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.
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 at MIT developed a microfluidic device that captures circulating tumor cells using DNA 'tentacles' inspired by jellyfish. The device increases flow rates 10 times higher than existing ones, enabling rapid processing of blood samples and potential monitoring of cancer patients.
Neutron scattering experiments have provided new insights into the origin of AmB's side effects, revealing that it interacts differently with fungal and animal cell membranes. The study suggests that AmB can open up holes in fungal cells but is unable to do so as readily in human cells, leading to harmful side effects.
Researchers at Caltech have successfully simulated the biological function of a protein channel called the Sec translocon, which allows specific proteins to pass through membranes. The new computational model reveals that both equilibrium and kinetic effects play a crucial role in determining the fate of proteins entering the translocon.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have found a way to deliver bio-active cargo such as proteins and synthetic molecules into naïve T cells using a new synthetic protein transduction domain. This breakthrough enables the study of crucial immune functions and holds great potential for therapeutic applications in the clinic.
A new method, SPR microscopy, allows for quantitative analysis of protein interactions on cell surfaces, streamlining drug development and diagnostic biomarker identification. The technique provides high-resolution spatial and temporal information, revealing dynamic processes evolving over time.
A new method involves molecularly engineering a model synapse to precisely control GABA receptors, which is crucial in brain chemistry. Understanding how these receptors work can lead to creating safer drugs with fewer side effects for disorders like epilepsy and anxiety.
Researchers have discovered a genetic process that can restore function to a defective protein responsible for cystic fibrosis. By manipulating a specific microRNA network, they were able to partially restore the protein's function and increase its production.
Researchers have documented the physiological events in lace plant leaves during programmed cell death (PCD), revealing how cells dismantle and disappear. The study used long-term live cell imaging and staining to observe the progression of PCD, which is essential for producing the characteristic holes in the leaves.
Researchers have found that alpha-synuclein protein build-up inside neurons leads to misfiring due to calcium fluxes, a new insight into Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A study at Stanford University reveals the mechanical mechanisms in living cells, showing that cadherin-catenin-actin structure exerts force inside and between cells in living tissues. This understanding could have implications for biological processes such as tissue development, tumor growth, and complex organism formation.
A new research in the FASEB Journal suggests that the AMPK protein helps protect sensory cells in the inner ear from permanent damage and maintains hearing after extreme noise exposure. The discovery provides a target for new preventive strategies and potentially even treatments for earbud deafness syndrome.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new immune alarm signal that triggers the human immune system before a virus attack. This knowledge may lead to more efficient vaccines and better treatment of recurrent infections, potentially reducing the risk of diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, and cold sores.
A team of chemists at the University of Geneva has developed a rare halogen bond that can transport anions across phospholipid bilayer membranes, similar to cellular structures. This discovery has significant implications for medical applications, particularly in treating diseases linked to ion transport issues.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new interaction between two well-known molecules that could lead to a beneficial therapy against necrosis and inflammation in the body. The study found that blocking the effect of Bcl-2 on calcium pumps could be an attractive target for treating pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
A new study reveals that protein knots, a complex structure, are strongly conserved in nature, suggesting they have specific functional advantages. The researchers found that knotting patterns are highly conserved, with flexible points of entry, which may contribute to the stability and function of proteins.
Researchers at EMBL found that 15% of human genes influence the secretory pathway, a complex network for transporting molecules to the cell membrane. This discovery suggests cells have evolved a strategy to adapt to environmental changes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have engineered cells that behave like AND and OR Boolean logic gates, producing an output based on one or more unique inputs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of computers that use cells as tiny circuits.
Researchers at Salk Institute create cell-free expression system to synthesize and analyze integral membrane proteins, solving their three-dimensional structures in just 18 months. This breakthrough enables precise biochemical mechanisms understanding and targets the proteins with new drugs.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have visualized the transport of messenger RNA from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm using a highly sensitive light microscope. The study reveals that the process involves brief collisions with the nuclear membrane and quality control checks, resulting in only about every fourth successful export.
Scientists at the University of Leeds are developing more efficient biofuel cells that can harness light and hydrogen gas to create energy. The new technology has the potential to be used indefinitely, making it a promising alternative to traditional batteries.
