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Proteins cluster in cells for faster performance

Researchers at the University of Groningen discovered that protein clustering in cells leads to reduced movement and improved efficiency in amino acid production. This finding has practical implications for designing efficient cell factories and increasing substance production inside cells.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Researchers now able to predict battery lifetimes with machine learning

Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMay 5, 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

Biofriendly protocells pump up blood vessels

A team of researchers has developed biocompatible protocells that can generate nitric oxide gas, leading to blood vessel expansion. The synthetic cells are coated in red blood cell fragments and contain an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted into nitric oxide.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2020

Moving faster in a crowd

New research shows that particle transport in crowded cells can be faster than in non-crowded environments, especially when moving from densely crowded areas to less crowded ones. The study used microfluidics and tracer colloids to investigate the effects of non-uniformly distributed crowding molecules on particle movement.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 30, 2019

How cells handle a sticky, toxic, but absolutely essential molecule

Researchers identify glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the protein responsible for delivering heme, a toxic yet essential molecule, to target proteins in cells. This discovery provides insights into how heme is transported and could contribute to understanding diseases such as anemias and asthma.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 14, 2018

Nanosubmarine with self-destroying activity

A Dutch scientist has designed a nanomotor that can deliver and release drugs for cells, triggered by glutathione, a chemical signal inside cells. The nanomotor uses hydrogen peroxide to propel itself across the cellular membrane and releases its cargo upon encountering higher concentrations of glutathione.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2017

Cell Press breaks into physical sciences with launch of Chem

Chem, Cell Press' new physical sciences journal, aims to move the field forward through original research articles, reviews, and front matter. Key findings include transporters with high selectivity for chloride over other ions, stable phosphorous carbene analogs, and strategies for producing chemicals from renewable sources.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJun 9, 2016

Glowing tumors could help surgeons cut out cancer

Researchers have made significant progress in developing fluorescent chemical probes that can target specific cancer cells, allowing for more accurate tumor removal. These probes have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for repeat surgeries.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 21, 2016

Four-billion-year-old chemistry in cells today

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have found that cells in plants, yeast, and animals continue to perform reactions thought to be responsible for life's origin four billion years ago. These reactions involve iron, sulfur, and electro-chemistry, essential for functions like respiration and photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2014

Defending against chemical acts of terrorism

Researchers have discovered a new and improved version of an enzyme that can detoxify deadly nerve agents, such as sarin. The PON1 variant shows 40-3,400-fold higher efficiency in metabolizing the three most toxic G-type nerve agents.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateApr 19, 2012

Recalculating cell sensing

Mobile cells may be more sensitive to chemical signals than thought, following trails with improved accuracy. Researchers found lower-than-expected noise levels in these cells, enabling them to detect and respond to chemical cues more effectively.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2010

SAGE to publish the Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry

The Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry will be published by SAGE beginning with volume 59 in 2011. The journal focuses on significant advances in visual techniques providing biochemical and molecular information about cells, tissues, and organs.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry·DateFeb 9, 2010

NYU Chemist Supports New Theory For Origin Of Life

NYU chemist Robert Shapiro challenges existing assumptions about life's universality with a new theory that simple cellular life may arise from organic chemistry and self-organizing systems. He also advocates for continued search for extraterrestrial life in nearby worlds like Mars, Europa, and Titan.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 1999

University Of Pittsburgh Chosen By NCI As One Of Three Pioneer Sites ForBiocombinatorial Chemistry Research

The University of Pittsburgh has been chosen as one of three pioneer sites for biocombinatorial chemistry research, a revolutionary approach to speed up drug discovery. Researchers will create novel chemical compounds and test them in specific assays to learn whether they can interrupt cellular activities that lead to cancer.