GPS for proteins: Tracking the motions of cell receptors

Taste, pain, or response to stress -- nearly all essential functions in the human body are regulated by molecular switches called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Researchers have uncovered the fundamental mechanism how such a GPCR works. Using a method similar to the earth satellite GPS, they could track the motions of a GPCR and observe it in action. Their findings provide guidance for designing drugs.