A report by EMBO examines the potential benefits and challenges of using gender quotas to achieve better gender balance in academia. The study suggests that quota systems, such as cascade models, can be effective in increasing female representation in higher academic positions.
Researchers found that neutrophils divert to nearby precancerous skin cells, causing rapid cell division and potentially leading to melanoma. The study suggests a physical link between wound-associated inflammation and skin cancer progression.
The 2015 EMBO Gold Medal was awarded to Sarah Teichmann and Ido Amit for their groundbreaking research on gene expression, protein complexes, and immune systems. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular regulation and disease mechanisms.
A systems-wide genetic study of blood pressure regulation in the Framingham Heart Study identified four groups of genes linked to blood pressure that warranted further study. The researchers validated one key driver gene, Sh2b3, which plays a causal role in dysregulation of blood pressure in humans.
A new method called TFUMseq enables researchers to study the functions of hard-to-grow bacteria that contribute to the gut microbiome. The tool allows for the identification of genes that enhance microbial fitness and provides insights into how bacteria colonize living organisms.
Researchers discovered that Snai1 protein controls the fate of intestinal stem cells in mice, regulating their survival and differentiation. By reducing Snai1 activity, intestinal stem cells shifted towards secretory roles, impairing regeneration and promoting tumor growth.
Researchers have devised a clonal strategy to ensure adult epidermal stem cells meet the highest safety criteria before use in treatments. The approach involves cultivating, genetically modifying and testing individual cells to guarantee their viability and safety.
Researchers successfully generated mature, functional skeletal muscles in mice by growing cells in a dish and implanting the graft near a normal muscle. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for various muscle disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A study led by Tokyo Medical University researcher Toshihiro Nakajima found that an anti-inflammatory drug can counteract obesity in mice by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid breakdown. The drug, LS-102, inhibits the Synoviolin gene, leading to increased energy control pathways.
The 2015 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Rudolf Zechner for their pioneering work on harnessing bacterial immunity to develop genome editing technology, known as CRISPR-Cas9. The prize also recognizes Zechner's contributions to understanding lipid metabolism and its role in various diseases.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that contact between humans and virus-infected bats may have originated the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The researchers found no evidence of larger wildlife being the source of infection, expanding the range of possible Ebola virus sources to insectivorous free-tailed bats.
A molecular network composed of 119 proteins has been identified as a crucial contributor to autism spectrum disorders. The network shows strong enrichment for known autism genes and is linked to disruptions in brain circuitry, particularly the corpus callosum.
Researchers found that gut microbiota affects mucus barrier properties in mice, with different microbial compositions leading to varying levels of protection against bacterial invasion. The study suggests that a well-developed inner mucus layer is crucial for overall health and highlights the importance of the gut microbiota composition.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme selects 27 young researchers to build their independent teams and achieve recognition. The programme provides support for laboratory management, non-scientific skills training, and access to core facilities.
Researchers found that autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism, helps activate muscle stem cells by inducing metabolic shifts and coping with increased biosynthesis demands. Inhibited autophagy delayed stem cell activation, highlighting SIRT1's regulatory role in this process.
Fruit fly research reveals that a transcription factor called Mirror regulates tumour-like growth in the intestines. A similar system may be at work in humans, suggesting a potential role for Irx transcription factors in cancer progression. This study could lead to new treatments using the fruit fly model.
Researchers found that plasmacytoid dendritic cells trigger early psoriasis, while Langerhans cells help regulate the immune response. Modulating dendritic cell composition may lead to new psoriasis treatments.
A specific protein, protocadherin-15 CD2, is crucial for hearing by forming tip-links that convert sound into electrical signals. The absence of this protein leads to profound deafness in mice and humans, providing a major breakthrough in understanding the auditory mechanotransduction machinery.
A German-Danish team of researchers found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with human sperm function, changing swimming behavior and triggering digestive enzyme release. The study suggests these chemicals may contribute to widespread fertility problems in the Western world.
A reconstructed ancient ocean revealed spontaneous chemical reactions that could have produced crucial organic molecules for life. These findings suggest that primitive cells may have synthesized their own metabolic components without the aid of enzymes, challenging the traditional view on the origin of life.
Sophie Martin received the 2014 EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on cellular polarity, which has renewed interest in mechanisms of cell size regulation. Her work revealed a potential mechanism by which microtubules direct actin cytoskeleton-driven cell growth.
Researchers have identified hundreds of open reading frames in long non-coding RNAs that may give rise to functional proteins using ribosome profiling. The method allowed direct quantification of messenger RNA fragments protected by the ribosome, revealing translated small open reading frames.
Researchers found that specific small non-coding RNAs near gene start sites can distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. These RNA molecules may also predict cancer survival outcomes and have potential as diagnostic tools.
Elena Conti wins the prize for her work on understanding the mechanisms governing RNA quality, transport, and degradation, while Denis Le Bihan receives it for his innovative brain imaging technique that has revolutionized stroke diagnosis and treatment. Both researchers will use the prize money to further their research.
