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Closer to deciphering TOR, the molecular machinery that makes humans and yeast grow

TOR protein's molecular switch regulator, SEA complex, has been structurally solved by CNIO researcher Lucas Tafur. The study reveals that SEA doesn't regulate TOR in the way previously thought, providing new insights into understanding cancer and disease prevention.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Protein regulator of sugars and fats may work with an unexpected partner — itself

Researchers characterized the structure and function of a protein that regulates sugar and fat levels, finding it can work with an unexpected partner - itself. This partnership may drive the expression of different genes than its usual partner, offering new therapeutic targets for diseases like liver cancer and diabetes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Src heterodimerically activates Lyn or Fyn to serve as targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) diagnosis and treatment

The study found that Ponatinib inhibits Src-mediated ESCC malignancy with no toxic effect on normal cells. Src interacts with Fyn or Lyn to form heterodimers, which play a key role in ESCC development. Overactivation of specific tyrosine residues can be used as biomarkers for ESCC prognosis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

PKU researchers harness higher order protein catenation for the development of artificial antibodies

PKU researchers harness higher order protein catenation to create complexed topological proteins, leading to the synthesis of artificial antibodies with enhanced affinity and prolonged serum half-life. The study successfully expands toolkits for protein entangling motifs, promoting advanced protein therapeutics.

SourcePeking University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 12, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Restricting unwanted immune reactions

Scientists at the University of Münster have decoded a mechanism that regulates the release of S100A8/S100A9 protein complexes, which can trigger or amplify inflammatory reactions. The researchers aim to develop new treatment options for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 6, 2018

A fish of all flavors

A study by Osaka University reveals that a single heterodimer of two T1r members can detect a wide range of sweet and savory flavors in humans. The researchers found that the structure of the heterodimer is similar regardless of the amino acid bound, but with varying affinity for each ligand.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2017

Inflammation: It takes two to tango

A systematic analysis of chemokine interactions reveals two structural types with different functional effects on inflammation. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets using specially designed peptides that selectively inhibit atherosclerosis and acute inflammation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 6, 2017

SMiLE-seq: A new technique speeds up genetics

Scientists developed a microfluidics-based technique called SMiLE-seq to characterize DNA-binding proteins, increasing speed, accuracy and efficiency. The technique can analyze over 60 transcription factors, including nine new ones, and has the potential to be extended to other molecules.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 16, 2017

A new approach to chemical synthesis

Researchers have devised a new method for synthesizing communesins, a group of fungal compounds with anticancer properties, by transforming carbon atoms into radicals and joining them together. This approach enables the production of designed variants with potentially greater potency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 6, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Research reveals how antibodies neutralize mosquito-borne virus

The study reveals the precise structure of the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus pathogen bound to antibodies, showing how infection is likely neutralized. Antibodies stabilize the viral surface, hindering fusion and blocking infection. The findings could lead to effective vaccines against the infection.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 2, 2013

Structure shows repair protein cradling broken DNA

The Ku heterodimer, a key player in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), is shown to 'cradle' broken DNA ends with its ring-shaped molecule, forming a precise alignment for repair enzymes. This structure provides insights into the accuracy of the NHEJ process and its importance in genome integrity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 2001