Articles tagged with Cellular Energy
Scientists have identified the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC), a universal carrier that transports pyruvate into mitochondria. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how cancer cells produce energy and potentially develop new treatments.
Research identifies pivotal role of proteins in cellular and disease processes, shedding light on neuromuscular disorder and cancer connections. The study found that impaired Mpc1 and Mpc2 lead to deadly health problems, including the neuromuscular disorder.
Scientists have identified the energy supplier ATP and its binding protein TssM, which drives the export of Hcp through two membranes into the environment. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of the type VI secretion system, a previously unknown bacterial transport system.
Researchers found that increased fructose consumption depletes cellular energy in obese and diabetic individuals, leading to decreased ATP stores and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Measuring uric acid levels may help doctors predict the presence and monitor the severity of this condition.
A team of scientists at CU Denver has developed a novel energy system that increases the amount of energy harvested from microbial fuel cells by more than 70 times. This breakthrough improves energy efficiency and enables active extractions of electrons from bacteria.
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have designed a solar cell that emits light as well as absorbs it, increasing voltage and efficiency. The new design broke the efficiency record, achieving 28.3%, with potential implications for all types of solar cells.
KIT showcases algae engineering platform, laser technologies for battery production, electronic drawbar for agricultural machines, and organic computing system for tractors. Algae can convert sunlight into chemical energy, reducing CO2 emissions.
Seven Stanford research teams will receive funding from the Global Climate and Energy Project to develop new energy technologies that can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. The projects include all-carbon solar cells, soot-free diesel combustion, hydrogen production from glucose, and more.
A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to solar energy by creating 3D configurations of solar photovoltaic cells. Their results show that these structures can increase power output ranging from double to more than 20 times that of traditional flat panels, with the biggest boosts seen in locations far from the equator, i...
Researchers determined the crystal structure of a critical control element within chaperonin, which promotes correct protein folding. The discovery sheds light on how proteins fold correctly and may lead to engineering modified protein-folding activities to combat diseases.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered an energy sensor mechanism that helps regulate cell energy storage. The study found that a protein called AMPK, which acts like an energy thermostat, is affected by acetyl groups added to it.
Researchers are developing an artificial 'leaf' that can convert sunlight into liquid fuel, and optimizing natural photosynthesis through enzyme engineering. The goal is to improve crop yields and create a sustainable carbon-neutral economy.
A mathematical model predicts and explains the emergence of burst suppression, a low-activity state in response to reduced cellular energy. The study suggests that burst suppression may be used to guide induced coma and track recovery from brain injuries, offering new insights into brain neurochemistry and neurophysiology.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of solar cell that can harness more of the energy from the sun. The hybrid cell absorbs red light and uses blue light to boost electrical current, enabling it to capture 44% of incoming solar energy.
Research by Michael Goldberg and Phillip Sharp found that selectively inhibiting PKM2 can kill cancer cells by depleting energy sources. This approach has shown promise in regressing established tumors in mice, suggesting a potential strategy against various cancers.
A new study clarifies the crystal structure of quinol dependent nitric oxide reductase (qNOR), a key enzyme in anaerobic respiration. The findings reveal a proton transfer pathway in qNOR, suggesting an evolutionary link to the proton pump found in aerobic organisms.
A study found that blocking a protein called AMPK helps increase animal mobility and reduce nerve cell death in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings suggest energy deficits may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders like ALS, offering new directions for treatment.
Researchers from TUM proved that Hsp90 utilizes thermal fluctuations as the driving force for its conformational changes. Key findings show that the chaperone protein is highly flexible and can switch between conformations using random environmental collisions, saving valuable ATP energy.
Research reveals that aging-related tissue degeneration is caused by defects in energy metabolism of tissue stem cells. Early antioxidant treatment may partially prevent these defects, indicating a key role for oxygen radicals in regulating stem cell function.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to capture hot electrons, increasing the efficiency of solar cells to 44 percent. By exploiting a 'dark state' in organic plastic semiconductor materials, they found that two electrons can be generated from one photon of sunlight.
