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From cell walls to photosynthesis: How does manganese get to where it needs to go in plants?

A team of researchers from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg has discovered a transport pathway for manganese in plants and the role that BICAT3 plays in this process. The protein is responsible for transporting manganese to where it needs to go in plant cells, leading to improved crop growth.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Progress on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have developed a new probe to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers using near-infrared fluorescence, which may help diagnose the disease early and prevent its progression. The probe binds oligomeric Aβ proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJun 14, 2022

Genetically modified proteins convert carbon nanotube to programmable optoelectronic device

Researchers developed a full-function bioelectronic photocell using genetically modified proteins attached to a carbon nanotube. The system can change its electronic properties in response to light, operating as a spotlight or memory cell. This discovery opens the door to environmentally friendly electronic elements, memory devices, an...

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 30, 2022

Next-generation tissue expansion method improves neural imaging

A new tissue expansion method, eMAP, has been developed to improve neural imaging. It allows for the imaging of proteins at neural connections, enabling the measurement of their relative distances and abundance. The technology facilitates high-throughput analysis and enables multiscale imaging of synapses along whole neuronal branches.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

High-resolution lab experiments show how cells ‘eat’

A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals the mechanism of membrane curvature that allows cells to form pockets to capture substances. The researchers used high-resolution fluorescence imaging to watch these pockets form within live cells, providing a clearer understanding of how cells 'eat' and consume substances.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 30, 2021

AI knows where your proteins go

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the location of proteins related to actin in cells. The program achieved a high degree of similarity with actual images, showing promise for future applications in cell analysis and artificial cell staining.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

SPOTlight supercharges cell studies

A new method called SPOTlight allows for the isolation of single live cells with unique profiles from heterogenous populations. The platform uses a digital micromirror device to give individual cells a long-lasting tag, enabling researchers to observe cellular dynamics and subcellular structures over time.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2020

A new approach to studying the flu

Researchers have developed a new method to study the flu virus, allowing them to visualize individual proteins and understand how they contribute to the virus's success. The study suggests that variations in protein composition may be beneficial for the virus, enabling it to spread infection more effectively.

Predict the onset and course of Huntington's disease

A research team at Max Delbrück Center identified tiny huntingtin protein fibers that precede larger deposits in Huntington's disease, enabling prediction of disease onset months in advance. These findings hold promise for diagnosis and potential new treatments by testing pharmaceutical substances against the fibers' harmful activity.

Stopping a tiny -- and deadly -- fly in its tracks

Researchers have developed a novel technique using genetically-encoded glucose biosensors to monitor Trypanosoma brucei parasite metabolism and identify molecules that disrupt glucose levels. This could lead to the development of therapeutics for African sleeping sickness, a disease causing fatal results in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 5, 2018

Proteins' fluorescence a little less mysterious

Rice University researchers confirmed their theory on the mechanism behind a fluorescent biosensor that monitors neurons by sensing changes in voltage. They developed a method to test fluorescent biosensors using computer simulations, resolving a decade-long debate between scientists.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2018

Sorting out HIV

Researchers at EMBL and ESPCI Paris have developed a new technique to rapidly sort HIV viruses, which could significantly speed up vaccine development. The system enables the analysis and sorting of hundreds of HIV viruses per second, allowing for rapid testing of millions of viral variants.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

CAS researchers and Nobel Laureate develop new monomer fluorescent protein for SR imaging

CAS researchers have developed a new monomer fluorescent protein, Skylan-NS, enabling substantial improvements in the speed, duration, and noninvasiveness of live-cell superresolution microscopy. The protein shows high photostability, cycle numbers and signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for live-cell SR imaging.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2016

Protein Photonics special section in Journal of Biomedical Optics honors Osamu Shimomura

The Journal of Biomedical Optics special section honors Osamu Shimomura's work on green fluorescent protein, enabling researchers to observe molecular-level activity in live cells. Recent studies detail new applications of protein photonics, including multicolor imaging and monitoring cellular magnesium levels.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 3, 2015

Chameleon proteins make individual cells visible

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new microscopy technique that enables selective visualization of individual cells within complex tissue. Using 'chameleon proteins' like Dendra 2, they can highlight single cells or groups of molecules with one color while keeping other cells visible in another color.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 19, 2015