Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
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.
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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.
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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 from Queen Mary University of London have developed nanopatches to alter surface properties, enabling stem cells to differentiate and behave like those grown on soft surfaces. This breakthrough enhances the potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to detect cell toxicity in real-time during drug screening, using DNA-binding fluorescent dyes. Four dyes were identified as safe and impermeable to cells, enabling the detection of cell death during high-throughput screening.
Researchers at UCI have discovered a new role for estrogen receptors on the surface of cells, which collaborate with nuclear receptors to regulate organ development and function. The study has significant implications for understanding estrogen's role in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and bone disease.
Researchers identify Bmp7 molecule as key player in establishing auditory system organization and positioning of sensory cells. The study offers insight into how hair cells learn to detect specific frequencies, shedding light on a fundamental principle of the auditory system.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute identified a heart-specific form of protein BIN1 responsible for sculpting tiny folds in pockets on the surface of heart muscle cells. These microfolds trap chemicals controlling heartbeat, protecting against arrhythmia and heart failure.
Researchers at UBC have discovered a key enzyme, MMP12, that plays a crucial role in deploying the antiviral protein Interferon alpha. The team has developed a new drug that blocks this enzyme, keeping Interferon alpha levels high and boosting the immune system's response to viral infections.
EPFL scientists have discovered a new relationship between cell shape and migration efficiency, explaining how cells move using a simple model of liquid droplets. The study found that spherical cells are faster movers, and this phenomenon is influenced by surface characteristics.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a novel method to detect the subcellular location of proteins, which will enable improved patient monitoring and drug development. The technique allows for rapid screening of large cell populations with high resolution, revealing heterogeneity among cells.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method to study the membranes of living cells by using size-based chromatography. This approach allows them to probe supramolecular structures in cell membranes at the nanometer length scales, providing insights into how spatial organization affects cellular function.
Physicists Luca Giomi and Antonio DeSimone simulated the spontaneous emergence of cell motility and division in artificial cells using a simplified model. They found that by controlling one physical parameter, they could reproduce similar effects observed in experimental observations.
Researchers identify E. coli O157:H7's mechanism of binding to plant cells using flagella structures, allowing it to anchor and multiply on vegetable surfaces. This understanding aims to reduce the risk of food contamination by targeting bacterial attachment.
Scientists have solved a decades-old medical mystery by understanding the mechanism of action of amphotericin, an antifungal drug that has been in use for over 50 years. The researchers found that most of the drug aggregates on the exterior of membranes, extracting sterols out of membranes like a sponge, leading to cell death.
Researchers found that osteoporosis medications inhibit the ability of cells to repair their outer membranes, which can lead to jawbone destruction and other serious side effects. The study suggests that patients taking these drugs should talk to their physicians about potential risks.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a method to grow cartilage in the lab, enabling successful nose reconstruction surgery. The technique, known as tissue engineering, uses patients' own cells to create engineered cartilage that is implanted into the defect, resulting in improved functionality and cosmetic appearance.
A team at The Scripps Research Institute has identified a long-sought protein called SWELL1 that regulates cell volume to prevent excessive swelling. The discovery solves a decades-old mystery of cell biology and may lead to new insights into diseases such as immune deficiency, stroke, and diabetes.
The new Research Unit will analyze the assembly of thylakoids using a systematic approach to understand the molecular details of the photosynthetic process. Thylakoids are specialized membrane systems found in some bacterial species and plant cells that capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy.
Researchers have discovered that zebrafish regenerates its caudal fin by a process involving V-ATPase, which pumps hydrogen ions to generate an electrical current. This finding has implications for understanding adult tissue regeneration and developing new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discovered that cells use the cdr2p protein to probe their surface area and determine when to divide. The study challenges previous models suggesting that another protein senses cell length.
Researchers found that MP196 peptide disrupts bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and cell respiration, preventing growth. The study suggests MP196's potential in developing new antibiotics without harming human cells.
