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Molecular & Computational biology news
Biofilm busters: Plant-derived molecule stops bacteria from forming protective biofilms on surfaces
If your teeth have ever felt fuzzy after skipping a brushing, you've encountered biofilm—a slimy bacterial layer that clings to surfaces. In medical settings, biofilms make infections harder to treat when they form protective ...
Molecular & Computational biology
5 hours ago
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Plant hormones that help roots reach deeper water provide potential strategy for drought-resistant crops
Scientists have discovered how plants adapt their root systems in drought conditions to grow steeper into the soil to access deeper water reserves.
Molecular & Computational biology
22 hours ago
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Hydrogen peroxide and the mystery of fruit ripening: 'Signal messengers' in plants
A research team led by Prof. Qin Guozheng from the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has unveiled a previously unrecognized mechanism by which the RNA N6–methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase SlALKBH2 undergoes ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 10, 2025
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Gene discovery reveals unique sex determination in killifish
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena, in collaboration with international partners, have made a significant breakthrough in killifish research. They identified a gene that ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 10, 2025
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Analyzing diversity of reverse-transcriptase-containing viruses through global metagenomics
Viral reverse transcriptase (RT) plays a critical role in replication (e.g., retroviruses, that reverse transcribe RNA templates into complementary DNA) and genome mutations (e.g., diversity-generating retroelements in bacteriophages). ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 10, 2025
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May the force not be with you: Cell migration doesn't only rely on generating force
In mechanobiology, cells' forces have been considered fundamental to their enhanced function, including fast migration. But a group of researchers in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 9, 2025
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Scientists create comprehensive map of protein locations within human cells
Like workers at a factory or office, proteins in a cell must be in the right department to do their jobs. But scientists have yet to fully map the cell's organization, much less determine how these cellular "employees" may ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 9, 2025
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46
'RNA lanterns' could offer new insights into viruses and human memory
RNA is the molecule that reads the genetic information stored in DNA. It's critical for the proper functioning of cells, and in a new study published in Nature Communications, University of California, Irvine scientists have ...
Biotechnology
Jan 9, 2025
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Natural products from soil fungus could replace harmful pesticides in agriculture
The soil fungus Mortierella alpina has the potential to make agriculture greener and more sustainable: The fungus produces bioactive molecules called malpinins, which could protect plants from destructive worms. A research ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 9, 2025
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Chimpanzees are genetically adapted to local habitats and infections such as malaria, research reveals
Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in their different forest and savanna habitats, some of which may protect against malaria, according to a study by an international team led by UCL researchers.
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Researchers test genetically edited citrus tree that controls insects responsible for greening
Scientists at the University of Florida are testing a new type of citrus tree that can fight off the tiny insects responsible for citrus greening.
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 9, 2025
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Uncovering ghost drivers in the genome: Study shows convergent promoters act as potent regulators
The genome contains tens of thousands of genes. Like a gigantic orchestra, their interaction is the basis for all vital processes in our body. Errors in their interaction can lead to serious illnesses and are one reason we ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 9, 2025
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Echidna genome study unravels the events leading to multiple sex chromosomes
The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of Australia's most iconic animals. Belonging to a unique group of mammals called "monotremes" (with the platypus as the other prominent member). Echidnas may at first ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Scientists engineer CRISPR enzymes that evade immune system
The core components of CRISPR-based genome-editing therapies are bacterial proteins called nucleases that can stimulate unwanted immune responses in people, increasing the chances of side effects and making these therapies ...
Biotechnology
Jan 9, 2025
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Newly sequenced genome for orange foxtail sheds light on weed resistance
Genomic advances reveal how similar weeds can dominate wheat fields that are geographically separated by more than 5,000 miles.
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 9, 2025
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Mammalian outer ear traced back to ancient fish gills
The outer ear is unique to mammals, but its evolutionary origin has remained a mystery. According to a study published in Nature from the USC Stem Cell lab of Gage Crump, this intricate coil of cartilage has a surprisingly ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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84
The Balbiani body: Cracking the secret of embryonic beginnings
Researchers have uncovered how egg cells prepare for the creation of life. Their work reveals the secrets of the Balbiani body (Bb), a remarkable structure that organizes essential molecules to guide early embryonic development.
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 9, 2025
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Gene-expression study reveals 2-in-1 root armor protects plants from environmental stressors, fights climate change
Plants may burrow into the ground and stretch toward the sun, but they're ultimately stuck where they sprout—at the mercy of environmental threats like temperature, drought, and microbial infection.
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 9, 2025
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'Killer' fungal gene could provide key to control of plant diseases
A critical gene that leads to the synthesis of a protein known as Knr4 could be the key to what makes some fungal pathogens so virulent. Focusing prevention strategies on disabling or modifying this gene or the protein it ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jan 9, 2025
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How macronucleophagy ensures survival in nitrogen-starved yeast
Autophagy, the cell's essential housekeeping process, involves degrading and recycling damaged organelles, proteins, and other components to prevent clutter. This vital mechanism, found in all life forms from single-celled ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 8, 2025
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More news
Computational biologists develop AI that predicts inner workings of cells
Toxin-antitoxin systems could target invasive and resistant bacteria
Scientists create scalable solution for analyzing single-cell data
New orchid found on Australian island resembles a cupcake
Uncovering clues to a natural gene-editing technique
Findings may help researchers develop a medication-friendly grapefruit
Signaling circuit interplay pushes newborn neurons out of the neuronal nest
Lock and key: Scientists clarify how important proteins 'dock' to centromere
How electrical synapses fine-tune sensory information for better decisions
Newly discovered mechanism triggers immune response in cells with damaged DNA
Other news
Quantum breakthrough may lead to sustainable chiral spintronics
Woodrats use 'quantity over quality' as a detox plan, study finds
Study reveals secrets behind cordierite's anomalous thermal expansion
Shallow waters and fast currents boost elkhorn coral restoration
Ocean temperatures hit record highs in 2024, study finds