A team of scientists led by Donald Bryant has corrected a decades-old assumption about how cyanobacteria make energy and synthesize cell materials. They discovered that these bacteria can complete the TCA cycle in a slightly different way, allowing them to produce energy.
The Office of Naval Research is exploring alternative energy sources, including fuel cell vehicles and high-efficiency trash disposal technology. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency for the military.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis successfully synthesized a chlorosome component, a giant assembly of pigment molecules, and studied its self-assembly properties. The findings suggest that synthetic pigments could be easier to incorporate into solar devices than biomimetics made of proteins.
Pitt researchers are working on a new method to produce solar cells with higher energy efficiency rates using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. The goal is to create plastic solar cells that can be used to charge devices simply by stepping into sunlight, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable energy.
Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new compound crystal material that can enhance the capabilities of computers, improve internet efficiency, increase solar cell conversion rates, and improve solid-state lighting. The new material contains 1,000 times more erbium atoms than previous compounds, providing superior opt...
Researchers build a simple model system to study laws of 'absorbing states' in active systems, where energy is continuously consumed but movement stops. Complex structures form with perfectly shaped rings made up of millions of individual fibers.
A team of researchers has identified a way for the brain to protect itself when its energy supply is running low. The brain uses a protein called AMPK to reduce the firing frequency of electrical impulses, conserving energy. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients at risk of stroke.
A $5 million grant will support the development of high-energy density lithium-sulfur batteries that can provide 600 watt-hours per liter. The goal is to create safe, reliable, and economical long-lasting advanced cells with nonflammable electrolytes for improved cell cycling life.
A Yale research team discovered a mechanism that enables fat cells to expand when excess metabolic energy is present, helping them store and use fatty acids efficiently. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular balance and preventing the breakdown of fat storage capacity in obese individuals.
Researchers observe helicase enzymes unzipping DNA by manipulating single molecules and observing nucleotide effects. They found ATP can cause unwinding, but only in single-molecule studies.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have demonstrated a promising approach to creating high-efficiency nanowire solar cells using solution-based cation-exchange chemistry. The new technique produces core/shell nanowires with superior open-circuit voltage and fill factor values compared to conventional planar solar cells.
Researchers found a protein in mitochondria involved in energy regulation decreases with age, but is increased by losartan treatment, leading to lowered blood pressure and cellular energy usage. This discovery may lead to new treatments for mitochondrial-specific diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and frailty.
Researchers found that molecular motor proteins fold in on themselves to prevent unnecessary energy consumption, controlling cargo transport. This discovery may open new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's.
Scientists have developed a technique to capture and convert ambient electromagnetic energy into usable power, which can be used to operate wireless sensors and microprocessors. The technology has the potential to provide a new source of energy for various applications, including airport security and industrial monitoring.
Researchers from RUB-Department of Biophysics elucidated the proton pump mechanism of a cell-membrane protein in atomic detail, revealing that protein-bound water molecules play a decisive role. A chain of only three water molecules is formed for just a few thousandths of a second to transfer protons into the interior of the protein.
The new technique uses barium oxide nanoparticles to adsorb moisture, initiating a water-based chemical reaction that oxidizes carbon deposits, keeping nickel electrode surfaces clean. This allows solid oxide fuel cells to be powered directly by coal gas at low temperatures, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency.
Researchers have clarified an important step in the complex control circuit of insulin in the brain. Insulin inhibits nerve impulses, suppressing feelings of satiety and increasing energy expenditure, promoting overweight and obesity.
The ASU research group is studying the FoF1 molecular motor using a gold nanorod attached to the c-ring, which allows them to measure the rotary motion of the c-ring. They have found that the rotation is periodically interrupted, similar to a ratchet mechanism, and are exploring its potential for use in synthetic molecular motors.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a laboratory procedure that allows scientists to assemble and study the structure of entire chromosomes. The process reveals the construction of chromatin, a super-compressed marvel of molecular packaging that contains all an organism's DNA and associated proteins.
A study by MIT researchers found that remanufacturing products can be more energy-efficient in some cases, but new technology often cancels out savings. The team looked at life-cycle analysis and found that many remanufactured products are less energy-efficient due to newer versions being more efficient.
