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New antibiotic attacks bacteria in never-before-seen way

Scientists discovered a new antibiotic called manikomycin that binds to the ribosome, halting protein synthesis and blocking an important molecule from exiting. This action makes it harder for bacteria to develop resistance, as they need to jump through hoops to find resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A parasitic origin for the ribosome?

Researchers suggest ribosomes may have originated from a viral parasite, proposing a proto-ribosome that assembled small molecules into useful products. This theory implies that the evolution of the ribosome was influenced by its initial parasitic nature.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 24, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Ribosomes in pairs

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2026

Cells reveal “survival of the fittest” through ribosome competition

Researchers in Japan discovered that cells eliminate less efficient ribosomes through a 'survival of the fittest' mechanism, ensuring accurate and efficient protein synthesis. This discovery sheds light on how cells maintain quality control and prevents ribosome-related diseases.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2025

A molecular gatekeeper that controls protein synthesis

A molecular gatekeeper called NAC controls protein synthesis by recruiting specific enzymes to modify proteins during translation. This complex ensures the correct processing and transportation of newly emerging proteins, crucial for proper function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 19, 2025

Major milestone achieved in capturing ribosome assembly

Researchers have captured a key part of the ribosome formation process, revealing how cells coordinate, regulate, and safeguard protein factory creation. The 'molecular movie' shows the role of Mtr4 enzyme and Utp14 protein in assembly, as well as an elaborate system of built-in safeguards.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How do cells prevent premature protein release? UIC study cracks the case

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have uncovered the detailed chemical mechanism behind preventing premature protein release. The discovery sheds light on how cells execute protein production, one of life's most essential processes, and clarifies the role of the release factor.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2025

Study pinpoints key mechanism of brain aging

A new study by Stanford researchers reveals that declining proteostasis in the brain leads to increased protein aggregation, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings were made using the turquoise killifish model, and shed light on the fundamental molecular principles of aging.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2025

Scientists discover new method for reprograming organelles

Researchers develop novel approach to manipulate nucleolus structure by altering rRNA sequence, revealing dynamic RNA-programmed organelle. This breakthrough enables design and manipulation of entire organelles, bridging atomic structure and cellular organization.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2025

Capturing nanofabrics in action with a supermicroscope

Biophysicist Christian Spahn's ERC Advanced Grant project aims to capture the ultra-fast intermediate steps of ribosomes in action. Using a supermicroscope, his team will analyze hundreds of thousands of images to visualize rare, short-lived states of ribosomes at atomic resolution.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateJun 26, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Uncovering the structural and regulatory mechanisms underlying translation arrest

Two previously unknown ribosome-arresting peptides (RAPs), PepNL and NanCL, were identified in E. coli, inducing translation arrest through a unique mini-hairpin conformation in the exit tunnel of the ribosome. This discovery provides valuable insights into deciphering the hidden genetic codes within polypeptide sequences.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2025

Starting points for the control of protein synthesis

Bonn researchers have compiled a comprehensive toolbox to characterize IRESes, involving circular RNA reporters and quantitative staining techniques. This enables the direct characterization of IRES-mediated activity in cultured cells and embryo tissue.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·DateMar 20, 2025

Scientists want to throw a wrench in the gears of cancer’s growth

Researchers at UCSF describe how to curb MYC levels by disrupting the protein assembly line controlled by RBM42. Disrupting RBM42 in pancreatic cancer cells stopped them from growing, suggesting drugs could be developed to do the same for other fast-growing cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 4, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Ribosomes team up in difficult situations, new technology shows

Researchers developed a new microscopy technique to observe how ribosomes function in cells. They discovered that ribosomes help each other when encountering difficulties, a process they refer to as 'ribosome cooperativity'. This finding provides insights into how proteins are made and offers a tool for better studying mRNA translation.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 31, 2025

Study captures high-resolution reconstructions of ribosome dynamics in situ

The study provides detailed measurements of ribosomal translation dynamics, including eEF2's role in stabilizing the environment for peptidyl transfer. It also identifies the fully rotated ribosome bound to eEF3 and elucidates the dynamic multi-conformational characteristics of ribosomes during translation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 16, 2025

