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Molecular & Computational biology news
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
44 minutes ago
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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
1 hour ago
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'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
1 hour ago
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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
2 hours ago
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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
2 hours ago
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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
3 hours ago
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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
4 hours ago
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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
4 hours ago
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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
4 hours ago
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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
5 hours ago
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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
5 hours ago
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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
5 hours ago
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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
5 hours ago
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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
7 hours ago
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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
23 hours ago
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Ash tree variability may offer restoration path post-beetle decimation
The invasive emerald ash borer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was first found in the United States in southeast Michigan in 2002. In the decades since, the wood-boring beetle has spread east and west across ...
Ecology
Jan 8, 2025
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Toxin-antitoxin systems could target invasive and resistant bacteria
In a counterintuitive move, bacteria are known to produce self-destructive toxins. However, they also make antitoxins, and researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have identified these toxin-antitoxin ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 8, 2025
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Uncovering clues to a natural gene-editing technique
Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) are found in the genomes of microorganisms across the globe—from the arctic permafrost to Yellowstone's hot springs and the human gut. DGRs are able to reverse-transcribe RNA back ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 8, 2025
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Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats—solving one of nature's oldest mysteries
Scientists have uncovered how cyanobacteria—Earth's first photosynthetic organisms—self-organize into intricate living mats, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and potential inspiration for material design.
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 8, 2025
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Scientists create scalable solution for analyzing single-cell data
Researchers have amassed vast single-cell gene expression databases to understand how the smallest details impact human biology. However, current analysis methods struggle with the large volume of data and, as a result, produce ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 8, 2025
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