Researchers from the UPV/EHU's Biophysics Unit have published a study in Nature that reveals the molecular architecture of cell fission processes. The study found evidence of an intermediate structure during membrane splitting, which may be a common feature in all fusion and fission processes.
Researchers have developed a microscope instrument that can accurately measure the 3D movement of individual molecules over many hours, far beyond current limits. This technology has potential applications in biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, including tracking protein motions and characterizing nanoscale objects.
Researchers used advanced techniques to study single molecules and protein interactions on the cell membrane. The findings revealed that lipid rafts, previously thought to move within the membrane, do not exist. Instead, proteins may be anchored at specific positions on the surface, influencing cellular processes.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a nanoparticle therapy that reduces fidgetin-like 2 enzyme levels to promote wound healing. The treatment accelerated healing in mice with skin excisions or burns by over twice as much as untreated controls, showing promise for faster recovery from various types of wounds.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered that myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is essential for maintaining precise tuning in the heart's muscle cells. The protein plays a crucial role in controlling the interaction between myosin and actin, allowing for synchronized contraction and efficient pumping of blood.
Christophe Lavelle's research combines biophysics with genome compaction and gene expression to improve cooking techniques. The study of molecular gastronomy reveals the physical and chemical processes involved in food preparation and consumption, leading to healthier eating habits and more delicious meals.
This year's winners are Dr. C. Robert Matthews, Dr. Eva Nogales, Dr. Marina Rodnina, Dr. Sachdev Sidhu, and Dr. Anna Mapp. They were honored for their groundbreaking research in protein folding mechanisms, structural biology, protein synthesis, engineering, and chemical biology.
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
Researcher Mary Grossmann used an underwater observatory to study plankton during typhoons, finding consistent migratory habits despite turbulent waters. The study reveals surprising patterns, including some species avoiding high-turbidity waters and others continuing to feed at night.
Researchers at UT Arlington's Biophysics and Physiology Lab developed new methods for optogenetic stimulation of brain neurons, guiding axons to form loops in the lab. The advancements aim to map neural circuitry and potentially treat conditions like chronic pain and drug addiction.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have captured images of the complex, revealing the connection between some genetic mutations and electrical abnormalities in the heart. The study provides a starting point for designing therapies to treat conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome.
A new partnership between NSF, NCI, SU2C, and The V Foundation will explore transformative, theoretical biophysics for cancer research and treatment. This collaboration aims to merge life sciences with physical, computational, and engineering sciences to develop innovative approaches.
Researchers are urging experts to study the functions of 'assemblages' - cloud-like protein formations that may hold clues to new treatments for diseases like Ewing sarcoma. These assemblages are made up of intrinsically disordered proteins that can trap and interact with other biological molecules.
Biophysics researchers at the University of Michigan have identified specific molecular vibrations that help enable charge separation in photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight into chemical energy. The findings could lead to more efficient solar cells and energy storage systems.
A study by Xavier Salvatella and Modesto Orozco reveals the existence of information highways in proteins, enabling new sites for drug interaction. This discovery has the potential to improve drug efficiency and discovery.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new protein, BiP, associated with the neurological disorder dystonia. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests that modulating BiP could lead to effective treatments for dystonia.
Margaret Cheung, a UH physicist, has been awarded the American Physical Society fellowship for her work on biophysics and its applications to cancer and Alzheimer's research. Her research focuses on understanding protein behavior in cells to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Scientists create a cost-efficient way to set up thousands of experiments simultaneously using tiny droplets. Their experiment shows that oscillations in the individual droplets differ strongly, with small drops displaying stronger variations than large ones.
The 2014 recipients of the Minority Travel Award are recognized for their participation in biophysics research and their potential to contribute to the field. The winners will present their work at the 58th Annual Meeting, highlighting recent advances in biophysics.
Researchers have found that a drug already approved to treat multiple sclerosis may also slow and potentially reverse cardiac hypertrophy, a disorder that often leads to heart failure. By mimicking certain lipids in the body, FTY-720 significantly reduces heart mass and improves overall cardiac function.
