The detailed structure of a protective ‘jacket’ that surrounds cells of the Clostridium difficile superbug, and which helps the dangerous pathogen stick to human host cells and tissues, is revealed in part in Molecular Microbiology.
A new study shows it is possible to predict how fast a population will spread and reveals the importance of habitat conservation in helping threatened species survive environmental change. The research tracks the recovery of a rare British butterfly over 18 years and offers hope for the preservation of other species.
New research expands our understanding of how a type of immune cell called a B lymphocyte enables the immune system to mount a successful defense against an intestinal parasite. The study provides some intriguing insight into the variety of mechanisms implemented by B cells to protect the host from infection.
Continue reading about Busy B’s: Lymphocyte Uses Multiple Mechanisms To Shape Immune Response
Researchers have created an algorithm that meshes existing data to produce a clearer step-by-step flow chart of how cells respond to stimuli. Using this new method, scientists have analyzed alpha-synuclein toxicity to identify genes and pathways that can affect cell survival. Misfolded copies of the alpha-synuclein protein in brain cells are a hallmark of Parkinson’s [...]
Continue reading about Calculating Gene And Protein Connections In Parkinson’s Disease Model
Urban single mothers nearing the end of their welfare eligibility appear more likely to have substance use and psychiatric disorders than women in the general population, and often do not receive treatment, according to a new report.
Continue reading about Untreated Psychiatric Disorders Common In Single Mothers On Welfare
Biochemists discovered to their surprise that if they removed the gene for a glucose sensor from yeast cells, they lived just as long as those living on a glucose-restricted diet. In short, the fate of these cells doesn’t depend on what they eat but what they think they’re eating.
Continue reading about Not So Sweet: Over-consumption Of Sugar Linked To Aging
Researchers have discovered eight similar genes that, when mutated, appear to be responsible for medulloblastoma — the most common of childhood brain cancers.
Continue reading about Gene Mutations That Cause Childhood Brain Cancer Identified
Australian and British scientists have found how puny crayfish cheat. Biologists explain that weak males cheat by intimidating stronger foes with their large claws. However, this shouldn’t work because the tough guys should get wise. Wilson shows that large claws are risky; they make it harder to evade predators. Cheats get away with it because [...]
Pick an option: the prospect of months on crutches and a season on the sidelines, versus taking 10 minutes to do a short, simple, structured warm up. For athletes, particularly school-aged athletes, the choice should be clear.
Researchers have produced amphiphilic hybrid particles made of a water-insoluble inorganic nanoparticle at the core surrounded by a bristle-like layer of hydrophilic polymer chains. The polymer-coated spheres offer a simple method for the controlled production of superstructures, such as vesicles to be used to encapsulate drugs or as contrast agents.
Continue reading about Nanotechnology: Bristly Spheres As Capsules for Drugs