http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/molecular_biology/ Molecular biology. Read the latest research on molecular biology or search thousands of news articles with images from leading universities and research institutes. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/molecular_biology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103753.htm Researchers have caught on film, in real time, the process of messenger RNA leaving the cell nucleus. Fri, 25 May 2012 10:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103614.htm Images of the cell's transport pods have revealed a molecular version of the robots from Transformers. Previously, scientists had been able to create and determine the structure of 'cages' formed by parts of the protein coats that encase other types of vesicles, but this study was the first to obtain high-resolution images of complete vesicles, budded from a membrane. Fri, 25 May 2012 10:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143527.htm There's nothing like a new pair of eyeglasses to bring fine details into sharp relief. For scientists who study the large molecules of life from proteins to DNA, the equivalent of new lenses have come in the form of an advanced method for analyzing data from X-ray crystallography experiments. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143500.htm Research into how carbohydrates are converted into energy has led to a surprising discovery with implications for the treatment of a perplexing and potentially fatal neuromuscular disorder and possibly even cancer and heart disease. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123232.htm Researchers are using nanoparticles to simultaneously deliver proteins and DNA into plant cells. The technology could allow more sophisticated and targeted editing of plant genomes. And that could help researchers develop crops that adapt to changing climates and resist pests. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092046.htm Stem cells are essential building blocks for all organisms, from plants to humans. They can divide and renew themselves throughout life, differentiating into the specialized tissues needed during development, as well as cells necessary to repair adult tissue. Therefore, they can be considered immortal, in that they recreate themselves and regenerate tissues throughout a person’s lifetime, but that doesn’t mean they don’t age. They do, gradually losing their ability to effectively maintain tissues and organs. Now, researchers have uncovered a series of biological events that implicate the stem cells' surroundings, known as their "niche," as the culprit in loss of stem cells due to aging. This research has implications for treatment of age-related diseases and for the effectiveness of regenerative medicine. Thu, 24 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161323.htm A new and unexpected role for RNA is identified: the defence of genome integrity and stability. New research shows that an until now unknown class of RNA -- the newly christened DDRNA -- plays a key role in activation of the molecular alarms necessary to safeguard our genome when DNA damage from internal or external factors occurs. Wed, 23 May 2012 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523135523.htm Researchers have shown in mice how immune cells in the brain target and remove unused connections between brain cells during normal development. This research sheds light on how brain activity influences brain development, and highlights the newly found importance of the immune system in how the brain is wired, as well as how the brain forms new connections throughout life in response to change. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523135523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115053.htm Scientists are reporting development of a healthy "designer fat" that, when added to infant formula, provides a key nutrient that premature babies need in high quantities, but isn't available in large enough amounts in their mothers' milk. The new nutrient, based on hazelnut oil, also could boost nutrition for babies who are bottle-fed for other reasons. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102054.htm Biologists have developed a technique to measure internal cell temperatures without altering their metabolism. This finding could be useful when distinguishing healthy cells from cancerous ones, as well as learning more about cellular processes. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522180620.htm With the successful completion of the Human Genome Project, research attention is increasingly focusing on proteins. Versatile products produced from genetic templates, proteins are principle actors in both the maintenance of health and the onset of illness. Protein microarrays are a means of bridging the gap between analysis of the nucleotide sequences that make up DNA and the proteome -- the universe of proteins built from the amino acids coded for by genes. Tue, 22 May 2012 18:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522180620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114917.htm Plants show a higher variation in chromosome numbers than animals do, mainly because of polyploidy -- the occurrence of more than two sets of chromosomes. In plants, polyploidy can cause reproductive isolation and the consequent onset of new species. Researchers now set out to estimate to what extent polyploidy is involved in the onset of the Italian endemic plants. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163751.htm Scientists have devised a method for repeatedly encoding, storing and erasing digital data within the DNA of living cells. In practical terms, they have devised the genetic equivalent of a binary digit -- a "bit" in data parlance. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163749.htm Tissue engineers can use mesenchymal stem cells derived from fat to make cartilage, bone, or more fat. The best cells to use are ones that are already likely to become the desired tissue. Researchers have discovered that the mechanical properties of the stem cells can foretell what they will become, leading to a potential method of concentrating them for use in healing. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132804.htm Researchers have identified the mechanism by which protein Zds1 regulates a key function in mitosis, the process that occurs immediately before cell division. The research opens the door to developing targeted and direct therapies against cancer. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132659.htm Physicists and biologists are addressing an important fundamental question in basic cell biology: how do living cells figure out when and where to grow? Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132657.htm Tiny beads may act as minimally invasive glucose sensors for a variety of applications in cell culture systems and tissue engineering. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517193139.htm There are always exceptions to a rule, even one that has prevailed for more than three decades, as demonstrated by a new study on RNA splicing, a cellular editing process. The rule-flaunting exception uncovered by the study concerns the way in which a newly produced RNA molecule is cut and pasted at precise locations called splice sites before being translated into protein. Thu, 17 May 2012 19:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517193139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm Scientists have used a new technique to map 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA from human and mouse embryonic stem cells, revealing new information about their patterns of distribution. These studies have revealed that these DNA modifications play major roles in fundamental life processes such as cell differentiation, cancer and brain function. