Articles tagged with Molecular Structure
Scientists have developed a single solid material that exhibits different behaviors in response to light, heat, and physical force, opening up new possibilities for materials with multiple functions.
Researchers at Tohoku University have found that tiny shifts in water molecule orientation can flip magnetic partnerships between metal ions, offering a new tool for designing magnetic materials. Hydrogen bonding can be used to carry magnetic coupling across large distances within a crystal.
Researchers developed a method to determine the 3D structures of small, low-polarity molecules by using crystalline sponges with phenanthrene as a co-guest. The method successfully determined the structures of 24 out of 30 sesquiterpenoid-type compounds, including 11 new structures.
Macromolecular crowding stabilized synthetic DNA droplets and induced the formation of complex self-organized patterns, supporting the development of programmable artificial cell systems. The findings reveal that crowding promotes droplet formation, stability, and organization, enabling control over interactions and structure.
Researchers capture radical positions and motion on 100-picosecond timescale using time-resolved X-rays, revealing radical behavior varies by neighboring molecule. The findings provide new insights into reaction selectivity and could lead to more precise production of effective new drugs and high-performance materials.
The research team designed a molecular cage with an internal cavity, which traps planar π-conjugated molecules through shape complementarity. The cage can reversibly capture small guests and permanently encapsulate larger ones, forming carceplexes with distinctive functions.
Researchers develop a new method using Raman spectroscopy to identify 20 SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants based on their molecular RNA architecture, which is distinct from their genetic composition. This approach has the potential to provide a rapid screening strategy for emerging viral variants.
Researchers from the University of Osaka have developed a new reaction that uses a single carbon atom as a connecting point to join two planar molecules into a 3D structure, creating rigid spirocyclic frameworks. The resulting molecules are valuable in solar cells and electronic materials.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo and University of Hyogo studied small crystals of a rhenium complex molecule, revealing drastic changes as they absorbed chloroform. The findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental behaviors of crystals and potential applications in electronics and sensors.
A Korean research team has identified the process by which azobenzene changes its structure after absorbing light. The molecule changes shape through a coordinated motion of the two nitrogen atoms at its center, while its benzene rings stay nearly in place.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used molecular simulations to investigate how an enzyme's shape affects molecular recognition and ligand retention. They found that enzyme shape influences ligand retention, with 75.6% of trajectories in the closed group retaining ligands compared to 55.1% in the open group.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created two new spinels made of silver, chromium, and selenium ions, which exhibit magnetic properties up to 400 Kelvin. The spinels transform when exposed to air, with the original losing magnetism at a lower temperature compared to the second spinel.
Researchers purified and characterized four ζ-carotene isomers, revealing UV-A shielding and antioxidant activities. The study suggests ζ-carotene's potential as a natural ingredient for skin health and photoprotection.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified structural changes that enable the LRRK2 protein to become overactive, a key step in Parkinson's disease progression. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing targeted therapies to slow or halt the disease.
Researchers have developed smart molecules that can change their physical properties in response to various external stimuli. These materials can form the building blocks for next-generation data storage units, quantum processors, and advanced industrial sensors.
Scientists at the University of Groningen have successfully elucidated the exact composition of tiny pheromones produced by the Trichogramma turkestanica, a type of parasitoid wasp. The team used advanced techniques to separate and analyze the volatiles, ultimately synthesizing the pheromone and revealing its structure.
A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology has identified the underlying cause of water's unique properties, solving a fundamental mystery in science. They have observed water's liquid-liquid critical point, which marks the transition from two distinct liquid states into a single supercritical liquid state.
A team of researchers at The University of Osaka has found a novel method for creating diastereomers, which are structurally identical molecules with different biological activities. Their approach uses a group-14 allylatrane to control the reaction, resulting in the high-yield synthesis of complex molecules.
Researchers have developed new polymer-based materials that can capture short-chain PFAS molecules, which are difficult to remove from drinking water. The polymers use cooperative binding microenvironments to anchor the charged PFAS headgroup and stabilize its fluorinated tail.
A new study reveals that biochar's ability to remove antibiotics from water depends on their molecular structure. The research found that subtle structural differences among tetracycline antibiotics influence their adsorption onto rice straw biochar, with some antibiotics binding more quickly than others.
