Researchers have created a groundbreaking way to measure transporter proteins in living organisms, providing insights into metabolic networks and regulation. This breakthrough has major implications for plant biology and human health research, enabling monitoring of transporters like the Rhesus factor.
Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that excessive mast cells lead to delayed wound healing due to overproduction of IL-10. The study provides a potential therapeutic target for future drug development.
A new course module, ECO mission, has won the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction for its effective teaching of biology. The course uses a combination of web-based learning environments and hands-on experimentation to improve students' understanding of real research.
A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.
Menopause is now believed to be an unintended outcome of natural selection, with older women being less likely to reproduce due to preference for younger mates among men. This new theory suggests that natural selection protects fertility in women while they are most likely to reproduce.
A new study suggests that performance in foundational biology courses is a strong predictor of performance in high-level animal science courses. Students who take genetics as sophomores and juniors tend to perform well, while those who wait too long may struggle with advanced courses.
Patients with advanced kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis are at high risk of heart attacks due to uremic toxins. New research identifies oral adsorbent AST-120 as a potential treatment to delay kidney disease progression and prevent future heart attacks.
The Institute for Genomic Biology will develop foundational synthetic biology technologies and computational platforms for genetic modification of plants and animals. The grant aims to address grand challenges in human health and environmental sustainability, with potential applications in crop yields and disease treatment.
Researchers have discovered that processing bodies can contribute to immune defenses by responding to viral infections. Viruses alter the composition of processing bodies to enhance their replication, but PBs can limit this ability.
The sacred lotus genome sequencing reveals its close resemblance to the ancestor of all eudicots, a group including apple, cabbage, and soybean. The study found that duplicated genes related to wax formation and survival in mineral-starved habitats were retained, making lotus an ideal reference plant for studying other eudicots.
Chuan He has been selected as an HHMI investigator to uncover the mechanisms of reversible RNA methylation. His research team will use genomics tools and expertise in various biology fields to explore this new area.
Natasha Raikhel, a distinguished professor at UC Riverside, has been named recipient of the Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award for outstanding service to plant biology. Susan Wessler, also from UC Riverside, is a fellow of the ASPB for her pioneering work on plant transposable elements and genomes.
The $11 million investment will support large-scale applied and small-scale innovative projects to develop new tools and methodologies. These innovations aim to improve cancer treatments, response to infectious disease outbreaks, food production, and more.
Researchers from Saint Louis University and the University of Toronto have decoded the western painted turtle's genome, revealing genes that may be key to managing human health disorders such as stroke and heart attack. The study also identified genes that could lead to the development of safer anesthetics for human patients.
A team of researchers studied human cells sent to space, finding that the immune system weakens and bacterial virulence enhances under microgravity conditions. The study also found altered gene expression related to rheumatoid arthritis, tumor growth, and wound repair.
A new website application called Dietary Analysis Tool for Athletes (D.A.T.A.) has been validated as accurately recording dietary intake. The digital tool generates a report immediately after the recall, providing quick feedback for athletes and sports health professionals.
Four talented Dedham students from Maine's Aspirnaut science-outreach program have made a groundbreaking discovery about a novel chemical bond in animal tissues. This bond is essential for the genesis of animal tissues and has been found to be present in another lineage of multicellular organisms, highlighting its evolutionary importance.
A recent IRB study published in Chemistry and Biology has identified 1,162 side effects caused by drugs, with molecular descriptions for 446 cases explained solely by biology and 68 by chemistry. The research provides a list of
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) recognizes outstanding achievements in plant biology through its 2013 awards. The recipients include Natasha Raikhel for her contributions to protein trafficking and service to the discipline, as well as Robert Turgeon for his work on phloem transport.
Researchers have identified two key compounds produced by mast cells that promote fibrogenesis, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Introducing mast cells into mice lungs can reverse disease protection and cause pulmonary fibrosis.
Sanofi launches large-scale production of partially synthetic artemisinin, a breakthrough in synthetic biology. The drug, developed by Professor Jay Keasling's team, aims to provide stable supply and low cost for developing countries.
