Articles tagged with Crystal Structure
Researchers discovered a new way to form complex networks of nanotubes on the surface of layered crystals. The tubes are prismatic folds with intricate branches and connections, forming in less than a second.
The new microscope enables crystallographic information to be measured at a lateral resolution of about 40 cubic nanometres, and depending on the material, even more finely. Researchers have already used it to study steel-related iron-aluminium intermetallic alloys, which show promise for high-temperature gas turbines.
Researchers at MIT create a new alloy using nanostructure manipulation to replace chromium, a toxic material used in industrial coatings, reducing fumes and improving resistance to corrosion. The technology has the potential to transform industries and improve worker safety.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a subtle 'backrub' motion in proteins, which could have important implications for understanding protein evolution and design. The study found that this motion is common in proteins frozen in crystals and may be even more prevalent in liquid environments.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have successfully imaged the native state of apoE4, a key protein in Alzheimer's and cardiovascular diseases. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing future therapeutic interventions by providing a complete understanding of the protein's configuration.
A team of scientists has shed light on the molecular mechanism of Dicer, an enzyme involved in RNA interference, a process that governs key developmental events. The study reveals that Dicer not only cleaves RNA but also measures and snips it into precise increments.
Researchers at Imperial College London have made a significant breakthrough in protein crystal formation using a novel porous material called BioGlass. The team successfully induced the crystallization of the largest number of proteins ever achieved using a single nucleant, offering new hope for drug discovery.
Researchers have manipulated hydrogen atoms below the surface of a palladium crystal, creating a structure predicted to be important in fuel cells, metal catalysis, and hydrogen storage. This breakthrough allows scientists to test theoretical predictions and apply data from direct observation.
A new algorithm, 'particle picking by segmentation,' enables fast and reliable selection of images for 'crystallization in silico' from millions of candidates. By focusing on background noise, the approach improves yields over existing methods.
Researchers at Public University of Navarre develop innovative left-handed metamaterials for miniaturized mobile devices, enabling reduced size and improved signal control. The breakthrough technology uses Split Ring Resonators to achieve extremely low losses and has potential applications in wireless communication systems.
Bacteria use magnetosomes to distinguish 'up' from 'down' in the Earth's magnetic field and navigate to optimal growth conditions. A recent study identified a protein called MamJ that plays a crucial role in forming the magnetosome chain, enabling bacteria to sense the magnetic field.
Scientists create a new class of materials called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which can store hydrogen more efficiently. By slowing down the synthesis process, researchers can predict the internal structure and properties of COFs, allowing for tailored applications.
The crystal structure of IRAK-4 reveals a distinct highly structured loop that differs from its Pelle counterpart, indicating a need for revised molecular recognition and potential new targets for treating arthritis and inflammation.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility report the synthesis of a new material, MIL-101, with very large internal pores and high surface area. The novel metal organic framework material has potential applications in chemical separation, heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage, and more.
A team of researchers successfully predicted a new polymorph of the Alzheimer's drug piracetam, demonstrating the potential of computational methods in pharmaceutical industry. The prediction was made using Grid technologies and validated through experimental techniques, showcasing the credibility of the methodology.
Cornell researchers identified a peptide that may play a role in interrupting the interface between CD4 and HIV-AIDS. The findings mark a major step toward designing drugs that could inhibit processes related to certain diseases.
Researchers at Duke University developed a computer model to study the effect of adsorbed gas on quasicrystal alloys, which could lead to improved low-friction properties for machine parts. The model suggests ways to control the transition from quasicrystalline to crystalline structures, preserving the alloy's high lubricity.
Researchers at Georgia Tech will create new tools for fabricating 3D photonic crystals using optical patterning and polymeric structures. This project aims to make high-quality 3D crystals accessible to a wider range of researchers, increasing the potential for innovation in crystal research.
Researchers have created a new zinc oxide nanostructure resembling DNA's helical configuration, which could provide a building block for nanodevices. The 'nanohelix' structure is part of a family of nanobelts with semiconducting and piezoelectric properties.
