Proteins play a crucial role in the functionality of living organisms. The way in which proteins fold into their correct structures is paramount to their proper functioning. In a recent study conducted by researchers at the MPI of Biochemistry in Martinsried and the University Medical Center Göttingen, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) was employed to investigate the
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Self-organization is a fundamental aspect of life and nanotechnology, where individual particles come together autonomously to create complex patterns. Professor Erwin Frey and his team at LMU Munich have developed a theoretical model that explains the formation of patterns such as active foams from a mixture of protein filaments and molecular motors. This model sheds
Fear is a powerful emotion that can consume us, triggering a series of chemical changes in our bodies to prepare us for fight or flight. However, when this fear response becomes dysfunctional, it can lead to anxiety and even debilitating conditions like PTSD. Understanding how our brains regulate fear is crucial in finding ways to
Giant black holes at the heart of galaxies have a reputation for consuming stars that wander too close. This process, known as a tidal disruption event, involves the star being stretched and torn apart as it approaches the supermassive black hole. However, recent observations have revealed some unexpected details about these events that challenge conventional
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Western Sydney University has revealed alarming levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) chemical contamination in the livers of deceased platypuses residing in eastern New South Wales. This Australian-first research, recently published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research, involved the analysis of liver samples from nine deceased platypuses
Ratchet mechanisms have long been a subject of fascination due to their ability to convert disorderly or random motion into orderly, directed movement. In mechanical systems, a ratchet typically consists of a gear and a pawl, which restrict the movement of the gear in one direction. On the other hand, in biological systems, the concept
Imagine a world where your milk carton could communicate with your smart phone to let you know when it has gone bad, all thanks to printed electronics. This innovative technology, consisting of thin and flexible electronic circuits, has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with everyday objects. From solar cells on vehicle roofs
Polymers are complex materials composed of long chains of molecules, with their properties largely determined by the interactions between these chains. Traditionally, external forces exerted on polymers have been viewed as destructive, leading to disentanglement or breakage of the constituent chains. However, recent research has shown that external forces can also have constructive effects on
AMD’s recent acquisition of ZT Systems in a deal worth $4.9 billion is a strategic move to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities. As AMD aims to compete with industry giant Nvidia, this acquisition sets the stage for enhanced AI offerings in its product portfolio. By investing over $1 billion in the past year to expand
Black holes are known for their destructive nature when it comes to stars in their proximity. The typical scenario involves a star being consumed by the black hole, resulting in a flash of light signaling its demise. However, in rare cases, a star may be captured in orbit around a black hole, leading to a
Alzheimer’s disease has long been a challenging field of research, with the direct cause of brain damage in this condition proving to be elusive despite decades of study. While abnormal clumps of proteins, such as amyloid beta, have been a major focus of investigation, recent findings from Emory University suggest that these plaques may not
Plastics have long been a staple in modern manufacturing, but their detrimental environmental impact has sparked a widespread demand for eco-friendly alternatives. In response to these growing concerns, researchers at The University of Warwick have made significant strides in the quest for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. By exploring the realm of organic eutectic materials,
Recently, the Earth experienced a level-four geomagnetic storm, indicating intense solar activity that could bring the northern lights to night skies further south than usual. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that this solar storm may cause auroras to be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California. These solar storms
In a recent ruling, a US judge concluded that Google holds a monopoly in the market and has been leveraging its dominance to solidify its position in the tech industry. This decision aligns the US regulators more closely with the European Commission’s stance on tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon. Both entities now acknowledge
Many of us have experienced aches and pains that seem to flare up when the weather changes. However, recent research has found that there is no direct link between common joint and muscle pain and weather conditions. This challenges the common belief that cold, wet weather can trigger symptoms of conditions like arthritis. A groundbreaking