A systems biology approach predicts the ocular tropism of a newly identified human adenovirus based on genomic and bioinformatics analysis. The study identifies a unique deletion in the viral capsid, suggesting potential for severe ocular infection.
A thermodynamic theory of osmosis was published in 1897, but its explanation has not been fully adopted by chemistry and biology. Key findings include the misconception that osmosis only applies to liquids, and the need for an attractive force to drive the process.
The rapid development of synthetic biology presents new dialogue opportunities between conservation and synthetic biology communities to address ecological and ethical concerns. The authors highlight five emerging issues requiring discussion, including potential impacts on biodiversity and conservation strategies.
Two studies published in Nature provide unprecedented insights into the biology of wheat, shedding light on its adaptation and domestication. The research reveals the importance of transposable elements and microRNAs in shaping the genome, as well as their potential applications in improving crop yields and disease resistance.
Two recent studies published in Nature provide unprecedented insights into the biology of wheat, shedding light on its adaptation to diverse climates and improving grain quality. The research revealed the role of repeat expansion in genome size during evolution and identified key genes for abiotic stress response, providing a valuable ...
A study published in Current Biology found that roosters' crowing is entrained to a circadian rhythm, meaning it follows a natural daily cycle. The researchers used constant light conditions and recorders to observe the birds' behavior, confirming that predawn crowing depends on an internal clock.
Dr. Eric N. Olson has discovered pivotal genes and regulatory pathways governing the development, disease, and regeneration of the heart and other muscles. His research offers hope for prevention and treatments for some of the most serious birth defects.
Dr. Eric Olson, a UTSW molecular biologist, has won the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for his research on heart development and regeneration. His work has led to new insights into congenital heart disease and muscle dysfunction, with several drugs under study.
Researchers have discovered a chemical probe, UNC1215, to investigate the role of malignant brain tumor domains in biology and disease. The probe targets L3MBTL3 methyl-lysine reader domain proteins, which play a fundamental role in gene expression and cancer development.
University of Delaware professor John Jungck emphasizes the intersection of art and science, using natural patterns and visualization tools to reveal hidden information in fields like plant biology and biomedical imaging. His research and teaching emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and imagination.
The conference focuses on rapidly growing fields of interest in gastrointestinal disciplines, including epithelial biology and gut microbial ecology. Scientists will explore translation of basic findings to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal cancer.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a rapid method to create new parts for biological factories, which could lead to the mass production of sophisticated devices and unlock their potential in society. This breakthrough brings scientists one step closer to an 'industrial revolution' in synthetic biology.
Researchers found that exercise-loving mice have significantly greater midbrain volume and larger non-cerebellar brain mass compared to regular mice. The study supports the mosaic theory of brain evolution, suggesting that changes in brain size may be region-specific rather than overall.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance awards recognized top videos showcasing cellular mechanisms in development, health, and disease. Winners included a time-lapse of fruitfly embryonic development and a cancer cell movement video.
Scientists have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method to evaluate the cellular proliferation of breast cancer tumor models. This non-invasive technique assesses water diffusion in tumor tissue, correlating it with growth rates.
Scientists have created a way to convert naturally occurring fatty acids found in soap and ice cream into ready-to-use fuel and household chemicals. This breakthrough in synthetic biology has the potential to create renewable energy from sustainable sources.
The sixth SystemsX.ch tender approved 15 projects with CHF 60 million available, focusing on biological processes and medical applications. Switzerland reiterates its pioneering role in systems biology through collaborations between researchers from various institutions and companies.
The University of Illinois is developing ozone-resistant corn strains with the potential to increase yields and reduce costs, as estimated losses due to ozone damage in US corn production could be around $700 million. The research aims to improve crop resilience to environmental stressors.
Women leave academia at higher rates than men in biology due to intense competition for tenure-track positions, particularly when they have children. In contrast, medicine's earlier competition period may contribute to lower attrition rates among women scientists.
A new species of hermit crab, Areopaguristes tudgei, has been discovered on the barrier reef off the coast of Belize by American University biologist Christopher Tudge. The species was named in his honor due to his unique contributions to knowledge of hermit crab reproductive biology.
