Chemical ‘nose’ sniffs critical differences in DNA structures
Detection innovation could enhance drug development and cancer research
Molecular Biology
Using personalized medicine to avoid resistance to leukemia treatment
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a very aggressive type of blood cancer. It is…
Harvard University licenses its nasal swab collection technology to Rhinostics
The combined technologies could reduce labor and time required for COVID-19 diagnostic testing 10-fold, and facilitate future diagnostic testing of other respiratory diseases
Investigating the role of Brd4 in diet-induced obesity
A new study, published in JCI Insight , looks at how Brd4, a regulator of…
Phase transition inside the nucleus provides oncogenic function to mutant p53 in cancer
Researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro discover a crucial link between phase transition (aggregation) and cancer pathology
Development of microsatellite markers for censusing of endangered rhinoceros
Today, the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is critically endangered, with fewer than 100 individuals surviving…
New understanding of ovarian follicle development may lead to novel reproductive therapies
Mullerian inhibiting substance keeps follicles dormant until they are ready to release eggs during ovulation. Targeting this hormone could preserve follicles and eggs lost to aging or chemotherapy, improve the harvesting of eggs during IVF, or create a ne
Speeding new treatments
UNM team creates powerful computational tool to help researchers rapidly screen molecules for anti-COVID properties
Towards a treatment for myotonic dystrophy: First 3D model with patient cells
Myotonic dystrophy is a hereditary degenerative neuromuscular disease that occurs mainly in adults, affecting about…
How plants find their symbiotic partners
What would it be like to produce fertilizer in your own basement? Leguminous plants, like…
Unraveling a mystery of dinoflagellate genomic architecture
Algal species vital to coral reef health could help elucidate the genomic organizational principles of all organisms
Piecing together the LanCL puzzle
Researchers from the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology in collaboration with scientists at…
Stress slows the immune response in sick mice
The neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which plays a key role in the fight-or-flight stress response, impairs immune…
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology announces its first class of fellows
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has launched an honorific program to recognize members who have made outstanding contributions to the field through their research, teaching and mentoring, or other forms of service. It will announce the 30 members of its first class of fellows Tuesday at the society’s annual meeting, held in conjunction with the Experimental Biology conference.
Extinct ‘horned’ crocodile gets new spot in the tree of life
New ancient DNA-based study on Madagascar crocodile suggests that modern crocodiles likely originated in Africa
ASBMB announces its first class of fellows
ROCKVILLE, Md. — The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has launched an honorific…
SARS-CoV-2 curtails immune response in the gut
Scientists transform human intestinal cells into ‘mini guts’ to follow infection process
Canola growth environments and genetics shape their seed microbiomes
Just as humans receive the first members of their microbiomes from their mothers, seeds may…
Study reports novel role of enzyme in plant immunity and defense gene expression
A recently published article in the Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions journal provides new evidence that pathogens…
VR visualization supports research on molecular networks
A new VR platform enables the display of huge amounts of data. This can be helpful in the study of rare genetic defects, among other things.
Fifty years of collaborative science
Scientists from around the world will come together virtually to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a key piece of the infrastructure for sharing scientific knowledge: the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The event will be hosted by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on May 4–5, 2021.
Sapped: Exploring potential connections between devitalizing anemia and insomnia
Study reveals that iron-deficiency anemia is significantly associated with the likelihood of insomnia developing in adults
Scientists uncover structure of light-driven enzyme with potential biofuel applications
Derived from microscopic algae, the enzyme converts fatty acids into starting ingredients for solvents and fuels
Host, management, or microbial traits: Which is dominant in plant microbiome assemblage?
We’ve all heard the news stories of how what you eat can affect your microbiome….
