How does gelatin powder make liquids hold together? Nov 2, 2009
Collagen is a protein, which is to say that its molecules are made of long chains of amino acids ... When dissolved in liquid, the long chains of amino acids form a tangled network reminiscent of a big plate of spaghetti, with water molecules stuck to the spaghetti in layers. (Boston Globe)
Therapeutic Value of Reishi Nov 1, 2009
A Medicinal Mushroom with a Long History and Many Health Benefits. Reishi - the "10,000 year mushroom" - has been renowned for its medicinal properties for millennia. (Suite101.com)
How Are Nutrients Incorporated Into... Oct 30, 2009
Protein molecules consist of long chains of amino acids and must be broken down into individual amino acids or short peptide chains before absorption can occur. Once broken into amino acids or short peptides, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to where they are needed. (Suite101.com)
2-pronged protein attack could be source of SARS virulence Oct 30, 2009
This widely used test-tube platform, known as a "rabbit reticulocyte lysate" (RRL) system, contained only the subcellular structures and materials (ribosomes, amino acids and various control factors) that cells use to produce or "translate" proteins from messenger-RNA templates. The researchers also developed a mutant form of the nsp1 protein that was incapable of interfering with RNA translation, employing it as an experimental control. (EurekAlert!)
Influence of the calcium concentration in the presence of organic phosphorus on the physicochemical compatibility and stability of all-in-one admixtures for neonatal use Oct 27, 2009
5 or 93 mg/100 ml in the presence of a fixed organic phosphate concentration as well as lipids, amino acids, inorganic salts, glucose, vitamins and oligoelements at pH 5. 5. (Nutrition Journal)
Preliminary molecular characterization of the human pathogen Angiostrongylus cantonensis Oct 26, 2009
Of these 378 unique cDNAs, 168 contained open reading frames encoding proteins containing an average of 238 amino acids. Characterization of the functions of these encoded proteins by Gene Ontology analysis showed enrichment in proteins with binding and catalytic activity. (BioMed Central)
Gene Developed Through Conventional Breeding To Improve Cowpea Aphid Resistance Oct 26, 2009
Buchnera are vital to the aphids well being as they provide essential amino acids. . (Science Daily)
DNA Replication: Messenger RNA With FLASH A Key Player Oct 26, 2009
"We could then figure out exactly what portion of FLASH would restore the protein's function in generating histone mRNAs and remarkably, only the first 100 or so amino acids are required. The remaining 2,000 amino acids of this large protein likely control other processes in the cell, including apoptosis and DNA replication" he explained. Co-author William F. Marzluff, Ph. (Science Daily)
Cyber Exploring The 'Ecosystems' Of Influenzas Oct 23, 2009
But since then fully one-third of the component amino acids in its hemagglutinin protein -- the "H" in H3N2 -- have changed. "That's a huge amount of evolution," Koelle said. (Science Daily)
Health Benefits of the Haruan Fish Oct 23, 2009
The haruan also contains high levels of amino acids important in the wound healing process. These include glutamic and aspartic acid, as well as glycine, an important component of collagen in the skin. (Suite101.com)
Scientists Visualize Assembly Line Gears In Ribosomes, Cell's Protein Factory Oct 19, 2009
E and P show where tRNAs (attached to amino acids, thus building blocks for protein) line up ... 23, 2009) Researchers have captured elusive nanoscale movements of ribosomes at work, shedding light on how these cellular factories take in genetic instructions and amino acids to churn out proteins. (Science Daily)
Deep-sea Microbes: Nitrogen Mystery Solved? Oct 17, 2009
The element nitrogen is a critical part of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and therefore essential to all life. Although nitrogen is plentiful on Earth it comprises 78 percent of the atmosphere, by volume the element is usually found strongly bonded to itself, in the form of the diatomic gas N2. (Science Daily)
'Spaghetti' scaffolding could help grow skin in labs Oct 17, 2009
The new structures are being developed by scientists from the University of Bristol, using proteins from alpha helices one of the fundamental ways that strings of amino acids fold - to create long fibres called hydrogelating self assembling fibres (hSAFs), or hydrogels. By learning how to build hSAFs from scratch, the researchers are starting to understand how they might use these 3D scaffolds to support the growth of nerves, blood vessels and cartilage tailored to the needs of individual... (EurekAlert!)