Researchers found that PINK1 and parkin are key to removing damaged mitochondria through a vesicular trafficking pathway. This early response helps protect against Parkinson's disease, which is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The study reveals a distinct quality control mechanism for mitochondria.
Researchers have identified a protein that enables the transfer of mitochondria from stem cells to damaged epithelial cells, rejuvenating their health. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies for lung disease in humans by engineering mesenchymal stem cells to produce healthy mitochondria.
Researchers propose an alternative way to allocate science funding by distributing funds collectively among the scientific community. This approach could save time, money, and encourage innovation, while also allowing for more flexible funding and potentially changing publication practices.
Six life science researchers from the UK, France, and US will receive EMBO Installation Grants to establish their research groups in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and facilitate collaboration with European centers of research and education.
Researchers have discovered that specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, stimulate the growth of host epithelial cells through the production of reactive oxygen species. This finding has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.
Researchers have developed a method to isolate and grow pancreatic stem cells from mice, which can differentiate into hormone-producing beta cells or pancreatic duct cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions for pancreatic diseases like diabetes.
A preclinical study found that VBP15 decreases inflammation in mice with symptoms similar to those found in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug protects and strengthens muscle without the side effects linked to current treatments.
The EMBO Meeting 2013 conference will feature keynote lectures by prominent scientists, including Kai Simons, Hans Clevers, Sir Michael Stratton, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel. The scientific programme will include sessions on stem cells, cancer genomics, optogenetics, and the search for life beyond Earth.
Researchers have found that elevated levels of a receptor protein called Ret are associated with lower survival rates in breast cancer patients. Inhibiting this protein may be a promising approach to treating the disease.
Researchers found that a protein controlling Alzheimer's disease also affects muscle development and coordination in mice. The study suggests that inhibitors of this protein, currently being tested for Alzheimer's treatment, might disrupt muscle spindle formation and impair movement.
A new study by EMBO reports found that corruption in countries hinders the attraction and retention of highly skilled workers. The level of corruption directly affects the availability of skilled workers, leading to negative consequences for a country's economy.
Thijn Brummelkamp receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work on genetic analysis of human disease. His RNA interference method has been cited over 3500 times and enables detailed study of human genes involved in diseases like cancer.
Whole genome sequencing reveals that drug-resistant bacterial infections can be transmitted from animals to humans, highlighting the role of livestock as a potential reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study confirms animal-to-human transmission of MRSA, a disease-causing bacterium with resistance to methicillin.
Researchers identified an enzyme that removes ADP-ribose modifications from proteins, essential for normal cell function. This finding provides a new pathogenic mechanism for neurodegenerative disorders and may lead to the development of new cancer drugs.
Researchers discover that neuronal activity induces tau release from healthy neurons, suggesting a physiological process that can be regulated by neural activity. The study suggests that altered tau release may occur in response to changes in neuronal excitability in the Alzheimer's brain.
Researchers argue that traditional citation metrics like journal impact factors and h-index are insufficient for comparing the impact of different scientists or publications in unrelated fields. Percentile-based indicators can provide a more accurate assessment of scientific work.
Geneviève Almouzni has been recognized for her pioneering work on histones and chromatin, promoting epigenetics in Europe, and mentoring female scientists. She will receive the 2013 FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award for her exceptional achievements in molecular biology.
Michael Stratton and Peter Hegemann received the 2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for their discovery of ion channels activated by light, known as optogenetics, which holds promise for treating neurological diseases. They will use the prize money to continue their research on proteins that can be activated by light.
Researchers have isolated cancer stem cells from kidney tumors that lead to Wilms' tumours, a type of cancer typically found in the kidneys of young children. These cancer stem cells can be targeted with an antibody drug, providing a potential new approach for treating this disease.
EMBO has awarded 10 life science researchers with Installation Grants to relocate and establish research groups in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to support talented young scientists and help reverse talent loss from these countries.
Scientists have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria that can deliberately die to protect their population, promoting the survival of survivors. The altruistic behavior emerges after sufficient time has passed and can be controlled by tuning the extent of programmed cell death.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme recognizes 22 young researchers under 40 who have established their first laboratories in the past four years. The selected candidates receive financial support of €15,000 per year for three years, as well as access to networking opportunities and laboratory training.
A lack of AgRP-neurons leads to obesity if fed a regular carbohydrate diet, but high-fat diets counteract this effect. The study reveals the importance of brain-cell interactions in nutrient metabolism and storage.
Researchers found pyridomycin selectively kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including strains resistant to front-line drug isoniazid. The natural antibiotic targets the InhA enzyme, which is essential for bacterial cell wall production.
Researchers found that A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) regulate glucose levels by coordinating phosphatases in cells. Mice lacking AKAP150 produced less insulin but coped better with limited hormone due to increased sensitivity in target tissues.
Researchers have identified a shared signalling pathway in mice that leads to intellectual disability in both Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome. The study reveals that the Down syndrome critical region 1 protein interacts with the Fragile X mental retardation protein to regulate dendritic spine formation.