A team of researchers discovered a receptor molecule for serotonin plays crucial roles in fear responses to ambiguous stimuli in mice. The hippocampus brain region is involved in processing and assessing value of stimuli, making it easier to interpret situations as threatening.
MicroRNAs regulate cell division and development by blocking protein synthesis at its earliest stage, translation. Researchers developed a new method to study microRNA action in a test tube, revealing that they bind to messenger RNAs and prevent their translation into proteins.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that microtubule interactions with the cell cortex drive asymmetric cell division in nematode worms. The study reveals a pulling force generated by cortical filaments, which could apply to other organisms and contexts such as stem cell renewal.
The study reveals surprising similarities in the developing CNS of Platynereis embryos and vertebrates, suggesting that the vertebrate nervous system is probably much older than expected. This finding provides strong evidence for a theory that vertebrates and annelid CNS are of common descent.
A study by European Molecular Biology Laboratory researchers identifies NF-kB as a crucial signaling molecule in the development of chronic intestinal inflammation. The findings provide a new paradigm for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have created the first 3D visualization of a complete eukaryotic cell at high resolution, enabling them to investigate its structural details. The study reveals new insights into microtubule dynamics and their interactions with other cellular structures.
Scientists have developed a deconvolution algorithm that improves the resolution of Single Plane Illumination Microscope (SPIM) images. This advancement provides new opportunities for studying sub-cellular processes in large living specimens.
Scientists have produced the first 3-dimensional image of a key influenza protein, revealing insights into transmission between birds and humans. The study sheds light on how polymerase mutations contribute to avian flu's ability to jump species barriers.
Scientists have found that nifedipine, commonly used for high blood pressure, can reverse iron overload in mouse models and may treat similar conditions in humans. The compound helps mobilize iron from stores in the liver and enhances its excretion into the urine.
A new comparative metagenomics method reveals that microbes evolve faster in some environments than others, with many lineages remaining loyal to their habitats over time. The study provides insights into the evolution of microorganisms in different ecosystems, shedding light on the invisible life on Earth.
A team of researchers investigated the molecular basis of memory in living mice, identifying a critical molecule involved in learning. The study revealed that long-term potentiation (LTP) and learning share a common molecular basis, with the TrkB receptor playing a central role.
A new study reveals that Mal3p binds to the seam of microtubules, stabilising them and regulating cellular transport. This discovery sheds light on how similar processes work in humans, where Mal3p's human counterpart plays a role in various clinical conditions.
The EMBO Installation Grants scheme aims to strengthen science in selected member states by supporting talented life scientists in setting up their research groups. The grantees will receive 50,000 euro annually for three to five years, with networking opportunities through the EMBO Young Investigator network.
Researchers have found a way to protect muscle from degenerating after injury and improve muscle healing in mice by blocking the central signal molecule NF-kB. The study suggests two molecules with potential as promising drug targets for new therapies against muscle wasting.
Armand Marie Leroi, a developmental geneticist, has been recognized by the EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences. He is praised for his ability to bridge science and public discourse through his writing and broadcasting.
Researchers discovered that the cell cycle's temporal regulation evolves rapidly, with changes occurring every 100 million years. This fast evolution is unexpected for a fundamental process like cell division.
Frank Uhlmann, a Cancer Research UK scientist, receives the 2006 EMBO Gold Medal for his decade-long work on understanding the cell cycle. His discoveries have opened new avenues in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Published over 40 papers, including in high-impact journals like Nature and Cell.
The EMBL/CRG Research Unit will tackle challenging questions in systems biology through a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches. The unit will span from molecules to cells and work with various research techniques.
Scientists at EMBL have discovered that beta-catenin plays a central role in determining whether blood cells form or not, and that an overactive Wingless pathway can lead to leukemia and other diseases. The study provides new insights into the processes within cells that lead to cancer.
Researchers at EMBL have identified a microRNA called bantam as the key regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway, which controls cell division and death. Without bantam, tissues grow too slowly and remain smaller than normal.
Researchers at EMBL track individual cells in transparent fish embryos using advanced microscope techniques to find that they migrate to the right place to form eyes. This discovery suggests that other organs might be formed by individual cell migration rather than sheets of tissue.
EMBL scientists have founded a start-up company called Elara Pharmaceuticals GmbH to develop new anti-cancer drugs. The company will take promising small molecule leads from EMBL's Chemical Biology Core Facility and further develop them for evaluation in animal models of various types of cancer.
A specific signal in cells in the nervous system aggravates MS symptoms, which could be alleviated by blocking related proteins. Blocking these proteins is promising as a strategy for new therapies against MS.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory examines the social, economic, and ethical impact of dual-use research on society. Researchers discuss potential options to reduce the misuse of proteomics and explore the consequences of biological and medical knowledge on citizens' privacy.
ARP/wARP software has been upgraded to handle lower-resolution data, enabling researchers to study complex problems in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. The new grant will allow scientists to focus on structure analysis rather than building models, potentially leading to revolutionary therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have discovered the structure of a protein called nucleoprotein, which helps viruses like rabies evade the human immune system. The protein acts as a 'clamp' to protect the virus RNA from degradation by host enzymes.
