Imagine thousands of copies of a single protein organizing into a coat of chainmail armor that protects the wearer from harsh and ever-changing environmental conditions. That is the case for many microorganisms. In a new ...
Bio & Medicine
Feb 11, 2015
0
1826
A new experiment conducted at the University of California at Berkeley used quantum information techniques for a precision test of a cornerstone principle of physics, namely Lorentz invariance. This precept holds that the ...
Quantum Physics
Feb 11, 2015
4
73
After using optical tweezers to squeeze a tiny bead attached to the outside of a human stem cell, researchers now know how mechanical forces can trigger a key signaling pathway in the cells.
Cell & Microbiology
Feb 10, 2015
0
611
The world's mussel population could be under threat as climate change causes oceans to become increasingly acidic, scientists have discovered.
Ecology
Dec 24, 2014
2
1
In the field of drug development, frequent targets are cell-membrane proteins, such as ion channels, tiny pores that allow various substances to enter and exit the cell. Ion channels, which govern the passage of sodium, potassium, ...
Biochemistry
Sep 23, 2014
0
0
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have spotted a strong family trait in two distant relatives: The channels that permit entry of sodium and calcium ions into cells turn out to share similar means for regulating ion intake, they ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jul 1, 2014
0
0
(Phys.org) —Certain bonds connecting biological cells get stronger when they're tugged. Those bonds could help keep hearts together and pumping; breakdowns of those bonds could help cancer cells break away and spread.
Cell & Microbiology
Jun 5, 2014
0
0
(Phys.org) —When a multiply charged aluminum or magnesium cation encounters a single water molecule, the result can be explosive. The metal ion rips an electron from the water molecule, causing a molecular-level explosion, ...
Materials Science
Jun 2, 2014
0
0
Biologists have discovered how an outer shield over T-type channels change the electrochemical signaling of heart and brain cells. Understanding how these shields work will help researchers eventually develop a new class ...
Biochemistry
Apr 25, 2014
0
0
Modern technology makes extensive use of ion exchangers. For example, they are commonly used to decalcify water by binding calcium ions and releasing sodium ions in return. Good exchangers tend to be ...
Materials Science
Feb 28, 2014
0
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