Giant virus encodes key piece of protein-making machinery of cellular life

Researchers discovered a giant virus, FloV-SA2, that encodes a ribosomal protein called eL40. This protein is crucial for translating genetic information into proteins, the building blocks of life. The study reveals new insights into how viruses interact with host cells and manipulate cellular metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·Journalnpj Viruses·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 17, 2024

A quick end for mRNA

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new degradation process for mRNA that targets proteins involved in cell differentiation. This process, triggered by the m6A modification, is significantly faster and more efficient than previously known mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 16, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cancer ‘fingerprint’ can improve early detection

A new diagnostic test uses a unique molecular 'finger print' to detect different types of cancer, with near-perfect accuracy, and could lead to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes. The test targets ribosomal RNA molecules, which are modified differently in healthy and diseased tissues.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Bacteria ditch tags to dodge antibiotics

Researchers found that bacteria like E. coli assemble new ribosomes with altered tags, making them more resistant to antibiotics streptomycin and kasugamycin. This novel mechanism of antibiotic resistance could have significant implications for the fight against global antimicrobial resistance.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

Delivery mechanism discovery resolves gene expression puzzle

Researchers have shed new light on gene expression by visualizing ribosomes in unprecedented detail. The study reveals a molecular mechanism for mRNA delivery to the ribosome, advancing our understanding of gene expression at the molecular level.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024

Researchers uncover Achilles heel of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Scientists have discovered a weakness in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be exploited to stop the spread of this public health crisis. By understanding the link between magnesium limitation and ribosome variants, researchers may develop novel drug-free approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Tumor suppressor forms gel-like assemblies to sacrifice cancer cells

Researchers discovered that p14<sup>ARF</sup> activates tumor suppression by forming gel-like assemblies in the nucleolus, disrupting ribosome production and cell toxicity. This process contributes to cancer cell death, providing a new mechanism for tumor suppression.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2024

Stalking ribosomes: How cancer cells pull poker faces

Researchers have shown that cancer cells can modify their ribosomes to become less visible to the immune system, allowing them to evade detection. This discovery could lead to new cancer therapies by making these cells more visible to the immune system.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

What we can learn from hungry yeast cells

Scientists discovered a unique way in which yeast cells adapt to starvation by coating their mitochondria with massive molecular complexes called ribosomes. This adaptation has potential implications for cancer treatment as it may help overcome the challenges faced by cancer cells when they are starved of nutrients.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How ribosomes in our cells enable protein folding

Researchers have discovered that ribosomes play a crucial role in protein folding, directing folding pathways by impacting energy and stability. This discovery reveals the structural basis of how ribosomes affect protein folding, offering new insights into diseases such as cancers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

UV radiation damage leads to ribosome roadblocks, causing early skin cell death

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that the ZAK protein is a critical player in the cell's response to UV radiation damage, determining whether cells live or die. The research, published in Cell, suggests that companies developing drugs targeting ribosomes may find ZAK to be a driver of cell death across cancer types.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2024

New discovery of a mechanism that controls cell division

Scientists at Umeå University have identified how a protein complex called the Mediator regulates gene expression, leading to slower cell division. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments for diseases related to uncontrolled cell growth, such as tumors.

SourceUmea University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Ribosomes: Molecular wedge assists recycling

A team of researchers has discovered the role of an enzyme in recycling ribosomes at the endoplasmic reticulum. The enzyme, a special E3 ligase, joins a small protein modification called UFM1 to the large ribosomal subunit, ensuring its detachment from the ER membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Translation inhibition in CRISPR-Cas antiviral defense system

Researchers discovered a novel family of effector proteins called Cami1 that inhibit translation in bacteria attacked by viruses. By cleaving specific mRNAs, Cami1 prevents the production of viral proteins, allowing the bacterium to conserve resources.

