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Chemical chameleon tamed

Researchers from RUB discover that adding hydrogen molecules to CH5+ gives it a rudimentary structure, freezing its dynamically flexible form. This breakthrough could enable experimental measurements of the molecule's vibrational spectra.

Mainz scientists confirm original tetrahedral model of the molecular structure of water

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz confirmed the original tetrahedral model of water's molecular structure, attributing its unique features to hydrogen bonds between molecules. The findings resolve a controversy that emerged in 2004, which was later attributed to temporary fluctuations in the bond network.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2013

Protein recognition and disorder: A debate

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) may still have functions without a rigid structure, while protein flexibility is crucial in molecular recognition. The debate highlights the complexity of protein behavior and the need for experiments to determine the true nature of protein recognition.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000 Biology Reports·DateJan 11, 2013

Study reveals ordinary glass's extraordinary properties

Ultrastable glasses have been produced in days or hours with properties matching those of thousands-year-old materials. These advancements could lead to stronger metals and faster-acting pharmaceuticals., Computer simulations confirmed the findings, revealing a correlation between molecular structure and physical properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 6, 2013

A thin-skinned catalyst for chemical reactions

Boston College researchers create a yolk-shell nanocrystal structure with a porous 'skin' that can filter molecules based on size or chemical makeup, allowing greater selectivity in chemical reactions. The new catalyst exhibits unprecedented control and precision, paving the way for expanded applications of heterogeneous catalysis.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 13, 2012

University of Alberta medical scientists first in the world to look at structure of vital molecule

University of Alberta medical scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the structure of molybdenum, a critical metal in human health. The research reveals two forms of the molecule with distinct functions, providing new insights into diseases such as metabolic and respiratory disorders.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2012

Zooming in on bacterial weapons in 3-D

Researchers have elucidated the structure of type III secretion system needles at atomic resolution, revealing similarities in their inner part while surface variability evades host recognition. This discovery enables new insights into pathogen immune evasion and prospects tailored antiinfectives to block needle assembly.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2012

Flexible rack systems sort molecules

A new method has been developed to separate enantiomers, which are pairs of molecules with a mirror-inverted structure. The method uses porous molecular organic frameworks (MOFs) to sort molecules, allowing for rapid and efficient separation of enantiomers in pharmaceutical production.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 10, 2011

Tying molecules in knots

Researchers have successfully tied molecules into a complex pentafoil knot using self-assembly, expanding the understanding of material properties and potentially leading to new materials with improved properties. The knot is composed of just 160 atoms, approximately 16 nanometers in length.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 7, 2011

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2011

Milestone: A methane-metal marriage

Researchers have successfully created a metal-methane hybrid molecule by inserting metal atoms into methane gas molecules, potentially advancing industrial hydrocarbon chemistry. This discovery could lead to the creation of more complex and valuable products from simple compounds like methane.

How do we kill rogue cells?

A team of researchers has identified how the protein perforin kills rogue cells, which could lead to new treatments for cancer, malaria, and diabetes. The study reveals that perforin assembles to punch holes in cell membranes, allowing toxic enzymes to destroy infected cells.

SourceScience in Public·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2010

Catalyst sandwich

Scientists create a synthetic structure that mimics the behavior of PCR enzymes, allowing for highly sensitive detection of small molecules. The new catalysts could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental monitoring.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 2010

How to count the messenger out

Researchers have described the effects of messengers on infrared spectroscopy of protonated water clusters, allowing for better interpretation of spectroscopic data. The study reveals unexpected interactions between messenger molecules and cluster structures, enabling more accurate analysis of molecular vibrations.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 24, 2010

Sequence and structure key to prion disease transmission

A study by Adriano Aguzzi and Christina Sigurdson found that the local structure of PrPC protein influenced prion transmissibility between different species. The researchers identified a molecular switch controlling interspecies prion disease transmission in mice, providing new insight into food safety risks associated with BSE.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 14, 2010

Rules governing RNA's anatomy revealed

The study reveals that RNA molecules' 3D shapes are dictated by their junctions, similar to how anatomical features define arm motion. The researchers also found that drug molecules interact with RNA in predictable ways, with size being a key factor in determining the preferred orientation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010

First step to converting solar energy using 'artificial leaf'

Scientists at Leiden University have successfully developed an artificial leaf that can convert sunlight into fuel and clean energy. The breakthrough, which is the first step in creating an artificial photosynthesis system, involves modifying chlorophyll molecules to resemble the efficient light antennae of bacteria.

SourceLeiden University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009