science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Παρασκευή 10 Μαΐου 2013

Science News SciGuru.com

Team Finds Dissimilar Proteins Evolved Similar 7-Part Shape

Posted: 09 May 2013 07:31 AM PDT

Solving the structure of a critical human molecule involved in cancer, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found what they call a good example of structural conservation—dissimilar genes that keep very similar shapes.

Described this week in the journal Nature, the work brings attention to what scientists have thought of as a family of molecules called the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Many GPCRs are important targets for drug design. However, the new work suggests that GPCRs may, in fact, be a subset of a larger group.

Do peppers reduce risk of Parkinson’s?

Posted: 09 May 2013 07:23 AM PDT

Eating peppers—which are in the same botanical family as tobacco—may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The findings are reported in the May 9 edition of the Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society.