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Thirsty Birds 'Burn the Engine' In Flight
Migrating birds fly hundreds of miles at a time with no break. A new study shows that they may be staying hydrated by burning up their own muscles and organs.
Migrating birds fly hundreds of miles at a time with no break. A new study shows that they may be staying hydrated by burning up their own muscles and organs.
Biochemistry
Source: NPR
Posted on: Saturday, Sep 10, 2011, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1177 | Comments: 0
Source: NPR
Posted on: Saturday, Sep 10, 2011, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1177 | Comments: 0
Scientists pinpoint shape-shifting mechanism critical to protein signaling 
In a joint study, scientists from the California and Florida campuses of The Scripps Research Institute have shown that changes in a protein's structure can change its signaling function and they have pinpointed the precise regions where those changes take place.
In a joint study, scientists from the California and Florida campuses of The Scripps Research Institute have shown that changes in a protein's structure can change its signaling function and they have pinpointed the precise regions where those changes take place.
Biochemistry
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Wednesday, Sep 07, 2011, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1087 | Comments: 0
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Wednesday, Sep 07, 2011, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1087 | Comments: 0
Discovery explains why influenza B virus exclusively infects humans; opens door for drug development
Researchers at Rutgers University and the University of Texas at Austin have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight seasonal influenza epidemics caused by the common influenza B strain.
Researchers at Rutgers University and the University of Texas at Austin have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight seasonal influenza epidemics caused by the common influenza B strain.
Biochemistry
Source: Rutgers University
Posted on: Friday, Aug 26, 2011, 8:45am
Rating: | Views: 1128 | Comments: 0
Source: Rutgers University
Posted on: Friday, Aug 26, 2011, 8:45am
Rating: | Views: 1128 | Comments: 0
How the N2O greenhouse gas is decomposed
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a harmful climate gas. Its effect as a greenhouse gas is 300 times stronger than that of carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide destroys the ozone layer. In industrial agriculture, it is generated on excessively fertilized fields when microorganisms decompose nitrate fertilizers. Decomposition of nitrous oxide frequently is incomplete and strongly depends on environmental conditions.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a harmful climate gas. Its effect as a greenhouse gas is 300 times stronger than that of carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide destroys the ozone layer. In industrial agriculture, it is generated on excessively fertilized fields when microorganisms decompose nitrate fertilizers. Decomposition of nitrous oxide frequently is incomplete and strongly depends on environmental conditions.
Biochemistry
Source: Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Posted on: Monday, Aug 22, 2011, 5:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1311 | Comments: 0
Source: Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Posted on: Monday, Aug 22, 2011, 5:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1311 | Comments: 0
Researchers decode workings of mysterious, but critical TB drug
For nearly 60 years, Pyrazinamide (PZA) has been used in conjunction with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB), but scientists did not fully understand how the drug killed TB bacteria.
For nearly 60 years, Pyrazinamide (PZA) has been used in conjunction with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB), but scientists did not fully understand how the drug killed TB bacteria.
Biochemistry
Source: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Posted on: Friday, Aug 12, 2011, 4:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1229 | Comments: 0
Source: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Posted on: Friday, Aug 12, 2011, 4:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1229 | Comments: 0
Scientists discover how molecular motors go into 'energy save mode'
The transport system inside living cells is a well-oiled machine with tiny protein motors hauling chromosomes, neurotransmitters and other vital cargo around the cell. These molecular motors are responsible for a variety of critical transport jobs, but they are not always on the go. They can put themselves into "energy save mode" to conserve cellular fuel and, as a consequence, control
The transport system inside living cells is a well-oiled machine with tiny protein motors hauling chromosomes, neurotransmitters and other vital cargo around the cell. These molecular motors are responsible for a variety of critical transport jobs, but they are not always on the go. They can put themselves into "energy save mode" to conserve cellular fuel and, as a consequence, control
Biochemistry
Source: Carnegie Mellon University
Posted on: Friday, Aug 12, 2011, 2:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1215 | Comments: 0
Source: Carnegie Mellon University
Posted on: Friday, Aug 12, 2011, 2:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1215 | Comments: 0
Live from the scene: Biochemistry in action
Researchers can now watch molecules move in living cells, literally millisecond by millisecond, thanks to a new microscope developed by scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. Published online today in Nature Biotechnology, the new technique provides insights into processes that were so far invisible.
Researchers can now watch molecules move in living cells, literally millisecond by millisecond, thanks to a new microscope developed by scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. Published online today in Nature Biotechnology, the new technique provides insights into processes that were so far invisible.
