Laurence Hecht News
Swiss biologists show new role for 'chaperone proteins'
By Laurence Hecht | May 3, 2022
Proteins are long coils of amino acids, the building blocks of life. They are produced when messenger RNA from the cell nucleus directs the ribosomes to link specified aminos acids together in a defined sequence.
University of London group demonstrates mitonuclear interactions change redox stress responses in fruit flies
By Laurence Hecht | Apr 19, 2022
Eukaryotes have a distinct cell nucleus that contains one set of genes (DNA), and another entity known as the mitochondrion, that contains its own unique genes. Mitochondria are the cellular hubs for energy production and much of metabolism.
Princeton-Duke team uncovers new insights into human brain evolution
By Laurence Hecht | Apr 6, 2022
The human brain is 238% larger than any other primate of similar body mass. How evolution brought about this situation has been a focus of physical anthropologists for more a century.
UK researchers challenge ‘nearly neutral theory’ of DNA evolution
By Laurence Hecht | Feb 23, 2022
All organisms have some portion of their DNA that does not code for proteins, but the amounts vary greatly. Bacteria average about 2% non-coding DNA, while in humans the non-coding DNA comes to 98% of the total.
Cambridge physicists: Gauge theory 'more than normally recognized’
By Laurence Hecht | Feb 14, 2022
A recent paper by two Cambridge University scientists shows how a concept important in physics as a whole, called “gauge,” plays out in the specific theory of electromagnetism.
Cambridge study shows possible path toward treating antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis
By Laurence Hecht | Feb 7, 2022
Tuberculosis is currently the deadliest infectious disease in the world, affecting nearly 2 billion people. It is caused by the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Texas A&M biologists sequence drug-resistant bacteria in pioneering U.S. phage therapy case
By Laurence Hecht | Jan 27, 2022
The full genome of nine different bacteriophages used in one of the first modern applications of this promising type of antibacterial agent in the United States was published last month. Also published were the genomes of three strains of the multidrug-resistant bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii, that the phages targeted.
Webb telescope launch opens new era in deep space astronomy
By Laurence Hecht | Jan 11, 2022
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's 14,300-pound James Webb Space Telescope, launched into space Dec. 25, 2021, aboard a French Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport at Kourou in French Guiana. This heralds a new chapter in deep space astronomy.
Cannabis use could affect emotion processing
By Laurence Hecht | Jan 6, 2022
A first-of-its-kind review of the recent literature suggests that cannabis use could affect emotion processing, which can lead to difficulties with social relationships and possibly exacerbate the use of cannabis. The authors note, however, that more study is necessary to be certain of the findings.
Swiss device creates jet fuel from air
By Laurence Hecht | Nov 29, 2021
A solar-powered system for generating liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the hydrogen and carbon dioxide contained in air is currently in operation on a rooftop of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich.
International team offers strategy to reduce risk of vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variants
By Laurence Hecht | Nov 26, 2021
An increase in COVID-19 vaccinations brings with it the risk that a vaccine-resistant strain could still emerge.