The protein 'MIPS' changes its internal structure when it becomes active. Its disordered active centre becomes a defined structure with special functions. The protein plays a key role in the production of inositol, which is also known as vitamin B8, and fulfills important tasks in the body. Researchers have succeeded for the first time in observing the protein as it re-structures.
Read more: From chaos to order: Proteins can re-structure themselves to create important substances
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known 'gene scissor' but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells. Using protein engineering and AI algorithms, researchers have now enhanced TnpB capabilities to make DNA editing more efficient and versatile, paving the way for treating a genetic defect for high cholesterol in the future.
Read more: Compact 'gene scissor' enables effective genome editing
Conventional wisdom holds that people are easily seduced by first impressions, and there's solid scientific evidence that initial snap judgements are hard to shake -- even when they turn out to be inaccurate. But according to a new study, sleeping on it can help us avoid judging a book solely by its cover.
Read more: Yet another reason why you should sleep on it before making an important decision
A study of nearly 2,000 former NFL players shows one-third believe that they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Those individuals were more likely to report cognitive symptoms, and 25% of them also reported suicidal thoughts. The players who thought they had CTE also were more likely to have low testosterone, depression, pain and other treatable conditions that cause cognitive symptoms.
Read more: Study of former NFL players finds 1 in 3 believe they have CTE