Scientists at Northwestern University have determined the three-dimensional structures of rye pollen's cancer-fighting molecules, secalosides A and B. This breakthrough opens the door to exploring how these molecules interact with the immune system and could inspire new approaches to cancer therapy.
A University of Houston chemist has received a nearly $2M grant to develop molecular blueprints for controlling how molecules change shape and reactivity upon absorbing light. This research could lead to breakthroughs in storing and using chemical energy, as well as designing materials that change when exposed to light.
Scientists have discovered a shape-shifting molecular valve in PANX1, a cellular gate that controls the flow of chemical messages. Researchers found that a common antimalarial drug can enhance or inhibit this gate's activity, paving the way for precision therapies.
Researchers from The University of Osaka develop a groundbreaking synthetic method to incorporate boron-rich carboranes into aromatic compounds, eliminating complex steps and hazardous conditions. This 'dump-and-stir' technique enables large-scale production using inexpensive aryl bromides and chlorides.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have created an eco-friendly organic liquid that phosphoresces at room temperature, overcoming issues with molecular aggregation and stability. This discovery offers potential applications in electronic displays, particularly for wearable devices.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have invented a novel, unsymmetrical hetero[8]circulene molecule with unique properties that make it a potent organic photocatalyst. The molecule can speed up chemical reactions triggered by light, paving the way for sustainable and inexpensive material creation.
Researchers have observed the luminescence of an excited complex formed by two donor molecules, opening possibilities for developing simpler, more efficient OLED devices. The discovery also enables the creation of sensitive sensors capable of detecting low concentrations of explosive substances.
A study from Waseda University reveals distinct differences between enantiomeric and racemic thalidomide crystals, with asymmetric and uniform thermal responses attributed to dimer symmetry. This research provides insights into chiral compound behavior and supports rational drug design.
Scientists have designed human-made molecules that self-assemble into stacked rings, allowing charge and energy to circulate freely, echoing photosynthesis. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy generation and advanced electronics.
The Psychedelics journal has expanded its focus to include all psychoactive drugs, challenging traditional classifications and embracing a broader understanding of consciousness-altering substances. This move aims to reveal novel therapeutic applications and deepen human knowledge of the mind.
Researchers at Northwestern University propose a new approach to therapeutic development using structural precision in nanomedicine. By fine-tuning the interaction between nanomedicines and the human body, scientists can design interventions that are more effective, targeted, and beneficial for patients.
Researchers synthesized three porphyrin-based COF materials with tunable structural distortion, revealing correlations between linker distortion and material properties. The NN-Por-COF photocatalyst exhibits exceptional CO2 reduction performance under simulated industrial flue gas conditions.
A research team at the California NanoSystems Institute has created the most detailed 3D map yet of the flagellum on Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness. The study identified 154 different proteins that make up the flagellum, including 40 unique to the parasite.
Researchers at MPI-DS discovered that non-reciprocal interactions between particles can homogenize mixtures and control particle organization. This study offers a new route to understanding how complex patterns and structures emerge and maintain cellular functions.
Researchers found that obesity causes a disruption in the liver's ability to adapt to starvation, specifically in the temporal coordination of molecules. This suggests that obesity makes the body more vulnerable to the negative effects of starvation, despite no significant structural disruptions in the molecular network.
Researchers have discovered how a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier transports a molecule vital for energy production into the cell's powerhouses. Blocking this process could lead to new treatments for various conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and cancer.
Researchers at Pitt have produced the most detailed image of a bacteriophage, revealing its structural makeup and enabling the design of phages to target specific bacterial strains. The high-definition images reveal intricate interactions between proteins in the tail tip, which binds to bacteria cells.
A new type of smart polymer has been created that mimics the flexibility and stiffness of medieval chainmail. The material, made up of interlocking rings, can bend without breaking while maintaining exceptional stiffness, making it a potential game-changer for next-generation protective gear.
A new microscopy technique, SIMIP, combines structured illumination with mid-infrared photothermal detection to achieve high-speed chemical imaging with superior resolution. The method outperforms conventional methods in terms of spatial resolution and chemical contrast.
