in PLOS One could lead to the development of a new and effective drug to fight diabetes.
Todd Holmes, UCI professor, receives NIH grant to study phototransduction in insects, aiming to design safer light-based insect control strategies. The research could lead to environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic pesticides, reducing health and environmental harm.
Research by Lobachevsky University and Moscow State University found that cytoplasmic streaming is involved in the transmission of signals within giant cells of Chara algae. The study showed that signal molecules formed in illuminated areas propagated with the moving cytoplasm, affecting photosynthesis and enhancing fluorescence in oth...
Researchers from MIPT studied a nanofibrous scaffold's interaction with rat cardiac cells, finding cardiomyocytes envelop fibers on all sides, while fibroblasts only touch one side. This study contributes to heart tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine.
The Biophysical Society has announced its new and notable symposium speakers for the 62nd Annual Meeting. The session will feature cutting-edge research on ultrafast glutamate sensors, dynamic chromatin fibers, and more. The meeting will take place from February 17-21, 2018.
Scientists have determined the kinetic cycle of a potassium channel at atomic resolution, allowing for more precise targeting of specific spots within the channel structure. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new drug molecules that can correct potassium channels dysfunction, addressing conditions such as epilepsy and diab...
Daniela Kraft has been selected as the winner of the Biophysical Journal Paper of the Year Award for 2017 for her research on microparticle assembly pathways on lipid membranes. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to biophysics, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research in this field.
Researchers have created a simple, fast and sensitive test system to determine the toxicity of carbon nanomaterials. The system uses a unique enzymatic system called Enzymolum, which reacts differently to various additives.
Scientists at Oregon State University developed a new assay to study the otoferlin protein, essential for hearing. They found a truncated version of otoferlin that can function in sound encoding and validated a method for characterizing large membrane proteins.
Researchers discovered ILCregs, a regulatory subpopulation of innate lymphoid cells, that suppress intestinal inflammation by secreting IL-10 and TGF-β1. This unique population has a distinct genetic identity from other immune cells and may hold potential for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
The Biophysical Society has announced its 2018 Society Fellows, recognizing distinguished members who have made significant contributions to the field of biophysics. The 2018 Fellows include Patricia Bassereau, James Bowie, Astrid Graslund, Roderick MacKinnon, and others.
The Biophysical Society has announced its 2018 award recipients, honoring outstanding contributions to the field of biophysics. The winners include Jue Chen, Wonhwa Cho, Bianxiao Cui, Taekjip Ha, Leslie Loew, Carrie Partch, Madeline Shea, and James Spudich for their innovative research and advancements in biophysics.
Scientists discovered that molecules help the tongue communicate with the brain to identify the correct taste. By rewiring the taste-system of mice, researchers found that taste receptor cells determine their own connectivity by providing instructive signals to neurons.
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified two key mechanisms by which bacteria can resist antibiotics: efflux pumps that extrude drugs from cells, and reinforced cell walls that make it difficult for antibiotics to penetrate. These discoveries could lead to the development of new treatments that target these structures.
Wonpil Im's open-source biomolecular modeling tool CHARMM-GUI simulates bacterial membrane channels and transport of antibiotic molecules, supporting the fight against antibiotic resistance. Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane poses a significant challenge to antibiotic penetration.
Scientists describe the first step of DNA packing in a cell, revealing how protein H1 helps compact and shield DNA. The discovery sheds light on genetic processes critical to understanding diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy.
Kim Sneppen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, has been awarded a large ERC grant to explore diversity in biological systems using methods from physics and complex systems. His project aims to understand how diversity emerges and is maintained in complex biological systems.
Harvard researchers developed a portable, handheld device to fabricate nanofibers with precise control over fiber orientation. The pull spinning method uses only one processing parameter to regulate nanofiber diameter, making it easy to use and flexible.
Scientists from UNC School of Medicine have confirmed the functions in bacterial cells of two important excision repair proteins, Mfd and UvrD, using an advanced sequencing technique. The study provides a genome-wide map of excision repair in bacteria and highlights the potential for developing novel antibiotic drugs.
