Lipids are a broad group of naturally-occurring molecules which includes fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others. The main biological functions of lipids include energy storage, as structural components of cell membranes, and as important signaling molecules.
A recent genetic finding supports the theory that abnormal lipid (fat) transport pathways inside brain cells cause motor neuron degenerative disorders.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have uncovered a molecular path that allows cells to detect when their lipid supplies are running low, triggering a flurry of activity that avoids starvation.
Findings from a new Cleveland Clinic-led phase 1 trial show that an experimental "gene silencing" therapy reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a key driver of heart disease risk, by up to 98%.
This scientific breakthrough, which was published in the science journal Theranostics, might pave the way for cancer patients to prevent developing metastases.
Bacteria, fungi, and yeast are very good at excreting useful substances such as weak acids. One way in which they do this is through passive diffusion of molecules across the cell membrane. At the same time, cells need to prevent leakage of numerous small molecules.
The recent research by scientists from the Centre for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS, USC), together with Jacobs University (Bremen, Germany), presents a new membrane carriers’ class that leaves behind the amphiphilic paradigm.
A team of researchers compared lipid profiles of sperm to learn more about their vulnerability to harmful oxidation and antioxidant capacity in different species’ semen.
SEQENS, an integrated leader in the manufacturing of active ingredients and pharmaceutical intermediates, announced a multi-million-dollar investment in its research and development laboratory located in Devens, Mass.
A Scripps Research team developed a smartphone app that can calculate users' genetic risk for coronary artery disease (CAD)-; and found that users at high risk sought out appropriate medication after using the app.
The development of new scientific ways to see more deeply into the building blocks of nature on a cellular level has led to the some of the greatest advances in medicine over the last century.
The accurate mechanism of action of a β-1,2-glucan-associated enzyme has been determined by Japanese researchers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center found that a cytokine, a category of protein that acts as messengers in the body, and a fatty acid can work together to trigger a type of cell death previously defined by studies with synthetic molecules.
According to a new study, simultaneous measurement of dozens of types of fats in the blood known as “lipidomics”, can predict the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Early in the pandemic, many people fastidiously disinfected surfaces because laboratory studies predicted that SARS-CoV-2 could be easily transmitted in this way.
One of the most important and difficult aspects of a forensic examination is identifying the cause of death.
KODA, an agrochemical produced in extremely low amounts, which helps plants cope with environmental stressors, has been the subject of extensive research.
While neurons and glial cells are by far the most numerous cells in the brain, many other types of cells play important roles. Among those are cerebrovascular cells, which form the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the brain.
In this interview, we speak to Dr. Matthew Baker about his latest research that led to the programming of DNA 'robots' that are able to prod cell membranes.
The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
A heart attack or stroke can blindside people who thought they were at low risk. Now, research led by UConn Health has found a new model that could improve how we assess heart disease.