Researchers have discovered a promising drug target, LipB, essential for M. tuberculosis survival and replication. The protein's structure has revealed its activity in activating cellular machines driving the bacterium's metabolism.
FELICS, a unique electronic infrastructure project funded by the European Union, offers unrestricted access to prominent biological databases. This initiative provides critical support for BRENDA and CheBI, facilitating navigation of the biological knowledge space for scientists.
A new discovery links the nuclear membrane with dosage compensation in fruit flies, potentially shedding light on human X-chromosome balance. Researchers hope this finding will lead to a better understanding of how cells produce equal quantities of proteins between sexes.
A new global evolutionary map has been created using DNA sequences of complete genomes, revealing key details about the origin of species and early evolution. The improved tree has also shed light on microbial diversity in unexplored environments.
Researchers at EMBL and IVMS have obtained a detailed structural picture of the ZEBRA protein, which plays a key role in activating the EBV. The study reveals a potential weak point that could be targeted by antiviral drugs to block the virus's activation.
The study provides a nearly complete parts list of all the machines in yeast, including 257 previously unknown machines and new components of existing ones. It also reveals how cells dynamically assemble and disassemble machines to respond to environmental challenges.
Scientists at EMBL and King's College discovered a unique connection between titin proteins that may help assemble muscle tissue. The study used advanced microscope techniques to watch molecules link together in live cells, revealing a new mechanism for sarcomere formation.
Researchers have discovered a unique architecture of the Duffy-Binding Like (DBL) domain that allows the malaria parasite to bind to red blood cells. This finding may lead to the development of specific drugs that can target the parasite without affecting healthy blood cells.
The EMBO/HHMI Startup Grants will provide resources and ongoing support for six promising scientists in Central Europe. The initiative aims to strengthen the scientific pipeline in the region, building on previous programs that supported established science.
MIRIAM is a voluntary code of conduct that standardizes computer models of life, providing reference correspondence and annotation schemes to improve searchability and usability. By adopting MIRIAM, model repositories can ensure quality control and facilitate collaboration among researchers.
Scientists suggest prioritizing organisms based on evolutionary divergence to maximize sequence diversity, offering a more efficient approach than considering multiple factors simultaneously. This 'greedy strategy' allows centers to select the best candidates one at a time without compromising overall effectiveness.
A study on the Platynereis genome reveals that early animals had complex human-like genes, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery sheds new light on human evolution and highlights the importance of preserving ancient genetic features.
Researchers developed a new method to identify linear motifs in protein sequences, which interact with other molecules. The technique uses large-scale studies of protein binding and computer analysis to predict motif patterns.
Researchers at EMBL and universities in Heidelberg and Ulm found that blocking a specific signal within brain cells may help prevent cell death after a stroke. The study suggests new therapies could be developed by controlling a molecule involved in passing the signal.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme identifies and supports outstanding young life scientists in Europe, providing a range of benefits to enhance their research and reputation. The programme has a highly competitive selection process with a 13% success rate, supporting 70 talented researchers.
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBO) has elected 40 outstanding researchers to its membership. The selected scientists are recognized for their groundbreaking work in the life sciences disciplines. They will provide valuable scientific input to the organization, maintaining EMBO's high standards of excellence.
Dario Alessi, a young European researcher, receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to cell signalling and signal transduction. His work has had a significant impact on understanding inherited diseases and is recognized as one of the world's top cited scientists in biology and biochemistry.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered two types of EJC complexes that determine how NMD deals with defective RNA molecules. The presence or absence of a protein called UPF2 affects the composition of the EJC, influencing how NMD recognizes and breaks down faulty RNAs.
Italian scientist Boncinelli is recognized for his ability to cover multiple disciplines in his books. He finds balance between scientific facts and a social context. A Russian scientist, Dr. Alexander Vershinin, receives an additional prize for his education initiative promoting marine life knowledge among children.
Scientists at EMBL and IRB-PCB found that disrupted genes in stem cells can lead to deadly tumors. The study shows that specific molecules control cell division and differentiation, and their disruption can result in cancer.
Researchers found that the SXL protein blocks the synthesis of MSL-2 proteins in females by acting on two separate steps. This discovery reveals an entirely new mechanism for controlling protein dosages at the level of RNA, which could have implications for understanding diseases and animal development.
Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory discovered that actin fibres are necessary to help microtubules transport chromosomes during cell division. In a study using starfish oocytes, the team found that actin networks gather chromosomes together before they can be pulled by microtubules.
Edwin Rydberg wins prestigious EMBO Science Writing Prize with his essay Through The Illusions, exploring the link between DNA changes, smoking and schizophrenia. His work showcases a fascinating combination of factors, inspiring new research in popular science writing.
A new map of microbial evolution reveals that more than 600,000 genes have been transferred horizontally among species over billions of years. This finding challenges the traditional tree-like representation of evolutionary relationships and highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in shaping microbial communities.