Imagine the mouse's brain as a complex city map, where different areas represent different smells. This map is created and maintained by special brain cells called projection neurons. When these cells are removed, the map starts to change, even though the mice can still smell things. In the mouse's
Have you ever thought about how cells manage to turn food into energy? They're like tiny factories, taking in chemicals and converting them into useful stuff. Scientists have been trying to copy this trick by creating teeny bubbles called microcompartments. These bubbles can grow and change, just li
Imagine tiny creatures that can slip past our natural defenses as if they weren't even there. These aren't any ordinary bacteria—they're made of mirrored molecules, crafted by scientists themselves. While they're not naturally found, these mirror microbes could pose a significant threat if they ever
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
