Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
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.
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.
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 have gained a comprehensive understanding of melittin's molecular-level action, which involves opening pores in cell membranes to attack cancer and bacteria. The study sheds light on how melittin forms transient pores at low concentrations and stable pores at higher concentrations.
A team of scientists has discovered that a specific helper protein is necessary for a plant membrane receptor to sense and respond to a growth-promoting steroid hormone. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, with potential applications in basic research and synthetic chemistry.
Researchers have developed a new method to insert DNA into living cells with greater-than-ever control, using a combination of femtosecond lasers and optical tweezers. This technique allows for precise pokes on the surface of a single cell and gentle insertion of DNA.
Researchers have developed a new polymer membrane that improves the stability and conductivity of alkaline fuel cells while reducing the need for expensive platinum catalysts. This breakthrough could make fuel cells more affordable and accessible, offering an alternative to traditional technology.
EPFL researchers dismantled a bacterial nano-machine that kills host cells by piercing membranes. The discovery opens new therapeutic perspectives, including coating catheters with substitute peptides to prevent infection.
A novel theory, proposed by Michael Russell and colleagues, suggests that life arose from geochemical processes, including serpentinization, which produced essential components for life. This theory could provide insights into the origins of life and potentially shed light on its existence elsewhere in the universe.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new coating for medical implants that can boost bone cell growth by nearly 80%, potentially leading to faster healing of joint replacements and broken bones. The coating, made of tiny metal oxide wires, allows bone cells to cling more easily and form a stronger bond with the implant.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered a mechanism that allows squid and octopuses to change color by using specialized cells in their skin called iridocytes. The cells create layers or lamellae that operate as tunable Bragg reflectors, allowing the animals to control their transparency and match their surroundings.
Researchers Tomomi Kiyomitsu and Iain Cheeseman discovered that human cells use the dynein motor to align their mitotic spindle structure, which is then corrected by cell membrane elongation. This process allows for symmetric cell division in about 95% of cells, resulting in identical daughter cells.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that graphene's sharp corners and jagged protrusions can pierce cell membranes, potentially disrupting normal function. The findings may help minimize the potential toxicity of graphene, a material with numerous commercial applications.
New research reveals that muscle power comes from multiple directions, including radial forces, which were previously overlooked. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding normal and pathological aspects of muscle function, including cardiac diseases.
Researchers have created a groundbreaking way to measure transporter proteins in living organisms, providing insights into metabolic networks and regulation. This breakthrough has major implications for plant biology and human health research, enabling monitoring of transporters like the Rhesus factor.
Researchers discovered that glycans can order the random network of water molecules above them, creating clusters or layers. This effect may help synovial fluid lubricate joints and influence how receptors recognize glycan coats on cells.
Researchers at University of Helsinki and ETH Zurich have solved the three-dimensional structure of RSV, a common cause of respiratory infection. The structural model provides valuable information for intelligent vaccine design, targeting the virus's fusion protein and matrix protein.
A study found that high levels of contractile stress in animal cells can lead to the formation of a condensed layer of filaments beneath the cell membrane. This new understanding provides insight into the cortical layer's structure and function.
A study found that rod-shaped nanoparticles adhere effectively to endothelial cells, enhancing drug delivery. Researchers believe this technology holds promise for novel targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
Glycans play a vital role in cellular communication, but disruptions in their behavior can lead to serious problems. Researchers found that glycans in NPC cells do not recycle properly, causing miscommunication and travel difficulties within the cell.
Researchers have discovered a common sugar molecule on the cell surface of multiple pathogens, which could be key to developing a broad-spectrum vaccine. The sugar polymer, known as PNAG, is found on the surfaces of bacteria that cause strep throat, pneumonias, malaria, and other deadly infections.
Researchers developed a novel tool, nanofountain probe electroporation (NFP-E), to deliver molecules into targeted cells through temporary nanopores. The technique provides unprecedented control over cell transfection and has shown high efficiency and viability in HeLa cell experiments.
A team of researchers at Columbia Engineering has achieved record-breaking temporal resolution in measuring individual ion-channel proteins using miniaturized electronics. This breakthrough enables new understanding of their functions and opens opportunities in biotechnology and biophysics.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have obtained detailed images of how the transport protein GLUT transports sugars into cells. The study's findings could lead to new strategies to fight cancer cells by blocking fuel pumps that introduce sugars and other nutrients required for cell metabolism.
Researchers have gained a clearer insight into how protein components work together to transport antibiotics from cells, which could aid the development of 'pump blockers' to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein that disrupts cholesterol levels in cell membranes, blocking virus entry. The findings have potential for developing anti-viral therapies targeting the endosome compartment.
Engineers at UC San Diego have developed nanosponges that can neutralize a wide range of pore-forming toxins, including those produced by MRSA, E. coli, and poisonous snakes and bees. The nanosponges are designed to absorb toxins and divert them away from their cellular targets, with promising results in mouse studies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found how a gout-linked genetic mutation causes disease by breaking a cellular pump that clears uric acid waste. They identified a compound that partially repairs the pump in laboratory tests.
Researchers have identified a substance that prevents fluid accumulation and edema formation in the body, offering new hope for treating excessive fluid retention in patients with chronic heart failure. The discovery also reveals a new molecular mechanism controlling water homeostasis in the kidneys.
Researchers found that bacteria use phospholipases to degrade competitor cell membranes without harming their own, revealing a new mechanism for interbacterial competition. This discovery opens the way for developing antibacterial drugs that harness this natural defense.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that hepatitis A virus acquires an envelope from infected cells when found in the environment, blurring the distinction between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This unique behavior allows the virus to evade host immune systems and survive longer periods between hosts.
