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Tiny crystals to boost solar

Researchers in France have developed a new technique for studying solar panel absorber materials, which could lead to non-toxic and readily available alternatives. The technique involves resonant diffraction of single crystals, allowing for the creation of high-quality material samples.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateApr 2, 2014

Sometimes the average just isn't good enough

Researchers used computer simulation to analyze X-ray crystallographic data and found that current software programs underestimate the level of dynamics in proteins. This could lead to more accurate pictures of protein structures and improved development of medicines.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2014

New aluminum alloy stores hydrogen

A new aluminum-based alloy has been successfully synthesized, enabling safe and efficient hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles. Researchers achieved the goal of creating a simple-structured aluminum-based interstitial alloy through extreme pressure and high temperature conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateNov 5, 2013

High pressure gold nanocrystal structure revealed

Researchers have successfully imaged the changes in morphology of gold nanocrystals under pressures of up to 6.5 gigapascals, solving a long-standing problem in measuring nanomaterial structures. The study shows that the nanocrystals undergo plastic flow, becoming more fluid-like at high pressure, and reveals new insights into the beha...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2013

UC Davis researcher develops model to foster new drug development to treat pain and epilepsy

A UC Davis School of Medicine researcher has developed an algorithm that predicts the conformation changes in voltage-gated sodium channels, crucial for designing new drugs to treat chronic pain and epilepsy. This innovation could lead to highly specific and effective therapies with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2011

NIH grant will boost electron microscopy at Brandeis

A $2.2 million NIH grant will enhance the lab's ability to rapidly detect protein clumps in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases using a new high-resolution electron microscope. This technology will also enable researchers to study molecular motors in flagella, leading to a better understanding of these diseases.

Matrix protein key to fighting viruses

Researchers from Durham University have successfully mapped the high-resolution structure of the matrix protein, a critical component of enveloped viruses like RSV. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new biochemical tools to treat respiratory ailments and other viral infections.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2009

Image pinpoints all 5 million atoms in viral coat

Researchers at Rice University have created a precise image of a virus' protective coat, containing 5 million atoms. The image provides the clearest picture yet of the viruses' genome-encasing shell called a 'capsid', which could lead to new approaches for antiviral therapies and gene delivery.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2009

University of Pittsburgh researchers crack code of 3-D structure in key metabolic protein

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a membrane-bound enzyme crucial to glycerol metabolism, a vital source of energy. The breakthrough could lead to advances against obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008