Scientists have revealed a never-before-seen phenomenon in a protein: Alone, the enzyme processes DNA and RNA but, when bound to another protein as part of a defense system, interacts with a completely different type of compound to help bacteria commit suicide.
Read more …A rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly
The superior colliculus in the mammalian brain takes on many important tasks by making sense of our environment. Any mistakes during the development of this brain region can lead to severe neurological disorders. Scientists have now delineated the pedigree and origin of nerve cells that make up the superior colliculus.
Read more …The pedigree of brain cells
New research reveals that neurons in the preoptic hypothalamus -- the region of the brain that regulates sleep and body temperature -- are rhythmically activated during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). Stress activates these brain cells out of turn, causing 'microarousals,' that interrupt sleep cycles and decrease the duration of sleep episodes, according to new research.
Read more …How stress activates neurons that disrupt sleep
A new scientific method holds importance in the creation of customized medicine aimed at precisely targeting diseased cells, representing a pivotal stride towards more efficient and gentle treatments to optimize patients' quality of life. The novel method has been developed to enhance the synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides for targeted drugs.
Read more …New chemical method advances toward targeted RNA medicine