Researchers tested a long-held friction theory using a quasicrystalline material, finding that friction along the periodic surface was significantly higher than along the aperiodic axis. The study's findings have implications for understanding the relationship between a material's structure and its frictional properties.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new structure that can trap and redirect light, outperforming ordinary crystals in photonic circuits. This breakthrough could lead to the development of faster and more energy-efficient communication devices.
Ames Laboratory researchers have fabricated PBG crystal microstructures in open air using a modified technique called microtransfer molding. The team's achievement enables the creation of multilayered photonic band gap crystals, a key step towards creating photonic crystals within a single computer chip.
Researchers at Purdue University have determined the combined structure of Coxsackievirus A21 and ICAM-1, a receptor molecule that enables the virus to infect host cells. The study reveals how the virus recognizes and anchors to the cell, providing insights into the initial stages of infection.
Researchers have successfully created three-dimensional quasicrystals, opening up new possibilities for industrial and commercial applications. The unique optical properties of these quasicrystals have the potential to manipulate light in a way similar to semiconductors, enabling innovative functions.
The Protein Structure Initiative will accelerate structure determination of thousands of proteins, enabling predictions of protein functions and discovery of new drug targets. Rutgers' NESG is a key member of the PSI network, leveraging its expertise in structural biology to advance biomedical research.
Argonne National Laboratory has received a $50 million NIH grant to expand the information available to researchers on biomedically important proteins. The grant will refine existing methods for structure determination, making it possible to produce over 250 protein structures per year.
Researchers created translucent three-dimensional crystals to study melting, finding evidence for premelting at imperfections in solid crystal structures. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the melting process and design of strong materials resistant to temperature changes.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a method to produce ordered arrays of particles with properties comparable to those of true single crystals. The technique involves self-assembly of nanoparticles into densely packed layers, opening up new possibilities for applications in sensing, imaging, and energy storage.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in creating perfect glass by monitoring the structure changes of zeolites when heated. The resulting glass is stronger and more resistant than traditional glass, with potential applications in making glass invulnerable to water and reducing breakage.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a new understanding of the molecular structure and function of MsbA, a key player in drug resistance. The team used spin labeling to create a dynamic model of the protein, revealing its mechanism of action and opening and closing processes.
Materials with shape memory can absorb large amounts of energy, reducing earthquake and wind-induced vibrations. The research aims to understand how these materials 'remember' their shape and improve their applications in various fields.
Researchers at Oregon State University have used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of nearly all possible sequences of a macromolecule, creating a map of DNA structure. This breakthrough should fundamentally improve our understanding of genetic function and biological processes.
A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and ESRF observes temporal structural fluctuations on an atomic scale in a crystalline material. The discovery sheds light on how materials respond to external perturbations like changes in temperature, pressure, magnetic or electric fields.
A recent study published by the American Chemical Society has identified a critical crystalline structure in popcorn kernels that affects their popping performance. The researchers found that stronger, more highly ordered crystalline structures tend to maximize moisture retention and lead to better popping quality.
Dental researchers successfully grown natural tooth enamel using a protein scaffold, solving a long-standing puzzle. The discovery unlocks one mystery of enamel formation and may have long-term applications in dental science and medical-device development.
Scientists at Purdue University have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanism of Group I introns, which could lead to new treatments for human diseases. By crystallizing an intron at mid-point in its work cycle, researchers gained insights into how it binds with molecules and carries out biochemical reactions.
Researchers from Brown University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered detailed atomic arrangements in Laves phases, a class of intermetallics that shatter easily. The study reveals the accepted dislocation model does not apply to these complex materials, shedding light on their brittleness.
Physicists at NIST have proven the existence of atomic chain 'anchors' with lower energy levels than inner atoms. This discovery may help scientists design one-dimensional nanostructures, such as electrical wires, with tailored electrical properties.
Researchers at Argonne National Lab have developed a new technique using WAXS to study ligand-induced structural changes in proteins, comparable to X-ray crystallography results but faster and cheaper. This method has the potential to identify lead drugs and analyze protein-ligand interactions more efficiently.
The University of Manchester has developed a new technique that allows scientists to study protein molecules in complete detail, doubling the number of visible atoms compared to current methods. This breakthrough enables the creation of more effective medicines by targeting specific proteins.
