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Researchers publish breakthrough study on how new genes evolve

Researchers propose a new model for understanding how new genes can originate through the recycling and innovation of ancestral genes. A study on antifreeze proteins in fish reveals that similar proteins evolved independently from different genetic sources, demonstrating convergent evolution and protein sequence convergence.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 19, 2024
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Proteins revolutionize organ preservation

A new study reveals specialized proteins can dramatically delay ice crystal formation in extreme cold, paving the way for impossible organ transplants. Cryogenic damage compromises cellular structures, leading to irreversible damage and organ failure.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

Novel bacterial proteins from seafloor shine light on climate and astrobiology

Scientists have identified a previously unknown class of bacterial proteins that suppress the growth of methane clathrates as effectively as commercial chemicals, but are non-toxic and scalable. This discovery has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the safety of transporting natural gas.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Fish "chock-full" of antifreeze protein found in iceberg habitats off Greenland

A study of the variegated snailfish reveals it has the highest expression levels of antifreeze proteins ever reported, crucial for survival in sub-zero waters. Warming oceanic temperatures pose a threat to these specialized fishes as they face increased competition from temperate species.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalEvolutionary Bioinformatics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2022
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Using phage to discover new antifreeze proteins

A team of scientists from the University of Warwick used phage display to discover a small peptide that can bind to ice, which has potential applications in preserving frozen cells and foods. The discovery highlights the power of biotechnology tools in discovering new materials with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Ice-binding molecules stop ice growth, act as natural antifreeze

Certain molecules bind to ice surfaces, halting further growth and acting as natural antifreeze agents. Researchers developed a computational method to model ice binding, which has applications in cryopreservation and climate modeling.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 3, 2020

'Nature's antifreeze' provides formula for more durable concrete

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a synthetic molecule that mimics natural antifreeze proteins, minimizing freeze-thaw damage and increasing the strength of concrete. This new method challenges conventional approaches and has the potential to reduce costs and decrease carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMay 27, 2020

We now know how insects and bacteria control ice

Scientists have discovered how key proteins produced in bacteria and insects can either promote or inhibit the formation of ice. The study reveals that these proteins can be designed to nucleate ice at specific temperatures, enabling more accurate weather forecasts and potentially solving water scarcity issues. This breakthrough has si...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 12, 2019
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Insects in freezing regions have a protein that acts like antifreeze

Scientists have discovered a unique biomolecule that can alter the structure of water and prevent ice crystals from forming. This antifreeze characteristic could be used to develop synthetic versions for de-icing airplanes, preserving organs, and preventing freezer burn on ice cream.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 2, 2019

Can an antifreeze protein also promote ice formation?

Antifreeze proteins, typically preventing ice formation, have also been found to promote its growth at extremely low temperatures. This study, published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, provides insight into the basic processes of ice formation and suggests potential implications for understanding climate.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 14, 2019

How antifreeze proteins make ice crystals grow

Researchers from Bielefeld University and international partners have confirmed two-fold ability of antifreeze molecules to trigger or inhibit ice crystal formation depending on temperature. This discovery challenges the long-held view that antifreeze proteins only inhibit ice crystal growth.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 7, 2019
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Study of Arctic fishes reveals the birth of a gene -- from 'junk'

Scientists found that Arctic cod developed their antifreeze gene by assembling tiny fragments of noncoding DNA, which were later duplicated and edited to create a functional protein. The study reveals an unexpected mechanism for the evolution of new genes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

Questioning conventional understanding of antifreeze proteins

Scientists have discovered an ice-binding protein that attaches to both basal and prism faces of ice crystals, affecting their growth and defying conventional classification. This finding could lead to a broader application of antifreeze proteins in food and medical industries.

