Host and Virus Face Off over RNA Modification
What happens when a mechanism meant to protect the cell gets exploited by bad-mannered viruses? 11.04.2019 Human cells infected with a CMV virus (green), in a control sample and in cells missing enzymes belonging to the m6A system (center and right) Viruses can be...
In Search of the First Enzymes
Proto-enzymes designed in the lab bound strongly to RNA and DNA, suggesting a surprising origin for these proteins 01.04.2019 Structural models derived from NMR data. (Upper) The observed major C-PLoop conformation. (Lower) Alignment of the β-(P-loop)-α elements of...
Same Microbe, Different Effect
Asking a different question about the bacteria in our microbiomes might help target disease more precisely 27.03.2019 Seemingly identical bacteria may harbor genetic differences that affect the host-microbiome relationship Our gut microbiome – the complement of...
Making Room for Change: Stem Cell Fate Depends on It
Remodeling the power plants known as mitochondria are key to stem cell differentiation 25.03.2019 Mouse embryonic stem cells viewed with a spinning-disc confocal microscope. The levels of a nuclear protein called Nanog (cyan), which keeps these cells in their stem...
Breathe in before Answering: Cognitive Function Tied to Inhalation
Subjects given problems to solve as they inhaled did better on tests 20.03.2019 A shot of espresso, a piece of chocolate or a headstand – all of these have been recommended before taking a big test. The best advice, however, could be to take a deep breath. According...
Revealing the gut’s B-cell training program may point to new means of developing oral vaccines
Revealing the gut’s B-cell training program may point to new means of developing oral vaccines 04.03.2019 Lymphoid organs in the small intestines. Red: B cells aggregated in the “training centers.” Green: cells with the ability to secrete effective antibodies exiting...
Israel’s First Moon Mission Will Conduct Scientific Measurements
The 15-minute landing sequence of the Israeli Moon lander “Beresheet” will be crucial for measuring the lunar magnetic field 21.02.2019 After more than eight years of working with brilliant engineers, we are finally ready to launch our spacecraft to the...
Going for Strong Inhibition
A unique method for identifying bioactive chemical compounds produces a potential new drug molecule 31.01.2019 A new inhibitor (magenta) covalently bound to MKK7 (gray), as validated by X-Ray crystallography Our cells receive more messages than a teenager’s phone and,...
RNA “Specialists” Activate Nerve Regeneration
Researchers identify a genetic "switch" that is only active when nerves are injured 24.01.2019 Regeneration of neuronal branches, surrounded by glia cells (whose nuclei are marked by blue dots), in a mouse sciatic nerve, seven days (top) and 25 days (bottom) after...
A gift for drug discovery
Weizmann establishes the Dr. Barry Sherman Institute for Medicinal Chemistry DATE: JANUARY 21, 2019 SOURCE: WEIZMANN HOMEPAGE It is the purview of pharmaceutical companies to develop potential medications, then market and sell them to patients. And in the halls of...