Smoking increases SARS-CoV-2 receptors in the lung
Research suggests that cigarette smoke triggers an increase in ACE2 receptors in the lungs, a protein used by the coronavirus to enter human cells. Quitting smoking may reduce this risk.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
How to tune out common odors and focus on important ones
Fruit flies' brains learn to ignore prevalent smells and amplify rare ones through a signal filtering process. This understanding may apply to dogs and humans, and could be used to train AI machines.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
International consortium investigates overactive immune cells as cause of COVID-19 deaths
A group of international researchers is investigating whether overactive immune cells producing Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) contribute to severe COVID-19 cases. The study links NETs in the lungs to COVID-19 symptoms and suggests a potential new treatment avenue.
Predicting the evolution of genetic mutations
Researchers have created an algorithm that can visualize the evolution of genetic mutations, revealing patterns in how proteins change over time. The tool, called minimum epistasis interpolation, helps scientists understand how specific mutations combine to affect protein function.
Images of 'invisible' holes on cells may jumpstart research
Researchers have developed high-resolution images of 'invisible' cell pores, shedding light on their role in regulating water flow and molecule passage. The discovery could lead to new classes of drugs targeting these pores.
Extra chromosomes in cancers can be good or bad
Research reveals some extra chromosomes in cancer cells can inhibit metastasis and even increase survival rates for patients. A study published in Developmental Cell found beneficial aneuploidies associated with increased survival, contrary to the long-held notion that aneuploidy always skews gene activity towards aggressive cancers.
Mutation's role in blood cancers revealed by ideal team-up
A genetic mutation in SRSF2 disrupts DNA's message sending process, leading to excessive NMD activity that destroys healthy blood cells. This excessive activity is a hallmark of blood cancer. Researchers discovered an effective treatment approach using antisense oligonucleotide therapy.
New look at odd holes involved in taste, Alzheimer's, asthma
Scientists have discovered the detailed structure of two calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM) pores, which play a crucial role in sensing taste and controlling airways in lungs. The findings suggest these pores are essential for cell health and may lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's and depression.
New tool for investigating brain cells, Parkinson's, and more
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a chemical compound, UBP1700, that inhibits certain NMDARs while allowing others to function. This allows for the precise investigation of NMDAR activity in both healthy and diseased brains.
Vitamin B6, leukemia's deadly addiction
Researchers found that leukemia cells are 'addicted' to vitamin B6, using it to accelerate cell division. By limiting this enzyme's activity, a new drug could slow or stop cancer growth without harming healthy cells.
Abnormal neuron activity manifests as parental neglect
Researchers found that adult female mice exhibit abnormal neuron activity when learning to respond to young pups' distress cries. The findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain rewiring in adults.
How the brain balances pleasure and pain
The study reveals that different classes of neurons control positive and negative motivation, sending opposing signals along a shared brain circuit. This balance determines whether an individual seeks pleasurable experiences or avoids negative ones.
Finally, machine learning interprets gene regulation clearly
Researchers have developed a custom artificial neural network that can analyze molecular signals controlling gene function, enabling biologists to understand complex mechanisms of gene regulation. This breakthrough enables the creation of machine learning algorithms that reflect common concepts in biology.
A new tomato ideal for urban gardens and even outer space
Researchers have engineered a new variety of gene-edited tomato plants that can be grown in compact spaces, producing ripe fruit in under 40 days. These 'urban agriculture tomatoes' are designed to thrive in urban environments or other places with limited space, such as on the roof of a skyscraper or in space.
Shifting the balance of growth vs. defense boosts crop yield
A team led by CSHL Professor David Jackson has identified a gene in corn that contributes to both plant development and immune system control. Manipulating this gene, Gß, could increase crop yields by reprogramming the balance between growth and defense.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2019
Milestone reached in new leukemia drug
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a new therapy that extends the survival of mice with acute myeloid leukemia by blocking the Salt-Inducible Kinase 3 (SIK3) pathway. The treatment, YKL-05-099, is a first in demonstrating anti-cancer effects of SIK3 inhibition using pharmacological blockade.
