Research Keyword: Crystal structure

4-Hydroxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptammonium hydrofumarate: Crystal Structure of a Synthetic Psychedelic

Scientists have determined the three-dimensional crystal structure of 4-HO-DiPT, a synthetic compound related to psilocin found in magic mushrooms. This is the first crystal structure of this specific compound and provides important structural information for understanding how it works. A related version of this compound is currently being tested in clinical trials for treating postpartum depression and other mood disorders.

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Bis(4-acetoxy-N-ethyl-N-n-propyltryptammonium) fumarate–fumaric acid (1/1)

Researchers determined the precise chemical structure of a synthetic compound related to psilocybin (the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms) using X-ray crystallography. The compound, 4-AcO-EPT, is designed to be converted in the body to a psychoactive substance with potential therapeutic benefits for depression and anxiety. The study resolved conflicting reports about the compound’s exact composition and molecular arrangement, showing it exists as a specific combination of three molecular components. This work demonstrates why chemists need to study actual crystal structures rather than relying solely on chemical calculations.

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The glycolipid flocculosin-A from the fungus Anthracocystis flocculosa, or how to deal with cotton-wool-like crystals

Scientists successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of flocculosin-A, a powerful antifungal compound produced by a fungus called Anthracocystis flocculosa. The main challenge was that the compound naturally forms very thin, needle-like crystals unsuitable for analysis. By using a special cooling and heating cycle, researchers were able to grow better crystals and use X-ray diffraction to reveal the compound’s complete molecular structure, which contains a sugar backbone connected to two fatty acid chains with specific arrangements.

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Effect of soluble dietary fiber from corn bran on pasting, retrogradation, and digestion characteristics of corn starch

Researchers found that adding a special fiber derived from corn bran to corn starch significantly improves its properties for food production. The fiber helps prevent the starch from hardening over time, reduces how quickly the body digests it (important for controlling blood sugar), and improves texture and water retention. This discovery could help create healthier starch-based foods and better products for people with swallowing difficulties.

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X-ray electron density analysis of chemical bonding in permanent magnet Nd2Fe14B

Scientists used advanced X-ray technology to peek into the atomic structure of a super-strong magnet called Nd2Fe14B, which is used in everything from wind turbines to electric cars. Despite the material being extremely difficult to analyze because it contains many heavy atoms, researchers successfully mapped out how electrons are distributed and how atoms bond together. They discovered that iron atoms form a complex 3D network that is crucial for creating the magnet’s exceptional strength, with one particular iron atom (Fe2) being essential for connecting the different layers.

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A broad-spectrum anti-fungal effector dictates bacterial-fungal interkingdom interactions

Scientists discovered that a common soil bacterium called Acidovorax citrulli has a sophisticated weapon to fight dangerous fungi. This bacterium uses a needle-like structure to inject a toxic protein called TseN directly into fungal cells, where it damages the fungal DNA and causes death. This new discovery is particularly exciting because it works against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris that are increasingly hard to treat. Tests in mice confirmed that this bacterial attack significantly reduces fungal infections on skin.

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Acetophenone-Based 3,4-Dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-Thione as Potential Inhibitor of Tyrosinase and Ribonucleotide Reductase: Facile Synthesis, Crystal Structure, In-Vitro and In-Silico Investigations

Scientists created a new chemical compound that shows promise in fighting skin cancer, particularly melanoma. The compound is seven times more effective at blocking tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in skin pigmentation and cancer growth, compared to existing drugs. Computer simulations and laboratory tests confirmed that this compound can also interfere with DNA replication processes that cancer cells depend on, suggesting it could be developed into a new cancer treatment with fewer side effects.

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