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Formic Acid Drives Novel Electron Transfer in the Gut Bacteria

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a surprising role for formic acid in the human gut: The small molecule acts as a kind of “taxi” for electrons – both within bacteria and, likely, also between different microorganisms.

9 Feb 2026

Disordered Mitochondrial Protein Guides Electron Traffic for Metabolism

For decades, scientists assumed that order drives efficiency. Yet in the bustling machinery of mitochondria - the organelles that crank out adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal "energy currency" of cells - one of the most enigmatic components is a protein that appears anything but orderly.

6 Feb 2026

Study Reveals Dual Action Protein Protecting Bacteria From Phages

University of Toronto researchers have expanded our understanding of bacterial immunity with the discovery of a new protein that can both sense and counteract viral infections.

5 Feb 2026

ER-Phagy: A Novel Target for Age-Related Diseases

Improvements in public health have allowed humankind to survive to older ages than ever before, but, for many people, these added golden years are not spent in good health.

4 Feb 2026

New Research Reveals RFC's Dynamic Partnership in DNA Synthesis

Every time a cell divides, it must copy its entire genome so that each daughter cell inherits a complete set of DNA. During that process, enzymes known as polymerases race along the DNA to copy its code and build new strands.

2 Feb 2026

Cryo-EM Uncovers Alarmone-Driven RNA Transcription Initiation

Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated.

31 Jan 2026

A Hidden Nanomachine Behind Constant Cellular Secretion

Scientists uncover the tiny machine that delivers essential molecular packages to the cell surface, a fundamental activity for maintaining healthy cells.

19 Jan 2026

Unveiling How a Respiratory Bacterium Obtains Lipids and Targets Fatty Tissues

A multidisciplinary team has uncovered a key mechanism that allows the human bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae-responsible for atypical pneumonia and other respiratory infections-to obtain cholesterol and other essential lipids directly from the human body.

16 Jan 2026

Giant Virus with A Massive Genome and Unusual Infection Strategy

Ushikuvirus, a newly identified giant virus, showcases unique cytopathic effects and structural features, enhancing knowledge of viral evolution and diversity.

14 Jan 2026

Scientists Identify TRPM4 as Key Molecular Switch Controlling Intestinal Fluid Balance

Although constipation and diarrhea may seem like opposite problems, they both hinge on the same underlying issue: how much fluid moves into the gut. These common issues affect millions of people in the U.S. each year, yet scientists have not fully understood what regulates intestinal fluid balance.

12 Jan 2026

Unusual Antibody Tactics Hinder Pathogen Attachment to Cells

Pathogens can create sticky situations. When microbes invade the body to cause an infection, often one of their first lines of attack is to cling tenaciously to the surfaces of targeted human cells.

8 Jan 2026

Identifying Molecules That Activate and Inhibit Key Protein Function

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a concealed molecular "control switch" within a protein that plays a crucial role in the body's ability to perceive taste, regulate blood sugar, and protect the gut.

7 Jan 2026

Hidden Molecular "Control Switch" Uncovered Inside TRPM5 Protein

Northwestern University scientists have uncovered a hidden molecular "control switch" inside a protein that helps the body sense taste, control blood sugar and defend the gut.

6 Jan 2026

Kinetic Traps Explain Differences in GPCR Drug Efficacy

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are proteins triggered by ligands (protein-binding chemicals) from outside cells to transmit signals inside the cell.

23 Dec 2025

Smart Hydrogel Senses Infected Wounds and Delivers the Right Treatment

The novel hydrogel adapts to wound environments, offering precise antibacterial and regenerative support, addressing the challenges of infected wounds.

18 Dec 2025

Mitochondrial Supercomplex Protein COX7RP Extends Lifespan and Healthspan

As life expectancy continues to climb globally, the focus of many people has moved from longevity alone to living in good health.

11 Dec 2025

Researchers Elucidate Microtubule-Mediated Cell Signal Transduction

The most diverse functions of a cell in the human body – from cell division and differentiation to motility and programmed cell death – are controlled by signaling proteins within the cell. This includes the immune system and the reading of genetic information.

11 Dec 2025