SourceVilnius University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2023

Unzipping mRNA rallies plant cells to fight infection

A new molecular mechanism has been identified that helps plants adjust protein levels to fight infection. By unzipping specific RNA structures, plant cells can produce defense proteins. This discovery also has implications for human cells, suggesting a similar mechanism may control protein production in response to pathogens.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

How one of nature's most fundamental molecules forms

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the assembly of ribosomes, the essential nanomachines that translate genetic information into proteins. A new study has provided high-resolution images of the large ribosomal subunit, revealing key steps in its formation and maturation. The findings bring researchers clos...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2023

The molecular control centre of our protein factories

Scientists have identified a molecular control centre responsible for processing newly formed proteins correctly when they leave the cell's protein factories. The ribosomal gatekeeper NAC ensures the excision of methionine from specific proteins, preventing cell death.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2023

Retooling the ribosomal translation machine could expand chemical repertoire of cells

Researchers have made significant progress in reprogramming cells to supply the ribosome with building blocks other than alpha-amino acids. The ultimate goal is to make the translation system fully programmable, allowing for the production of an unlimited variety of new molecular chains with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

A compound from fruit flies could lead to new antibiotics

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a peptide from fruit flies that protects insects from bacterial infections by binding to ribosomes in bacteria. The peptide, called drosocin, inhibits translation termination when the ribosome reaches the stop signal at the end of the gene.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance

A team from the University of Tsukuba has discovered characteristics of proteins in bacteria that convey antibiotic resistance, providing insights into their function and role. These proteins, known as ARE-ABCFs, work in synergy with other resistance mechanisms to convey extremely high levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2023

A ribosomal traffic jam that breaks the heart

Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers discover how some brain cells transfer material to neurons in mice

Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 17, 2023

Humans vs. Bacteria: Differences in ribosome decoding revealed

Human ribosomes decode messenger RNA (mRNA) 10 times slower than bacterial ribosomes, but do so more accurately. This slow-down adds accuracy due to human ribosomes being known to be more accurate at translating the code than bacterial ribosomes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2023

Researchers discover new class of ribosomal peptide with hemolytic activity

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a novel class of ribosomal peptides called daptides, which exhibit hemolytic activity. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic development and highlights the vast potential of undiscovered RiPP classes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

A key mechanism that controls human heart development discovered

A specialized mRNA translation circuit controlled by protein RBPMS determines the competence for heart formation in human embryonic development. The study provides a better understanding of human cardiac development and reveals potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Heart toggles between maintenance and energy-boost mode using ribosomes

Researchers discovered a mechanism involving ribosomes that enables the heart to toggle between a regular maintenance mode and an energy-boost mode. This finding provides clues for developing medicines targeting specific ribosomes to treat cardiovascular disease.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Autophagy: The molecular regulation of self-eating

A team of researchers has identified a molecular switch that regulates autophagy in plants, bridging two quality control pathways. The study reveals that this regulatory mechanism is conserved in eukaryotes and essential for preventing cells from 'eating' healthy cellular components.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Lost in translation: How “risky” amino acids abort elongation in protein synthesis

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that nascent peptide chains with N-terminal sequences rich in aspartic acid or glutamic acid can lead to abortion of translation in eukaryotic cells through intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD). This phenomenon is associated with biased amino acid usage in proteomes, where t...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

How a cell's mitochondria make their own protein factories

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to study mitoribosome assembly in yeast and humans, revealing similarities and differences in protein involvement and RNA folding. The findings provide insights into molecular complexity and diversity, with potential implications for severe diseases such as Perrault syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2022

Covid-19: the Spike protein is no longer the only target

A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateNov 22, 2022
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A new method for studying ribosome function

Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Collaborative team at IGB discovers new natural products at unprecedented speed

A collaborative team at IGB discovered 30 new compounds, including three with antibacterial properties, using the Illinois Biological Foundry for Advanced Biomanufacturing. The platform allowed for rapid screening of hundreds of genes and pathways, enabling the researchers to identify potential anti-microbial compounds.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022