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Tiny worms, with help from Brown University researchers, may hold key to treating rare childhood disease

A new worm model developed by Brown University researchers could play a key role in treating alternating hemiplegia of childhood, a disorder that causes paralysis in children. The genetically engineered C. elegans nematode model provides a fast and inexpensive way to evaluate potential drug treatments for AHC.

SourceBrown University·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

Mitochondria migrate toward the cell membrane in response to high glucose levels

Research shows that high glucose levels cause mitochondria to move towards the periphery of pancreatic beta cells. This movement is linked to insulin secretion and may play a role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study found that inhibiting microtubules disrupted this process, suggesting a key role for these structures in mitochon...

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

The high cost of complexity

A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Targeting ABC transporters in PDAC – past, present, or future?

Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2024

A molecular anchor

A team of scientists identified VAP as a molecular anchor that stabilizes mitochondria near synapses in dendrites, supporting memory formation and plasticity. The discovery links VAP to ALS-linked protein and suggests that mitochondrial stabilization is critical for neuronal function and health.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Delivery of antioxidants to liver mitochondria

A research team at Hokkaido University has developed a system to deliver antioxidants to mitochondria in the liver, reducing oxidative stress and damaging caused by ROS. The system, called CoQ10-MITO-Porter, was found to be more effective when downsized particles were used.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

The complete respiratory supercomplex identified

The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2023

Nature's nutcracker can crush pesticide residue

Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Study links genetic variant to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas disease

Researchers identified a genetic variant linked to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas megaesophagus, a disorder characterized by esophageal dilation and loss of motility. The study suggests that increased interferon-gamma production leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the development of the disease.

New research on the emergence of the first complex cells challenges orthodoxy

A new study challenges a popular scenario explaining the origin of eukaryotes, suggesting that cells can grow to considerable volume without acquiring mitochondria. Researchers explore energy requirements and genome arrangement in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, revealing overlap between cell types rather than a hard boundary line.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2022

Getting fuel to an invading cell's front line

Researchers have identified two glucose transporters that disrupt the energy supply to invading worm cells and stop them in their tracks. By deactivating these genes, glucose and ATP levels dropped, and worm cells stalled their spread. This discovery could lead to new ways to cut off cancer cells' fuel lines and prevent metastasis.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Sensor monitors disease severity

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a prototype sensor to rapidly measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate levels in blood samples. The sensor's sensitivity allows for the accurate detection of these molecules, enabling rapid assessment of disease severity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Proton translocation pathways in a molecular machine of cellular energy metabolism

Researchers at Goethe University and the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics have gained new insights into how mitochondrial complex I facilitates proton transfer through water molecules. The study's high-resolution structure data enabled computer simulations that shed light on the protein's dynamics during its catalytic cycle.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Signaling from neighboring cells provides power boost within axons

A recent NIH study identifies oligodendrocytes as a key player in maintaining energy levels within axons, which are essential for long-distance communication. The research discovered that oligodendrocytes release an enzyme called SIRT2, which increases mitochondrial activity and provides a local power boost to axons.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Study reveals how saline solution can inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that a hypertonic saline solution can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by up to 88% in human epithelial lung cells. The study suggests that the use of such a solution could contribute to the development of novel prophylactic interventions or treatments for COVID-19.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateSep 21, 2021

Swiping, swabbing elevates processing plant food safety

Researchers developed a rapid-testing method to check cleaning protocols in commercial food processing plants. The ATP swab test detected microorganisms on surfaces, improving environmental hygiene and product quality. The study showed that targeted cleaning can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 6, 2021

The good cough and the bad cough

Researchers have identified separate brain pathways for good and bad coughs, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic cough disorders. The study used functional brain imaging to assess cough reflex sensitivity and identified two distinct neural circuits involved in coughing.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 7, 2020