Researchers used AI to predict a trio of reagents that generated a never-before-seen cancer-like phenotype in tadpoles, demonstrating its potential in controlling complex biological systems. The study showcases how AI can help human researchers achieve new outcomes in fields like oncology and regenerative medicine.
Researchers developed a multiregional brain-on-a-chip to study how diseases impact different regions of the brain. The model characterized differences between neurons from distinct brain regions and mimicked system connectivity.
The Biophysical Society's 2018 Future of Biophysics symposium features young investigators exploring the intersection of physics and life sciences. Researchers will present their work on topics such as enzyme structures, protein sorting, and RNA polymerase II mechanisms.
University of Minnesota researchers have provided unprecedented images of cancer genome-mutating enzymes acting on DNA, offering vital clues into how these enzymes promote tumor evolution. The findings suggest ways to block enzyme activity in cancer, potentially making current anti-cancer therapies more effective.
Schistosomiasis larvae employ a unique T-swimming style when moving against gravity, which helps them reach the water's surface. By understanding this biophysics, researchers hope to thwart infection and prevent re-infestation.
Researchers at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center have identified serotonin type 3A receptors as a key molecular target for antidepressants, including bupropion. This breakthrough finding has the potential to bring new hope to millions of people suffering from depression.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel immunotherapy strategy that targets specific types of cancer while minimizing side effects. They aim to create new and more effective immunotherapies by modulating T cells with a fusion protein.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich successfully measured base-pair bonding strength for the first time on single base pairs. The results may help understand mechanical aspects of biological processes and aid in constructing precise molecular machines out of DNA.
Researchers have determined the detailed structure of Mitochondrial Complex I, the first and largest complex in the respiratory chain. This breakthrough allows for a deeper understanding of its intricate arrangements and interactions, enabling insights into disease-causing mutations and affected enzyme activity.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach using ultrasound energy and microbubbles to selectively open cells, allowing delivery of therapeutic agents. The study's findings will help refine this technique as a clinical tool and translate it into an effective gene or drug delivery tool for patients.
A high-resolution structure of spinach PSII-LHCII supercomplex reveals the arrangement of individual subunits and their interactions. The study clarifies energy-transfer pathways between LHCII and the core complex, shedding light on the light-harvesting process in plants.
Armen Sarvazyan has been awarded the Helmholtz-Rayleigh Interdisciplinary Silver Medal by the Acoustical Society of America for his contributions to ultrasound imaging and its applications. He made significant findings on elasticity imaging technology and developed ultrasonic devices for biomolecular interactions.
Temperature gradients within pore channels in rock can separate primitive biopolymers based on their sequences, enabling the formation of self-replicating systems. This process is thought to have played a key role in the origin of life.
Researchers have found a way to control heart muscle cells using laser radiation, which could lead to new treatments for arrhythmia. The study used azoTAB molecules and found that controlling the ion channels in cardiomyocytes can reduce abnormal heart rhythms.
A new study by Rosalind Franklin University researchers has discovered that hydrogen sulfide levels regulate chronic inflammation caused by obesity. The findings suggest targeting the Orai3 calcium channel as a novel treatment for obesity-related inflammation and related health issues.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Committee for Inclusion and Diversity Travel Awards, which aim to encourage participation by underrepresented students and postdoctoral fellows in biophysics. The 2016 recipients will be honored at a reception on February 27, and their research focuses on various aspects of bioph...
Researchers discovered how nucleophosmin (NPM1) transforms between two forms: a disordered monomer and a folded pentamer, influenced by phosphorylation and partner binding
Ezerski will focus on modeling the interactions between calcium, calmodulin, and CaMKII to understand how their shapes change in response to calcium signaling. This research aims to improve knowledge of calcium ion signaling, a method crucial for biological processes in neurons.
A new mathematical theory and algorithm, Multi-tiered iterative phasing (M-TIP), solves the reconstruction problem for fluctuation X-ray scattering data. This approach enables quick determination of general structure in minutes on a desktop computer, unlocking new advances in biophysics.