The study reveals that flowering plants diversified suddenly in the Cretaceous period, while molecular-clock dating suggests an older origin. The discrepancy is attributed to false precision on both palaeontological and molecular evolutionary timescales.
Researchers have sequenced the axolotl genome, the largest genome ever to be decoded, to study molecular basis of regrowing limbs and other forms of regeneration. The analysis discovered several genes that are expressed in regenerating limb tissue and revealed key roles for PAX3 and PAX7 genes in muscle and neural development.
Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular found that TERRA, a functional component of telomeres, must be constantly regulated to prevent telomeric and chromosomal instability. This study sheds light on the molecular basis of genome stability and may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at OIST have developed a simple way to create copper molecular wires of different lengths by adding or removing copper atoms one by a time. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of miniature computing devices and practical applications in microelectronics.
A KAIST research team developed technology to identify the optimal drug target for cancer cells based on molecular network dynamics. This approach uses systems biology to analyze genetic mutations and predict drug response, which could lead to more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers at iMM found that certain molecular signals allow cancer cells to survive chemotherapy by altering mitochondrial metabolism. Using VEGF-blocking drugs, they were able to render these cells vulnerable to chemotherapy.
Scientists are exploring multi-functional gene-editing technology by analyzing molecular features of Cpf1 and Cas9 proteins. The study reveals the high-resolution structure of these molecular scissors to better understand their working mechanism, including target DNA recognition and cleavage.
The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) has announced 67 new Fellows, recognizing their significant and sustained impact on the discipline of cell biology. The honor is bestowed by peers and acknowledges not only outstanding scientific contributions but also service to ASCB and its missions.
Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.
The Association for Molecular Pathology publishes consensus recommendations for validating next-generation sequencing bioinformatics pipelines. The guidelines emphasize the critical role of trained molecular laboratory professionals and provide practical advice for laboratories.
Han Bin Jeong, a UNIST doctoral student, has been recognized with the 2017 AMOREPACIFIC Great Global Next Generation Research Award for her groundbreaking research on mass-transfer studies at membrane contact sites in eukaryotic cells. The award acknowledges her contribution to molecular and cellular biology fields.
Don Ingber and Charles Reilly created a film that accurately depicts the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, revealing new insights into molecular-scale processes. The film's animation pipeline integrated physics-based software with molecular dynamics simulation to create a model that worked across all size scales.
A team of researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular used a pioneer method to modify proteins involved in infectious diseases. They identified a novel molecular mechanism that protects pathogenic bacteria from oxidative processes.
Researchers have developed a new software tool that reveals molecular connections between breast cancer tumor cells and immune system cells in the bloodstream. The study found that these connections vary depending on the type of breast cancer, potentially leading to new treatment and monitoring strategies.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute create a DNA nanotechnology-based method, called Auto-cycling Proximity Recording (APR), that allows for repeated, non-destructive recording of molecular pairings. This enables the creation of detailed views of molecular structures and observation of different structural states.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a tiny robot that can perform basic tasks such as building molecules using a robotic arm. The robots operate by carrying out chemical reactions in special solutions that can be programmed by scientists.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has awarded prestigious honors to Drs. Andrew P. Feinberg, Gregory J. Tsongalis, and Alexis B. Carter for their outstanding contributions to the field of molecular diagnostics. AMP President Federico A. Monzon praised the award recipients for their decades of service to the society.
Researchers have discovered new molecular fossils of archaea using forensic science methods, providing insight into the distribution and timeline of these ancient microorganisms. The study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze sedimentary rock samples from southern China, revealing previously unknown fossils.
The article presents a series of grid-based computational technologies for in silico virtual screening and molecular design of new drugs. The technologies use original CoMIn software to analyze molecular structure in terms of intermolecular interactions potentials and quantum functions.
Research reveals that estrogen hormones regulate gene expression through a multi-step process involving sequential recruitment of coactivators. The study, published in Molecular Cell, shows that the addition of specific coactivator CARM1 guides subsequent steps leading to gene activation.
