Cell membranes protect and organize cells. All cells have an outer plasma membrane that regulates not only what enters the cell, but also how much of any given substance comes in. Unlike prokaryotes, ...

Researchers describe a natural product-like molecule, Tantalosin, that inhibits interaction between two proteins in complexes that reshape membranes inside the cell. The findings lead to a deeper ...

Researchers have discovered that damage to the cell membrane promotes cellular senescence, or cell aging. Our cells are surrounded by a fragile membrane that's only 5 nanometers thick, 1/20 of a soap ...

Researchers shifted the focus to the internal properties of the membrane itself, specifically its viscosity, highlighting its critical role in controlling deformation and dynamics during essential ...

Structure of the cell membrane and conceptual diagrams of (a) short-range viscosity and (b) long-range viscosity. (a) Random thermal motion of lipids on a nanometer scale is not impeded by proteins or ...

Modern cells are complex chemical entities with cytoskeletons, finely regulated internal and external molecules, and genetic material that determines nearly every aspect of their functioning. This ...

Scientists have long known that cellular membranes vary in thickness, but measuring those differences inside actual cells has been out of reach. Until now, scientists could only measure membrane ...

Cells do more than carry out chemical reactions. New theoretical work suggests they may also generate usable electrical energy through constant motion in their membranes, offering a fresh way to think ...

Despite its importance to the survival of our cells, the processes of plasma membrane repair have remained elusive. Their relevance is underscored by the fact that mutations in plasma membrane repair ...

A lipid hidden within cells called phosphatidylserine reveals how the body initiates the removal of threats and cellular debris.