Cancer Herbs Oct 14, 2009
You can also take barley as a source of all nine amino acids. Red clover flower is another herb used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. (Suite101.com)
Style Curly Hair Without Styling Pr... Oct 14, 2009
When choosing conditioners for styling, look for ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin amino acids, cetearyl alcohol or glycerin because these type of ingredients help with hair concerns such as sealing the cuticle, providing manageability or moisturizing the hair. Avoid heavy ingredients that require harsh shampoos to remove such as silicones, mineral oil or petrolatum. (Suite101.com)
Ribosome Unraveled: A Q&A with Nobelist Thomas Steitz Oct 13, 2009
During the cell's protein-making process, ribosomes recognize the genetic code as relayed by messenger RNA and then, with the help of transfer RNA, assemble amino acids into a protein a process called translation ... The other question was how does the ribosome catalyze the formation of the chemical bonds between amino acids attached to the transfer RNA. ; That s done on a large subunit. (Scientific American)
Peptides in Anti-Aging Skin Care Oct 12, 2009
Treatments to Keep Skin Young Using Collagen Healing Amino Acids ... Peptides are made of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, an important component of all cells. (Suite101.com)
Vine Lake Preservation Trust hosts workshop Oct. 17 Oct 11, 2009
The algae chemically fix atmospheric carbon and synthesize organics such as carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins. Lichen growth on monuments is encouraged by moisture, light, appropriate pH levels, pollution, decay, and aging masonry. (Medfield Press, MA)
The Nobel Science prizes: Winning ways Oct 9, 2009
The messenger then passes through the ribosome like a tape, and the instructions it carries are used to assemble the protein that the gene encodes out of smaller molecules called amino acids. Knowing the precise structure of the ribosome explains how this happens and allows for the better design of drugs, such as certain antibiotics, that interfere with the ribosome s function. (The Economist)
Forensic examination of asteroid crash scene Oct 9, 2009
Furthermore, Michael Callahan of NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center even reports about the detection of amino acids in the fragments. Peter Jenniskens and Mauwia Shaddad now plan to return to the Nubian Desert to hunt for more fragments. (Astronomy Now Online)
Unraveling the Ribosome: Chemistry Nobel Awarded to Modelers of Living Cells' Protein-Maker Oct 8, 2009
Ramakrishnan further revealed that the ribosome ensures accuracy not only by monitoring the stability of the bonds between amino acids that the ribosome stitches together into proteins but also by using a ruler to check the geometry of the bonds. "You get orders of magnitude higher accuracy," Ehrenberg explains, or one error for every 100,000 amino acids stitched. (Scientific American)
2 Americans, Israeli share Nobel Oct 8, 2009
It has a large and a small subunit, each of which contains thousands of the nucleotides that comprise RNA and thousands of the amino acids that comprise proteins. Getting such a large, amorphous molecule to form precise crystals was something that had never been attempted before. (Boston Globe)
Water Lust: Why All the Excitement When H2O Is Found in Space? Oct 5, 2009
Liquid water's property as a solvent, in which salts and organic compounds such as amino acids and sugars readily dissolve, is due to its dipole molecular structure. The oxygen atoms in water hold their electrons much more strongly than the hydrogen atoms do, so they accumulate a negative electrical charge. (Scientific American)
Coffee Filter Chromatography, Crime... Oct 5, 2009
can reveal uncolored compounds by specific chemical reagents sprayed onto the paper to detect distinct compounds: amino acids, sugars, lipids and nucleic acids. Forensic Investigation of Pigmented Markers Using Coffee Filter Paper Chromatography. (Suite101.com)
Benefits of Acai Capsules Oct 2, 2009
This is because it has high concentrations of amino acids, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and fibers. This not only makes it very good for weight loss, but also for overall health. (Suite101.com)
New Chemically-activated Antigen Could Expedite Development Of HIV Vaccine Oct 1, 2009
The vaccine prototype builds on Paul's earlier discovery that a tiny stretch of amino acids numbered 421-433 in gp120 can serve as the Achilles heel of HIV. "Unlike the changeable regions of its envelope, this region must remain constant to attach to T cells. Equally important, HIV can survive only if the body's immune system fails to produce antibodies to this region. The virus minimizes production of antibodies to the vulnerable region because it also silences B lymphocytes, the cells... (Science Daily)
Longest-serving professor recounts 55 years at U. Sep 30, 2009
The nutritional chemist is renown for his work involving amino acids and their roles in alcoholism, schizophrenia treatment and wound healing. He also made discoveries concerning cholesterol, metabolism and atherosclerosis. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
Move over rice, quinoa a hearty substitute Sep 30, 2009
Just as rice contains all of the essential amino acids, so does quinoa, she said. But it's kind of misleading in that you may still have one of the amino acids in short supply. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Did comet crashes help spark Earth life? Sep 25, 2009
In simulations, researchers look to see if amino acids came from space ... There is evidence from meteorite studies that amino acids may have been from space ... Life on Earth uses 20 amino acids to build up the thousands upon thousands of different proteins that perform a myriad of cell functions. (MSNBC -- Technology)
11 Foods to Increase Libido Sep 24, 2009
These are high in amino acids, which are believed to increase libido. They can also improve sexual stamina. (Fox News)
First global scientific conference supporting UN efforts to curb desertification opens in Argentina Sep 23, 2009
One especially suitable tree species is the Apple of the Sahel, or Pomme du Sahel in French (Ziziphus mauritania), whose apple-shaped fruit possesses ten times more vitamin C than apples and is also rich in iron, calcium, phosphorous and essential amino acids. Another is the Moringa tree (Moringa stenopetala), whose leaves have seven times more vitamin C than oranges, four times more vitamin A than carrots, four times more calcium than milk (plus double the protein) and three times more... (EurekAlert!)
