Articles tagged with Structural Biology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers created a green living material that demonstrates similar strength to cement-based mortar by combining sand, bacteria, and hydrogel. The material reproduces and can be controlled to maintain structural function and microbial survivability.
Researchers have identified the location of structural proteins in a pig ovary, paving the way for 3D printing an artificial ovary that can support eggs and hormone-producing cells. The technology has huge potential for girls who undergo fertility-damaging cancer treatments.
Researchers at McGill University have made significant strides in understanding the functioning of enzymes that produce antibiotics and therapeutics. The study found a surprising level of flexibility in the assembly line of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which could lead to new therapeutic design possibilities.
The study reveals the detailed 3D structure of the CysLT1 receptor, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes and allergic diseases like asthma. The researchers used advanced X-ray sources to determine the receptor's mechanism of operation, providing insights into improving asthma medications.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered a chromosome-wide mechanism that maintains balance in sex chromosomes' gene expression. The study found that genes on the X chromosome produce waves of gene products at a faster tempo, driven by special DNA elements called enhancers.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University revealed the flagellar hook's mechanics, showing how it acts as a dynamic joint to transmit torque and enable bacterial motility. The study provides insights into the hook's flexible and rigid structure, allowing for dynamic shifts in its conformation.
The study reveals the largest real-time structural changes in a molecule ever, showing how bacteriorhodopsin pumps protons from inside to outside through the cell membrane. This process creates a concentration gradient that the cell uses to gain energy for its metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth used synchrotron X-ray computed tomography to examine the performance of four different bone-biomaterial systems. They found that strain can be used to understand and potentially predict clinical outcomes of biomaterials in a living body.
A team of scientists at Arizona State University has determined the structure of a massive photosynthetic supercomplex, uncovering crucial details about its functionality. The complex, composed of over 700 molecules, is unique in size and complexity, with 591 chlorophylls bound within.
Abnormal necroptosis function contributes to cancer cell survival and multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease. Controlling necroptosis may lead to new treatments for these diseases.
A team of scientists measured the puncture performance of viper fangs using a custom-built machine. The study found that the angle of the fang's tip contributes most to its sharpness, with narrower tips performing better than wider ones.
Researchers develop a new method to create detailed structural models of proteins using force-driven simulations, reducing computational power requirements. The technique, inspired by metallurgy, allows for faster computation and more accurate results than existing approaches.
The study analyzed 26 widely-used protein disorder prediction methods and found that they vary noticeably in performance. This thorough comparison provides valuable insights for protein scientists to make informed choices about which programs to use.
Researchers from Kanazawa University have discovered a novel system where a liquid-solid transition is driven by guest vapor, exhibiting selectivity for alkane vapors. This unique property enables the development of new vapor detection systems and adhesion materials.
The Ryerson-led research team developed a technique called F-Mode, which enables selective enhancement of features in biological structures based on size. This breakthrough has significant potential in ophthalmology, neurosurgery, and disease detection.
This year's awards recognize Professor Minoru Kanehisa for his work on the KEGG database, Professor Anthony Kossiakoff for his technological achievements in protein structure and function, Professor Hao Wu for her groundbreaking signal transduction research, Professor Shahriar Mobashery for his discovery of new antibiotics, and Profess...
Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.
A team of researchers from TUM used computational screening and data mining to analyze 64,000 organic compounds, identifying key structural frameworks and functional groups that facilitate favorable charge transport. The study reveals the importance of molecular design in creating efficient electronic components.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theoretical framework that describes how pollen patterns form through phase separation. This discovery provides new insights into the intricate structures found in nature and could lead to the development of innovative materials.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have developed a new technique called Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM), which allows for the visualization of cellular structures and protein complexes at a nanoscale. This method enables the detection of biochemical modifications and mapping of large intracellular molecular complexes.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how cells regulate hydrogen peroxide, an intracellular messenger linked to several diseases. This discovery may enable the development of more sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensors to visualize endogenous H2O2 in real-time.
