Researchers discovered a new bacterial growth process that occurs at a single end or pole of the cell, which could lead to new antibacterial strategies. The study found that this polar growth process is broadly distributed among many different bacterial taxa.
Researchers discovered a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that prevents programmed cell death in maturing red blood cells, a process linked to leukemias and cancers. This lncRNA may represent a new avenue of attack for therapeutics.
Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have discovered the SHARPIN protein, which regulates human cell activity and movement. The study's findings may have significant implications for conditions such as Crohn's disease, psoriasis, rheumatism and multiple sclerosis.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a new method to create neural crest cells, precursors of bone cells, smooth muscle cells, and neurons, using a single-step process that reduces production time by half. The method uses small molecules to activate specific signaling pathways, increasing consistency and reducing costs.
Researchers created a novel 3D long-term bone marrow culture system to investigate stromal cell biological function. This system successfully maintained hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for extended periods, enabling the analysis of stromal-cell interactions and regulatory factors.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care have identified the regulatory mechanism behind cell polyploidy, a phenomenon observed in plants and insects. The discovery may lead to new insights into liver regeneration and disease treatment.
Washington University in St. Louis has been awarded a $2.2 million US Department of Energy grant to create a fuel-producing cyanobacterium using systems biology and synthetic biology approaches. The project aims to develop a novel organism that can efficiently produce fuels from sunlight, water, and CO2.
Researchers from the University of Alberta and Cambridge have discovered a fifth adaptin protein complex involved in membrane trafficking, which has been present for billions of years. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease, and ALS.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered that bookmarking genes before cell division accelerates their reactivation afterwards. By analyzing the kinetics of gene activation, researchers found that a histone molecule undergoes chemical modification and is preserved during mitosis, allowing for rapid reactivation.
Lack of compensation for human egg donors could stall recent breakthroughs in stem cell research due to difficulty in recruiting altruistic donors. A recent study on somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has created the first human stem cell line, but more donor eggs are needed to advance research.
Researchers from Nagoya University used a micro putter to test the adhesion of yeast cells on various surfaces. They found that dead cells stuck less than living cells, supporting the 'cell adhesion model'. This study could lead to new methods for evaluating cell health and developing effective treatments.
The IGB and University of Illinois have received a $3.2 million NSF grant to train up to 30 graduate students in vertically integrated training with genomics. Students will learn to integrate genomic tools with traditional taxonomic approaches to study grand challenges in biology.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers found that protein UNC-45A is linked to increased cell proliferation in breast cancer specimens and cell lines. High levels of UNC-45A also drive enhanced myosin and actin activity, leading to increased rates of cell proliferation and migration.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found no association between sickle cell trait and risk of non-diabetic or diabetic end-stage kidney disease. The study contradicts earlier findings that suggested having one copy of the sickle cell gene increased kidney disease risk.
A recent study published in Science reveals that mitochondrial division occurs at points where the two structures, mitochondria and ER, touch. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of cell organization and the development of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Structural elements in cells organize the motion of receptors, enabling them to receive signals from other parts of the organism. This discovery could have profound implications for drug development and treating diseases like cancer.
Researchers have identified a crucial role for TCF-1 in regulating T-cell development, which could lead to improved treatments for immune-suppressed patients. Notch triggers the process of T-cell development and turns on expression of TCF-1, but not itself.
The Hastings Center Report examines the social challenges of synthetic biology, including ethical considerations and regulatory implications. Experts discuss guidelines for emerging technologies, highlighting the need for responsible stewardship and balanced analysis.
A new study found that hyperactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) amplifies Huntington's disease by promoting neuronal death and reducing cell survival. The findings suggest that AMPK could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of HD.
Researchers have created a new model to study germ cell tumors in testes by transplanting embryonic stem cells into mouse models. The resulting tumors mimic the early stages of tumor development and offer valuable insights into the genetic regulation of these cancers. This approach has potential applications for developing novel therap...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have demonstrated direct conversion of a non-heart cell type into a heart cell by RNA transfer. This breakthrough approach, called Transcriptome Induced Phenotype Remodeling (TIPeR), offers potential for cell-based therapy for cardiovascular diseases and personalized scre...