Shop in Mykonos Town relies on 200 years of keeping flowers wild, tending bees, collecting their nectar Sep 23, 2009
Royal jelly has vitamins and amino acids, he says. It s a natural steroid. (Boston Globe)
Exotic Life Beyond Life? Looking For Life As We Don't Know It Sep 22, 2009
Scientists have been looking for biomarkers produced by extraterrestrial life with metabolisms resembling the terrestrial ones, where water is used as a solvent and the building blocks of life, amino acids, are based on carbon and oxygen. However, these may not be the only conditions under which life could evolve. (Science Daily)
Cuckoo for coconuts Sep 20, 2009
New Yorkers love coconut water, which is naturally packed with electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids ... New Yorkers love coconut water, which is naturally packed with electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. (New York Post -- News)
Freshen up your fridge with healthy foods Sep 20, 2009
High-quality protein sources such as skinless fish, poultry, lean beef and pork, cottage cheese and eggs, provide all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing the body's cells and boosting immunity. Get creative. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Public schools, prayer don't mix Sep 19, 2009
But I still find it hard to believe that all life on earth evloved from just the right amino acids comming together under just the right conditions to form life. Just a theroy like creationism nobody has any solid evidence they all have many holes in them. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Researchers prolong the half-life of biopharmaceutical proteins Sep 19, 2009
That happens because this amino acid string (polypeptide) consists of three of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids: proline, alanine and serine, or in short, PAS.. The protein substance interferon, which itself consists of amino acids, can thus be easily generated in "PASylated" form. (EurekAlert!)
Discovery Of Regulatory Role Of Key Molecule: Step Towards Future Gene Therapy To Control Disease Sep 19, 2009
The molecule, known as Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (or LysRS in brief) is one of the most ancient molecules in the cell, where it has long been recognized for its contribution in the translation of the information contained in RNA into the amino acids that make up proteins. Amino acids are organic compounds which are present in and vital to every living cell. (Science Daily)
The real truth about so-called scary foods Sep 19, 2009
Eggs have good-quality protein with the essential amino acids; choline, which might play a role in preventing memory loss; and lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that protect the eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration, says Maria Luz Fernandez, PhD, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut. In Dr. Fernandezs study of 45 healthy men and women ages 60 and older, those who ate as many as three eggs a day didnt raise their heart disease risk at all. (MSNBC -- Health)
Antioxidant Controls Spinal Cord Development: Neuroscientists Discover New Molecular Control Sep 19, 2009
They found that bacteria and yeast versions of Prdx1 are able to help alter certain chemical bonds in proteins that form between specific amino acids that contain so-called sulfhydryl or -SH groups ... They found one combination of mutations that did not behave the same as the unmutated control, leading them to conclude that Prx1 must break the chemical bond between those two specific amino acids. (Science Daily)
Salt Crusts: Key To Early Life On Earth? Sep 17, 2009
17, 2009) German scientists investigating the complex chemical mixture thought to be present in the early Earth s oceans have found that amino acids can be cooked into many other important chemical building blocks of life when embedded in salt crusts ... The group s experiments show that interaction of amino acids with metal ions in the salt crusts fundamentally changes the thermal behaviour of the molecules, preventing them from turning into gas at high temperatures and allowing unexpected... (Science Daily)
We all have a taste for umami Sep 16, 2009
Umami (oo-MAH-mee) is a meaty, savory quality derived from amino acids. Foods said to produce umami include meats, cheeses, mushrooms, soy and fish sauces, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and seaweed. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Eating every three hours may be key to losing weight (5) Sep 16, 2009
Proteins are broken down into amino acids, Toler said ... That supplies the body with the protein that it will break down into amino acids. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
New Method Aims To Stabilize Antibodies Sep 15, 2009
