Crystallography News and Research

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Understanding the regulation of intramembrane proteases across the tree of life

Working with tiny bacteria, Michigan State University researchers led by Lee Kroos have made a discovery that could have big implications for biology.

27 Apr 2022

Cryo-EM reveals the structure of fermentation enzyme phosphoketolase

Pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other industries use enzymes to help synthesize molecular feedstocks.

19 Apr 2022

Yale and uOttawa researchers partner to solve a puzzle rooted in the deepest past of evolution

For decades, scientists have been trying to unravel an enduring mystery of structural biology: Why do two otherwise identical protein forms found in everything from plants, amphibians and human beings hang onto a slight variation across the mighty span of evolution?

21 Mar 2022

Scientists reveal the spectacular structure of C.difficile's protective armor

The spectacular structure of the protective armor of superbug C.difficile has been revealed for the first time showing the close-knit yet flexible outer layer – like chain mail.

From Newcastle University 28 Feb 2022

Researchers gain detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump

Many bacteria and unicellular algae have light-driven pumps in their cell membranes: proteins that change shape when exposed to photons such that they can transport charged atoms in or out of the cell.

4 Feb 2022

Structural proteomics approaches show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases

Two researchers from Skoltech and McGill University have published a review of the promising research field known as structural proteomics in the influential journal Chemical Reviews.

28 Jan 2022

Antibody-like proteins from sharks can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Small, unique antibody-like proteins known as VNARs -; derived from the immune systems of sharks -; can prevent the virus that causes COVID-19, its variants, and related coronaviruses from infecting human cells, according to a new study published Dec. 16.

17 Dec 2021

New methods help chemists to understand how bacteria turn light into chemical energy

Chemists have come to a deeper understanding of how photosynthetic bacteria convert light into chemical energy and discovered why one step in the process may be more robust than previously realized, according to a new study published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

17 Dec 2021

Scientists unravel the structure of octopus-like Lassa viral polymerase

Endemic in Western African countries, Lassa virus is transmitted to humans through food or household items that are contaminated with the urine or faeces of Mastomys rats.

7 Dec 2021

Cellular environment impacts structure of the nuclear pore complex

Context matters. It's true for many facets of life, including the tiny molecular machines that perform vital functions inside our cells.

From Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 18 Oct 2021

Researchers refine cryogenic electron microscopy technique

In the late 1600s, the Dutch tradesman Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek began investigating the world of the very small using the first microscope, discovering a riotous world of protists, bacteria, and other previously unseen organisms.

18 Oct 2021

Novel technique greatly increases the resolution of atomic force microscopy

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a computational technique that greatly increases the resolution of atomic force microscopy, a specialized type of microscope that "feels" the atoms at a surface.

17 Jun 2021

New method reveals high-resolution structure of biomolecules

A new study integrates molecular dynamics simulations and experimental data to inspect biomolecules in their natural environment.

16 Jun 2021

Study shows how T cells become activated when encountering pathogens

Researchers from Monash University have made a significant breakthrough relating to how T cells get activated when exposed to pathogens, like viruses.

9 Jun 2021

24 Hours of Life Science Online Conference

On June 2, 2021, JEOL will focus on advances in life science research using electron microscopy in its “24 Hours of Life Science” conference.

From JEOL USA, Inc. 21 May 2021

Researchers identify the biosynthesis mechanism of new DNA nucleobases

DNA is made up of nucleobases, which are depicted by the letters G, A, T, and C. They are the foundation of the genetic code.

From Institut Pasteur 13 May 2021

Natural molecule can effectively block the binding of human antibodies to SARS-CoV-2

Researchers have found that a natural molecule can effectively block the binding of a subset of human antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The discovery may help explain why some COVID-19 patients can become severely ill despite having high levels of antibodies against the virus.

23 Apr 2021