Molecular & Structural Biology

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Study Reveals Structure of Two Nucleic Acid-Degrading Enzymes

When nucleic acids like DNA or RNA build up in a cell's cytoplasm, it sets off an alarm call for the immune system.

3 Apr 2024

Unraveling the Mysteries of Neuronal Communication Circuits

The basic building blocks of the central nervous system are neurons, or nerve cells, which play a crucial role in signal transduction pathways.

3 Apr 2024

Development of a Rapid miRNA Detection Method Based on Rolling Circle Amplification

This study is led by Professor Jue Ruan (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China). The authors developed a one-pot isothermal detection method based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) for rapid and specific detection of miRNAs and short RNA fragments.

30 Mar 2024

Key Insights into LAR-RPTP's Synaptic Regulation via Microexon Molecular Codes

The Synapse Diversity and Specificity Regulation Research Team (Director: Jaewon Ko) at DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee) reported on Tuesday the 27th that they have profiled the molecular code that constitutes brain neural circuits and discovered that it regulates specific excitatory synapse characteristics that contribute to memory of new object locations.

30 Mar 2024

Structural and Biochemical Mechanism of ALDH6A1 Uncovered

ALDH6A1, a member of the ALDH family, plays a crucial role in the catabolic pathways of valine and thymine. Dysregulation of ALDH6A1 expression has been linked to a variety of diseases.

30 Mar 2024

Researchers Identify Protein Regulating Gas Vesicle Patterning in Bacteria

Gas vesicles are hollow structures made of protein found in the cells of certain microorganisms, and researchers at Rice University believe they can be programmed for use in biomedical applications.

30 Mar 2024

Cryo-EM Imaging Unveils Similar Protein Structures in Alzheimer's and Down Syndrome

More than 90% of people with Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder in humans and the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability, are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease by ages 55-60.

30 Mar 2024

Study Sheds Light on Human Neocortex Evolution

Neurobiologists are certain that the neocortex is the defining factor that distinguishes humans.

28 Mar 2024

The Influence of sRNA on Gut Pathogen Drug Susceptibility

A significant breakthrough in understanding how gut bacteria adapt to their environment.

26 Mar 2024

Novel Microfluidic Device for Rapid Plant Stress Diagnosis via miRNA Detection

In natural environments, plants encounter biotic and abiotic stresses that can significantly affect their productivity and health.

25 Mar 2024

Multi-Tailed Strucrure Expands the Horizons of mRNA Therapeutics

Messenger RNA (mRNA) made its big leap into the public limelight during the pandemic, thanks to its cornerstone role in several COVID-19 vaccines

25 Mar 2024

New International Master's Degree Program in Evolutionary Biology

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) will launch a new international Master's degree program in Evolutionary Biology, starting in the 2024/2025 winter semester.

25 Mar 2024

Avoiding Post-COVID ‘Brain Fog’

Memory loss and difficulties learning are two of the numerous perplexing symptoms in COVID-19 infected patients.

22 Mar 2024

$1.65 Million Grant Awarded for Advancing Therapeutic RNA Design

A team led by Dr. Samie Jaffrey, the Greenberg-Starr Professor of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been awarded a three-year, $1.65 million grant for RNA research under a biotechnology-development program run by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

22 Mar 2024

Novel Imaging Technique Unveils Structural Details of Drug-Resistant Cancer Protein

Researchers have shown for the first time that a crucial interface in a protein that drives cancer growth could act as a target for more effective treatments.

20 Mar 2024

Study Reveals Neural Basis of Odor Perception

Scents, such as coffee, flowers, or freshly baked pumpkin pie, are created by odor molecules released by various substances and detected by our noses.

19 Mar 2024

Baby Gut Bacteria Found to Play Crucial Role in Immune Development

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have shown that certain bacteria invade the stomach soon after birth and produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps teach gut immune cells.

18 Mar 2024

Research Uncovers Individuality in Roundworm Neural Circuits

Joint research led by Yu Toyoshima and Yuichi Iino of the University of Tokyo has demonstrated individual differences in and successfully extracted commonalities from the whole-brain activity of roundworms.

18 Mar 2024

Scientists Identify Mechanism Behind Post-Traumatic Fear Responses

Neurobiologists have discovered how stress causes the brain to become fearful in situations like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how to stop it.

15 Mar 2024

Scientists Design Proteins to Reach Hidden Cellular Targets

Drug developers have long faced challenges in reaching targets embedded within the cell membrane because of the membrane's complex biochemical properties. Chemists at Scripps Research have now shown that novel, specially made proteins are capable of effectively reaching these “intramembrane” targets.

14 Mar 2024