Because of the great diversity of amino acids in the variable domains, different antibodies are capable of interacting with an effectively unlimited number of targets. Sometimes this variability comes at a price; the amyloid-forming light chains were less stable than their normal counterparts. (Science Daily)
Pancreas, an organ of many talents, also root of serious ills Sep 15, 2009
Other researchers are intrigued by the pancreas' ability to shield itself from harm, to churn out huge quantities of enzymes that can rapidly reduce a cheeseburger and fries to so many particles of amino acids, carbohydrates and fats, without digesting its own tissue in the process. They suspect that the organ's set of self protective mechanisms has a terrible downside, and helps explain why pancreatic cancer can be so difficult to treat - insights that are just beginning to offer hope in the... (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Recipes: Lean meat helps prevent muscle loss in elderly (42) Sep 14, 2009
A moderate 4-ounce serving of intact protein, such as lean meat, contains enough amino acids to increase muscle protein synthesis by approximately 50 percent even without exercise. It's easy to enjoy more high-quality protein, like lean beef, in your diet and get all of the essential nutrients you need for a healthy lifestyle. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Aging Muscles: 'Hard To Build, Easy To Lose' Sep 12, 2009
We tagged one of the amino acids (from which proteins are made) so that we could discover how much protein in leg muscle was being broken down. We then compared how much amino acid was delivered to the leg and how much was leaving it, by analysing blood in the two situations. (Science Daily)
Hemp Seed Uses and Benefits Sep 12, 2009
Marijuana can contain more than 20% THC. The nutrient rich seeds of industrial hemp contain all eight essential amino acids, making them a complete protein like meat, milk, eggs, and soy but in a more digestible form and requiring fewer resources to produce. Used worldwide to treat malnutrition, one pound of hemp seeds can sustain a human life for two weeks. (Suite101.com)
Latest 'Superfoods' Claim To Boost Health Sep 11, 2009
Brigham Young University's Professor Daniel Fairbanks calls quinoa a wonder food, boasting that it is also a complete protein, with all the essential amino acids necessary for building muscle. With the added properties of being delicious, easy to prepare and versatile, this slightly nutty grain can be found in most health food stores. (Click2Houston, TX)
Making good, brown fat Sep 10, 2009
proteins: Molecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur and are composed of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. (Science News for Kids)
Amino Acids Overview Sep 8, 2009
What Are Amino Acids, Why We Need Them, and Where to Get Them. Most people know human bodies require amino acids, but few seem to know more than that - even health professionals disagree at times regarding these basic nutrients ... Amino acids are some of the most basic building blocks of human bodies; indeed, of life itself. (Suite101.com)
Scientists Move Closer To A Safer Anthrax Vaccine Sep 8, 2009
The simple structure of these peptides one is only five amino acids in length, the other six means it should be easy to synthesize the peptides and inexpensive to produce a vaccine containing them, Dr. Abboud notes. Einstein will be applying for a patent for the use of the two peptides in an anthrax vaccine. (Science Daily)
Chlorella Algae, Nutrition Suppleme... Sep 7, 2009
It has one of the highest protein percentages of any plant source; of the twenty-two amino acids the human body requires, it has eighteen, including all eight of the amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize from other compounds. Beta carotene, lutein (another carotenoids, very important for vision), omega-3 fatty acids, a broad spectrum of enzymes, on and on the list goes. (Suite101.com)
Tying exercise to weight loss and good health Sep 7, 2009
Overall, says Blackburn, the body can t store calories from protein as amino acids, so it either makes protein from them or converts them to carbohydrates. Excess dietary carbohydrate is first stored as glycogen, but if the body already has enough of that, excess carbs are stored as body fat. (Boston Globe)
Chemotherapy Resistance: Checkpoint Protein Provides Armor Against Cancer Drugs Sep 7, 2009
In his experiments, Zhang discovered that activation of Chk1 exposes a so-called degron, a specific string of amino acids that attracts the attention of a protein known as Fbx6, short for F box protein 6. Fbx6 in turn brings in an enzyme complex that flags Chk1 proteins for degradation, allowing the cell to get rid of the activated checkpoint protein. (Science Daily)
Hypothyroidism Sep 5, 2009