Researchers discovered a self-protection mechanism in failing heart cells that triggers the regulation of genes promoting heart failure. The study reveals that one fragment of the protein junctophilin-2 protects against damage by traveling to the cell nuclei.
Researchers designed proteins that snap together spontaneously to form long, helical structures, mimicking natural protein filaments. The creation of these self-assembling filaments could lead to the development of new materials, including fibers stronger than spider silk and nano-scale wire circuitry.
Researchers at Siberian Federal University have created a new class of two-dimensional materials called circulenes, which exhibit high stability, symmetry, and optical properties. These materials show promise for nanoelectronics applications, including solar cells and organic LEDs, with advantages over traditional materials like silicon.
A standardized protocol for FRET has been established, enabling precise measurement of distances within biomolecules. This breakthrough methodology can overcome size and stability limitations of other structural biology methods, leading to targeted drug development and new research opportunities.
A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals that the Arp8 module of the INO80 complex serves as a linker DNA sensor driving chromatin remodelling. This process enables gene expression adaptations by stimulating nucleosome repositioning, which has implications for cancer therapy.
Jianhan Chen is studying intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) with flexible 3D structural properties, which account for about one-third of all eukaryotic proteins. His project aims to develop computational methods to simulate flexible proteins and explore the fundamental principles of their structural disorder's effect on function.
A research team has used an integrated structural biological approach to elucidate the maturation of a cancer-causing microRNA in gene regulation. Understanding this process may help develop new therapies for cancer treatment.
Researchers have created the highest-resolution image yet of the Zika virus, providing a detailed atomic model that enables efficient vaccine and antiviral compound design. The discovery was made possible by the stability of the Zika virus compared to its flavivirus cousins.
The new Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM will provide state-of-the-art technology and training to researchers nationwide. The facility will enable scientists to see molecules in breathtaking detail, with resolution near atomic levels, revolutionizing the understanding of disease at the molecular level.
Recent discoveries on proteoglycan roles in bone and tooth development have been made, challenging previously held views of their structural function. The symposium aims to provide an update on these findings, which have significant implications for mineralized tissue biology and craniofacial development.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a new cofactor, NUFIP2, that works with Roquin to regulate the immune response. This cooperative regulation helps limit immune responses to specific reactions and prevents inflammatory reactions.
Scientists from Waseda University and others have successfully visualized the structure of heterochromatin using cryo-electron microscopy. The study sheds light on how heterochromatin regulates genes and its connection to various diseases, including cancer and virus infections.
Researchers developed a new approach to identify protein structure from sole sequence information by analyzing paired mutations across thousands of protein family members. This method identified sequence covariations that uncover the protein's macrostructure and its fundamental structural and functional units.
A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals the mechanism by which PHF1 increases PRC2 activity, allowing for efficient gene regulation across different species. The findings suggest that stable PRC2 chromatin interactions mediated by PHF1 are key to increased lysine trimethylation and gene repression.
The NIH has awarded a $6.5 million grant to Berkeley Lab to integrate existing synchrotron structural biology resources, establishing the ALS-ENABLE center to guide researchers in determining biological structures. The initiative will provide rapid response crystallography, high-quality small-angle X-ray scattering, and specialized cry...
The OU research group, led by Ann West, has received a five-year, $10.5 million NIH COBRE grant to support structural biology research and build on Phase I successes with 57 research publications and over $7 million in new grants awarded.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a mechanism used by bacteria Amoebophilus to shoot micro-daggers that pierce the digestive compartment of an amoeba, allowing it to escape digestion and thrive. The study reveals new insights into bacterial evolution and opens up possibilities for other structural biology investigations.
The University of Oklahoma offers an NSF Undergraduate Research Program in Structural Biology, providing students with a nine-week research experience. The program helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through presentations and poster sessions.
Scientists have gained insight into the NS5 protein of Zika virus, a crucial enzyme involved in viral replication. The study reveals its structure and function, as well as comparisons with other related viruses, which will aid in the search for compounds to halt virus reproduction.
