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Categories: Biology: Cell Biology, Energy: Technology
Published Study describes the structural and functional effects of several mutations on the androgen receptor
(via sciencedaily.com) 
The androgen receptor is a key transcriptional factor for the proper sex development -- especially in males -- and the physiological balance of all the tissues that express this receptor. The androgen receptor is involved in several pathologies and syndromes, such as the spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy or androgen insensitivity syndrome, among others, for which there is no specific treatment. Regarded as the main initial and progression factor in prostate cancer -- the second most common malignant disease in men in industrialized countries -- this receptor has been, for decades, the main therapeutical target for the treatment against this disease.
Published Genetics as conservation tool for endangered chimpanzees
(via sciencedaily.com) 
The western chimpanzees of Guinea are threatened by mining activities. Using a novel genetic approach, researchers have collected information on population size and community structure of the endangered species. These data provide an important baseline to assess the impact of mining.
Published Researchers highlight nucleolar DNA damage response in fight against cancer
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Researchers have now encapsulated the young field of nucleolar DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. A new review highlights six mechanisms by which cells repair DNA damage. By attacking these mechanisms, future applied researchers will be able to trip up cancer's reproduction and growth.
Published Could AI-powered object recognition technology help solve wheat disease?
(via sciencedaily.com) 
A new project is using advanced object recognition technology to keep toxin-contaminated wheat kernels out of the food supply and to help researchers make wheat more resistant to fusarium head blight, or scab disease, the crop's top nemesis.
Published Minimizing electric vehicles' impact on the grid
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Some projections show that widespread adoption of electric vehicles might require costly new power plants to meet peak loads in the evening. A new study shows that placing EV charging stations strategic ways and setting up systems to initiate charging at delayed times could lessen or eliminate the need for new power plants.
Published Making sense of scents: Deciphering our sense of smell
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Breaking a longstanding impasse in our understanding of olfaction, scientists have created the first molecular-level, 3D picture of how an odor molecule activates a human odorant receptor, a crucial step in deciphering the sense of smell.
Published Scientists discover key information about the function of mitochondria in cancer cells
(via sciencedaily.com) 
A new study represents a first step towards generating highly detailed 3-dimensional maps of lung tumors using genetically engineered mouse models.
Published Designing more useful bacteria
(via sciencedaily.com) 
In a step forward for genetic engineering and synthetic biology, researchers have modified a strain of Escherichia coli bacteria to be immune to natural viral infections while also minimizing the potential for the bacteria or their modified genes to escape into the wild.
Published Propeller advance paves way for quiet, efficient electric aviation
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Electrification is seen as having an important role to play in the fossil-free aviation of tomorrow. But electric aviation is battling a trade-off dilemma: the more energy-efficient an electric aircraft is, the noisier it gets. Now, researchers have developed a propeller design optimization method that paves the way for quiet, efficient electric aviation.
Published 'Glow-in-the-dark' proteins could help diagnose viral diseases
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Despite recent advancements, many highly sensitive diagnostic tests for viral diseases still require complicated techniques to prepare a sample or interpret a result, making them impractical for point-of-care settings or areas with few resources. But now, a team has developed a sensitive method that analyzes viral nucleic acids in as little as 20 minutes and can be completed in one step with 'glow-in-the-dark' proteins.
Published Neolithic ceramics reveal dairy processing from milk of multiple species
(via sciencedaily.com) 
A new study has found evidence of cheesemaking, using milk from multiple animals in Late Neolithic Poland.
Published Molecular component of caffeine may play a role in gut health
(via sciencedaily.com) 
A new study explores exactly what leads to the generation of Th17 cells -- an important subtype of cells in the intestine -- and uncovers some of the underappreciated molecular players and events that lead to cell differentiation in the gut.
Published Game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Researchers have engineered a material with the potential to dramatically cut the amount of heat power plants release into the atmosphere.
Published Mirror-image molecules can modify signaling in neurons
(via sciencedaily.com) 
With the aid of some sea slugs, chemists have discovered that one of the smallest conceivable tweaks to a biomolecule can elicit one of the grandest conceivable consequences: directing the activation of neurons. The team has shown that the orientation of a single amino acid -- in this case, one of dozens found in the neuropeptide of a sea slug -- can dictate the likelihood that the peptide activates one neuron receptor versus another. Because different types of receptors are responsible for different neuronal activities, the finding points to another means by which a brain or nervous system can regulate the labyrinthine, life-sustaining communication among its cells.
Published The 'Rapunzel' virus: an evolutionary oddity
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Extremely long tail provides structural window into how bacteria-infecting viruses called phages assemble.
Published Microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants
(via sciencedaily.com) 
The agriculture industry is under pressure to adopt sustainable and precise agricultural practices that enable more efficient use of resources due to worsening environmental conditions resulting from climate change, an ever-expanding human population, limited resources, and a shortage of arable land. As a result, developing delivery systems that efficiently distribute micronutrients, pesticides, and antibiotics in crops is crucial to ensuring high productivity and high-quality produce while minimising resource waste. However, current and standard practices for agrochemical application in plants are inefficient. These practices cause significant detrimental environmental side effects, such as water and soil contamination, biodiversity loss and degraded ecosystems; and public health concerns, such as respiratory problems, chemical exposure and food contamination.
Published Researchers develop soft robot that shifts from land to sea with ease
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Most animals can quickly transition from walking to jumping to crawling to swimming if needed without reconfiguring or making major adjustments. Most robots cannot. But researchers have now created soft robots that can seamlessly shift from walking to swimming, for example, or crawling to rolling using a bistable actuator made of 3D-printed soft rubber containing shape-memory alloy springs that react to electrical currents by contracting, which causes the actuator to bend. The team used this bistable motion to change the actuator or robot's shape. Once the robot changes shape, it is stable until another electrical charge morphs it back to its previous configuration.
Published Researchers develop enhanced genetic animal model of Down syndrome
(via sciencedaily.com)
Original source 
Researchers compared a new genetic animal model of Down syndrome to the standard model and found the updated version to be enhanced. The new mouse model shows milder cognitive traits compared to a previously studied Down syndrome mouse model.
Published Biological network in cells helps body adapt to stresses on health
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Scientists have done research that opens up a whole new world within our cells. Their study uncovers a vast network of interactions that assist cells in adjusting in real time to withstand stresses on our health.
Published TurboID uncovers new meiotic proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana
(via sciencedaily.com) 
Meiotic recombination assures genetic variation during breeding. During meiotic prophase I, chromosomes are organized in a loop-base array by a proteinaceous structure called meiotic chromosome axis which is critical for meiotic recombination and genetically diverse gametes. An international research team reports the application of a TurboID (TbID)-based approach to identify proteins in proximity of meiotic chromosome axes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Not only known but also new meiotic proteins were uncovered.