A recent study has revealed new information about the inner workings of methanotrophs, bacteria that metabolize methane for their source of energy. This process requires copper, and Northwestern University researchers have pinpointed two new proteins that help methanotrophic bacteria acquire copper from their surrounding environment. These findings have a variety of potential applications, both medical
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than one third of the adult population within the United States is obese. Obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, are some of the leading causes of preventable death and result in billions of dollars in medical costs spent annually. Obesity is
The cell cycle is an intricate and coordinated process that is vital to sustain life. In higher eukaryotes, the cell cycle produces daughter cells identical to the mother cell to renew tissues in internal organs like the liver, skin and hair. The cell has checkpoints along the way to halt the cycle if something goes
Like many other bacterial infections that affect humans, pneumonia has acquired a significant amount of antibiotic resistance, rendering traditional means of treatment ineffective. Researchers have been trying to find new ways to fight pneumonia and other infections for better treatment of patients. Recently, researchers led by Dr. Qingming Hou of Boston Children’s Hospital and Dr.
Red blood cells must maintain a distinct dimpled shape as they travel through the body, returning to form even after pushing through narrow capillaries. Misshapen red blood cells are associated with disorders such as sickle cell anemia, and though red blood cells are well-studied, there are still unanswered questions about how healthy ones properly maintain