Researchers created a promising approach that augments LLMs with graph-based models to generate molecules with desired properties. The method generates molecules with better matching user specifications and valid synthesis plans, outperforming existing LLM-based approaches.
A University of Iowa-led study has revealed the unexpected structure adopted by the DNA repair protein RAD52 as it binds and protects replicating DNA in dividing cells. This understanding may help researchers develop new anti-cancer drugs targeting RAD52.
Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.
Conjugated small molecular nanoparticles (CSMNs) have shown promise in near-infrared phototheranostics (NIR PTs) for imaging, therapy, and synergistic treatment. Strategies to improve performances and extend absorption wavelengths are crucial for their clinical translations.
The study reveals that the glycocalyx's main components are glycoproteins FMG1B and FMG1A, which regulate cilia adhesiveness without directly transmitting force for gliding motility. The findings expand knowledge of cellular regulation and protective mechanisms in other organisms.
Researchers have found that the unique shape of lymphatic vessel endothelial cells allows for efficient absorption and transport of fluids while withstanding sudden changes in tissue fluid volume. This distinctive cell shape is also seen in plant leaves, where it helps support structural stability.
Scientists have captured the first detailed molecular movie of DNA being unzipped at the atomic level, revealing how cells copy their genetic material. The discovery has significant implications for understanding viral and cancer replication.
A new bacterial protein, BeeR, has been identified and its structure is being used to develop protein nanoparticles for targeted cancer drug delivery. The protein forms a hollow tube with a cavity capable of containing drug molecules.
The study found that tunneling nanotube-like structures connect cells in the heart, enabling long-distance intercellular communication essential for heart formation. Disruption of these structures resulted in impaired ventricular wall morphogenesis and defective myocardial growth.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered the first organometallic molecule containing berkelium, a highly radioactive element. The discovery reveals that berkelium exhibits a unique tetravalent oxidation state, challenging traditional understanding of its behavior in the periodic table.
Researchers tracked ultrafast structural changes of a molecule driven by excited-state aromaticity, revealing its emergence within hundreds of femtoseconds and facilitating planarization. The study provides new insights for designing photoactive materials like sensors and light-driven switches.
A novel deep learning model, ESIN, integrates molecular geometry and electronic structure data to predict the photoluminescence quantum yield of organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials. The model leverages principles of frontier molecular orbitals to enhance predictive accuracy and interpretability.
The TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences hosted the 37th Student Research Week, showcasing student researchers' work and presentations from distinguished national speakers. The event featured an increase in abstract submissions and lightning talk sessions.
Researchers used X-ray light to analyze the structure of 2-thiouracil, a substance with medically relevant properties. The study found that UV radiation causes the molecule to bend, resulting in the protrusion of the sulfur atom and making it reactive.
A team of researchers from Aalto University developed a hydrogel with a unique structure that combines high stiffness with flexibility and self-healing capabilities. The material uses exceptionally large and ultra-thin specific clay nanosheets, allowing it to self-heal via entanglement.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a way to target the energy supply chain of cancer cells. By understanding how enzymes like ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK) function, scientists can design new treatments that slow or stop tumor growth.
Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of Mycoplasma mobile's twin motors that power its gliding ability, using cryo-electron microscopy. The complex structure reveals a new mechanism by which energy from ATP hydrolysis is converted into motility.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a precise mechanism by which an ion channel regulates its function, providing insights into fundamental biology and potential new treatments for diseases. The study identified a 'ball-and-chain' structure that plugs the channel, opening the way to modulate ion channel activity.
Researchers have developed a COF-based porous liquid that can dynamically adjust its pore size in response to pressure change, significantly enhancing CO2 capture and catalytic conversion. This innovative material boasts a 24-fold higher efficiency for the reaction of CO₂ with propylene oxide compared to conventional methods.
Researchers developed Janus-type supramolecules that form stable ribbon-type assemblies, guiding the arrangement of ion channels across lipid membranes. The supramolecular channels mediate efficient and selective K+ transport, disrupting cancer cell balance and inducing apoptosis.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a super-photostable organic dye, PF555, to track proteins in cells over extended periods. This breakthrough enables observation of endocytosis and protein interactions, revealing EGFR's active navigation in its environment.