The blood-brain barrier (BBB)—a vital structure made up of endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons—plays a crucial role in protecting the brain. It's like a bouncer at a club, ensuring only the right stuff gets in and the wrong stuff stays out. But this barrier isn't static;
Ever wondered how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)—the biggest compartment in our cells—moves things around inside? This is a big deal, especially for understanding diseases that happen when the ER doesn't form right. Scientists think the ER might use tiny muscle-like contractions to move stuff around
CapG, a key enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus, folds and unfolds in a complex dance. This protein, which helps the bacteria build its defence shield, changes shape based on its concentration and surroundings. Scientists studied a replica of CapG, called rCapG, and found it can exist in many forms, f
Ever wondered what helps pig sperm swim and look their best? A hormone called GnRH-II and its receptor, GnRHR-II, might hold the key. These guys are super abundant in a pig's testes, hinting they play a big role. Scientists found that GnRHR-II is way more common in the testes than other reproductive
Zinc batteries are popular for their low cost and ability to store large amounts of energy. However, they face a significant issue: over time, the zinc components can degrade, produce harmful hydrogen gas, and develop unwanted structures called dendrites. These problems hinder the battery's performa
This year, the renowned journal Chemical Science is marking a significant milestone—its 15th anniversary. To make things even more exciting, the journal is also celebrating ten years of Diamond Open Access. Dr. May Copsey, the Executive Editor, is leading the celebrations. Imagine having access to
Ever wondered how tiny creatures like cyanobacteria tell time? It's all thanks to a protein called KaiB, which has a neat trick up its sleeve. KaiB can change its shape, switching between two states: a stable one and an unstable one. This switch is crucial for the bacteria's internal clock, creating
Brown carbon, a key component of biomass-burning organic aerosols (BBOA), plays a significant role in absorbing sunlight and potentially speeding up global warming. However, the chemical processes that happen within these particles after they absorb light are not yet fully understood. Scientists hav
Imagine decoding the complex wiring of a tiny fly's brain. That's what neuroscientists are attempting with the innovative FlyCircuit method. The idea is straightforward: neurons that look alike are likely responsible for similar tasks. Scientists start by grouping these similar neurons into smaller
What if a tiny microbe could turn into a global threat? This is what hundreds of biologists are worrying about. They claim that in the next few decades, scientists might create a dangerous microorganism. This microbe could start a pandemic that's impossible to stop. Crop fields might turn into waste