Technology
Source: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Posted on: Monday, Aug 08, 2011, 11:45am
Rating: | Views: 1196 | Comments: 0
Source: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Posted on: Monday, Aug 08, 2011, 11:45am
Rating: | Views: 1196 | Comments: 0
What parasites eat is the key to better drug design
A team led by Professor Malcolm McConville from the Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne developed a new analytical method which can be used for many infectious parasites and bacteria. The technique has revealed which metabolic pathways are essential for the parasite's survival, down to the particular atoms it uses as a food source.
A team led by Professor Malcolm McConville from the Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne developed a new analytical method which can be used for many infectious parasites and bacteria. The technique has revealed which metabolic pathways are essential for the parasite's survival, down to the particular atoms it uses as a food source.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Melbourne
Posted on: Friday, Aug 05, 2011, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1103 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Melbourne
Posted on: Friday, Aug 05, 2011, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1103 | Comments: 0
Scientists take a giant step for people -- with plants!
Science usually progresses in small steps, but on rare occasions, a new combination of research expertise and cutting-edge technology produces a 'great leap forward.'
Science usually progresses in small steps, but on rare occasions, a new combination of research expertise and cutting-edge technology produces a 'great leap forward.'
Biochemistry
Source: Salk Institute
Posted on: Friday, Jul 29, 2011, 12:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1204 | Comments: 0
Source: Salk Institute
Posted on: Friday, Jul 29, 2011, 12:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1204 | Comments: 0
Antioxidants of growing interest to address infertility, erectile dysfunction
A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidants may have significant value in addressing infertility issues in both women and men, including erectile dysfunction, and researchers say that large, specific clinical studies are merited to determine how much they could help.
A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidants may have significant value in addressing infertility issues in both women and men, including erectile dysfunction, and researchers say that large, specific clinical studies are merited to determine how much they could help.
Biochemistry
Source: Oregon State University
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 28, 2011, 4:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1238 | Comments: 0
Source: Oregon State University
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 28, 2011, 4:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1238 | Comments: 0
How the modular structure of proteins permits evolution to move forward
Changes in a short protein domain can alter a whole signaling network involved in organ development– this is the key result of a comparative study of the development of the egg laying organ in two species of nematodes. However, the outward appearance of the organ remains the same in both species.
Changes in a short protein domain can alter a whole signaling network involved in organ development– this is the key result of a comparative study of the development of the egg laying organ in two species of nematodes. However, the outward appearance of the organ remains the same in both species.
Biochemistry
Source: Public Library of Science
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011, 8:15am
Rating: | Views: 1216 | Comments: 0
Source: Public Library of Science
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011, 8:15am
Rating: | Views: 1216 | Comments: 0
Pocket chemistry: DNA helps glucose meters measure more than sugar
Glucose meters aren't just for diabetics anymore. Thanks to University of Illinois chemists, they can be used as simple, portable, inexpensive meters for a number of target molecules in blood, serum, water or food.
Glucose meters aren't just for diabetics anymore. Thanks to University of Illinois chemists, they can be used as simple, portable, inexpensive meters for a number of target molecules in blood, serum, water or food.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Posted on: Monday, Jul 25, 2011, 10:45am
Rating: | Views: 1118 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Posted on: Monday, Jul 25, 2011, 10:45am
Rating: | Views: 1118 | Comments: 0
Cellular stress can induce yeast to promote prion formation
It's a chicken and egg question. Where do the infectious protein particles called prions come from? Essentially clumps of misfolded proteins, prions cause neurodegenerative disorders, such as mad cow/Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, in humans and animals. Prions trigger the misfolding and aggregation of their properly folded protein counterparts, but they usually need some kind of "seed" to get started.
It's a chicken and egg question. Where do the infectious protein particles called prions come from? Essentially clumps of misfolded proteins, prions cause neurodegenerative disorders, such as mad cow/Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, in humans and animals. Prions trigger the misfolding and aggregation of their properly folded protein counterparts, but they usually need some kind of "seed" to get started.
Biochemistry
Source: Emory University
Posted on: Monday, Jul 25, 2011, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1235 | Comments: 0
Source: Emory University
Posted on: Monday, Jul 25, 2011, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1235 | Comments: 0
Timothy syndrome mutations provide new insights into the structure of L-calcium channel
The human genome encodes 243 voltage-gated ion channels. Mutations in calcium channels can cause severe inherited diseases such as migraine, night blindness, autism spectrum disorders and Timothy syndrome, which leads to severe cardiovascular disorders.
The human genome encodes 243 voltage-gated ion channels. Mutations in calcium channels can cause severe inherited diseases such as migraine, night blindness, autism spectrum disorders and Timothy syndrome, which leads to severe cardiovascular disorders.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Vienna
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 14, 2011, 5:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1397 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Vienna
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 14, 2011, 5:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1397 | Comments: 0
Termites' digestive system could act as biofuel refinery
One of the peskiest household pests, while disastrous to homes, could prove to be a boon for cars, according to a Purdue University study.