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131655.htm Over the past decade, research in the field of epigenetics has revealed that chemically modified bases are abundant components of the human genome and has forced us to abandon the notion we've had since high school genetics that DNA consists of only four bases. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174437.htm Biologists have succeeded in engineering algae to produce potential candidates for a vaccine that would prevent transmission of the parasite that causes malaria. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm Researchers have transplanted a set of human genes into a zebrafish and then used it to identify genes responsible for head size at birth. This finding also is related to some cases of autism and possibly schizophrenia and childhood obesity. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516115911.htm Physicists have demonstrated that the behavior of a thin layer of cells in contact with an unfavorable substrate is akin to that of thin fluid or elastic films. Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516115911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092558.htm A newly discovered enzyme brings scientists one step closer to understanding how plants manufacture a molecule with potent medicinal properties. Plants of the genus Glycyrrhiza are best known as key ingredients in the popular treat licorice, but they also have a valuable place in the medicine cabinet. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092555.htm Star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes are found to bridge the gap between global brain activity and localized circuits. Global network activity in the brain modulates local neural circuitry via calcium signaling in non-neuronal cells called astrocytes, according to new research. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515151036.htm For the first time, researchers have peered inside a living mouse cell and mapped the processes that power the celebrated health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. More profoundly, they say their findings suggest it may be possible to manipulate these processes to short-circuit inflammation before it begins, or at least help to resolve inflammation before it becomes detrimental. Tue, 15 May 2012 15:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515151036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515150938.htm A new rat study is the first to show how a diet steadily high in fructose slows the brain, hampering memory and learning -- and how omega-3 fatty acids can counteract the disruption. Tue, 15 May 2012 15:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515150938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm Scientists have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 percent larger than normal. The research could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm A new study consisting of inducing cells to express telomerase, the enzyme which -- metaphorically -- slows down the biological clock -- was successful. The research provides a "proof-of-principle" that this "feasible and safe" approach can effectively "improve health span." Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm Researchers are developing a way to 'barcode' viral diseases to rapidly test new outbreaks for potentially lethal mutations. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104848.htm Three proteins have been found to be involved in the accumulation of fatty acids in plants. The discovery could help plant scientists boost seed oil production in crops. And that could boost the production of biorenewable fuels and chemicals. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104422.htm Ribosomes are “protein factories” in the cells of all living things. They produce proteins based on existing genetic codes stored on special nucleic acid molecules. These molecules, also called messenger RNA (mRNA) due to the genetic information encoded on them, are read by ribosomes in a stepwise manner. Defined start and stop signals on the mRNA direct this process. If a stop signal is missing, protein formation cannot be completed and the ribosome’s mode of operation is blocked. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120513144630.htm Scientists have discovered that a protein known as Cdt1, which is required for DNA replication, also plays an important role in a later step of the cell cycle, mitosis. The finding presents a possible explanation for why so many cancers possess not just genomic instability, but also more or less than the usual 46 DNA-containing chromosomes. Sun, 13 May 2012 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120513144630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175008.htm The naked mole rat's unusually long and healthy life span may be explained by cellular machinery that disposes of damaged proteins. Scientists found that this machinery differs in composition from that of other rodents. Fri, 11 May 2012 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104205.htm New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: Differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm Scientists have for the first time, identified the molecular 'switch' that directly triggers the body's first line of defense against pathogens, more accurately known as the body's "innate immunity." Fri, 11 May 2012 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101248.htm Among the factors that make spiders successful predators is the ingeniously composed and structured material of their fangs. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm Researchers have identified a major pathway leading to brain cell death in mice with neurodegenerative disease. They were able to block the pathway, preventing brain cell death and increasing survival in the mice. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122857.htm The movement of genetic materials, such as RNA and ribosomes, from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a critical component in a cell's ability to make the proteins necessary for essential biological functions. Until now, it was believed the nuclear pore complex was the sole pathway between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm for these materials. New evidence reveals a novel budding mechanism, similar to the process used by some viruses, capable of exporting large ribonucleoprotein particles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122813.htm Scientists have identified a protein which regulates the activation of brown fat in both the brain and the body's tissues. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122809.htm Scientists have discovered that one enzyme corrects more than one million faults in DNA replication. And, it corrects the most common mistake in mammalian DNA. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510095945.htm In order to interact with the environment, bacteria secrete a whole arsenal of proteins. Researchers have now found how one of the transportation systems used for this purpose -- the type VI secretion system -- works for the single-celled organism. Thu, 10 May 2012 09:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510095945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180048.htm Techniques used by researchers to analyze a simple marine worm and its resident bacteria could accelerate efforts to understand more complex microbial communities such as those found in humans. