News by Subject Chemistry & Physics

During cell division, chromosomes are duplicated and separated so that one copy of each chromosome is inherited by each of the two emerging daughter cells. Correct distribution of chromosomes requires high accuracy and defects in this process can cause aberrant distribution of chromosomes and facilitate cancer development. By analyzing the structure of the protein responsible for chromosome separation, a team led by UNIGE has shed light on the mechanisms controlling this essential player in cell division.

The in-house development of a novel SARS-CoV-2 test, creation of the Molecular Diagnostics Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and their importance to public health are chronicled in a new article in Nature Communications.

An international team of researchers led by Kumamoto and Tokyo Universities (Japan) have shown that the L452R mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is common to two variants (Epsilon and Delta), is involved in cellular immunity evasion via the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) A24, and enhances viral infectivity. HLA-A24 is one of the most prominent HLA-class I alleles, especially in East/Southeast Asian populations, which might make them particularly vulnerable to variants with the mutation.

Freiburg researchers discover a signaling protein that controls the assembly of human cellular "power plants"

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin have found a low-cost way to solve one half of the water-splitting equation to produce hydrogen as clean energy -- using sunlight to efficiently split off oxygen molecules from water. The finding represents a step forward toward greater adoption of hydrogen as a key part of our energy infrastructure.

Researchers at the RIKEN, Japan have discovered that acetate, a major metabolite produced by some intestinal bacteria, is involved in regulating other intestinal bacteria. Experiments specifically showed that acetate could trigger an immune response against potentially harmful bacteria. These discoveries will lead to the development of new ways to regulate the balance of intestinal bacteria.