One of the peskiest household pests, while disastrous to homes, could prove to be a boon for cars, according to a Purdue University study.
Biochemistry
Source: Purdue University
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 06, 2011, 11:45am
Rating: | Views: 1408 | Comments: 0
Source: Purdue University
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 06, 2011, 11:45am
Rating: | Views: 1408 | Comments: 0
Hot springs microbe yields record-breaking, heat-tolerant enzyme
Bioprospectors from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a microbe in a Nevada hot spring that happily eats plant material – cellulose – at temperatures near the boiling point of water.
Bioprospectors from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a microbe in a Nevada hot spring that happily eats plant material – cellulose – at temperatures near the boiling point of water.
Biochemistry
Source: University of California - Berkeley
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011, 2:00pm
Rating: | Views: 3243 | Comments: 0
Source: University of California - Berkeley
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011, 2:00pm
Rating: | Views: 3243 | Comments: 0
A chaperone system guides tail-anchored membrane proteins to their destined membrane
A newly synthesized protein is as fragile as a newborn baby. It could never fold into its correct three dimensional structure if it was not protected by chaperones within the densely populated cytosol. In case of membrane proteins chaperones do not only pre-vent their aggregation, but also escort them to their destination and aid in membrane insertion.
A newly synthesized protein is as fragile as a newborn baby. It could never fold into its correct three dimensional structure if it was not protected by chaperones within the densely populated cytosol. In case of membrane proteins chaperones do not only pre-vent their aggregation, but also escort them to their destination and aid in membrane insertion.
Biochemistry
Source: Goethe University Frankfurt
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011, 1:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Source: Goethe University Frankfurt
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011, 1:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Researchers decipher protein structure of key molecule in DNA transcription system
Scientists have deciphered the structure of an essential part of Mediator, a complex molecular machine that plays a vital role in regulating the transcription of DNA.
Scientists have deciphered the structure of an essential part of Mediator, a complex molecular machine that plays a vital role in regulating the transcription of DNA.
Biochemistry
Source: Indiana University School of Medicine
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1137 | Comments: 0
Source: Indiana University School of Medicine
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1137 | Comments: 0
A lack of structure facilitates protein synthesis
Texts without spaces are not very legible, as they make it very difficult for the reader to identify where a word begins and where it ends. When genetic information in our cells is read and translated into proteins, the enzymes responsible for this task face a similar challenge. They must find the correct starting point for protein synthesis.
Texts without spaces are not very legible, as they make it very difficult for the reader to identify where a word begins and where it ends. When genetic information in our cells is read and translated into proteins, the enzymes responsible for this task face a similar challenge. They must find the correct starting point for protein synthesis.
Biochemistry
Source: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011, 4:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1136 | Comments: 0
Source: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011, 4:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1136 | Comments: 0
'Molecular cap' blocks processes that lead to Alzheimer's, HIV
A new advance by UCLA biochemists has brought scientists one step closer to developing treatments that could delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.
A new advance by UCLA biochemists has brought scientists one step closer to developing treatments that could delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.
Biochemistry
Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 23, 2011, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1193 | Comments: 0
Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 23, 2011, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1193 | Comments: 0
Can humans sense the Earth's magnetism?
For migratory birds and sea turtles, the ability to sense the Earth's magnetic field is crucial to navigating the long-distance voyages these animals undertake during migration. Humans, however, are widely assumed not to have an innate magnetic sense.
For migratory birds and sea turtles, the ability to sense the Earth's magnetic field is crucial to navigating the long-distance voyages these animals undertake during migration. Humans, however, are widely assumed not to have an innate magnetic sense.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 21, 2011, 1:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1273 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 21, 2011, 1:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1273 | Comments: 0
50-year search for calcium channel ends
Mitochondria, those battery-pack organelles that fuel the energy of almost every living cell, have an insatiable appetite for calcium. Whether in a dish or a living organism, the mitochondria of most organisms eagerly absorb this chemical compound.
Mitochondria, those battery-pack organelles that fuel the energy of almost every living cell, have an insatiable appetite for calcium. Whether in a dish or a living organism, the mitochondria of most organisms eagerly absorb this chemical compound.
Biochemistry
Source: Harvard Medical School
Posted on: Monday, Jun 20, 2011, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1211 | Comments: 0
Source: Harvard Medical School
Posted on: Monday, Jun 20, 2011, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1211 | Comments: 0
Video: Taking the 3-D measure of macromolecules
The world's first three-dimensional plasmon rulers, capable of measuring nanometer-scale spatial changes in macrmolecular systems, have been developed by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), in collaboration with researchers at the University of Stuttgart, Germany.
The world's first three-dimensional plasmon rulers, capable of measuring nanometer-scale spatial changes in macrmolecular systems, have been developed by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), in collaboration with researchers at the University of Stuttgart, Germany.
