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Energy storage in molecules

A team of researchers has discovered a particularly efficient molecular structure for solar energy storage materials, which could lead to more efficient solar energy harvesting. The new molecules were identified by screening over 400,000 molecules with the help of machine learning and quantum computing.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2023

Like beads on a chain

A team of researchers developed a computational simulation that explains key mechanism of DNA segregation, providing new insights into the distribution of genetic information during bacterial cell division. The study reveals fundamental biochemical principles relevant to synthetic biology and medical applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

A new look inside Ebola's 'viral factories'

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the inner workings of Ebola virus replication inside host cells, revealing 'viral factories' that form clusters of viral proteins and genomes. These microscopic structures are formed in host cells and play a crucial role in the virus's life cycle.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

On-off switch for enzymes

A protein found in bacteria activates its enzymatic activity by up to 10,000 times when exposed to blue light, acting like an on-off switch. This discovery could lead to enhanced and optimized optogenetic tools and medical treatments.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

An escape signal for the nematode: Artificial intelligence helps elucidate structure of a novel light sensor

A team of scientists has successfully elucidated the structure and function of LITE-1, a biomolecule used by Caenorhabditis elegans to detect danger. The researchers used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of LITE-1, which is a channel protein that forms a pore in the cell membrane allowing charged particles to pass through.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Multicyclic molecular wheels with polymer potential

Scientists have successfully created macro-rotaxanes with multicyclic wheels, which hold long molecular chains together to modify the properties of soft polymers. These new structures offer improved damping efficiency and potential applications in next-generation polymers and molecular computing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Study reveals long-debated makeup of the molecules that help organize your cells

A new study from the University of Chicago has laid out the internal structure of polyelectrolyte complexes, a special kind of molecular assembly that helps cells keep themselves organized. The researchers used a combination of simulations and neutron scattering to determine the precise structure of these molecules, which could lead to...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2023

USTC unveils 3D structure and molecular mechanism of platelet drug transporter ABCC4

The study reveals the molecular mechanism by which ABCC4 recognizes broad-spectrum substrates, providing a structural basis for rational design of platelet antagonists targeting ABCC4. The research also elucidated the molecular mechanism of ABCC4 in binding and transporting platelet agonists and antagonists.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateJul 28, 2023

Crafting molecular puzzles: A strategic approach to developing robust porous molecular crystals

Researchers developed a stable, porous molecular crystal using triptycene as a building block, leveraging noncovalent interactions to create a flexible material with high solubility and self-healing capabilities. The synthesized PMC exhibits excellent thermal and chemical resistance, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

A non-covalent bonding experience

Researchers from the University of Iowa and Brookhaven National Laboratory create 14 organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including seven entirely new ones, to advance clean energy and safe nuclear energy. The study reveals new bonding mechanisms and insights into material separations and recycling.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2023

Insilico Medicine scientists propose stricter standards for evaluating generative AI-produced molecules

The study evaluates recent research on artificial intelligence-generated molecular structures from the perspective of medicinal chemists, recommending guidelines for assessing novelty and validity. Insilico Medicine's recommendations aim to improve the process of generating and evaluating novel AI-generated drugs.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 18, 2023

Unimolecular reactions of anti-glycolaldehyde oxide and its reactions with one and two water molecules

Researchers used coupled cluster theory and multi-structural canonical variational transition state theory to investigate the unimolecular reaction of anti-glycolaldehyde oxide and its bimolecular reactions with atmospheric water vapor. The study found that the OH substituent increases reactivity and a specific reaction path dominates ...

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2023

Structural biology: Molecular scissors caught in the act

Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

A glimpse into the hexasome: 40 years on

A recent study by the Eustermann group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals that DNA packaging into hexasomes impacts the function of enzymes involved in gene regulation. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular processes of how this packaging regulates genome expression and maintenance.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Investigating interactions at molecular junctions for novel electronic devices

A recent study by Tokyo Tech researchers explores the structure and electron transport properties of molecular junctions. The findings reveal three distinct structures at the junction, corresponding to high- and low-conductivity states, which hold promise for designing novel electronic devices with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

How the evolution of tooth enamel tissue unfolded

A recent study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that the Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in shaping and varying tooth enamel. The team used genetically modified mouse models to analyze the effects of the Notch-ligands on teeth, revealing that their absence affected tooth morphology and enamel formation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2023

Failed antibiotic now a game changing weed killer for farmers

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a failed antibiotic that can effectively kill two of Australia's most problematic weeds, annual ryegrass and wild radish, without harming bacterial or human cells. This finding could lead to faster development of new weed killers, saving farmers billions of dollars each year.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023

From oral structure to molecular evidence: new insights into the evolutionary phylogeny of the ciliate order Sessilida (Protista, Ciliophora), with the establishment of two new families and new contributions to the poorly studied family Vaginicolidae

This study reconstructs Sessilida's phylogenetic tree using infraciliature and silverline system, establishing two new families. It challenges traditional morphology-based classification and provides insights into the origin and evolution of this group.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 26, 2023

A twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure revealed by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and high-speed atomic force microscopy

Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of CELSR cadherin dimerization, revealing a twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure. The extracellular domains of CELSR cadherins exhibited strand- and globule-like portions, which bound through strand-like structures in an antiparallel orientation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Toward tunable molecular switches from organic compounds

Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kyushu University have developed a technique to synthesize potential molecular switches from anthraquinodimethanes (AQDs), a group of overcrowded organic molecules. The synthesized derivatives can stably form twisted and folded isomers, as well as other isomeric forms, in different solvents.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules

Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

New research could spur broader use of 2D materials

Researchers have overcome a significant barrier to using 2D materials by designing covalent organic frameworks that retain their mechanical properties even when stacked into multiple layers. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including filtration and battery technology.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

Global analysis of coronavirus protein research reveals how countries respond to disease

A global analysis of coronavirus protein research found that countries with larger economies generated more 3D structure determinations for the protein components of coronaviruses. However, there were many outliers, with some advanced and prosperous countries publishing few or no structures, while others strongly affected by COVID-19 p...

The complete respiratory supercomplex identified

The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2023

Soil bacteria as biocatalysts

Soil bacteria have been used to produce prodrugs by selectively epoxidating indole and indene. This breakthrough enables the sustainable biocatalysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients with high purity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 7, 2023

Nanosatellite shows the way to RNA medicine of the future

Scientists at Aarhus University and Berkeley Laboratory developed a method called RNA origami to design artificial RNA nanostructures. The technique allowed for the discovery of rules and mechanisms for RNA folding that will make it possible to build more ideal RNA particles for use in RNA-based medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023