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Sodium channel investigation

A team of scientists at Kanazawa University used high-speed atomic force microscopy to study the structural dynamics of sodium ion channels in cell membranes. They found that voltage sensor domains can dissociate from pore domains when the channel is in a resting state, leading to dimerization between neighboring channels. These findin...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

Elucidating the mechanism of autophagosomes shaping with a flexible web

A research group reconstituted autophagosome formation in vitro, showing that Atg8 protein and enzymes play a central role in shaping the membrane structure. High-speed atomic force microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed flexible complexes on membranes, which work together to form autophagosomes.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Towards next-generation nanocatalysts to revolutionize active electron transfer

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system to enhance active electron transfer for increased photoinduced hydrogen generation. The system leverages the advantages of a stimuli-responsive polymer chain to achieve dynamic electron transfer.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 13, 2023

Understanding the dynamic behavior of rubber materials

A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Exascale revolution: Supercomputers unleash a new era in biophysics discovery

The next generation of supercomputers is revolutionizing biophysics research, allowing researchers to simulate complex biological processes with extraordinary detail. This enables the creation of new proteins and design of novel molecular circuits, challenging longstanding biological assumptions.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2023

Rensselaer researcher uses pressure to understand RNA dynamics

A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researcher used high hydrostatic pressure to examine conformational dynamics of human tRNA, finding excited states that play a role in both normal function and HIV infection. The study suggests new insights into RNA function and potential targets for therapeutics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Ba2LuAlO5: A new proton conductor for next-generation fuel cells

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new proton conductor, Ba2LuAlO5, which shows high proton conductivity even without modifications. The material's unique structure and water absorption properties make it ideal for protonic ceramic fuel cells, promising a bright future for sustainable energy generation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

A ribosomal traffic jam that breaks the heart

Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023

USTC realizes light-driven programmable colloidal self-assembly

The USTC team has successfully developed a light-driven, programmable system for colloidal self-assembly. Through the cooperative reorganization of nanomotors, they can transport and reconfigure colloidal assemblies in various ways. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing micromachines and smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

A new model predicts the flexibility of DNA movement at the molecular scale

A new model of DNA flexibility has been developed, providing results of unprecedented quality and characterizing precision and efficiency at the computational level. The study presents a systematic and comprehensive analysis of DNA movement correlations and introduces a new method to capture them.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023

Atomic flow of nanojoints in the Ag nanowires interconnect network for flexible electronics and transparent electrode industry

The study investigates the atomic flow behavior during joint formation, exploring processing time, temperature, and stress distribution on nanojoints. The results reveal that local stress and capillary interactions significantly impact joint quality, leading to advances in industrial applications of Ag nanowire interconnect networks.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 27, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

Theory sorts order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by Peter Wolynes and David Logan predicts the nature of motions in a chlorophyll molecule when it absorbs energy from sunlight. The findings suggest that there are exceptions where simple motions persist for long times, influencing processes like photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2023

Tame heat with pressure

A Chinese research team has developed a barocaloric thermal battery concept that extracts thermal energy from low-temperature waste heat sources by controlling pressure. The system, materialized in ammonium thiocyanate, releases up to 11 times more heat than the mechanical energy input.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Mapping molecular funnels with X-rays: precise timings of non-adiabatic excited state dynamics

Scientists at Stockholm University propose a nonlinear spectroscopic technique to investigate coupled nuclear electronic dynamics in photo-excited molecules. This approach allows for the observation of conical intersections, which are 'funnels' connecting different electronic states, and provides insight into non-adiabatic dynamics.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Can clay capture carbon dioxide?

Researchers are exploring how a kind of clay can soak up carbon dioxide and store it, potentially reducing the impact of climate change. The study found that carbon dioxide is more stable in wet clay nanopores than in plain water.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems by developing a model that bridges scales between molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. The model resolves limitations and uncertainties in experimental data, gaining insight into critical phenomenon and surface morphology over time.

CityU unravels interfacial interactions of the lead-free perovskite for efficient hydrogen production

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a lead-free perovskite photocatalyst for highly efficient solar energy-to-hydrogen conversion. The study uncovers the interfacial dynamics between halide perovskite molecules and electrolytes, enabling better photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Unraveling the selective transport of sugar and hormone that underlies male fertility in plants

The study reveals that SWEET13 transporter is necessary for pollen production, highlighting the importance of sucrose transport. Researchers used molecular docking and simulation to understand how SWEET13 selectively transports sucrose over gibberellin.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 25, 2022

Plants between light and darkness

Researchers discovered two ion transport proteins, VCCN1 and KEA3, that dynamically adjust photosynthetic performance in response to light fluctuations. The study found that these proteins play a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive sunlight and optimizing growth under varying light conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

USTC make breakthroughs in atomistic neural network representations for chemical dynamics simulations

A USTC team has made significant advancements in atomistic neural network (AtNN) representations for chemical dynamics simulations. By decomposing system properties into atomic contributions, AtNN can satisfy different symmetries and periodicities, achieving accurate and efficient molecular dynamics simulations of complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalWiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Computational Molecular Science·DateDec 14, 2022

Legacy of a molecular dynamics trailblazer

Molecular dynamics simulation pioneer Martin Karplus and his team pioneered the simulation of protein motion, impacting biology and physics. This breakthrough enabled scientists to study protein function through dynamic simulations, leading to a deeper understanding of biological processes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateNov 18, 2022

Rice refines analysis of MRI contrast agents

A Rice-led team developed molecular simulations that reveal distinct differences in how inner and outer shells of water molecules around gadolinium respond to thermal excitation. Temperature affects the self-diffusivity of molecules, influencing relaxation rates in MRI scans.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022