A serendipitous accident in shipping a donated human retina led to the discovery of a previously undetected mechanism causing choroidal neovascularization, a leading cause of vision loss. Researchers found that adhesion defects play a crucial role in maintaining the retina's structure and preventing blood vessel invasion.
Patel's research uses novel computer modeling methods to study the biophysics of model cell membranes, revealing non-intuitive behavior of polar molecules. The NSF Career Award will also support a new computational-chemistry course for Newark High School students.
Scientists at USC have created a pathway to affordable solar cells made from tiny nanocrystals that can be printed onto clear surfaces. The new method overcomes a key challenge in liquid solar cell technology by stabilizing the nanocrystals and allowing for efficient electricity transmission.
Researchers found that antidepressant Zoloft accumulates in yeast cells, inducing autophagy and causing membrane distortions. This response supports the idea that depression may be linked to diminished BDNF secretions and suggests alternative targets for next-generation antidepressants.
Researchers at Linköping University have identified 20 molecular interactions in voltage sensors that lead to pore opening, shedding light on a key mechanism. The study's findings are crucial for developing new medicines targeting electrical excitability disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins identified a gene, methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSRA), that modifies the risk of newborns with cystic fibrosis developing neonatal intestinal obstruction. This study may lead to a better understanding of how intestines work and pave the way for identifying genes involved in secondary complications.
A new optical imaging system uses speckle imaging to measure differences in light bouncing off red blood cells, identifying cells infected with malaria parasites. The technique delivers results in under 30 minutes with high accuracy and low cost, promising to revolutionize malaria diagnosis.
Researchers found that sertraline, a common antidepressant, accumulates in yeast cells and triggers membrane curvature, suggesting a potential alternative mechanism for depression treatment. The study supports the idea that depression is linked to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secretions, not just serotonin.
Researchers create iPhage particles that penetrate cells using penetratin, targeting specific organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. They discover a peptide ligand that disrupts ribosomal function, killing cancer cells and reducing cell survival in malignant and non-malignant cells.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have resolved the debate on the mechanisms involved in human cell shut-down during division, finding that receptors can transport nutrients but are temporarily blocked. This discovery may lead to future studies on manipulating this process to prevent harmful infections.
Researchers have identified a protein on the surface of dendritic cells that recognizes damaged cells, enabling the development of more specific and effective vaccines. This discovery could lead to vaccines that are 100-1000 times less in amount and have fewer side effects.
Researchers have developed a breast implant with a 'bed-of-nails' surface at the nanoscale that reduces cancer cell growth and promotes healthy endothelial breast cells. The implant's unique surface features deter cancerous cells from dwelling and thriving, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.
Researchers embed artificial membranes with billions of nanoantennas to study cell signaling patterns and molecular interactions. The technique boosts fluorescent signals, enabling tracing of individual proteins and enhancing biomolecule imaging.
A study published in Molecular Cell found that more than 30% of PDZ domains interact with various membrane lipids, controlling their cellular location and interaction with other protein partners.
Scientists at NIST and NIH discovered that inhaled anesthetics may alter the organization of fat molecules in a cell's outer membrane, affecting nerve cell signaling. This finding opens up a new line of inquiry into the long-standing question of how anesthesia works.
Scientists have determined the molecular 3D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that controls blood clot formation. This discovery helps understand the body's response to superbugs and potentially leads to new treatments.
Researchers from Clemson University have developed a method to create temporary holes in the membranes of live cells using a standard inkjet printer. This allows them to introduce molecules inside the cells that wouldn't otherwise fit, enabling studies on cell mechanics and responses to mechanical forces.
Muscle cells have efficient systems to seal holes in their plasma membranes. Researchers at KIT and Heidelberg University observed membrane repair in real-time using a novel imaging method. They found that membrane vesicles form a repair patch, which is sealed off from the extracellular environment.
A recent study suggests that restoring normal function to the mutant gene product responsible for cystic fibrosis requires correcting two distinct structural defects. This finding could lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for CF in the future.
Researchers have discovered that a bacterial photoresponsive protein can resist the adhesion of mammalian cells, opening up new possibilities for biosensor applications and surface modification in regenerative medicine. This finding provides a novel non-fouling substance that distinguishes it from other anti-fouling substances.