The difference between an expert's brain and a novice's
Researchers studied mouse brain activity while learning tasks, finding neural networks become more focused and selective over time. The team developed computational models to inform decision-making neuroscience, revealing the role of inhibitory neurons in cognition.
Scientists take action to prevent sexual harassment and bias
A new paper published in Science outlines best practices for institutions to support women faculty in research careers, including increased accountability for misconduct and promoting transparency. The report aims to address the persistent issue of gender diversity in STEM fields.
Researchers double sorghum grain number to improve food supply
Plant scientists have doubled the amount of grains a sorghum plant can produce by identifying novel genetic variations in the MSD2 gene. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields and address global food production challenges related to climate change and population growth.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 30, 2019
Seeking better treatment for ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease
A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has made significant strides in understanding the role of proteins called TDP-43 in ALS. The researchers found that TDP-43 aggregates in nerve cells can cause a toxic effect, leading to paralysis. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing effective treatments and therapies.
BARseq builds a better brain map
The researchers used BARseq to map the connections of 3,579 neurons in the auditory cortex of the mouse brain. This technology enables scientists to pinpoint the location of a neuron and determine its pattern of gene expression and physiological activity.
New brain research could change how concussions are treated
A recent study has found greater signs of blood vessel damage than nerve damage in traumatic brain injuries, challenging the ongoing hypothesis that blunt force causes nerve damage. The researchers' discovery could influence the development of new treatments and therapies for TBI.
Mutant cells team up to make an even deadlier blood cancer
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that the IDH2 and SRSF2 gene mutations work together to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer. The team found that the presence of these mutations leads to errors in RNA splicing, resulting in defective blood cells.
Discovery could improve MDS cancer treatment
Researchers have discovered a new drug target for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) by targeting an earlier stage of progenitor cells. Blocking the CHRM4 protein receptor significantly improves blood cell production in MDS patients. Preclinical tests in mice show sustained therapeutic efficacy.
Mice, like humans, fidget when deep in thought
A new study found that mice's neural activity while performing tasks resembles human-like fidgeting, indicating a possible link between movement and cognition. Researchers must now correct for this overlap to accurately study decision-making processes.
The next agricultural revolution is here
Scientists Zach Lippman and Yuval Eshed review past agricultural revolutions, highlighting key genetic mutations and modifications. They propose using CRISPR gene editing to introduce new variations in core hormonal systems, potentially boosting crop productivity and adaptability.
Cancer drugs don't always work as intended, researchers warn
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified 10 cancer drugs that don't work as expected, revealing an off-target effect. The discovery highlights the need for more accurate mechanism of action understanding in personalized medicine.
Overcoming resistance in pancreatic cancer
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to tackle the development of resistance in pancreatic cancer by targeting the ERBB signaling pathway. This approach has shown promise in shrinking pancreatic tumors in mice, providing a potential avenue for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
New brain map could improve AI algorithms for machine vision
A new study has mapped the primate brain's visual system organization, revealing that distinct types of cells may work differently than previously thought. The research found that specific regions of the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual pulvinar share the same type of connectivity with the cortex.
Understanding the animal brain could help robots wash your dishes
Researchers believe that studying animal brains can improve AI's ability to tackle complex tasks like dish-washing. By understanding how biological neural networks work, AI systems may be able to overcome barriers and achieve superhuman performance.
Quantifying how the brain smells
Researchers found that molecular properties of odors do not hold predictive power when new odor pairs or shuffled properties are tested, highlighting the complexity of smell perception. The study suggests that the brain extracts different features from smells and that olfactory experience is highly subjective and context-dependent.
Cancer cell's 'self eating' tactic may be its weakness
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that pancreatic cancer cells destroy their own mitochondria to reduce reactive oxygen species and proliferate. Inhibiting the NIX pathway may prevent cancer cells from using energy to proliferate, offering a promising new target for therapies.
Sugars that coat proteins are a possible drug target for pancreatitis
Researchers discovered that CA19-9, a complex sugar molecule, causes pancreatitis by recruiting the immune system and inducing deleterious biochemical reactions. Targeting CA19-9 with antibodies may prevent or treat pancreatitis and its progression to pancreatic cancer.