A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging suggests that the pathological forms of amyloid beta and tau proteins may collude to decrease the survival of brain cells. This finding raises hopes for early markers and treatment strategies to combat the disease by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that solar cells are more efficient than plants in capturing sunlight's energy. However, scientists aim to enhance plant efficiency using innovative approaches such as replacing photosystems with those from cyanobacteria.
Researchers have discovered a way to re-engineer plants to store solar energy more efficiently, which could lead to alternative renewable fuel sources and reduced land usage. The new approach involves manipulating the structure of plants using synthetic biology and genetic manipulation to create biological band gaps similar to those fo...
A new study in Cell Metabolism reveals the microbiome's significant effects on metabolism in mice, highlighting butyrate as a primary energy source for colon cells. Butyrate levels have been linked to dietary and clinical implications, including colorectal cancer prevention.
A new study in fruit flies explores the potent effects of methamphetamine on the body, identifying molecular pathways and energy metabolism changes associated with the drug. The research found that sugar metabolism plays a role in reducing toxicity, while disruptions to calcium and iron balance may contribute to dysfunction.
A study published in Biophysical Journal discovers a state of cardiac muscle with low metabolic rate, which may help regulate energy use and promote efficiency in the heart. This finding suggests that therapeutic interventions increasing the population of this state could be cardio-protective during times of stress.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery about the structure of the MRN DNA repair complex, revealing its powerful molecular motor workings. The finding has implications for designing non-toxic drugs to treat disorders such as cancer and cystic fibrosis.
Researchers found that eliminating caspase-2 prolongs the life of neurons stressed by pesticide chemicals, a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Neurons lacking caspase-2 increase autophagy to survive.
Researchers found that adding an organic molecule layer can increase quantum dot solar cell efficiency three-fold. The layer helps keep electrons apart, preventing recombination and increasing electrical charge production.
Scientists discovered that mitochondria, cell energy factories, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing uncontrolled inflammation in TRAPS. Blocking ROS may reduce inflammation in this disorder and possibly other inflammatory diseases.
Researchers demonstrate the role of cellular bioenergetics in selectively inhibiting pathogenic lymphocytes while preserving normal immune function. Lycera's prototype compound Bz-423 induces selective apoptosis of alloreactive donor T cells, reversing graft-versus-host disease and improving survival in mice.
Researchers have created an antireflective coating based on moth eyes that improves the performance of photovoltaic modules in laboratory and field experiments. The film reduces reflections by up to 30% and increases solar cell efficiency by 5-6%.
A new report reveals a key mechanism linking cellular energy state with whole-body energy state, optimizing fat absorption. Researchers found that the AMPK-SRC-2 pathway plays a crucial role in regulating fat uptake and storage.
Scientists found that AMPK, a metabolic master switch, triggers autophagy by activating the enzyme ATG1. This process helps cells recycle debris and survive starvation better, which is significant for aging-related diseases like type II diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have fabricated 2-nm nanochannels that significantly enhance ion transport, improving power density and practical energy density of fuel cells and batteries. The smaller geometry and stronger hydration force are expected to further enhance ion transport in even smaller hydrophilic nanotubes.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have unraveled the mystery of how lignin precursors are transported across cellular membranes, a crucial step in breaking down plant barriers for efficient biofuel production. The discovery reveals that ABC-like transporters play a key role in sequestering and transporting these precursors.
A UC Davis study found that children with autism have more trouble fueling their cells due to dysfunctional mitochondria. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 10 children with autism and 10 typically developing children, detecting mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in mitochondrial DNA.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that children with autism have deficits in cellular energy production, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects. The study's lead author suggests that deficiencies in mitochondria may contribute to cognitive impairments associated with autism.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have designed an electrical link to living cells, allowing for the transfer of electrons across a cell membrane. This breakthrough could yield cells that can read and respond to electronic signals, leading to new biotechnologies such as self-replicating solar batteries and more efficient energy production.
Polymeric solar cells face challenges due to their interpenetrating structures, which impede the travel of energy-carrying excitons. The team hopes to develop more efficient solar cells by understanding and addressing this structural issue.