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25 articles from ScienceDaily

Gene linked to severe learning disabilities governs cell stress response

A gene that has been associated with severe learning disabilities in humans has been found to also play a vital role in cells' response to environmental stress, according to a new study. The gene, Rad6 has previously been associated with a set of symptoms called 'Nascimento Syndrome,' that include severe learning disabilities.

New light-powered catalysts could aid in manufacturing

Chemists designed a new photoredox catalyst that could make it easier to incorporate light-driven reactions into continuous flow manufacturing processes. The polymer catalysts could be used to coat tubing and perform chemical transformations on reactants as they flow through the tube.

New route to build materials out of tiny particles

Researchers have found a new way to build synthetic materials out of tiny glass particles -- so-called colloids. They showed that they can simply use the shape of these colloids to make interesting building blocks for new materials, regardless of other properties of the colloidal particles.

New cancer subtype may illuminate treatment strategy

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized form of hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer, as well as a set of molecules that drive its growth. This discovery opens the door to the development of therapies that treat this specific disease.

Novel sensors enable precise measurement of dopamine

Dopamine is an important signalling molecule for nerve cells. Its concentration could not be precisely determined with both high spatial or temporal resolution until now. A new method has now made this possible: A research team used modified carbon nanotubes that glow brighter in the presence of the messenger substance dopamine. These sensors visualize the release of dopamine from nerve cells with...

Learning from nature: Biosynthesis of cyanobacterin opens up new class of natural compounds for applications in medicine and agriculture

Researchers have succeeded in understanding the biosynthetic mechanisms for the production of the natural product cyanobacterin, which is produced in small quantities by the cyanobacteria Scytonema hofmanni. In the process, they also discovered a new class of enzymes for building carbon-carbon bonds. The (bio)chemists are thus significantly expanding the biocatalytic repertoire currently known...

T cell warriors need their R & R

T cells, biology textbooks teach us, are the soldiers of the immune system, constantly on the ready to respond to a variety of threats, from viruses to tumors. However, without rest and maintenance T cells can die and leave their hosts more susceptible to pathogens, scientists report.

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

We often think of biological arms races occurring between the immune system and pathogens, or predator and prey, but biologists have now discovered an example that plays out within a single genome. Their work in fruit flies may have implications for key biological processes in humans, including fertility and even cancer.

Ancient viral elements embedded in human genome not from fossil retrovirus

Many types of animals, including humans, successfully coexist with retroviruses, and we know that ancient retrovirus viral elements can even be found within our genome. We also know that these endogenous retroviruses can be utilized for development and evolution. However, uncontrolled endogenous retroviruses may be a cause of disease in the human body. Now, researchers have discovered that...

Spines of life: Fast-breeding sea urchin provides new model for genetic research

Researchers have established the sea urchin species Temnopleurus reevesii as a new model for genetic research. Unlike urchins previously used as biological models, T. reevesii has a short breeding cycle and other features that make it ideal for genetic studies. The team created two genome databases that will contribute to numerous fields, and enable future studies to find an even better model for...

Siberian tundra could virtually disappear by mid-millennium

Due to global warming, temperatures in the Arctic are climbing rapidly. As a result, the treeline for Siberian larch forests is steadily advancing to the north, gradually supplanting the broad expanses of tundra which are home to a unique mix of flora and fauna. Experts have now prepared a computer simulation of how these woods could spread in the future, at the tundra's expense.

Supermassive black holes inside of dying galaxies detected in early universe

An international team of astronomers used a database combining observations from the best telescopes in the world, including the Subaru Telescope, to detect the signal from the active supermassive black holes of dying galaxies in the early Universe. The appearance of these active supermassive black holes correlates with changes in the host galaxy, suggesting that a black hole could have far...

Protein supplement helps control Type 2 diabetes

A study which holds potential for dietary management of the condition, has shown that drinking a small amount of why protein before meals helps people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. The work shows for the first time this works in people as they went about normal everyday life.

Researchers aim X-rays at century-old plant secretions for insight into Aboriginal Australian cultural heritage

For tens of thousands of years, Aboriginal Australians have created some of the world's most striking artworks. Today their work continues long lines of ancestral traditions, stories of the past and connections to current cultural landscapes, which is why researchers are keen on better understanding and preserving the cultural heritage within. By revealing the chemistry of plant secretions, or...