A team of researchers has elucidated the molecular architecture of the nuclear lamina in mammalian cells using cryo-electron tomography. The study reveals a 14nm-thick layer with threadlike structures called lamin filaments, which assemble into polymers consisting of type A and B lamin proteins.
Researchers design a pod-like casing with liquid-crystal elastomers and molecular switches, demonstrating the ability to produce powerful movement at the molecular level. The device uses light-triggered re-arrangement of molecular switches to drive twisting helices in opposing directions, resulting in the bursting of the casing.
An international team has made a breakthrough by trapping an intermediate in the mechanism of heme peroxidase enzymes and determining its structure using neutron beams. This finding could change our understanding of how these enzymes work, shedding new light on their role in biochemical processes.
A public database of macromolecular diffraction experiments has been developed to archive raw data and metadata from X-ray crystallographic studies. The resource contains 3070 experiments with partially curated metadata, aiming to improve protein structure-determination methods and ensure the availability of orphan data.
Researchers discovered that Kinesin-14 protein helps cells bundle growing microtubules into organized structures by guiding their growth in parallel. This mechanism is conserved throughout evolution and found in various animal cells, including humans and flies.
Researchers have gained structural insights on a key protein from Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species most often linked to Zika. The study suggests compounds targeting this protein could kill mosquitoes and reduce cases of Zika and other illnesses.
The study provides a roadmap for targeting ZIP4, which is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and plays a critical role in zinc transport, offering new hope for treating diseases like acrodermitis enteropathica and pancreatic cancer.
Enrico Di Cera's work on the Structural Biology Data Grid allows researchers to share and reproduce findings faster, advancing the field of structural biology. The grid supports archiving of raw experimental datasets, enabling rapid access for validation and improving existing models.
Researchers have visualized the self-assembly of protein facets in bacterial microcompartments, revealing a honeycomb pattern and selective arrangement. The study provides new clues for designing novel compartments or nanoscale architectures, potentially aiding in toxin removal or product production.
Researchers have uncovered the atomic-level structure of the bluetongue virus, providing a detailed understanding of its mechanism of entry into host cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and treatments against this devastating disease.
A team from the University of York has developed user-friendly software called Privateer to analyze and study sugar molecules. This will enable scientists to better exploit carbohydrates in medicines, which have been poorly defined in databases.
Researchers create Bose-Einstein condensate in a biological protein using terahertz radiation, demonstrating Fröhlich condensation. This phenomenon could lead to new medical applications and ways to control chemical reactions in industry.
A team of engineers at the University of California, Riverside has developed a new type of lithium-ion battery anode made from portabella mushrooms. The mushroom-based material is highly porous and allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time, making it a potential replacement for traditional graphite anodes.
Researchers discovered that sponges construct their skeletons through a complex process involving dynamic transport and cementation of spicules. The findings reveal a fundamentally new mechanism of forming animal body shape and may inspire interdisciplinary studies in fields like bioengineering and architecture.
Researchers at the University of Leeds captured images of motor protein dynein in action using electron microscopes. The study revealed a hinge between the motor's arms and its track, allowing flexibility in movement.
A new study has provided never-before-seen details of the human body's cellular switchboard that regulates sensory and hormonal responses. The research, led by Eric Xu at the Van Andel Research Institute, used SLAC's X-ray laser to complete the first 3-D atomic-scale map of a key signaling protein called arrestin.
Researchers developed an RNA dynamics model using beads and springs, achieving accurate predictions comparable to Molecular Dynamics simulations. The model's simplicity allows for near real-time processing and may be a viable alternative to expensive computer simulation methods.
Researchers have discovered that spider and centipede venom originated from an insulin-like hormone, with similar molecular shapes between the toxins and the hormone. This finding has potential applications in developing new pharmaceuticals and bioinsecticides, as well as solving agricultural and medical problems.
Researchers have determined the basic structural organization of the dynein-dynactin complex, a molecular motor responsible for cellular activities such as cell division and intracellular transport. The findings shed light on diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, and could lead to new treatments.
Researchers found no knots in RNA structures among 6,000 known chains. Instead, naturally occurring RNAs tend to form simple geometric configurations.