The liver needs sulfur containing amino acids for healthy liver metabolism. These amino acids include cysteine, taurine and methionine ... As mentioned before, you should also take an antioxidant daily with some amino acids to support the liver. (Suite101.com)
Improved Blood Circulation In Coronary Heart Disease Sep 3, 2009
Researchers from Bochum and Graz investigated the ALDH2-catalyzed bioactivation of nitroglycerin by exchanging amino acids to identify residues essential for NO release, thereby gaining insight into the catalyzed reaction. Dr. Michael Russwurm pointed out that a better understanding of bioactivation of nitrovasodilators at the molecular level is not only important for the therapeutic use of known NO donors, but also for the possible development of new NO-releasing agents. (Science Daily)
Component Of Mothballs Is Present In Deep-space Clouds Sep 3, 2009
Other chemical processes taking place on the surface of dust grains are believed to form many molecules found on Earth, perhaps including the amino acids and peptides essential as the building blocks of life. And it is in these clouds that new stars form, so understanding how naphthalene fits into the equation (so to speak) of all this could provide insights into how stars and planetary systems form. (Science Daily)
Annette Kelly | Special to the Green Valley News Compact nutrition is what separates regular food from a superfood, Gary Greenleaf says. Sep 2, 2009
Greenleaf says it s also an antibacterial agent full of a whole list of phyto nutrients (nutrients from plants), antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and carbohydrates ... Weighing in with an extremely high 15 percent protein, 21 essential minerals and 18 amino acids, Goji berries help maintain cellular function. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Change in Seasons: Ideal Time to Review Healthy Aging Habits Sep 1, 2009
"While we can still take advantage of summer's fresh produce, ensuring a consistent supply of whole foods throughout the year can reap benefits for those focused on aging as healthfully as possible," says Michael E. Rosenbaum, M.D. "Chlorella, a super green food sourced from a fresh water algae, contains the widest range of essential nutrients available in any single food source, including potassium, all B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron and 18 vital amino acids." Though beneficial for all life... (PR Newswire)
How Life's Code Emerged From Primordial Soup Aug 31, 2009
The now famous experiment showed what amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, could easily be generated from this primordial stew ... By working with the simplest amino acids and elementary RNAs, physicists led by Rockefeller University s Albert J. Libchaber, head of the Laboratory of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, have now generated the first theoretical model that shows how a coded genetic system can emerge from an ancestral broth of simple molecules ... The genetic code is a... (Science Daily)
The nutritional value of Andalusian lupines is revealed Aug 29, 2009
Vioque and other colleagues from the Fat Institute and the University of Seville have analyzed the composition of the amino acids which make up the seed proteins, as well as the "protein digestibility" (percentage of protein digested) and other nutritional parameters. The results of the work will be published at the end of the year in the Food Chemistry magazine, although they can already be viewed online. (EurekAlert!)
Membrane tether keeps Golgi intact Aug 28, 2009
An amphipathic alpha-helix able to bind liposomes in vitro has been recently identified at the first 38 amino acids of the protein (amphipathic lipid-packing sensor motif), and an ARF1-binding domain (Grip-related Arf-binding domain) was found at the C-terminus. To which type of membranes these two GMAP210 regions bind in vivo and how this contributes to GMAP210 localisation and function remains to be investigated. (BioMed Central)
Tools Let Public Contribute To Massive Interactive Online Biodiversity Encyclopedia Aug 27, 2009
" "An important ornamental tree is being devastated, one all too obvious in parks at this time of year," says Dr. Lees. Like the "most wanted" posters in post offices, EOL will facilitate public recognition and awareness of such invasive species through detailed descriptions and maps, helping to slow their global spread and enable more rapid and effective remedial measures. It is also expected to help map the present locations and movements of human disease vectors such as crows and mosquitoes... (Science Daily)
Small peptide found to stop lung cancer tumor growth in mice Aug 27, 2009
Peptides, found in all animals, are compounds formed by linking one or more amino acids together through the sharing of electrons ... Peptides can perform a wide range of functions in the body, depending on which amino acids are involved. (EurekAlert!)
