Researchers found that nitric oxide activates genes directly, controlling basic life processes down to the gene level. The discovery suggests a universal signaling molecule with far-reaching implications for health and disease.
Researchers discovered a specific molecule, ELF-1, that guides retinal axons to their proper destinations in the tectum. The molecule creates a concentration gradient that repels axons from incorrect regions, forming a topographic map of the visual world.
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria communicate with intestinal cells, influencing the production of carbohydrates and creating a niche for beneficial microbes. The study sheds light on how humans adapt to a microbial world and may lead to new treatments for infectious diseases.