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Institute of Science and Technology Austria


Resisting the pressure

Researchers at IST Austria find that a specific gene, Fos, regulates macrophage infiltration into surrounding tissue by creating an actin shell, making it easier for immune cells to invade. This discovery raises hopes for new targets in treating cancer and understanding the immune system.

Spot the difference

A full-scale model of the mouse hippocampus uncovers a new mechanism for pattern separation, where inhibition separates patterns and reduces activity makes it easier to distinguish differences. The study challenges historical views on pattern separation and suggests focal inhibition as an essential factor.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Computational Science·DateDec 16, 2021

Unfinding a split electron

Researchers from Austria, Copenhagen, and Madrid found that a valid signal for Majorana zero modes, crucial for topological qubits, can be a false flag. By varying the nanowire setup, they discovered that a specific architecture causes a mimicking signal, leading to a crucial step forward in understanding nanowires.

Frozen: Cutting-edge technology reveals structures within cells

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize protein complexes in their natural environment, revealing the structure of the Arp2/3 complex and its role in cell motility. The study provides insights into the regulation and activity of this important protein complex, which could lead to better understanding of disease mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2020

Plants on aspirin

A new study published in Cell Reports found that painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen interfere with the auxin flow in plants, leading to abnormal root growth. The drugs also suppress the movement and trafficking of substances within plant cells, impairing their ability to develop properly.

Sticking together

Researchers find that cell adhesion proteins and a gradient of signaling molecule Sonic Hedgehog work together to create precise sorting of cells into domains. By combining experiments from biophysics, genetics, and developmental biology, the team successfully solves the puzzle of how patterns are created in developing organisms.

Wound-healing waves

Cells utilize long-distance traveling waves in a self-organized manner to close wounds, guided by intricate interplay of cell movement, sensing, and protein activation. This coupled system enables robust communication of direction over large distances, promoting coordinated behavior for healing and growth.