Researchers found that thermosensory neurons in C. elegans help regulate response to increasing heat by changing steroid signaling pathways, which affect longevity. This system allows worms to reduce the effect of warm temperature on aging processes, similar to how warm-blooded animals control their body temperature.
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) awarded 15 students with the 2009 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to conduct meaningful research in plant biology. The fellowship recipients included Kevin Cooper, Ying Goh, Sharon Holifield, Emily Lin, Dianne Pater, Evan Pratt, and Shelley Sianta, among others.
Researchers have discovered that small RNAs on the X chromosome play a crucial role in male fertility, escaping silencing effects and influencing sperm formation. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding and potentially treating male infertility and developing non-hormonal contraceptives.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded several undergraduate students with grants to support their research in biochemistry and molecular biology. The recipients of the awards will present their findings at upcoming meetings and use the funds to purchase research supplies and reagents.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology found that Vangl2, a protein involved in planar cell polarity, controls asymmetrical cell division and developmental fate of progenitor neurons. In Vangl2-lacking mouse embryos, large numbers of early-born neurons were observed, suggesting premature differentiation.
A new report by Michael Rodemeyer examines the benefits and drawbacks of regulating synthetic biology using the current U.S. biotechnology framework. While early applications may be adequately covered, advances in the field are expected to create significant challenges for regulatory agencies, including the EPA and FDA.
Einstein College of Medicine has established a Specialized Cooperative Center Program in Reproduction and Infertility Research, focusing on menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and infertility. The center aims to translate breakthroughs in reproductive biology into clinical practice and address health disparities in the local community.
Researchers analyzed three decades of yeast studies to find exponential growth in scientific understanding and productivity trends. They discovered that scientists tend to focus on familiar genes and study important genes before less influential ones.
Dr. Gregory King, a renowned researcher in craniofacial biology and orthodontics, has received the prestigious IADR Craniofacial Biology Research Award. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of bone biology and orthodontic tooth movement over a period of 30 years.
Dr. Christopher McCulloch, a professor at the University of Toronto, is recognized for his significant contributions to understanding mechanisms regulating fibroblast cytoskeleton and collagen remodeling in periodontium.
Dr. Pamela DenBesten, UCSF professor and chair of Pediatric Dentistry, is recognized for her significant contributions to pulp biology and regeneration research. Her studies on the role of matrix molecules in cellular signaling have highlighted key bio-active molecules in regenerative events.
Researchers have developed a microbial-based method to produce artemisinin, the most powerful anti-malarial drug, at lower costs. This technology can restrict access to artemisinin and delay malaria parasite resistance.
The article argues that Darwin's background and research focus prevented him from interpreting the evidence for Mendelian inheritance. Mendel's work was rediscovered in the 20th century, revealing that his understanding of biology far surpassed Darwin's.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that interferon can improve the effectiveness of the current tuberculosis vaccine by enhancing dendritic cell function. The research found that type I interferon stimulated dendritic cells to produce a stronger immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
According to UCLA behavioral ecologist Daniel T. Blumstein, biology and evolution offer valuable lessons on managing security threats. By studying species' risk management strategies, we can learn how to allocate energy to defense versus other things, and how not to overreact.
Researchers at UGA have discovered a protein essential for Toxoplasma gondii's growth and division. The study reveals that disrupting this protein leads to the death of the parasite, providing a new working model for understanding parasitic diseases.
Kenneth R. Miller received the 2008 AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology for his sustained efforts in communicating evolutionary science. He made an extraordinarily persuasive public case for the power of science to explain the natural world, upholding the integrity of U.S. science education.
Biologist Professor H. Allen Orr has been awarded the Darwin-Wallace Medal for his groundbreaking research on speciation and reproductive isolation between species. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of evolution, particularly in the context of gene function and dominance theory.
The University of Oklahoma has received a $398,020 grant from the National Science Foundation to improve instruction in introductory biology courses. The AIBS will provide programmatic staffing and expertise in building an online communication network for the project.