SourceHokkaido University·DateAug 1, 2018

Nature's antifreeze inspires revolutionary bacteria cryopreservation technique

Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a revolutionary approach to 'freeze' bacteria using synthetic reproductions of natural antifreeze proteins, improving preservation and application in various industries. The new technique outperforms traditional methods, reducing additives and increasing recovery rates.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJul 6, 2018
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Scientists identify unique binding mechanism of antifreeze molecule

Researchers at Shinshu University used molecular simulations to understand the binding mechanism of antifreeze glycoproteins in polar fish. The study revealed that AFGPs can 'walk' on ice surfaces, selectively binding to growth points and preventing ice recrystallization.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 19, 2018

Cell tissue must not freeze!

Researchers have introduced polyproline as an effective cryoprotectant for monolayers of cells, doubling cell recovery after freezing compared to dimethyl sulfoxide. The proline/polyproline combination minimizes solvent exposure and retains cell functions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 6, 2017

Antifreeze protein from ticks fights frostbite in mice

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a protein found in ticks that can prevent frostbite in mice. The antifreeze protein, when introduced into mouse cells or whole live mice, showed significant protection against frostbite, with 60% of treated mice showing no visible signs of damage.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015

Antifreeze proteins in Antarctic fish prevent both freezing and melting

Researchers discovered that antifreeze protein-bound ice crystals resist melting even when temperatures warm, leading to potential adverse physiological consequences for the fish. The study also found ice superheating in nature, a phenomenon where internal ice crystals fail to melt at their normal melting point.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014
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Study: Antifreeze proteins in Antarctic fishes prevent freezing ... and melting

Researchers discovered that antifreeze proteins found in Antarctic fish also prevent internal ice crystals from melting, leading to potential health issues. The study found that these protein-bound ice crystals resist melting even when temperatures warm, causing superheating.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2014

Not just cars, but living organisms need antifreeze to survive

Researchers have discovered that antifreeze proteins in plants and animals prevent frost damage by coating and protecting ice crystals. The study, published in PNAS, used microfluidic devices to observe the binding of AFPs to ice, revealing a strong and irreversible interaction that prevents ice growth even without protein presence.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013

Dance of water molecules turns fire-colored beetles into antifreeze artists

Researchers found that fire-colored beetle antifreeze proteins protect against freezing temperatures through a combination of direct interaction with ice crystals and interactions via water molecules. This process, previously thought to occur only locally, also happens over longer distances due to the dynamics of water molecules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013
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Researchers show how 1 gene becomes 2 (with different functions)

A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the molecular evolution of two competing functions from a single gene, AFP III, which helps Antarctic fish survive in frigid waters. The study confirms the ancestry of antifreeze proteins and validates a decades-old hypothesis about gene duplication.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2011

Why fish don't freeze in the Arctic Ocean

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a new mechanism of how Antarctic fish blood prevents freezing at temperatures as low as -1.8°C. The antifreeze glycoproteins work by perturbing the aqueous solvent over long distances, rather than forming a single molecular binding.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2010

Antifreeze proteins can stop ice melting, Queen's professors find

A new study by Queen's University researchers found that antifreeze proteins can superheat ice crystals, stabilizing them above the melting point for hours. This discovery has implications for understanding ice recrystallization in nature and food storage.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2010

Antifreeze proteins can stop ice melt, new study finds

A new study reveals antifreeze proteins can suppress ice melting and stabilize superheated ice crystals for extended periods. The discovery has implications for understanding this process in nature and technology applications.

SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2010
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Scientists isolate new antifreeze molecule in Alaska beetle

Researchers have isolated a novel antifreeze molecule, xylomannan, from an Alaskan beetle that can survive temperatures below -100 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery offers hope for developing new methods to resist freezing and has implications for understanding cell membrane function.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2009
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Thin tough skin, slow-growing gills protect larval Antarctic fish

Researchers discovered that larval Antarctic fish have thin skin and undeveloped gills, protecting them from freezing temperatures. The production of antifreeze proteins increased gradually over three months, allowing the fish to adapt to their environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 13, 2006

Natural antifreeze yields secrets

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered how antifreeze glycoproteins interact with ice, preventing ice crystals from growing and preserving liquid water around the protein. This discovery may lead to safer storage for food or blood products and help scientists understand biomineralization.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 15, 2002
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