Biochemistry
Source: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Posted on: Friday, Jun 17, 2011, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 1991 | Comments: 0
Source: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Posted on: Friday, Jun 17, 2011, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 1991 | Comments: 0
Structural biologists reveal novel drug binding site in NMDA receptor subunit
Structural biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have obtained a precise molecular map of the binding site for an allosteric inhibitor in a subtype of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, which is commonly expressed in brain cells.
Structural biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have obtained a precise molecular map of the binding site for an allosteric inhibitor in a subtype of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, which is commonly expressed in brain cells.
Biochemistry
Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 16, 2011, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1126 | Comments: 0
Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 16, 2011, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1126 | Comments: 0
First wood-digesting enzyme found in bacteria could boost biofuel production
Researchers funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)-led Integrated Biorefining Research and Technology (IBTI) Club have identified an enzyme in bacteria which could be used to make biofuel production more efficient. The research is published in the 14 June Issue of the American Chemical Society journal Biochemistry.
Researchers funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)-led Integrated Biorefining Research and Technology (IBTI) Club have identified an enzyme in bacteria which could be used to make biofuel production more efficient. The research is published in the 14 June Issue of the American Chemical Society journal Biochemistry.
Microbiology
Source: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 09, 2011, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1135 | Comments: 0
Source: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 09, 2011, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1135 | Comments: 0
Development of a FRET sensor for real-time imaging of intracellular redox dynamics
In work published in the June 2011 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Kolossov, Spring and their co-investigators - a multidisciplinary team within the Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois - have transferred the concept of redox-sensitive Green Fluorescent Proteins (GFPs) to a quantitative Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging platform.
In work published in the June 2011 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Kolossov, Spring and their co-investigators - a multidisciplinary team within the Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois - have transferred the concept of redox-sensitive Green Fluorescent Proteins (GFPs) to a quantitative Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging platform.
Biochemistry
Source: Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 1220 | Comments: 0
Source: Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 1220 | Comments: 0
Scientists identify how major biological sensor in the body works
A biological sensor is a critical part of a human cell's control system that is able to trigger a number of cell activities. A type of sensor known as the "gating ring" can open a channel that allows a flow of potassium ions through the cell's wall or membrane — similar to the way a subway turnstile allows people into a station. This flow of ions, in turn, is involved in the regulation of crucial
A biological sensor is a critical part of a human cell's control system that is able to trigger a number of cell activities. A type of sensor known as the "gating ring" can open a channel that allows a flow of potassium ions through the cell's wall or membrane — similar to the way a subway turnstile allows people into a station. This flow of ions, in turn, is involved in the regulation of crucial
Biochemistry
Source: University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011, 11:00am
Rating: | Views: 1139 | Comments: 0
Source: University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011, 11:00am
Rating: | Views: 1139 | Comments: 0
Researchers build largest biochemical circuit out of small synthetic DNA molecules
In many ways, life is like a computer. An organism's genome is the software that tells the cellular and molecular machinery—the hardware—what to do. But instead of electronic circuitry, life relies on biochemical circuitry—complex networks of reactions and pathways that enable organisms to function.
In many ways, life is like a computer. An organism's genome is the software that tells the cellular and molecular machinery—the hardware—what to do. But instead of electronic circuitry, life relies on biochemical circuitry—complex networks of reactions and pathways that enable organisms to function.
Biochemistry
Source: California Institute of Technology
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 02, 2011, 5:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1701 | Comments: 0
Source: California Institute of Technology
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 02, 2011, 5:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1701 | Comments: 0
Video: Team solves decades-old molecular mystery linked to blood clotting
Blood clotting is a complicated business, particularly for those trying to understand how the body responds to injury. In a new study, researchers report that they are the first to describe in atomic detail a chemical interaction that is vital to blood clotting. This interaction – between a clotting factor and a cell membrane – has baffled scientists for decades.
Blood clotting is a complicated business, particularly for those trying to understand how the body responds to injury. In a new study, researchers report that they are the first to describe in atomic detail a chemical interaction that is vital to blood clotting. This interaction – between a clotting factor and a cell membrane – has baffled scientists for decades.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Posted on: Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 5:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1172 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Posted on: Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 5:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1172 | Comments: 0
Similarities cause protein misfolding
A large number of illnesses stem from misfolded proteins, molecules composed of amino acids. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now studied protein misfolding using a special spectroscopic technique. Misfolding, as they report in Nature, is more frequent if the sequence of the amino acids in the neighboring protein domains is very similar.
A large number of illnesses stem from misfolded proteins, molecules composed of amino acids. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now studied protein misfolding using a special spectroscopic technique. Misfolding, as they report in Nature, is more frequent if the sequence of the amino acids in the neighboring protein domains is very similar.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Zurich
Posted on: Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 2:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1307 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Zurich
Posted on: Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 2:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1307 | Comments: 0
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