The Journal of Biology is introducing a new policy to reduce review time and improve the publication process. Authors will have more control over the review process, with an option to opt out of re-review after initial screening by editorial board members.
Living with a female mouse extends male reproductive life span by 20%, increasing fertility to 32 months. The effect is due to delays in sperm production and may be influenced by endocrine and nervous systems.
Researchers explore genetic mechanisms of skin color in zebrafish, a model organism for understanding human skin color and race. The studies shed light on the evolution of skin pigmentation and its relationship to environmental factors.
This Festschrift issue honors Dr. Judah Folkman's groundbreaking contributions to lymphatic research and biology. Leading scientists share their findings on the impact of his work, including increased lymphatic supply to cancerous lesions and new trends in cancer therapy.
This year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his theory. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is celebrating this milestone by interviewing leading researchers in evolutionary science, including experts on Darwin.
The Synthetic Biology Project aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits through rigorous analysis and public engagement. The project explores governance options, examines public perceptions, and identifies knowledge gaps in synthetic biology.
The University of California-Irvine has set a new record for the largest class of researchers named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science with 20 new honorees. The AAAS fellows represent the depth and breadth of research excellence at UCI.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance contest reveals visually engaging and scientifically important cell-related content. This year's winners showcase stunning visuals of cellular processes, including Golgi ribbons and clathrin proteins, through videos and microscope stills.
A global study of 5,290 bird species found that environmental variation causes birds to lay larger clutches. The study, published in PLOS Biology, also revealed that species living in seasonal environments tend to have larger clutches than those in tropical regions.
Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden have identified a complex coding language that allows cells to organize and communicate, enabling the formation of intricate patterns in fruit fly eggs. This breakthrough understanding of genetic patterning has implications for our knowledge of developmental biology and diseases like cancer.
Researchers at UCLA found that vitamin D stimulates cathelicidin production in placental tissues, enhancing antibacterial responses and protecting trophoblast cells from infection. The study suggests that pregnant women supplementing with vitamin D may enhance placental innate immunity.
Dr. Audrey Dussutour's paper reveals how ants regulate sugar intake in response to colony growth, finding that larvae drive the nest's collective stomach. The discovery sheds light on how colonies communicate and regulate nutritional needs.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine found that cells reorganize their internal skeleton to adjust their shape in response to external forces. This discovery validates a common theory in cell biology and has implications for understanding certain diseases, including cancer.
Researchers have developed a synthetic biology advance that creates a stable, fast and programmable genetic clock in E. coli cells. The clock's blink rate changes when temperature, energy source or other environmental conditions change, enabling the detection of environmental information.
The study uses a systems biology approach to understand carbohydrate structures in cells, leading to new ways to combat inflammatory illnesses. Researchers aim to define novel strategies to perturb the glycome and identify new targets for molecular therapies.
The partnership will facilitate collaborative research in areas such as structural biology, systems genetics, and radiation biology. GUMC researchers are utilizing ORNL's supercomputing capabilities to analyze complex molecular data and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer diagnosis.
Researchers are developing methods to model pathways, interpret data, and derive therapeutic targets from biological networks. Biological systems are governed by vast networks of interacting molecules, and scientists are investigating signaling pathways for receptor tyrosine kinases.
EMBO has honored 59 leading life scientists from Europe and around the world with membership, including eight Associate Members. This recognition highlights the significant contributions of these researchers to the field of molecular life sciences.
LMU Munich has awarded two Alexander von Humboldt professorships to international scientists Ulrike Gaul and Georgi Dvali, both experts in systems biology and cosmological particle research. The awards bring significant funding and attract top talent to the institution.
Dr. Randy Moore, a professor at the University of Minnesota, is receiving the 2008 Evolution Education Award for his innovative classroom teaching and community education efforts to promote evolutionary biology. His approach incorporates evolution as a unifying element of modern biology, helping students understand and appreciate nature.
The new NIAID-funded programs aim to identify molecular features that distinguish bacterial and viral species, which may be targets for potential medical interventions. Researchers will use computational and experimental methods to analyze the dynamics of molecular components within microbes and their interactions with human cells.