Scientists have identified two compounds, tacrolimus and astemizole, that show anti-prion activity and promise in treating human prion diseases. Astemizole, an antihistamine, stimulates autophagy, a process involved in protein misfolding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that whole cells and cell fragments orient and move in response to electric fields, with two distinct pathways identified. These findings could lead to new ways to heal wounds and deliver stem cell therapies.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in creating 'bio-batteries' by discovering that bacteria can produce an electric current when touching a mineral surface. This allows for the direct transfer of electrical charge through bacterial cell membranes, paving the way for efficient microbial fuel cells.
Researchers found that nano-hMSCs can promote cavernous neuronal regeneration and repair erectile dysfunction. The study revealed that transplantation of nano-hMSCs increased the expression levels of cavernous neuronal, endothelial, and smooth muscle makers.
Researchers found that stimulating bitter taste receptors in some airway cells can lead to improved treatments for asthma attacks. Bitter substances act by shutting down calcium channels, allowing bronchodilation and ending the asthma attack.
A team of scientists discovered that certain bitter taste receptors can relax airway smooth muscle cells, potentially halting asthma attacks. The study's findings suggest that these bitter compounds may be an improvement over current treatments due to their rapid relaxation effects.
New research reveals how primitive cells could have replicated without crucial structures, shedding light on the earliest forms of cellular life. Genetic changes required for L-form growth identified, including increased fatty acid production and imbalance between surface area and volume.
Researchers at the University of Manchester identified the method by which cells regulate integrin recycling, allowing precise control over cell movement. Syndecan-4 plays a critical role in regulating this process, responding to subtle changes in the cell's surroundings.
Researchers create nanoscale MRI using tiny defects in diamonds, enabling detailed visualization of molecules. The technology could revolutionize diagnoses by examining damage on DNA strands or identifying cancer cells with unprecedented resolution.
Scientists have visualized molecular changes in a critical protein involved in cell death, providing new insights into apoptosis and its role in disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new medicines that control cell life or death.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that lipids in the cell membrane form larger domains than previously thought, with cholesterol playing a key role in their organization. The findings challenge current understanding of cell membrane structure and function.
Researchers discovered that sphingolipids form larger domains than expected, clustering together to create micrometer-sized patches in the membrane. The presence of cholesterol affects lipid aggregation, but its role is more complex than initially thought.
Researchers at Aalto University have demonstrated improved light absorption and surface passivation on highly absorbing silicon nanostructures using atomic layer coating. This breakthrough advances the development of high-efficiency solar cells, which can potentially increase efficiency to new levels.
A synthetic corkscrew peptide has been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria by dissolving their double-layered membranes. The peptide, KLAKLAKKLAKLAK, was effective against a variety of strains of E. coli, A. baumanii, and P. aeruginosa, including multi-drug resistant strains.
Researchers at MIT have created a device that can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles through cell membranes by deforming cells. The technique has shown success in delivering reprogramming proteins and generating induced pluripotent stem cells with improved efficiency compared to existing methods.
Researchers at Syracuse University studied nanoparticle toxicity, finding that shape and charge modifications can alter chemical interactions with cell membranes. The study highlights the need for safe handling procedures in nanomanufacturing and nano-biotechnology.
Researchers identified significant sections of the dystrophin gene that could provide hope to young patients and families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The discovery found a 'claw' in the gene that brings nNOS to the muscle cell membrane, preventing damage and potentially leading to treatments.
Researchers discovered a novel charge zipper principle used by membrane proteins to form functional units, allowing them to be immersed into hydrophobic cell membranes. The mechanism involves the assembly of amino acids with positive or negative charges, forming an uncharged ring that lines the TatA pore.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study cell division without a cell membrane, allowing them to uncover physical forces and constraints involved in the process. By using this method, they discovered that squeezing the 'cell' into tighter quarters does not lead to smaller spindles, contradicting previous assumptions.
Scientists have developed a flexible, nanoscale material that can deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The new technology, called a 'bed of nails', uses aligned carbon nanofibers embedded in an elastic membrane to pierce cell walls and release medication.
Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.
Researchers created a biophysical model predicting that holes larger than 15-24 nanometers would cause bacterial cells to burst. Experiments validated this theory by measuring holes in lysed bacteria cells with diameters of 22-180 nanometers.
Researchers solved the structure of α-catenin, a protein crucial for cell binding and tissue formation. The discovery reveals how α-catenin interacts with the cytoskeleton and cadherins to stabilize adhesion complexes.
Researchers from Scotland have demonstrated a way to sort embryonic stem cells based on their electrical properties. The method uses electric fields to differentiate between undifferentiated and differentiated stem cells, which can be useful for biomedical research and potential treatments of diseases like Parkinson's.
Scientists propose that early life forms utilized deep-sea hydrothermal vents to harness energy, driving the emergence of complex cellular structures. The new theory explains why all living organisms conserve energy in the form of ion gradients across membranes.
Bisphenol A, a widely used industrial chemical, has been shown to block essential calcium channels in human and mouse cells. This can lead to adverse effects on heart muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and nerve cell communication. The study suggests that alternatives to BPA should be developed to replace it in various products.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a synthetic molecule to stimulate cell movement, bypassing the cells' usual sensing mechanism. This breakthrough provides powerful tools for studying cell movement and its role in cancer progression and immunity.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new method for delivering stem cell therapy to treat corneal blindness. The technique uses biodegradable discs loaded with stem cells that can multiply and repair damaged eyes naturally. This approach has the potential to be more accessible and safer than current treatments.