Scientists have solved the high-resolution structure of the molecular transporter TSPO, which introduces cholesterol into mitochondria. The detailed knowledge of its three-dimensional shape and function opens up new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new auxin sensing and signaling system localized on the plant cell surface, which explains how leaf epidermal cells form their distinctive jigsaw puzzle-piece shapes. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying various auxin-modulated developmental processes.
Researchers used a nerve growth factor-containing fibrin glue membrane to bridge a sciatic nerve defect, significantly increasing mRNA and protein expression of p75NTR in Schwann cells. This promotes peripheral nerve regeneration.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that altering the surface characteristics of a semiconductor material can significantly impact how neural cells grow. The study used gallium nitride and PC12 cells to mimic neural behavior, finding varying degrees of cell adhesion and growth on different textured surfaces.
Researchers have discovered a key function of plant hormone auxin in regulating the organization of the cell's inner skeletons. Auxin interacts with transmembrane kinases to activate ROP GTPases, which affect cytoskeleton structure.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a potential new strategy to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. By inhibiting the complement cascade, they hope to create a cost-effective treatment option that can prevent both hemolysis and immune cell recognition.
Researchers have successfully imaged the critical transition of proteins passing through a transit pore in cell membranes. The study reveals a side-door within the channel that opens to allow proteins to diffuse into the membrane, and provides new insights into protein function and dynamics.
The discovery sheds light on how SecA pushes proteins out of the cell through a series of mechanical steps. This understanding is crucial for developing specific antibiotics and optimizing biotechnological production of human biopharmaceuticals.
Researchers developed a NIST cell membrane model to detect bacterial vaginosis (BV) at low concentrations. The model revealed the presence of BV-causing bacteria by detecting protein toxin VLY in real-time, with improved sensitivity and speed compared to current methods.
Researchers at Penn State University have identified a critical protein required for the growth of cilia on cell surfaces. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases related to cilium development, such as polycystic kidney disease, blindness, and neurological disorders.
Scientists have discovered a crucial step in how the body regulates 'free' calcium ions, which play a vital role in maintaining cellular functions. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen develop method for slow release drugs by attaching liquid crystalline particles to cancer cells. The particles can carry large quantities of drugs and interact with cellular membranes, providing a potential solution to frequent injections and side effects.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a high presence of bacteria at the site where fetal membranes rupture may be associated with premature water breaking. The study suggests that bacterial presence is linked to thinning of the fetal membranes, which can lead to preterm births.
A study published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology reveals that the protein responsible for copper excretion uses a unique transport mechanism to remove toxic copper from cells. This knowledge has important implications for understanding copper-related diseases, as well as developing new antibiotics targeting harmful bacteria.
Artificial cells manufactured via microprinting can mimic natural cell membranes, allowing researchers to study cellular processes. The creation of uniform-sized artificial cells with proteins and lipids enables high-throughput screenings for drug delivery and disease prevention.
A new method allows researchers to design and create three-dimensional structures with precise cell docking sites, enabling the study of individual cells in a close-to-reality environment. The technique uses direct laser writing and photoactive molecules to control the adhesion points for cells.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new technique for testing pharmaceutical drugs, allowing for faster and less expensive evaluation of ion channels. This method uses cell-free expression mixtures and artificial membranes, enabling quicker testing of multiple types of channels simultaneously.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel procedure to prepare human amniotic membrane for use as a scaffold for specialized stem cells, which may treat corneal diseases such as blindness. The new method promises to streamline clinical applications of cell therapies and accelerate research in this area.
Researchers found a new mechanism regulating the earliest stages of embryo development, where arm-like structures called filopodia control cell shape and compaction. The discovery could help improve IVF treatment outcomes by identifying suitable embryos for implantation.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed tiny protein tubes called Janus nanotubes, which can accurately channel drugs into cells. These nanotubes have a tubular structure that allows small molecules and ions to pass through, making them promising for water purification and drug development.
Researchers from the Carl-Philipp Heisenberg group have identified a key mechanism for limiting tissue tension during cell division, enabling epithelial closure and wound healing. By orienting cell division through mechanical tension, cells can maintain their integrity and ensure proper tissue development.