“Molecular Tomographer” algorithm maps gene expression in space
As we accumulate more and more gene-sequencing information, cell-type databases are growing in both size…
Light up your mind: A novel light-based treatment for neurodegenerative diseases
Researchers review growing knowledge on the methods and applications of light therapy in treating neurodegenerative diseases
CNIO researchers explain the toxicity of USP7 inhibitors, under development for cancer treatment
Understanding the components that control cell division is fundamental to understanding how life works and…
Snake species from different terrains surrender surface secrets behind slithering success
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2021 — Some snake species slither across the ground, while others climb…
Unlocking new avenues for curing cancer: Cell receptor neuropilin-1 could hold the key
A growing body of research shows that inhibiting neuropilin-1 activity can slow tumor progression in several types of cancers
Japanese-European research team discovers novel genetic mitochondrial disorder
Team of Japanese and European scientists identify a novel genetic mitochondrial disorder by analyzing DNA samples from three distinct families
Lab study solves textbook problem: How cells know their size
The answer to a basic science question could unlock the key to complex medical challenges
DNA structure itself is involved in genome regulation
DNA supercoiling is an important contributor to the control of gene expression, and not just collateral damage that cells have to solve
CNIO scientists discovers a combination therapy for aggressive brain tumors
Glioblastomas are the most common and most aggressive brain tumours. Their survival rate has barely…
Petra Fromme honored with the prestigious Anfinsen Award
Arizona State University researcher Petra Fromme has received the 2021 Christian B. Anfinsen Award. The…
Gut bacteria “talk” to horse’s cells to improve their athletic performance
Study linking gut bacteria to more efficient energy generation in the cells of horses paves the way for dietary supplements that enhance their performance
How did 500 species of a fish form in a lake? Dramatically different body clocks
Scientists discover first nocturnal cichlid species from Africa’s lake Malawi that offers clues into the evolution of sleep
Mutations in overlooked DNA could have profound impact on survival for bowel cancer patients
Mutations in the DNA of the cell’s energy ‘factories’ increases the chances of survival for…
The future of biodiversity collections
Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the crucial role played by biodiversity collections…
Unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders in multiple system atrophy
New study shows that in multiple system atrophy, sleep disorders are a common but scarcely studied symptom associated with disease severity
Structural biology opens new perspectives for treating psychiatric disorders
Scientists have determined the structure of Glycine Transporter 1; the finding could open new avenues for developing therapeutics for psychiatric disorders
An international study reveals how the ‘guardian’ of the genome works
The study is published in ‘Nature Structural & Molecular Biology’
Gained in translation: Subgenome fractionation determines hybrid vigor in maize
Researchers trace the root of increased hybrid vigor in maize to differential translational fractionation of its subgenomes
Scientists reveal elusive inner workings of antioxidant enzyme with therapeutic potential
Mitochondria, known as the powerhouses within human cells, generate the energy needed for cell survival….
Being top baboon costs males their longevity
Struggle for dominance leaves a mark on genes and speeds up aging
Maddening itch of liver disease comes from a surprising source
Itching sensation originates in the skin cells themselves, after signaling from an excess of lipid
Experimental Therapy for Parasitic Heart Disease May Also Help Stop COVID-19
UC San Diego researchers found that the chemical inhibitor K777 reduces the coronavirus’ ability to infect cell lines by blocking human enzyme cathepsin L; clinical trials are underway.
Unusual mechanism in rare mutation associated with Alzheimer’s uncovered by UChicago researchers
A novel mechanism has been identified that might explain why a rare mutation is associated with familial Alzheimer’s disease in a new study by investigators at the University of Chicago.
Massive X-ray screening identifies promising candidates for COVID drugs
DESY’s X-ray lightsource PETRA III reveals existing active substances binding to key virus protein
The first non-invasive biomarker to track and verify efficacy of senolytic drugs
The discovery and development of a lipid-metabolite biomarker is expected to facilitate research and clinical trials of drugs that target multiple age-related diseases
Genome sequencing shows coronavirus variation drives pandemic surges
Fusing classical epidemiology and genomics is a tool for future pandemics