Molecular & Structural Biology

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Study reveals the key role of motor proteins in mitotic spindle elongation

Proper chromosome segregation into two future daughter cells requires the mitotic spindle to elongate in anaphase. However, although some candidate proteins are implicated in this process, the molecular mechanism that drives spindle elongation in human cells has been unknown, until now!

16 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

Single mutation leads to rare genetic muscle disease

The origin of rare, severe muscle disease has been uncovered by an international team of researchers headed by the University of Bonn (Germany).

16 Jun 2021

Human cells can convert RNA sequences into DNA

Cells include machinery that replicates DNA into a new set, and this, in turn, develops into a newly formed cell.

15 Jun 2021

Naked mole rats' unique DNA repair mechanism helps prevent cancers, dementia

Scientists say naked mole rats - a rodent native to West Africa - may hold the key to new treatments for degenerative diseases such as cancer and dementia.

11 Jun 2021

New understanding of the molecular basis behind continuous stem cell activity in plants

An inter-university research group has succeeded in constructing the gene expression network behind the vascular development process in plants. They achieved this by performing bioinformatics analysis using the 'VISUAL' tissue culture platform, which generates vascular stem cells from leaf cells.

11 Jun 2021

New “phase separation” protects against premature aging, neurological disorders

According to a new study, a mechanism through which an RNA, called NORAD, drives the Pumilio protein to create liquid droplets in cells—similar to oil in water—appears to closely control the activity of this protein.

11 Jun 2021

Study reveals the first look of brains retrieving faulty memories

Scientists have observed for the first time what it looks like in the key memory region of the brain when a mistake is made during a memory trial.

9 Jun 2021

Study reveals key molecule involved in myelin repair

New research works indicate that new brain cells are continuously formed in response to physical exercise, injury, and mental stimulation.

9 Jun 2021

NIH grant awarded to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research

Computer scientist Lydia Kavraki of Rice University's Brown School of Engineering has won a prestigious National Institutes of Health U01 grant to develop a new approach to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research.

8 Jun 2021

Study offers an ultra-detailed look into the organization of a living human cell

Sinai Health researchers published a study that offers an ultra-detailed look into the arrangement of a living human cell.

4 Jun 2021

Novel protein could improve treatment outcomes after heart attacks

New research, headed by scientists from Washington State University, has revealed a protein that could be crucial for enhancing treatments after a heart attack.

4 Jun 2021

Researchers develop DNA-based switching circuits

The myriad processes occurring in biological cells may seem unbelievably complex at first glance. And yet, in principle, they are merely a logical succession of events, and could even be used to form digital circuits.

4 Jun 2021

News study may lead to future therapeutic strategies against obesity, diabetes

The gut and the brain communicate with each other in order to adapt satiety and blood sugar levels during food consumption. The vagus nerve is an important communicator between these two organs.

3 Jun 2021

Daily intake of fruits can lower risk of type 2 diabetes

Eating at least two serves of fruit daily has been linked with 36 percent lower odds of developing type 2 diabetes, a new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has found.

3 Jun 2021

Study shows how scar tissue can effectively regenerate the injured heart

It is estimated that during a heart attack, one billion cells in the heart are lost. In the wake of the heart attack, the lost tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia and death. In a new study, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have shown how cells in the scar tissue can be converted to heart muscle cells, effectively regenerating the injured heart.

3 Jun 2021

Adolescents with higher omega-3 levels in blood are less likely to acquire psychotic illness

Adolescents who had greater levels of an omega-3 fatty acid in their blood were less likely to acquire psychotic illness in early adulthood.

3 Jun 2021

Researchers identify new therapeutic targets for flaviviruses

In a recent study, Australian scientists used an original approach to resolve the 3D structure of flaviviruses with an unprecedented level of detail, identifying small molecules known as 'pocket factors' as new therapeutic targets.

2 Jun 2021

Understanding molecular determinants of liver cancer in patients with Indigenous American ancestry

Oncotarget published "Global DNA hypermethylation pattern and unique gene expression signature in liver cancer from patients with Indigenous American ancestry" which reported that contrasting with this pattern, the age structure of HCC in Andean people displays a bimodal distribution with half of the patients developing HCC in adolescence and early adulthood.

2 Jun 2021

Diet plays a crucial role in liver disease outcome, mouse model shows

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD patients are at higher risk of developing Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which causes severe and chronic liver inflammation, fibrosis and liver damage.

2 Jun 2021