Scientists have found that the unfolded end of a protein, ColN-T, can still kill E. coli-like bacteria even after its toxic folded portion is removed. This discovery may lead to new, targeted ways to kill antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute have discovered a new mechanism controlling cell polarity in yeast. An enzyme called flippase flips phospholipids to create a polarized membrane, with all molecules involved found in both yeast and mammalian cells. This discovery opens up avenues for studying human diseases.
Cell biologists have identified key steps in how small molecules alter a cell's skeletal shape and drive cell movement. By manipulating the cell membrane, researchers created ruffles that helped pull cells across surfaces, a process previously difficult to recreate.
Researchers found that fat-derived stem cells thrive on stiff surfaces and form myotubes when matured, a crucial step in muscle development. These cells may offer new therapeutic possibilities for muscular dystrophy patients.
Researchers at University of Bristol have successfully mapped the molecular gateway across cellular membranes, revealing the mechanism responsible for protein secretion. The study, published in Cell Reports, provides a major breakthrough in cell biology, shedding light on how proteins are transported across membranes.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created new fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in neuroscientists' ability to accurately measure and visualize small voltage changes between neurons.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have successfully created self-assembling cell membranes using a simple metal catalyst. This breakthrough could be a crucial step in making artificial life forms from scratch and understanding the origins of life on Earth.
Biofilms expand by swelling and then spreading due to the force generated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM increases osmotic pressure within the biofilm, causing it to absorb water from its surroundings and swell. This process allows the biofilm to grow and spread horizontally.
Researchers at UCSF have found that neutrophils use mechanical force to transmit tension across their membrane, restricting activity to the leading edge and enabling them to attack invaders. This discovery could lead to new therapies for conditions such as spinal cord injury and cancer.
Researchers discovered a new bacterial growth process that occurs at a single end or pole of the cell, which could lead to new antibacterial strategies. The study found that this polar growth process is broadly distributed among many different bacterial taxa.
Researchers have identified Ric-8 as a chaperone that facilitates the transport of G proteins to the cell membrane. Without Ric-8, G proteins are destroyed and their biological processes are disrupted. Understanding the role of Ric-8 in G protein function may lead to more effective treatments for various diseases.
Vitamin E helps repair tears in plasma membranes that protect cells from outside forces. Daily consumption of vitamin E is crucial to maintain healthy muscles and prevent conditions like muscular dystrophy and diabetes.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to produce stable, biocompatible lipid vesicles that mimic natural cell membranes. This breakthrough overcomes previous hurdles by generating precisely sized droplets in an oil environment, producing an oil-and-water membrane for lipid assembly.
UIC researchers found a molecular mechanism that allows immune cells to reduce tissue damage from inflammation in lung injury. TRPM2 channel modulates the production of reactive oxygen species, helping to protect against inflammation and tissue injury.
A new device, designed to mimic the periosteum, has shown promising results in healing critical-sized bone defects in sheep. The device delivers stem cells, growth factors, and natural components of the periosteum to promote bone growth, and can be used for a range of applications beyond bone healing.
Rutgers researchers identified a Type III PI4-kinase as an excellent target for panviral therapeutics. Blocking the enzyme was effective in stopping virus replication and saving host cells. The study found that viruses hijack this enzyme to manufacture a lipid necessary for replication.
Researchers found that bacteria wait until the last minute to synthesize glue for permanent attachment, using flagella and pili to facilitate timely release. This mechanism may help design drugs to prevent infections by targeting adhesin stimulation.
Researchers have created a highly sensitive surface that enables multivalent binding, allowing for the efficient capture of circulating tumor cells from the blood. The combination of nanotechnology and biomimicry demonstrates great potential for detecting rare tumor cells.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a protein called TAT-5 that inhibits the budding of extracellular vesicles from cells, affecting tumor spread, blood clotting, and inflammation. The study reveals new potential strategies to manipulate diseases like cancer.
Researchers used laser capture microdissection to analyze individual root cells and discovered genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. The study found that even non-colonized cells are reprogrammed to prepare for fungal colonization, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-depleted soil.