Phys.org news
Phys.org / Mitochondrial protein complexes: A single amino acid can jeopardize their stability
Removing a single amino acid can determine whether new proteins assemble into stable complexes within mitochondria. An enzyme carries out this precise trimming at the start of mitochondrial proteins. Without it, numerous ...
Phys.org / New type of human 'jumping gene' found in a poxvirus
Scientists at Cornell University have found a human genetic element in a poxvirus and discovered that it is both an important gene for brain function and a jumping gene capable of moving and inserting itself into genomes. ...
Phys.org / An overlooked era of cosmology is stealing the show in the quest to understand the cosmos
Could you imagine if pagers made a comeback? Sure, your smartphone would still be your notepad-flashlight-camera-personal assistant-MP3 player-wallet-social media browser. But imagine if pagers made it so easy to do that ...
Phys.org / Previously overlooked protein helps cells divide correctly
Modern technologies have made it possible to uncover a growing "hidden proteome"—proteins encoded by parts of the genome that researchers previously overlooked. Advances in sequencing and protein analysis are making it possible ...
Phys.org / How a century-old solvent can enable efficient amide synthesis
Amide bonds are chemical linkages essential to biology, medicine and materials chemistry. Peptide bonds, a class of amide bonds, link amino acids to form proteins. Amide bonds are also important in medicines and polymers. ...
Phys.org / Breaking and entering: How parasites prepare host cells for invasion
Before the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can invade a cell, it has to know it has reached the right place. New research from the Whitehead Institute reveals that the parasite doesn't simply recognize a ready-made doorway into ...
Phys.org / Natural proteins can guide active ingredients to diseased cells
After taking a pill, the drugs it contains are distributed throughout the body, reaching the tissues and cells affected by disease and performing their intended function. However, they also enter healthy cells, where they ...
Phys.org / Plant root injuries unleash pressure waves that travel long distances
When plant roots are injured—by insects, for example—the pressure inside the root drops, and a pressure wave spreads rapidly throughout the root system. In neighboring roots, tiny proteins that act as mechanical pressure ...
Phys.org / Molecular switch-up: Bacteria remodel a peptide to take on new role
Remodeling may bring to mind construction crews and scaffolding, but the process is far from unique to buildings. Even molecules can be remodeled. Pandorachelins, newly discovered molecules produced by Pandoraea bacteria, ...
Phys.org / Scientists supercharge plant immunity to boost its natural defense response
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) scientists have developed a way to "supercharge" a plant's natural immune response.
Phys.org / 3D images reveal how bacterial cells coordinate protein production and transport across the membrane
Scientists have often thought of cells as small, bustling cities with parts that resemble factories, power grids and shipping systems. While past research has illuminated the individual components of these cell cities, scientists ...
Phys.org / New tools pinpoint where urban trees could provide the most relief from heat
Cities trying to cool sweltering streets often set broad tree canopy targets. But those targets can overlook the reality that not all shade is equally useful, and not every neighborhood has room for more trees.