Researchers have overcome a fundamental theoretical limitation to design molecular diodes with a record-high rectification ratio of 6.3 x 10^5. This breakthrough enables the use of molecular diodes in applications that silicon diodes can't handle, potentially leading to cheaper and easier fabrication.
Scientists used an evolutionary medicine approach to estimate Alzheimer's disease causative genes by focusing on ohnologs, duplicated genes vulnerable to change in number. The study successfully identified a group of genes related to the nervous system and high brain expression levels similar to known AD-causative genes.
Katayoon Dehesh, a UC Riverside molecular biochemist, has been elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on deciphering the molecular and biochemical regulatory mechanisms underlying stress-induced responses in plants.
Researchers have created a water-soluble molecule, dubbed molecular ruby, to measure temperature in various environments. The molecule emits different wavelengths of infrared radiation depending on the temperature, allowing for accurate contactless temperature measurements.
Researchers developed a 3-D crystal structure of the disease's molecular interactions with a neural receptor, providing a clear view of how it attacks and destroys proteins. The model could accelerate research and lead to new therapies for myasthenia gravis, which affects an estimated 36,000 to 60,000 Americans annually.
Pomper is recognized for his work on developing new imaging agents targeting cancer and central nervous system processes. He oversees several federally funded programs at Johns Hopkins, advancing the field of molecular imaging.
Researchers at University of Groningen create light-driven rotary motor with locked movement, where naphthalene rotor synchronizes with motor rotation. This breakthrough demonstrates synchronization of movement in artificial systems, a fundamental step towards molecular machine development.
Dr. Ravetch's research on Fc Receptor Biology has led to a deeper understanding of the fine line between healthy immune reactions and autoimmunity, paving the way for new therapies for infectious, neoplastic, and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers at Penn State have created inexpensive molecular rulers for DNA research using new, license-free DNA ladders. These plasmids can estimate DNA fragment sizes between 50 and 5,000 base pairs in length, offering a cost-effective alternative to commercially available methods.
Scientists at UNC discovered a cascade of molecular signals that program gene activity to drive fruit fly maturation, involving alterations to DNA packaging and chromatin accessibility. This basic biology finding may hold significance for understanding how cancers arise in humans.
Researchers have unveiled the molecular mechanism of T cell activation, a key step in the immune response. The study used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to probe the interaction between a T cell receptor and an HIV protein, shedding light on the signaling process that triggers an immune response.
The American Association of Anatomists has awarded three young investigators for groundbreaking research in cell biology, comparative neuroanatomy, and developmental biology. Maria Barna, Gloria Brar, and Shigeki Watanabe have made significant contributions to biomedical science through their research.
The Salk Institute has received a $3 million gift from the Glenn Foundation, enabling continued investigation into aging and age-related diseases. The center aims to advance understanding of biological aging and its effects on various diseases, with a focus on developing interventions to delay or cure age-related conditions.
The next generation TimeTree web combines molecular sequencing data with geological timelines and environmental information. Users can now explore the history of life on Earth in detail, tracing species evolution through time and comparing divergence times between species.
Researchers have designed a molecular 'paintbrush' technique to trigger, control, and monitor cellular processes. The technology, called Molecular Activity Painting, uses light-activated molecular building blocks to induce patterned contractions in living cells.
The Association for Molecular Pathology published consensus recommendations to validate next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based oncology panels. The guidelines address NGS test development, optimization and familiarization, and best practices for establishing test performance characteristics.
A team of researchers identified three distinct regimes of slip phenomena and their underlying molecular mechanisms. The study reveals how polymer chains interact with the interface, affecting the material's properties.
The Oxford University Press will publish the Journal of Crustacean Biology, a scientific journal covering crustacean biology and marine arthropods. The journal has undergone a facelift with a new format and style, expanding article types to include Research Notes and comprehensive reviews.
Researchers developed a molecular robot that changes shape in response to specific DNA signals, enabling biomimetic robotics and potential medical innovations. The tiny robot, about 1 millionth of a meter in size, consists of protein and DNA molecules.
Researchers design a pod-like casing with liquid-crystal elastomers and molecular switches, demonstrating the ability to produce powerful movement at the molecular level. The device uses light-triggered re-arrangement of molecular switches to drive twisting helices in opposing directions, resulting in the bursting of the casing.