The University of Nottingham has been awarded £2.9m to develop low-carbon fuel and address global challenges through synthetic biology. Researchers aim to convert carbon monoxide into useful chemicals and fuels without competing with food resources.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified Elf5, a protein necessary for lactation, as a key player in suppressing breast cancer tumors and metastasis. The research found that when Elf5 is absent or low, epithelial cells become more like stem cells, leading to cancer growth and spread.
A study from Rice University found that both male and female scientists view gender discrimination as a factor in women's decision to pursue careers in biology over physics. Female scientists believe present-day discrimination is occurring, while men attribute it to early educational experiences.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a genetic sequence that can alter its host gene's activity in response to cellular energy levels, a finding that could have broad implications for biology and medicine. The energy-sensing switch, known as a riboswitch, detects the molecule ATP and controls global metabolic regul...
The UCI Center for Complex Biological Systems has been awarded $11.5 million in continued funding, enabling researchers to explore dynamic interactions underlying complex functions. This award reinforces the center's interdisciplinary approach and its contributions to advancing our understanding of biological systems.
Scientists have assembled a large collection of research to examine how experiences interact with biology from before birth, affecting life course trajectories. The study provides new insights into the interaction between experience and biology in the early years, setting a direction for future research.
Researchers have developed an adaptor that makes genetic engineering of microbial components more predictable, converting regulators of translation into regulators of transcription in Escherichia coli. This allows for the construction of increasingly complex functions in microorganisms, enabling safer and more efficient production of e...
Researchers at NYU have uncovered the electrical activity of biological clock neurons that help regulate behavioral rhythms. The study highlights the importance of understanding the coordination between neuronal firing and gene expression to develop new pathways for treating sleep disorders.
Stephen Quake's work has revolutionized biophysics, biological automation, genome analysis, and personalized medicine with innovative physical techniques. His pioneering efforts have enabled answers to previously impossible questions and had profound impact on nearly every area of biology.
Dr. Douglas J. Futuyma, a renowned evolutionary biologist, will receive the Joseph Leidy Award for his outstanding research and ability to communicate complex ideas to scientists and students alike. The symposium on biodiversity will explore current and future research on the diversity of life with a focus on evolutionary biology.
A partnership between San Francisco State University and Bay Area community college biology instructors aims to refine their teaching through scientific research, collecting evidence from students to improve instruction. The goal is to increase student engagement in science and successful transitions to four-year colleges.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a $8 million 5-year grant from NASA to study the origin and evolution of life on Earth. The research team will use genomics to explore deep evolutionary time, searching for signatures of early collective states of life.
The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.
Researchers have identified sphingosine kinase as a key player in promoting resistance to breast cancer therapies, such as tamoxifen. Targeted inhibition of SK has shown potential in inducing cell death and blocking tumor growth in drug-resistant models.
A recent study found that diverse grasslands can tolerate increased periods of drought and climate change due to the presence of drought-resistant species. This diversity allows grasslands to maintain their ecological functions, including carbon sequestration, food sources for grazing animals, and temperature regulation.
A University of Oklahoma research team has been awarded a $9.7 million NIH grant to study human diseases associated with aging, osteoporosis and diabetes. The grant will provide significant resources for investigators to pursue structure-based biomedical studies.
A new study by Syracuse University scientists found that slower and/or longer sperm outcompete their faster rivals in fruit fly reproduction. The research, published in Current Biology, used genetically altered fruit flies to observe sperm in real-time inside the female reproductive tract.
A special issue of Botany highlights CANPOLIN researchers' multipronged approach to pollination biology, examining topics such as climate change impacts and pollen limitation. The issue presents key findings on pollinator diversity and network analyses for conservation strategies.
A University of Utah study found that virgin male moths quickly warm up after smelling female sex attractant, leading to premature takeoff. This behavior may compromise flight power and reduce chances of reaching females. Researchers are studying how odors influence moth behavior, which is critical for understanding insect biology.