Researchers at UMD found that fruit flies have similar mechanisms to regulate blood sugar as humans, including the use of insulin. This discovery enables the use of fruit flies in screening tests for new diabetes treatments.
Researchers have gained new insights into tissue cryo-injury mechanisms, revealing that gap junctions are not the primary pathway for ice crystal propagation between cells. Intercellular connections also play a significant role in cell crystallization during freezing.
A new study from Cornell University proposes that clay hydrogel could have confined and protected chemical processes that formed proteins, DNA, and eventually living cells. Researchers demonstrated protein synthesis in a clay hydrogel, which enhances protein production and offers a promising possibility for producing large quantities o...
Researchers at University College London have developed a new method for building membrane-crossing pores using Lego-like DNA building blocks. This approach provides a simple and low-cost tool for synthetic biology and has potential applications in diagnostic devices and drug discovery. The technique uses two large anchors to embed the...
Researchers have used a novel imaging technique to study the interaction between an antimicrobial peptide and cell membranes, gaining insights into how it kills bacteria. The findings suggest that the peptide creates nanometer-sized pores in the cell membrane, leading to its disintegration and death.
Scientists have captured images of the SecY/Sec61 channels in cell membranes, revealing how nascent proteins are transported to their target destinations. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of protein transport and cell function.
Researchers use TopoChip platform to test thousands of surface patterns and catalog cellular responses, revealing the 'Braille code' of cells. The approach has potential applications in improving medical device performance and reducing negative reactions to artificial implants.
A team of scientists discovered that a single amino acid change in the human BK polyomavirus enables it to bind to a different sugar on host cell surfaces. This mutation allows the virus to potentially adapt to new species by changing its binding target preference.
Scientists discovered that cellular projections are initiated by a network of message-relaying proteins inside the cell, even in random movement. The findings have implications for understanding and manipulating biological processes, including cancer metastasis.
Researchers developed a new method to create biomimetic membranes, allowing for the study of cell membrane functions and development of novel applications in medicine and biotechnology. The method uses lipid dip-pen nanolithography to write tailored patches of phospholipid membrane onto graphene substrates.
Scientists have successfully assembled model cell membranes on graphene surfaces using Lipid Dip-Pen Nanolithography (L-DPN). This breakthrough enables the study of complex systems and processes in a controlled environment.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute have developed a highly programmable platform for creating synthetic cellular structures with complex membrane compositions. The approach enables the assembly of multi-layered membranes resembling the cell nucleus envelope, offering new insights into biological function and evolution.
A team of Drexel University researchers has created a molecule called DAVEI that can trick HIV into destroying itself by hijacking the virus's fusion machinery. The microbicide was designed to mimic the forces it feels when attached to a healthy cell, causing the virus to release its genetic payload harmlessly and die.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that female common market squid possess two distinct systems for reflecting light: Bragg reflection and Mie scattering. These systems allow the squid to switch between transparent and white colors, with the latter appearing as a result of condensation and dehydration of reflectins-based proteins.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution structure of CCR5, one of two co-receptors used by HIV to enter human cells. The study provides insights into how HIV fuses with cells and may aid in developing new drugs targeting this receptor.
Scientists aim to treat diseases by creating medicines that replace missing proteins, inspired by artificial limbs. A new platform simplifies the synthesis of small molecules, reducing production time from months or years to days.
Scientists have identified two distinct patterns in cell membranes: spiral and uniform. The patterns are formed by highly organized lipids and vary according to temperature and lipid molecule type. Further research is needed to understand the significance of these patterns for biological functionality.
Gold nanoparticles with special coatings can deliver drugs or biosensors to a cell's interior without damaging it. Researchers have figured out how the process works, including the crucial first step of fusing with lipids in the cell wall.
New findings reveal how hair cells amplify sound at specific frequencies, a process missing in current hearing aids. The discovery may inspire the development of next-generation cochlear implants with location- and frequency-specific amplification.
Researchers developed plasma-treated carbon nanotube membranes that can remove contaminants and brine from water effectively. These new membranes could be integrated into portable devices the size of a tea pot for efficient and inexpensive water purification.