Structure of a central component of the human immune system revealed
An international team of researchers has visualized the structure of the so-called ASC speck.
Science & Technology
How immune cells recognize their enemies
In order for immune cells to do their job, they need to know against whom they should direct their attack. Research teams a have identified new details in this process.
First observation of structures resulting from 3D domain swapping in antibody light chains
Antibodies hold promise as therapeutic agents. However, their tendency to aggregate poses significant challenges to drug development. In a groundbreaking study, researchers now provide novel insights into the structure formed due to 3D domain swapping …
Scholars say it’s time to declare a new epoch on the moon, the ‘lunar Anthropocene’
According to anthropologists and geologists, it’s time to acknowledge humans have become the dominant force shaping the moon’s environment by declaring a new geological epoch for the moon: the Lunar Anthropocene. They argue the new epoch may have dawne…
Engineers design a robotic replica of the heart’s right chamber
Engineers developed a robotic replica of the heart’s right ventricle, which mimics the beating and blood-pumping action of live hearts. The device could be used for studying right ventricle disorders and testing devices and therapies aimed at treating …
Adapting to hypoxia: Zooplankton influence the efficiency of the biological carbon pump in the Humboldt Current off Peru
Marine organisms play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in organic matter that sinks to the deep ocean where it can be stored for long periods of time. Until now, this pr…
New cause of diabetes discovered, offering potential target for new classes of drugs to treat the disease
Researchers have identified an enzyme that blocks insulin produced in the body — a discovery that could provide a new target to treat diabetes. The study focuses on nitric oxide, a compound that dilates blood vessels, improves memory, fights infection…
New genes can arise from nothing
The complexity of living organisms is encoded within their genes, but where do these genes come from? Researchers resolved outstanding questions regarding the origin of small regulatory genes, and described a mechanism that creates their DNA palindrome…
New insights into Zebra mussel attachment fibers offer potential solutions to combat invasive species, develop sustainable materials
A recent study has revealed that an unlikely event, occurring over 12 million years ago played an important role in shaping one of Canada’s most damaging invasive species. Zebra and quagga mussels, belonging to the Dreissenid family, are widespread fre…
A fork in the ‘rhod’: Researchers unveil comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes
After more than a decade of developing fluorescent probes, a research team has now released the culmination of their years of work: A comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based dyes, the novel chemistry they developed to synthesize them and insights t…
ChatGPT often won’t defend its answers — even when it is right
ChatGPT may do an impressive job at correctly answering complex questions, but a new study suggests it may be absurdly easy to convince the AI chatbot that it’s in the wrong.
Discrimination during pregnancy may alter circuits in infants’ brains
Racial discrimination and bias are painful realities and increasingly recognized as detrimental to the health of adults and children. These stressful experiences also appear to be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, altering the strength…