The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) has received a $60,000 grant from Nature Publishing Group to support childcare expenses at its Annual Meetings. The ASCB Childcare Awards can be used by scientist-parents to cover costs such as airfare, hotels, and fees related to participating in the five-day event.
A new study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and others found that curtailing human embryonic stem cell research would negatively impact induced pluripotent stem cell research. The study refutes the idea that iPS cells can replace embryonic stem cells in research.
Muscle cell fusion is crucial for understanding normal muscle growth and regeneration after injury or disease. Johns Hopkins researchers discovered the role of a regulatory protein called Blown Fuse in facilitating muscle cell merging by disrupting the WASP-WIP protein duo, which regulates cytoskeleton dynamics.
The latest issue of Cell journal features QR codes connecting readers to author-narrated figure walks and hidden treasures of animated figures, videos, podcasts, and more. This innovative approach improves the reader's experience and conceptualization of scientific content.
The study proposes a novel molecular mechanism for detecting chromosome alignment on the mitotic spindle, preventing errors in cell division. The checkpoint mechanism ensures irreversible progression through the cell cycle, blocking further progress until problems are corrected.
Scientists discovered an epigenetic marker system to predict the fate of progenitor cells, which can be used to guide stem-cell differentiation. This finding may lead to new approaches in regenerative medicine therapies, such as generating liver and pancreas cells for transplantation.
Scientists use new technique to demonstrate that cell membrane and cytoplasm structure can guide asymmetric cell division. Model cells show that simple chemical interactions can result in complex behaviors like asymmetric division even without genetic signals.
Researchers discovered a link between cell rigidity and proteins associated with cancer activity, using innovative collaboration between physics and cell biology. Exerting mechanical force on cells activates Rho GEF proteins, leading to tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a human lung stem cell capable of regenerating damaged lung tissue. The discovery has the potential to offer a new treatment option for those suffering from chronic lung diseases.
Scientists at Yale University used fluorescent stains to create movies of cellular actin filaments disassembling, shedding light on their mysterious process. The study reveals the location of breaks along the filaments, crucial for cell movement and maintenance.
Squamous cell cancers can arise from hair follicle stem cells, which were found to be more prone to developing tumors. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to specific therapies targeting cancer initiation, potentially preventing the disease before it starts.
The Experimental Biology 2011 conference showcased cutting-edge research in biochemical battle of the bulge, DNA replication, and bone health. Researchers presented findings on obesity, cancer, and gene therapy, highlighting the importance of understanding cellular processes in disease prevention.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) awarded its Best Paper Awards for articles published in 2010. These awards recognized excellence in Clinical/Preclinical and Translation Research, Experimental Biology, and Interdisciplinary Research categories. The winners were honored at the 2011 Experimental Biology Meeting.
Researchers created a computational model that describes how intestinal cells in mice respond to TNF, revealing the importance of location and protein interactions in cell fate. The study demonstrates the power of systems biology in modeling complex biological systems and predicting disease outcomes.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are advancing systems biology research to improve understanding of cellular networks and their behavior. By integrating experimental and computational technologies, they aim to bridge the gap between correlative analysis and mechanistic insights.
A special edition of Fungal Biology Reviews features 76 videos on fungal cell biology, produced by renowned researcher Professor Gero Steinberg. The collection is expected to become a primary teaching resource in the field.
Tuft cells are a rare fifth type of intestinal cell with distinct features and a novel protein signature. They secrete opioids and produce enzymes that synthesize prostaglandins, suggesting potential roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Aeroecology is a new discipline that focuses on the aerosphere and its influence on airborne organisms. Organisms such as bats, birds, and insects rely on this aerial environment for their existence, but are also affected by human-altered landscapes and climate change.