Special fibroblasts help pancreatic cancer cells evade immune detection
Researchers have identified a new type of fibroblast in pancreatic cancer tumors that can evade immune detection. The discovery, published in Cancer Discovery, highlights the complex role of these cells in protecting cancer cells and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Norovirus structures could help develop treatments for food poisoning
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have mapped the intricate structure of noroviruses, a leading cause of food-borne illness. The discovery provides new insights into developing effective therapeutics for these viruses.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2019
Plan Universal calls on funders to encourage preprints
Plan Universal proposes funding organizations require preprint posting for supported researchers. This would increase accessibility and speed up research by allowing experts to build on others' work quickly.
Enzyme PHLPP2 could be a viable drug target for treating prostate cancer
Researchers discovered that blocking PHLPP2 enzyme halts prostate cancer growth and metastasis without signs of toxicity in mice or human cells. This finding presents a promising approach for treating prostate cancer and potentially other types of cancers.
Cryptic mutation is cautionary tale for crop gene editing
Researchers from CSHL discovered a cryptic mutation in tomatoes that had unexpected effects on growth and yield. By understanding the interaction between this mutation and another gene, they found that duplicating the mutated gene restored its function, providing a solution to agricultural production issues.
To protect stem cells, plants have diverse genetic backup plans
A new study reveals that flowering plants employ different genetic strategies to maintain a 'core genetic circuitry' that ensures stem cell function, even in the presence of defects
Crop yield in maize influenced by unexpected gene 'moonlighting'
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a relationship between maize crop yield and genetic activity associated with the RAMOSA3 gene. The discovery suggests that the gene may be 'moonlighting' with a hidden activity controlling branching.
New cell subtypes classified in mouse brain
Scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a novel platform to classify neurons in a mouse brain based on shape, connectivity, and location. This comprehensive approach enables precise identification of neuronal subtypes, such as axo-axonic cells, and sheds light on their unique characteristics.
Genetic 'usual suspects' identified in researchers' new list
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a ranked list of genes that are likely to be involved in any disease, allowing researchers to distinguish between these 'usual suspects' and those unique to specific conditions. The study's findings provide valuable context for interpreting gene activity in disease onset.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2019
Chandelier neuron requires 'Velcro-like' molecule to form connections
Researchers have discovered that the presence of L1CAM is crucial for chandelier cell connections, which are linked to neurological conditions like schizophrenia and epilepsy. The molecule enables long-distance communication between neurons, revealing a potential target for new therapeutic approaches.
Detailed new primate brain atlas could lead to disease insights
A new study has created a 3D reconstruction of a marmoset brain and mapped neuronal connectivity across the entire brain with unparalleled detail. The resulting data set may offer insights into human neural connectivity and potentially lead to therapeutic advances for human diseases.
Targeting 'hidden pocket' for treatment of stroke and seizure
Researchers have identified a pH-sensitive pocket in the NMDA receptor that can be targeted by redesigned compounds, offering specificity for stroke and seizure treatments. The 94-series compounds show promise in preventing excessive neuronal firing without affecting healthy brain regions.
How much are we learning? Natural selection is science's best critic
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a method to identify important genes in the human genome using natural selection. By analyzing epigenomic features and evolutionary history, they created fitness consequence maps that can guide future research.
Taking uncertainty out of cancer prognosis
A recent study published in eLife found a strong relationship between copy number changes in genes and cancer patient outcomes. The researchers identified specific biomarkers that can determine a patient's prognosis, providing new hope for personalized cancer treatment.
How the brain hears and fears
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that brain cells in mice associate sounds with emotions through experience and learning. The amygdala, a key brain region, shows specific patterns of neuron activity when animals are trained to fear or anticipate rewards.
Inconspicuous protein key to deadly blood cancer
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified ZFP64 as the single key to the cascade of events leading to mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), an aggressive blood cancer. Shutting down this protein may be a cure for MLL, which predominantly occurs in infants and is difficult to treat.
Pancreatic cancer's addiction could be its end
Researchers identified TP63 as the culprit behind aggressive pancreatic cancer's addictive behavior. Suppressing its activity could lead to a tumor's demise. The study aims to understand why TP63 gets active in some patients' pancreas, with the goal of developing a treatment to improve their survival.