Researchers at the GSK-IMCB Group in Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cells move, revealing a complex of three proteins that regulate the myosin network within a cell. This finding has significant implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer growth and developmental biology.
The Broad Institute will create comprehensive epigenomic maps of human cells, including embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. The five-year grant aims to transform the understanding of gene expression control using cutting-edge technologies like ChIP-Seq and HTBS.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that certain microRNAs regulate growth and aging processes in plants by inhibiting TCP transcription factors. This results in slower aging and increased lifespan, with potential applications for cultivating longer-lived and faster-growing plants.
Cells undergoing apoptosis exert substantial forces on surrounding cells, contributing to processes like wound formation and organ development. Apoptotic cells imploding and withdrawing create a force that aids in closing eye-shaped openings during embryonic development.
The Chicago Center for Systems Biology will focus on transcriptional networks, studying how multiple genes work together to regulate life's basic processes. Researchers will use complex biological models to understand gene regulation in response to environmental and genetic variation.
The Broad Institute will develop molecular tools to probe human biology and disease using small molecules. The six-year NIH grant supports high-throughput screening of molecular libraries to identify compounds with interesting biological functions.
Rutgers University has received a $3.2 million grant from the NSF to equip experts in fields such as cell and molecular biology, computational modeling and biomaterials to move stem-cell breakthroughs from the biology lab into practical therapies. The program will also support training for underrepresented minorities and enhance divers...
A study published in PLOS Biology found that magpies exhibit self-recognition in a mirror test, recognizing their own image as themselves. This discovery indicates that non-mammalian species can engage in self-recognition behavior, challenging the assumption that advanced cognition is exclusive to mammals.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support 10 faculty research projects. The funding will increase participation of individuals from minority or underrepresented groups in scientific research.
Asterion Ltd.'s patented ProFuse technology enables the creation of longer-acting drugs to tackle major diseases. The company's platform can also be used to develop pairings between therapeutic hormones and protective receptor domains to address conditions like some cancers, anaemia, infertility, and diabetes.
The University of Georgia has been awarded a $9.2 million grant to explore the molecular underpinnings of human embryonic stem cell differentiation, aiming to identify genetic and protein modification patterns that accompany this process.
Aeroecology is an emerging field exploring how airborne organisms depend on the lower atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface. This research has significant implications for understanding behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary responses of organisms in complex meteorological conditions.
Researchers at Broad Institute will explore ways to regenerate human cells lost in type 1 diabetes, using chemical biology and genomic tools. The goal is to find ways to replenish missing cells, potentially reducing or eliminating lifelong insulin therapy.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has selected eight scientists for its annual awards competition, recognizing their contributions to science. The award winners include David Davies, John Kuriyan, Sarah Spiegel, Susan Lindquist, Douglas Rees, Phillip Zamore, Sandra Schmid, and Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom.
A new study from the University of Leicester found that bumble-bees' impaired immune response leads to reduced learning abilities and altered behavior when infected. This research has important implications for understanding bee colony survival and the decline of wild bumble-bee species.
A three-year international scientific outreach program has been funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York through the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) to bring modern cell biology concepts to sub-Saharan Africa. The first stage of the program, a 'short course' on protozoan parasites, was held in Morogoro, Tanzania, and wil...
Eco1 and its human homologue maintain sister chromatid cohesion by affecting Smc3, a key component of the cohesion protein complex. This process is critical for genome stability and cell survival.
Researchers discovered that European starlings and zebrafinches control their songs with the fastest-contracting muscle type yet described. These songbirds can alter volume and frequency of their songs up to 250 times per second, providing precise control over their vocalizations.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers found that parietal neurons selectively track target location during visual search tasks. Adding distractors decreased parietal neuron firing rates, reducing target-related response and correlating with increased reaction times.
Dr. Anne George has been recognized with the IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Award for her pioneering research on dentin matrix biology. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of biomineralization in bones and teeth.