Immunology

The 'switch' that keeps the immune system from attacking the body

A microscopic battle rages in our bodies, as our cells constantly fend off invaders through our immune system: a complex system of cells and proteins designed to protect us from harmful pathogens. One of its central components ...

Neuroscience

How a natural protein can help fight Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in Nature Communications gives insights into the underlying mechanisms of the formation of protein clumps in Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet, could pave ...

Medical research

How does HIV get into the cell's center to kickstart infection?

UNSW medical researcher Dr. David Jacques and his team have discovered how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) breaches the cell nucleus to establish infection, a finding that has implications beyond HIV biology.

Medical research

New test helps drug discoverers identify future cancer treatments

Researchers have developed an investigative procedure that makes the early stages of drug discovery more efficient. This test can help scientists identify new biologically active compounds that can be used to develop effective ...

Oncology & Cancer

Brain cancer linked to nuclear pore alterations

Several types of cancer are believed to be linked to alterations of macromolecular structures known as nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). These structures are embedded in the nuclear envelope, a membrane barrier that separates ...

Genetics

SARS-CoV-2: The grasping fingers of the viral N protein

Immediately after the infection of a cell in the throat or lungs, the SARS-CoV-2 virus works very hard to replicate, using the human cell's metabolic pathways to produce its proteins and make sure that its genetic material ...

Medical research

Protein movement reveals brain tumor's weak spot

Proteins do not have a single shape, but are more like dynamic robots. But—how do they actually move? And what does this tell us about their function? Laura Orellana describes the movement of proteins using computer simulations—and ...

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