Protein Lounge - Cell Biology News

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Structure from disorder: Scientists find new source of versatility so 'floppy' proteins can get things done

Many proteins work like Swiss Army knives, fitting multiple functions into their elaborately folded structures. A bit mysteriously, some proteins manage to multitask even with structures that are unfolded and floppy -- "intrinsically disordered." Scientists have now discovered an important trick that a well-known intrinsically disordered protein uses to expand and control its functionality.

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:16:16 EDT

Researchers discover immunity mechanism: Platelets patrolling the bloodstream

Scientists have discovered a mechanism that is used to protect the body from harmful bacteria. Platelets, a component of blood typically associated with clotting, were discovered to actively search for specific bacteria, and upon detection, seal it off from the rest of the body. The findings provide the science community with a greater understanding of immunity.

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:13:13 EDT

New research backs genetic 'switches' in human evolution

A new study offers further proof that the divergence of humans from chimpanzees some 4 million to 6 million years ago was profoundly influenced by mutations to DNA sequences that play roles in turning genes on and off.

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:15:15 EDT

Long distance calls by sugar molecules

All our cells wear a coat of sugar molecules, so-called glycans. Researchers have now discovered that glycans rearrange water molecules over long distances. This may have an effect on how cells sense each other.

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:51:51 EDT

Herbal extract boosts fruit fly lifespan by nearly 25 percent

The herbal extract of a yellow-flowered mountain plant long used for stress relief was found to increase the lifespan of fruit fly populations by an average of 24 percent, according to researchers.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:28:28 EDT

Diet may affect Alzheimer's disease risk

The lipidation states (or modifications) in certain proteins in the brain that are related to the development of Alzheimer disease appear to differ depending on genotype and cognitive diseases, and levels of these protein and peptides appear to be influenced by diet, according to a new report.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:20:20 EDT

Doctors in veterinary, human medicine team to give burned horse a second chance

The unlikely pairing of an equine veterinarian and a burn surgeon is providing a second chance at a normal life for a horse that was doused in flammable liquid and set on fire late last summer.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Polymer-coated catalyst protects 'artificial leaf'

One option is to use the electrical energy generated inside solar cells to split water by means of electrolysis, in the process yielding hydrogen that can be used for a storable fuel.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:09:09 EDT

Excessive salt consumption appears to be bad for your bones

A high-salt diet raises a woman’s risk of breaking a bone after menopause, no matter what her bone density is, according to a new study.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:45:45 EDT

Uniquely shaped enzyme amazes chemists

Chemists in the Netherlands have found that a uniquely shaped enzyme that has never been seen before in biology is real: two interlocked ring structures, known as catenanes.

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