Cell Press won the PROSE Award for Excellence in Biological & Life Sciences for its 'Article of the Future' format, which offers a personalized reading experience. This award reflects Elsevier's and Cell Press' commitment to evolving scientific publications with new technologies.
Cell Alerts offers free, instant access to high-impact research articles from top journals like Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. The app also features upcoming conference listings, enabling easy browsing on-the-go.
A recent study found that only 28% of high school biology teachers implement National Research Council recommendations on evolution, while 13% explicitly advocate creationism. The remaining 60% use strategies to avoid controversy, undermining scientific literacy and legitizing creationist arguments.
The ASCB's annual film and image contest, Celldance, recognizes 10 members for their visually engaging and scientifically important videos and images. The winning videos and images will be shown on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the ASCB's 50th annual meeting in Philadelphia.
A team of scientists has discovered that microRNA profiles can predict the type of cell, including whether it's cancerous or not. This finding has significant implications for the use of stem cells in repairing damaged body parts, as it highlights the potential risks of creating cancer.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered a mechanism controlling cell movement linked to tumors becoming more aggressive. The misregulation of this switch may play a role in increased tumor cell movement and tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers discovered a protein necessary for normal cell division in blood-forming stem cells, which resulted in abnormal numbers of chromosomes and high rates of cell death. This finding highlights the metabolic differences between stem cells and other blood-forming cells.
Researchers discovered that muscle cells in developing fly embryos send 'finger-like' protrusions into neighboring cells to facilitate fusion. The actin-rich fingers help form a small pore connecting the two cell types, eventually fusing them together.
Scientists have discovered a previously undiscovered trigger mechanism that monitors the structure of the cell's nucleus and delays cell division if it's not correct. This discovery may shed light on how cancer starts and could lead to new research into cancer prevention.
University of Illinois researchers developed microsensors that can track individual cells' masses and divisions over time. They found that cells grow faster as they grow heavier, rather than at a fixed rate throughout the cell cycle. The sensors also allow for imaging and tracking of cellular processes in conjunction with changes in mass.
Cell Press introduces Cell DNA, a free daily news aggregation service covering life sciences topics. Readers can subscribe to receive daily email digests with news summaries and comment on stories.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a protein mechanism that coordinates and regulates the dynamics of shape change necessary for cell division. The discovery has immediate medical implications, as cell division is a major target of anticancer drugs.
Researchers tested three MRI contrast agents on different stem cell populations and found changes in stem cell proliferation depending on the agent used. The study revealed varying labeling efficiencies with each agent, but no significant alterations in cell phenotypes or differentiation.
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has recognized 63 life scientists for their outstanding research contributions. Among the new members are 12 female researchers who have made significant advancements in various fields of molecular biology, neuroscience, and cancer biology.
Dr. Stephan Grill's innovative laser-assisted method enables non-invasive measurement of mechanical forces in living cells, opening new avenues for understanding interactions between mechanics and biochemistry in cell biology. The Paul Ehrlich Prize recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field.
Researchers discovered a novel regulatory process in T cells that may help explain autoimmunity and immune deficiency diseases. The study found that disrupting this process leads to rapid T cell proliferation and death, compromising the immune system's defensive functions.
Researchers watched a fundamental process of cellular organization in living plant cells, where protein complexes create the microtubule cytoskeleton. They observed that these complexes are distributed at the cell membrane and interact with other microtubules to organize the cell shape and structure.
A special issue of DNA and Cell Biology features undergraduate research projects that demonstrate the valuable contributions of young scientists. The studies showcase innovative approaches to bioluminescence testing, mutant gene mapping, telomerase regulation, and fruit fly metabolism.
A nationwide survey found that two-thirds of Americans believe synthetic biology should continue, but with more research on human and environmental impacts. The public also harbors concerns about security, moral, and health risks, as well as potential damage to the environment.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that NURF, an enzyme that regulates DNA packaging, allows specific genes to be turned on and off in stem cells. This dynamic structure enables stem cells to maintain their potency and prevent differentiation into other cell types.