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Towards high quality ZnO quantum dots prospective for biomedical applications

Scientists have successfully prepared high-quality ZnO quantum dots using a novel one-pot self-supporting organometallic procedure, offering promising prospects for biological applications. The new method yields stable and uniformly sized particles with unique physicochemical properties.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 3, 2019

Researchers discover semiconducting nanotubes that form spontaneously

Scientists have discovered semiconducting nanotubes with precise cylindrical structures, which can be used as fluorescent markers in medical research or catalysts in photoreduction reactions. The researchers' accidental discovery reveals the spontaneous formation of these nanostructures using metallic nanocrystals and certain ligands.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 8, 2019

Golden ball in a golden cage

Scientists have successfully synthesized a 32-gold atom nanocluster with a core of 12 atoms surrounded by a shell of 20 atoms, demonstrating unusual stability. The cluster's geometry and electronic structure rely heavily on interactions with ligands, particularly amido and phosphine groups.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 21, 2019

Embryos' signals take multiple paths

Researchers found that stem cells are sensitive to the speed of signaling molecule delivery, not just its concentration. This discovery highlights the dynamic interactions between morphogens and cells during embryonic development, allowing for more precise control over cell fates and potentially leading to new ways to drive cellular di...

New findings on intercellular communication

Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles have discovered a decoding mechanism for Wnt7 ligands, enabling precise interpretation of cell signals. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding Wnt signaling and its regulation, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like cancers and neurovascular disorders.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2018

Shine bright like a nanoaggregate

Researchers develop a method to prepare aggregated, highly luminescent nanostructures from copper-iodine cluster molecules. These nanoaggregates can be used as luminescent inks for invisible paintings and color coatings for LEDs, emitting light in various colors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 25, 2018

Cells communicate in a dynamic code

Caltech scientists have discovered that cells can transmit multiple messages through the Notch signaling pathway by encoding them rhythmically over time. This discovery reveals that cellular messaging is closer to sending smoke signals than texting, and cells use temporal patterns to differentiate between similar ligands.

Insights into closed enzymes

Scientists at the University of Konstanz and Umea University have successfully generated a structural model of the adenylate kinase enzyme in its closed state. This breakthrough allows researchers to analyze the precise moment when the enzyme is biochemically active, shedding light on its biochemical mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2017

A fish of all flavors

A study by Osaka University reveals that a single heterodimer of two T1r members can detect a wide range of sweet and savory flavors in humans. The researchers found that the structure of the heterodimer is similar regardless of the amino acid bound, but with varying affinity for each ligand.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2017

Finding needles in chemical haystacks

A team of chemists has developed a process to identify new catalysts for synthesizing drugs more efficiently and cheaply. By examining libraries of drugs, they found highly effective ligands that can improve reactions beyond those reported nearly four years ago.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 14, 2016

Cyclic opioid peptides

Researchers explore cyclic opioid peptides with constrained topographical structure, offering improved affinities and selectivities at target receptors. The benefits of cyclization have been enhanced through the generation of polycyclic peptides, promoting increased stability and therapeutic potential for novel therapeutics.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2016