Researchers have found that diapocynin, a synthetic antioxidant molecule, protects neurobehavioral function in mice with Parkinson's Disease symptoms. The treatment prevented expected deficits in motor coordination, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
A team of researchers at Columbia Engineering has achieved record-breaking temporal resolution in measuring individual ion-channel proteins using miniaturized electronics. This breakthrough enables new understanding of their functions and opens opportunities in biotechnology and biophysics.
Félix Goñi, a renowned researcher, has received the prestigious European Avanti award for his groundbreaking work on cell membrane lipids and their role in programmed cell death. The award recognizes his contributions to the understanding of biophysics of lipids, including metabolism, enzymology, structure, and membranes.
A study by HITS researchers found that most proteins evolved to fold faster, with a 'big bang' of complex structures emerging 1.5 billion years ago. The study suggests that faster folding speeds may make proteins less susceptible to aggregation.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified polycomb-like proteins as key regulators in stem cell development and cancer. The study found that these proteins interact with epigenetic signals to control gene expression, implications for both stem cell biology and cancer development.
Darlene Ketten, a biologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for her work on the biophysics of hearing in mammals. She is also developing ultra-high resolution imaging techniques to diagnose hearing impairments.
The Biophysical Society has named Klaus Schulten, Louis De Felice, and Peter von Hippel as recipients of the 2013 Distinguished Service Award, Emily M. Gray Award, and Founders Award respectively. These honors recognize their contributions to advancing knowledge in biophysics.
The Biophysical Society has recognized five individuals with its 2013 awards for their significant contributions to biophysics and biomedical research. Carol Robinson and Joseph Zasadzinski received awards for their innovative work on mass spectrometry and lipid structures, respectively.
Stephen Quake's work has revolutionized biophysics, biological automation, genome analysis, and personalized medicine with innovative physical techniques. His pioneering efforts have enabled answers to previously impossible questions and had profound impact on nearly every area of biology.
Scientists have found that kinesins, molecular motors responsible for transporting proteins and chromosomes, exhibit spiral motion during transport. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of straight-line movement, suggesting a new perspective on their role in cell function.
Patel's research uses novel computer modeling methods to study the biophysics of model cell membranes, revealing non-intuitive behavior of polar molecules. The NSF Career Award will also support a new computational-chemistry course for Newark High School students.
University of Pennsylvania chemists developed a theoretical method and computer algorithm to search for proteins that can crystallize into a target structure. They successfully created the first custom-designed protein crystal, paving the way for better understanding of proteins' makeup and designing new materials.
Researchers have developed a new approach using compressed sensing to resolve cellular features an order of magnitude smaller than before. This allows for the study of dynamic processes in live cells with seconds or even sub-second temporal resolution.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for three-dimensional RNA structure prediction, enabling scientists to understand the functions of RNA molecules that dictate human cell behavior. The technique has the potential to help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases.
A new study suggests that targeting the glucagon pathway could be an effective way to lower blood sugar levels without disrupting other functions of this hormone. Researchers found that blocking calcium signaling through CaMKII can regulate hepatic glucose production, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat.
Researchers have identified three active variants of a conotoxin that blocks the transmission of pain signals in nerves. These venomous peptides, derived from cone snails, show great promise for developing new painkillers with minimal dependency and faster degradation rates.
A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified two genes as 'genuine risk factors' for autism spectrum disorders. The study, published in Nature, used massively parallel sequencing to search for mutations that might affect autism risk and found that these genes are functionally related and physically interact with each other.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found evidence that BPA can alter the structure of the uterus, leading to increased susceptibility to pyometra, a potentially deadly infection. In animal models, exposure to BPA induced immune cell numbers in the uteri, which were five-fold higher than control animals.
The University of Colorado has developed a novel technique for 3D super-resolution imaging with the help of Boulder-based Double Helix LLC. This technology combines 3D optics and signal processing to provide multifunctional imaging capability, applicable to various scientific, industrial, and consumer applications.
Researchers found that chronic stress in adolescence leads to a loss of glutamate receptor expression and function, resulting in impaired memory and recognition. Disrupting the enzymes responsible for this loss may prevent cognitive impairment induced by repeated stress exposure.
