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Development of photovoltaics that can be applied like paint for real-life application

Researchers at KIST have developed high-efficiency large-area organic photovoltaics by controlling solvent evaporation rates, achieving 30% higher power conversion efficiency than existing photovoltaics. This breakthrough enables the creation of practical solar cell technology for future energy self-sufficiency and eco-friendly energy ...

A new understanding of everyday cellular processes

The study suggests that cells can be understood as electrical entities, enabling predictive biological understanding and potential new treatments for conditions like heart failure and diabetes. The researchers' bioelectrical conceptualisation of cells could pave the way for breakthroughs in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 20, 2020

Sexual development in fungi

Researchers have identified KIN3 as a crucial enzyme connecting cellular signalling pathways involved in fungal developmental processes. The study found that mutants lacking this enzyme were sterile and exhibited developmental disorders.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGenetics·DateSep 4, 2018

RNA molecules live short lives

Researchers at University of Basel developed a new method to measure RNA molecule half-life, revealing most RNAs are short-lived, living less than 2 minutes. This challenges conventional methods and underlines importance of accurate measurements for cell cycle studies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2017

Cellular quality control process could be Huntington's disease drug target

A study by Duke Health researchers has identified a shared root cause of Huntington's disease with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The team found that a biochemical explanation for the breakdown of quality control processes in Huntington's disease, which can be restored by chemically inhibiting CK2, holds promise for ...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2017

Researchers watch biomolecules at work

Scientists at the University of Bonn have successfully observed an important cell protein in action using a novel method that measures structural changes within complex molecules. This breakthrough allows researchers to elucidate cellular processes in their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

Researchers at the CNIO discover a gene that is essential for the DNA-replication process

The discovery of POLD3's critical role in DNA replication reveals its necessity for both tumor and healthy cells, casting doubt on its use as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. The study used genetic engineering to eliminate the gene in mice, showing its essential function in cell division and survival.

Researchers discover that DNA naturally fluoresces

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA naturally fluoresces under certain conditions, allowing for label-free super-resolution imaging without the need for toxic fluorescent stains. This breakthrough could revolutionize the understanding of biological processes by providing more accurate images of living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Autophagy under the microscope as never before

Scientists have dissected the autophagy process in unprecedented molecular detail using live imaging and super resolution microscopy. The study reveals how the first autophagy structure forms and clarifies protein and membrane associations leading to its development into a fully-fledged autophagosome.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

Light signals from living cells

Researchers from Goethe University and MIT have developed a new method to deliver protein markers with nanometre precision into living cells. The technique, called cell squeezing, uses high pressure to incorporate fluorescent probes with an efficiency rate greater than 80 percent.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

Life in the extreme

Two single-celled Archaea species, nearly identical genetically, respond differently to uranium toxicity, one by metabolizing it as energy, and the other by inducing a dormant state. These findings could teach us about mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for understanding antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

A non-invasive intracellular 'thermometer' with fluorescent proteins has been created

Scientists develop a technique to measure internal cell temperatures without altering cellular metabolism, opening doors for studying metastasis and differentiating healthy from cancerous cells. The 'fluorescence polarisation anisotropy' method uses green fluorescent proteins to provide non-invasive temperature readings.

Dividing corn stover makes ethanol conversion more efficient

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a more efficient method for converting corn stover into cellulosic ethanol by separating its three distinct parts: the rind, pith, and leaves. This new approach enables better utilization of enzymes to break down cellulose, resulting in increased ethanol production with reduced costs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 25, 2011

Vacuum-like device makes cellular exploration easier

A team of researchers at McGill University developed a new device that can float over cell surfaces without touching them, allowing for the study of cellular processes such as cancer cell formation and neuron alignment. The device uses quadrupoles to create force fields and deliver molecules selectively to cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2011

A shot to the heart: Nanoneedle delivers quantum dots to cell nucleus

University of Illinois researchers have created a tiny needle that can deliver quantum dots directly into a cell's nucleus, allowing for the study of internal environments and cellular processes. This breakthrough technique uses electrical potential to control the release of molecules and offers precise monitoring capabilities, opening...

Inhibiting the cellular process autophagy makes mice leaner

A new study reveals that inhibiting autophagy in mice leads to an increase in brown fat cells and a reduction in body mass. The researchers conclude that autophagy has a crucial role in regulating the formation of distinct fat cell types, providing a potential avenue for treating obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2009