Scientists at Columbia have discovered that statins may cause muscle pain by binding to the ryanodine receptor in muscle cells, leading to abnormal calcium leaks, which could weaken muscle tissue. This finding opens avenues for designing safer statins and potential treatments to prevent muscle side effects.
Scientists have developed a new imaging method to study the symbiotic relationship between leafcutter ants and a fungus that degrades plant material, revealing important insights into the molecular intricacies of this process. The research provides valuable information for future biofuels and bioproducts development, shedding light on how a specialized microbial community composed of fungus, leafcutter ants, and bacteria naturally degrades plants. The team's findings, published in Nature Chemical Biology, offer a deeper understanding of the complex environmental systems involved and could lead to more efficient methods for breaking down plant materials for various applications.