Researchers at Wyeth determined the three-dimensional structure of PKCΘ, a key signaling molecule in T lymphocytes. This discovery has potential to identify selective inhibitors for autoimmune diseases by disabling T cell activation.
Researchers have identified a new protein structure in E. coli that helps understand how the bacteria attach to human kidney cells and secrete an adhesive protein. The discovery could lead to new treatments for urinary tract infections and other related diseases.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new DNA enzyme, AIRs kinase, with a shape similar to other members of the riboside kinase family. This finding suggests that proteins may evolve using similar rules, and could lead to the design of laboratory tools for testing anticancer drugs.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method for studying ultrathin polymers, enabling the visualization of defects and structure. The technique uses near-field scanning optical microscopy to analyze the crystal structure and strain in thin-film crystals of polystyrene.
A new computational method developed by Widom and colleagues allows scientists to virtually predict the formation of amorphous metals and identify potential mixtures for metallic glass production. This approach has shown promising results in generating metallic glasses with remarkable corrosion resistance, strength, and elasticity.
The study identifies special bonding states at silicon / silicon dioxide interfaces, which can be observed due to the structure of a (111)-terminated silicon crystal. Nonlinear-optical spectroscopy provides high interfacial sensitivity, allowing for detailed analysis of oxidation processes.
Researchers at Imperial College London have visualized the structure of the Thermus thermophilus chaperonin complex, a crucial molecule for protein folding. The complex's unique cavity accommodates large proteins and is driven by cellular energy source ATP.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have determined the three-dimensional structure of sortase, an enzyme that attaches proteins to bacterial pathogens. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme, which is essential for bacterial survival and iron acquisition.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new method to create branched nanostructures by combining quantum dots and segmented nanorods. These structures can be tailored for various electronic applications, including quantum computing and artificial photosynthesis.
The 3D-EM Network of Excellence aims to image macromolecules and molecular machines at atomic resolution, fostering innovation in European EM research. The network will provide training, a structural database, and user-friendly software to enhance structural analysis.
Zinc sulfide nanoparticles with a disordered crystal structure exhibit increased stiffness due to constant strain, potentially impacting other properties such as strength and elasticity. The researchers' findings emphasize the importance of considering the entire particle, rather than just its bulk structure.
Scientists use 'targeted mutagenesis' to make proteins more amenable to crystallization, shedding light on the plague and other diseases. The technique has already solved the structures of stubborn proteins like V antigen of Yersinia pestis.
Researchers have confirmed that molecules of water can freeze together to form a perfect crystal, allowing it to be manipulated by electric fields. This discovery enhances scientists' understanding of how naturally occurring particles of ice interact with the environment, particularly in chemical reactions such as ozone depletion.
A team of scientists discovered microbes that produce nanometer-scale crystals of extraordinary length, using polymer fibers as templates. The discovery may provide key insight into biomineralization, the process that produces bone, teeth, and shell.
A new technique developed by UCSD researcher Virgil Woods employs DXMS to identify unstructured regions in proteins that interfere with crystallization. Removing these regions through 'molecular surgery' enables proteins to crystallize well, overcoming a major obstacle in structural genomics.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a novel secretory protein specific to neuroblastoma, which could provide clues to differentiating between aggressive tumors and those that are more likely to respond to treatment. Additionally, scientists have discovered selective inhibitors of key protein kinases implicated in ...
Researchers have developed nanoscale helical 'nanosprings' from zinc oxide that exhibit piezoelectric and electrostatic polarization properties. These structures could be used as sensors to detect small fluid flows, strain forces, and air flows, and as actuators in micro-systems. The new materials also display unusual electrostatic pol...
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a method to create complex patterns in photonic crystals using hydrogel nanoparticles. The technique uses a photo-patterning method combined with self-assembly, allowing for the creation of optically transparent materials with unique properties.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an algorithm that provides fast and accurate structure determination for organic compounds with a center of symmetry. The new approach reformulates the phase problem into an integer programming problem, allowing for rapid solution finding using off-the-shelf optimization software.
Researchers found that zinc sulphide nanoparticles change their crystal structure when wet, becoming more ordered. This effect could help identify extraterrestrial rocks and has implications for sensing technology.