Ice doesn't just form randomly; it can be influenced by external factors. One of these factors is the electric field, or Efield. Researchers have been looking into how Efields affect ice crystallization. They found that when the strength of the Efield goes beyond 2. 5 V·nm^-1, it can directly cause ice to form in a specific structure, known as cubic ice. The process...
The protein p53 is a big deal in the world of cancer research. It's known for its ability to stop cells from turning cancerous. It does this by keeping an eye on DNA and fixing any issues that pop up. But when p53 gets mutated, it can't do its job properly. In fact, these mutations are found in over 40% of human tumors. The mutations can cause three main issues: loss...
Diabetes can lead to serious wounds that are tough to heal. These wounds, known as diabetic wounds, are a big problem. There are not many good treatments available right now. So, scientists are looking for new ways to help. One interesting option is a compound called Apigenin. This compound is found in many plants. It has been studied for its health benefits. Researc...
Ion separation is a big deal in many fields. It's like sorting out different types of ions in a crowded room. But it's tricky. Most membranes struggle with this task, especially when there are mixed ions around. They just can't pick and choose effectively. Now, there's a new approach using something called covalent organic frameworks, or COFs. These are like tiny, s...
The enzyme urease is crucial for a process called microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). This process is important because it helps in forming calcium carbonate, which is useful in various environmental and industrial applications. However, using MICP in extreme environments, like acidic mine drainage or industrial waste sites, is challenging. This...
ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a tough condition. It's linked to unusual clumps in brain cells. These clumps are made of a protein called TDP-43. Some changes in the TDP-43 protein are connected to ALS. Two specific changes, N352S and S352p, are known to cause problems. N352S is when one part of the TDP-43 protein is swapped for another. S352p is when a small chemi...
The world is in a race against time to find new ways to fight infections. Bacteria and fungi are becoming resistant to the drugs we have. This is a big problem. But there is hope. Nature has its own weapons against germs. These are called antimicrobial peptides, or AMPs. They are like tiny soldiers that can destroy harmful microbes. However, these natural soldiers ha...
Retinals are key players in the world of biology. They are responsible for various functions in living organisms. These functions are initiated by light exciting a specific part of the retinal molecule. This part is known as the protonated Schiff base chromophore. The chromophore can exist in different forms, each playing a crucial role in various biological processe...
Scale buildup is a major headache in industries like water treatment and oil extraction. It can mess up equipment and cause big problems. To fight this, chemicals called scale inhibitors are used. These inhibitors come in different types, like phosphonate and carboxylate. Scientists wanted to see how these inhibitors work, especially in salty and hot conditions. The...
Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, powering our phones and electric cars. But have you ever wondered what makes them tick? Let's dive into the world of spinel LiMn2O4, or LMO for short. This material is like a superhighway for lithium ions, but the rules of the road aren't fully understood. First off, lithium ions don't just float around freely. They have to deal...