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154236.htm Four years after they discovered the viral roots of a rare skin cancer, researchers have now identified a molecule activated by this virus that, in animal studies, could be targeted to selectively kill the tumor cells. The treatment will soon be tested in patients. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135959.htm To better understand how microRNAs -- small pieces of genetic material -- influence human health and disease, scientists first need to know which microRNAs act upon which genes. To do this scientists developed miR-TRAP, a new easy-to-use method to directly identify microRNA targets in cells. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135939.htm Researchers have developed a new technique which allows them to measure brain activity in large populations of nerve cells at the resolution of individual cells. The technique has been developed in zebrafish to represent a simplified model of how brain regions work together to flexibly control behavior. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105306.htm Scientists have described a new family of six genes whose function regulates the movement and position of mitochondria in neurons. Many neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s and various types of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, are caused by alterations of genes that control mitochondrial transport, a process that provides the energy required for cell function. Wed, 09 May 2012 10:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103911.htm Fears that sex-linked chromosomes, such as the male Y chromosome, are doomed to extinction have been refuted in a new genetic study which examines the sex chromosomes of chickens. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507101802.htm Scientists have discovered and elucidated the function of conserved cell division proteins in yeast. Mon, 07 May 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507101802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm For a virus like influenza, the key to success isn't in overpowering the immune system, it's in tricking it. Scientists have now identified a novel mechanism by which influenza viruses hijack key regulators of the human body's normal antiviral response in order to slip by it undetected. The results they describe have major implications for our understanding of the biology of the seasonal influenza virus and its pathogenesis. The research also suggests a possible target for a new class of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sun, 06 May 2012 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504171911.htm Results of a new study demonstrate the feasibility of a novel strategy in drug discovery: screening large numbers of existing drugs — often already approved for other uses — to see which ones activate genes that boost natural immunity. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504171911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504135808.htm As the interface between the cell and its environment, the cell membrane, which consists of fats and proteins, fulfils a variety of vital functions. Scientists have performed the first comprehensive analysis of the molecular structure of this boundary layer, and revealed precisely how it is organized. In yeast cells, the entire membrane is made up of independent domains, each containing just one or a few protein types. If a protein is relocated to an inappropriate domain, it may even fail to function. The study shows that the membrane is a kind of patchwork quilt and should help scientists to gain a better understanding of basic cellular processes. Fri, 04 May 2012 13:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504135808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110454.htm Two independent groups of researchers have identified a hormone that is responsible for keeping the growth and development of insects on track. The results suggest that Dilp8 provides an important signal to slow body growth and delay insect development. This braking effect is an essential part of normal development since it allows sufficient time for tissues to form and the correct body size, proportions and symmetry to be achieved. Fri, 04 May 2012 11:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110402.htm An over-the-counter natural remedy derived from honeybee hives arrests the growth of prostate cancer cells and tumors in mice, according to a new article. Researchers combined traditional cancer research methods with cutting-edge proteomics to find that CAPE arrests early-stage prostate cancer by shutting down the tumor cells' system for detecting sources of nutrition. Fri, 04 May 2012 11:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110125.htm Algal blooms can considerably interfere with summer holidays by the sea. In the coastal zone of temperate regions a spring algal bloom is not a sign of excessive nutrient input, but most of all a consequence of the more intense solar irradiation in spring. When algal blooms end, the algae die and their remnants constitute an important nutrient supply for the whole ecosystem. Researchers have examined an algal bloom in the North Sea and identified the microorganisms involved in the degradation of algal remnants. With their findings, the researchers discovered a solution for the so-called Plankton paradox: By specializing in different degradation processes, bacteria apparently occupy separate ecological niches in the sea. Fri, 04 May 2012 11:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142655.htm Scientists have discovered a key element in the mechanism of DNA repair. Using a smart new dual-molecule technique, the group has now found out how the DNA molecule is able to perform this search and recognition process in such an efficient way. Thu, 03 May 2012 14:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125808.htm Researchers have rejuvenated aged hematopoietic stem cells to be functionally younger, offering intriguing clues into how medicine might one day fend off some of the ailments of old age. The study brings new perspective to what has been a life science controversy -- countering what used to be broad consensus that the aging of hematopoietic stem cells was locked in by nature and not reversible by therapeutic intervention. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125645.htm Embryonic stem cells are primed to kill themselves if damage to their DNA makes them a threat to the developing embryo. Researchers can reveal how they do it. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134207.htm New research reinforces the claim that resveratrol -- a compound found in plants and food groups, notably red wine -- prolongs lifespan and health-span by interacting with key genes in mitochondria, the cell's energy supplier. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085502.htm Scientists using high-powered microscopes have made a stunning observation of the architecture within a cell – and identified for the first time how the architecture changes during the formation of gametes, also known as sex cells, in order to successfully complete  the process. Tue, 01 May 2012 08:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085502.htm