The gene responsible for Progeria has led to a promising experimental drug being evaluated in 28 children with the disease. Researchers have pinpointed the genetic mutation and identified an effective therapy, potentially treating this fatal disorder.
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 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...
The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) is launching a program to support young researcher parents, providing $18,000 'New Scholars' grants to cover childcare expenses during the Annual Meeting. This initiative aims to increase women's participation in science and address family care issues as a barrier to career development.
Research by Atsuko Kasahara and colleagues found that mitochondrial respiration deficiencies are associated with changed social behavior and elevated spatial memory in laboratory mice. The study suggests a potential link between mitochondrial breakdowns and mental illness in humans.
The 'mica hypothesis' proposes that the narrow spaces between nonliving mica layers provided conditions for the rise of the first biomolecules. Mica's structure offers support, shelter, and an energy source for precellular life.
Scientists at Cornell's Baker Institute of Animal Health have successfully assembled and functioned a human-made device that mimics the biological pathway powering sperm, which could be used to release drugs or perform mechanical functions inside the body. The device uses a nickel-NTA chip to replicate the glycolysis pathway, allowing ...
Researchers found that bacteria carrying Shiga toxin have an evolutionary advantage against bacterial predators when co-cultured with Tetrahymena. The Shiga toxin kills Tetrahymena by binding to its surface receptor, and removing this receptor can prevent killing.
A purified bacterial extract spray administered to laboratory mice provided powerful protection against all four major classes of pathogens, including anthrax and bubonic plague. The treatment was shown to stimulate a healthy immune response and increase antimicrobial polypeptides in the lung lining fluid.
Researchers discovered Giardia's attachment mechanism relies on an osmotic suction cup, which can be disrupted by 'tonic shock'. The parasite's grip on intestinal tissue can be broken using a timed pattern of high and low tonicity, suggesting new treatment options.
Researchers at John Hopkins University used human embryonic stem cells to develop bone tissue that heals large skull defects in mice. The study demonstrates a potential application of hESC-derived mesenchymal cells in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration.
Researchers have identified a natural compound, sulforaphane, found in broccoli that may treat a genetic skin disorder called epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). Sulforaphane has been shown to induce the production of missing keratins in basal epidermis, potentially restoring skin integrity in EBS patients.
Scientists found that inactivating Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) helps prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a leading cause of death in premature babies. Blocking TLR4 signals could potentially treat NEC by regulating the intestine's immune response.
Researchers have identified a link between olfactory learning and serotonin regulation in C. elegans worms, which learn to associate pathogens with aversion through bitter experience. The study suggests that this form of associative learning is an acute modification of innate preferences.
Researchers found L1 in large quantities exclusively in aggressive colon cancer cells, enabling them to invade and metastasize more effectively. The discovery may have important implications for diagnosing colon cancer and designing new therapies.
Researchers discover that mutant lamin A proteins interfere with key controls of gene expression and cell cycle, leading to rapid aging in HGPS patients. The study suggests that similar missteps may be part of normal human aging.
Researchers discover Chlamydia exploits lipid droplets for growth and replication, causing proliferation of new lipid droplets on host cells. Inhibiting lipid droplet formation impairs bacterial growth, presenting a new target for anti-Chlamydia drugs.
Researchers created a mouse model of EDMD to investigate gene expression changes in the heart. They found increased expression of MAP kinases, which play roles in other forms of cardiomyopathy. This discovery opens possibilities for treating lamin-related cardiomyopathies with MAP kinase inhibitors.
Vorticella's contractile fiber bundle, the spasmoneme, uses calcium as fuel and a powerful centrin-based mechanism to generate enormous forces. Researchers identified centrin as the key component, which is also found in filamentous structures of other organisms.