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Articles on Amino acids

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The same amino acid can be encoded by anywhere from one to six different strings of letters in the genetic code. Andrzej Wojcicki/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

Your genetic code has lots of ‘words’ for the same thing – information theory may help explain the redundancies

Many of the amino acids that make up proteins are encoded by genetic material in more than one way. An information theorist explains how principles of nature may account for this variance.
Water microdroplets provide a unique interface that can significantly speed up chemical reactions. Marianna Armata/Moment via Getty Images

Water was both essential and a barrier to early life on Earth – microdroplets are one potential solution to this paradox

The chemical reaction that forms essential biomolecules like proteins and DNA normally doesn’t occur in the presence of water. Microdroplets provide a unique environment that make it possible.
Figuring out what makes some proteins glow requires an understanding of chemistry. eLife - the journal

A celebrated AI has learned a new trick: How to do chemistry

The AI AlphaFold can figure out the three-dimensional protein structure any string of amino acids will become. It has now exceeded its training by figuring out what makes some proteins glow.
For many, distinguishing between fact and fiction is difficult. Olemedia/E+ via Getty Images

6 important truths about COVID-19 vaccines

With the vaccines now being administered at sites around the US, it is important to address misinformation surrounding the effort.
Hydrogen sulfide is a stinky toxic gas, but it has health benefits when released in small amounts inside the body. That’s why eating more plant proteins is linked to longevity. (Shutterstock)

The surprising reason eating less meat is linked to a longer life: A smelly toxic gas

Hydrogen sulphide is a smelly, poisonous gas, but it plays an important role in aging and longevity. New research shows that eating less meat could be a key to harnessing its healthy effects.
Just 20 amino acids for chains in various combinations to create the thousands of varieties of proteins in our body. David Goodsell/ProteinDatabase

What is a protein? A biologist explains

A biologist explains where proteins come from and what role the 20,000 or so proteins in your body play in keeping you alive and kicking.
One slice is never enough. Radu Bercan/Shutterstock.com

Why does pizza taste so good?

Pizza might seem like a simple food, but it’s uniquely equipped to excite our brains and thrill our taste buds.
Canadian runner Leslie Sexton crosses the finish line as the fastest Canadian woman to compete in the Toronto Marathon on October 22, 2017. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov)

Will a nutritional supplement help you run better?

New research aims to better understand the bodies of runners, so that ‘smart’ nutritional supplements can be developed.
General anesthetics affect cellular proteins to knock us out. Some do so better than others, especially the noble gas Xenon. (Shutterstock)

Science lesson: How anesthetics work, and why xenon’s perfect

How do anesthetics work, and what makes for an ideal anesthetic? It’s not as mysterious as once believed, and there’s a gas that ticks all the boxes for a perfect anesthetic: xenon.

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