The article discusses the importance of considering genome context (karyotype) in systems biology and molecular cytogenetics. It highlights the need for a new genome-based conceptual framework to integrate these fields, which will mutually benefit both disciplines.
Researchers have characterized the structure of a macromolecular complex involved in mRNA transport, showing how RNAs are recognized and bound by binding proteins in the nucleus. The complex allows for the specific recognition and transport of mRNAs from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Researchers at The University of Manchester developed a braiding technique to create tighter and more complex molecular knots, leading to potential breakthroughs in material strength and elasticity. This achievement has the possibility of generating new types of materials, such as lighter and more flexible polymers.
Researchers have characterized the critical function of the Zf-GRF domain in manipulating DNA during repair processes. The domain is essential for APE2 enzyme activity, enabling it to bind to single-stranded DNA and facilitate its 3'-5' resection.
A new study reveals that no single model or common molecular toolkit exists behind the diverse array of mollusk shells. Instead, each species has evolved its own 'shell secretome' through a combination of co-opting existing genes and rapid evolution of novel genes.
A study has deciphered many interactions between human proteins using bacterial counterparts, potentially involved in diseases like cancer. The results help clarify molecular details of these interactions.
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.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published a joint guideline to standardize the interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by establishing standardized classification, annotation, interpretation, and reporting conventions for somatic sequence variants.
A Joslin researcher will study how exercise affects the body at a molecular level to develop individually targeted exercise recommendations and help people with mobility issues. The project aims to provide valuable insights into harnessing these molecular changes to benefit patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
A research team at the University of Geneva has discovered that sulfur can act as an effective catalyst, transforming molecules with greater precision than hydrogen. This breakthrough enables chemists to exercise increased control over molecular transformations, paving the way for the creation of new materials and applications.
The NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans Program aims to develop a comprehensive map of molecular changes triggered by physical activity. Researchers will collect samples from diverse populations and analyze them to identify targeted exercise recommendations for better health outcomes.
A team of researchers has established a molecular link between Fanconi anemia and the PTEN gene, strongly associated with uterine, prostate, and brain cancer. The discovery improves understanding of Fanconi anemia and could lead to improved treatment outcomes for some cancer patients.
Researchers developed a novel approach to strengthen polymer gels by modifying the length of polymer threads per molecular beads, increasing fracture resistance and strain strength. The technique enables fabrication of polymer gels with desired mechanical properties.
Peter Baumann, a renowned chromosome researcher, joins Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz as Professor of Molecular Biology and Adjunct Director at IMB. His research focuses on telomeres and genetic diversity, aiming to understand the molecular and cellular principles behind chromosome biology.
The Cell Press has partnered with The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) to publish its four journals, including Molecular Therapy, starting January 2017. This partnership aims to improve the dissemination of research breakthroughs in gene and cell therapies.
Scientists have discovered an enzyme called ALKBH1 that can remove molecular modifications from transfer RNA (tRNA), causing a measurable effect on protein translation in the cell. This finding sheds new light on how cells control gene expression and suggests that tRNA influences cellular processes beyond protein translation.
Researchers at TSRI and STSI used 'molecular autopsies' to detect gene mutations responsible for sudden deaths. In 40% of cases, molecular autopsies revealed a likely or plausible cause of death, often variants of genes inherited from relatives.
Advances in biomolecular modeling and understanding life at the molecular level are paving the way for a three-dimensional computer model of a cell. This could provide fundamental insight into how cells work and improve disease diagnosis and drug design.
Astronomers have detected a 'hot molecular core,' a cocoon of molecules surrounding a newborn massive star, for the first time outside our Galaxy. This discovery reveals significantly different chemical compositions compared to similar objects in our own Galaxy, suggesting potential difficulties in producing large organic species.
Eric Lander receives the award for his lifetime achievements in molecular diagnostics, transforming our understanding of rare and common genetic diseases. The AMP Award recognizes Dr. Lander's seminal publications, fundamental discoveries, and significant scientific contributions.