Astrobiologists are focused on resolving two central questions to understand the environmental and chemical limits of life. By understanding life's boundaries, they intend to identify possible biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres ...
The cell membrane can be regarded as the boundary between life and non-life. The ability of the membrane to adapt to changes in the environment is essential for all forms of life. Up until now, the accepted view was that ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Feb 6, 2020
0
5
Cholesterol is crucial to the formation of the cell membranes of mammals and is part of many life processes. One of the most controversial concepts in biophysics is the hypothesis of the so-called lipid rafts: areas of high ...
Bio & Medicine
Jan 27, 2020
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11
All cells have a lipid membrane that encircles their internal components—forming a protective barrier to control what gets in and what stays out. The proteins embedded in these membranes are essential for life; they help ...
Biochemistry
Dec 19, 2019
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153
Scientists have developed a new technique to trick bacteria into revealing hundreds of holes in their cell walls, opening the door for drugs that destroy bacteria's cells.
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 10, 2019
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65
Synthetic proteins have been created that move in response to their environment in predictable and tunable ways. These motile molecules were designed from scratch on computers, then produced inside living cells.
Biochemistry
May 16, 2019
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115
Ultrasound has long been an important tool for medical imaging. Recently, medical researchers have demonstrated that focused ultrasound waves can also improve the delivery of therapeutic agents such as drugs and genetic material. ...
Bio & Medicine
May 13, 2019
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22
Japanese scientists, including researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) and Yokohama National University, have identified the molecular mechanism that gives the skin secretions of a species of ...
Biochemistry
Apr 24, 2019
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9
Many viruses, including that perennial winter affliction, the influenza virus, are protected by a lipid membrane on loan from the host cell. The fusion proteins on the surface of the membrane are tasked with merging the lipid ...
Cell & Microbiology
Apr 5, 2019
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5
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers have developed a new biological sensor that could help clinicians better diagnose cancer and epilepsy.
Bio & Medicine
Mar 15, 2019
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