Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles with remarkable precision in response to presynaptic calcium influx but exhibit significant heterogeneity in exocytosis timing and efficacy based on the recent history of activity. This heterogeneity is critical for information transfer in the brain, yet its molecular basis remains poorly understood. Here, we employ a biochemically-defined fusion assay under physiologically relevant conditions to delineate the minimal protein machinery sufficient to account for various modes of calcium-triggered vesicle fusion dynamics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRare earth elements (REEs) are critical materials to modern technologies. They are obtained by selective separation from mining feedstocks consisting of mixtures of their trivalent cation. We are developing an all-aqueous, bioinspired, interfacial separation using peptides as amphiphilic molecular extractants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA novel heterometallic trinuclear cluster [CuMn(cpdp)(NO)(Cl)] () has been designed and synthesized by employing a molecular library approach that uses CuCl·2HO and Mn(NO)·4HO as inorganic metal salts and Hcpdp as a multifunctional organic scaffold (Hcpdp = ,'-bis[2-carboxybenzomethyl]-,'-bis[2-pyridylmethyl]-1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol). This heterometallic cluster has emerged as an unusual ferromagnetic material and promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the domain of inorganic and materials chemistry. Crystal structure analysis establishes the structural arrangement of , revealing a butterfly-like topology with an unusual seven-coordinated Mn(II) center.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe accelerating pace of urbanization, coupled with the intensifying impacts of climate change, poses unprecedented challenges to both the environment and human well-being. In this review, we delved into the intricate interaction between climate change and urbanization and the various effects they have on the environment and human well-being, shedding light on the emergent urban climate crisis. Urban areas serve as epicenters for diverse socio-economic activities, yet they also contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
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