Biophysicists have elucidated the switching mechanism of channelrhodopsin, a protein crucial for optogenetics. The research sheds light on how water molecules penetrate the cell membrane, enabling the protein to conduct ions. This breakthrough paves the way for more precise neurobiological applications.
A study published in Nature found a link between the circadian clock and sudden cardiac death, revealing that the controller of the circadian clock, Klf15, affects potassium flow out of heart muscle cells. This can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and increased risk of deadly arrhythmias.
New studies by a Yale team reveal that interfering with the adolescent brain's defensive reaction to cocaine increases sensitivity to the drug. This finding may help explain why risk of drug abuse and addiction peaks during teenage years.
A team at Karolinska Institutet has generated a map of the effects of small molecules on PARP1 and other proteins, which may explain putative side effects and contribute to new cancer therapies. The study's results provide unique insights into specificity and cross-reactivity of PARP inhibitors.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered how parkin gene mutations cause Parkinson's disease by studying live human neurons. The study identified potential new drug targets and a screening platform to discover treatments, providing hope for a cure.
Researchers studied the role of immune responses in oncolytic adenovirus therapy and found that CD8+ T cells mediate antitumor efficacy. The study proposes a new therapeutic regime combining oncolytic adenovirus with immunotherapy.
Researchers from Rice University and UCSD decipher part of mitoNEET's movements using laboratory experiments and computer modeling. They found that the protein can switch between conformations without unfolding, altering the shape of its critical pocket.
Michael Deem, a computational theorist, is being honored with the engineering award for fundamental theoretical work on vaccine design, mathematical biology, and nanoporous materials structure. His research has led to breakthroughs in understanding immunology, evolution, and materials science.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified the critical sugar chain produced by the LARGE enzyme, which plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle cell viability. The study's findings could lead to rapid testing of potential muscular dystrophy therapies and treatments for Lassa fever.
A compound called AICAR has been found to prevent heat-induced deaths in mice with a gene mutation that makes them sensitive to heat. The study's findings suggest that AICAR could protect young athletes and soldiers from heat-related illnesses, potentially saving lives during exercise.
Researchers have discovered that flatworms can regenerate without centrosomes, a cellular structure essential for cell division in all animals. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that centrosomes are crucial for cell division.
The University of Louisville has introduced a new transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) procedure to treat severe aortic stenosis, allowing patients to avoid traditional open-heart surgery. The procedure involves implanting a biological valve through a catheter and expanding it with a balloon.
A team of chemists at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a method to watch proteins fold in real-time, allowing for a better understanding of protein folding and misfolding. This technique uses infrared spectroscopy to analyze structural changes as a function of time, providing insights into protein folding mechanisms.
Researchers found changes in motor cortex of the brain in patients with spinal cord compression, which may impact surgical procedures and patient outcomes. The study also identified a 15% decrease in N-acetylaspartate levels, suggesting potential implications for reversibility and treatment.
Researchers found that heart problems in Rett syndrome originate from the loss of the Rett gene (MeCP2) in nerve cells, not heart muscle cells. Abnormalities in brain activity can lead to cardiac malfunctions and death.
A team of researchers at RUB discovered how the human nose distinguishes between similar smells by analyzing the 3D structure of olfactory receptors and hydrogen bridge patterns. They found a specific pattern of chemical bonds that account for the specificity of olfactory sensors.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that CKD causes depletion of adhesive proteins in the intestines, leading to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular complications. The findings could lead to novel treatments to curb this inflammation and its adverse consequences.
A new molecular imaging probe using ghrelin exploits the hunger hormone's unique consumption pattern by malignant prostate cancer cells. The test showed the signal was almost 5 times stronger in malignant cancer cells than in normal or benign cells.
The Biophysical Society has announced 2012 CPOW Travel Award winners, recognizing postdoctoral female researchers presenting at the conference. The award aims to increase participation of women in biophysics.
Scientists have discovered that roundworms can pass on immunity to a virus through small RNA molecules, which were not dependent on the organism's genome. This finding suggests that Lamarckian inheritance may provide adaptive advantages to an animal by allowing them to hold onto beneficial genes until needed.