Cracking the Protein Folding Code: The 55% Mystery

Yale researchers have discovered that all globular proteins maintain a consistent core packing density of 55%. Published in PRX Life, this finding reveals that this isn't a coincidence, but rather a result of the protein core reaching a 'jammed' state. The complex shapes of amino acids prevent denser packing compared to spherical objects (64%). This research opens exciting possibilities for drug therapeutics, biomaterials design, and even offers insights into the origins of life.