Researchers discovered that maternal age effects are driven by an epigenetic mechanism, specifically histone modifications, which can turn gene expression on or off. This mechanism can rapidly reverse effects, implying that maternal age effects are not caused by gradual accumulation of cellular damage.
Researchers have discovered that young sea stars' hollow tube develops into their later organs, similar to human embryonic development. By comparing the development of hydro-vascular organs across different species, scientists hope to better understand how organs form and maintain their shape.
Researchers have found that bat sea star ovaries and human ovaries share similar genetics, cell types, and signaling processes, despite their ancient evolutionary split. The study reveals a network of interconnected neurons in the ovary that may play a role in regulating egg development and ovulation.
A new study maps the microbial community in the mouth, revealing distinct habitats and species that work together to maintain oral health. The findings suggest that targeted therapies, such as probiotics, can be developed to manipulate the microbiome and prevent disease.
A four-decade long study found that even 'stable' carbon in forest soils can break down as temperatures rise, releasing more CO2. Microbial communities play a critical role in soil ecosystems and their changes can speed the loss of carbon from soils.
Alexandra Z. Worden, a leading expert in ocean biogeochemistry, has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to deepen understanding of microbial responses to photosynthetic algae sinking to the seafloor, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and impacting dark ocean communities.
A new study shows that two different cell populations can give rise to the same repeating structures in adult fish, challenging traditional explanations for serial homology. This discovery proposes a developmental perspective on serial homology, suggesting that cells from different germ layers can be equivalent and interchangeable.
A recent study reveals how one frog species evolved its own distinct genetic system for determining sex. In the frog species Xenopus laevis, a gene called dm-w prompts female development, while without its influence, frogs become male. The evolution of this gene arose recently in these frogs and differs from humans and other vertebrates.
Researchers at MBL propose a model for how properties of individual molecules emerge to form liquid droplets called condensates. By combining imaging and computer simulations, they reveal the importance of linker DNA in determining condensate structure.
Researchers found that filamentous cyanobacteria regulate their metabolism during the day and genome repair at night, revealing a new circadian rhythm in these microorganisms. Their study also uncovered diversity-generating retroelements and mobile genetic elements active throughout the day-night cycle.
A team of scientists has imaged bacterial symbionts inside the ovaries of tiny crustaceans, discovering that these bacteria manipulate host reproduction and are transmitted from mothers to offspring. This finding provides a unique model for studying endosymbiosis in an aquatic arthropod.
Researchers cataloged octopus arm movements in six different locations, revealing diverse behaviors such as foraging and locomotion. The study provides insights into the complex motions of octopus arms, which are guided by sensory organs and can perform a variety of tasks, including manipulating objects.
Mark Terasaki's $25 million unrestricted gift will provide $5 million annually to support core operations and infrastructure at the Marine Biological Laboratory. The donation is critical in maintaining federal funding for basic biological research, enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory found that activating specific neurons in the axolotl brain is essential for tail regeneration. The study suggests a comparable group of neurons may impact regenerative responses in mammals.
The Arctic Great Rivers Observatory, a multinational project founded at the Marine Biological Laboratory, has been recognized as a National Champion by the Frontiers Planet Prize for its publication on recent trends in the chemistry of major northern rivers. This recognition highlights the value of sustained international collaboration...
The Marine Biological Laboratory has awarded fellowships to twelve science and health journalists, providing them with immersive research training in biomedical and environmental sciences. The fellows will conduct hands-on research, collect and analyze data, and present their findings at a mini-symposium.
A study from the Marine Biological Laboratory proposes that physical forces, such as fluid dynamics, played a key role in the evolution of multicellular life. The researchers found that cooperative feeding among Stentor cells increased the flow rate of water into their mouths, allowing them to capture more prey. However, the benefits o...
A study using a unique moored platform in the Sargasso Sea found that hurricanes can transport sediments from shallow-water reefs to the deep ocean, affecting the environment for weeks. The study demonstrated how much of an impact hurricanes can have on the deep environment, with significant effects lasting for near decades.
A new hybrid microscope allows scientists to image the full 3D orientation and position of an ensemble of molecules, such as labeled proteins inside cells. This can reveal the real biology hidden from just a position change of a molecule alone.
Researchers discovered symbiotic bacteria accompanying single-celled protists in the ocean's upper layer. The bacteria, including close relatives of pathogenic species like Coxiella and Rickettsia, may aid or harm their protist hosts, depending on context.
A global study on microbiomes in subsurface environments reveals astonishingly high microbial diversity, rivaling that at the surface. The study, led by Emil Ruff, also compares marine and terrestrial microbiomes, finding great differences in composition but similar levels of diversity.
Researchers propose a new model for understanding how information is transmitted in the brain by describing a unique axon morphology that changes size and modulates action potential speed
Researchers used two specialized microscopes to measure the forces that keep the nucleus centered within a living cell, providing new clues about cellular cytoplasm and organelle motion. The study found that the force required to move the nucleus in C. elegans was approximately 1/6th less than that measured in sea urchin eggs.
A new method called VitelloTag has been developed at the Marine Biological Laboratory, allowing researchers to deliver miniature research tools into egg cells and embryos. The approach uses a yolk protein found in most animals to bind to the receptor on the egg cell surface, enabling efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9.
Researchers discovered Corynebacterium matruchotii's unique cell division mechanism, enabling dense networks within dental plaque biofilms. This process allows the bacteria to explore their environment and form beneficial interactions.
Researchers found that rotifers acquire genes from bacteria and produce resistance weapons, such as antibiotics and antimicrobial agents. The team's findings suggest that rotifers could give important clues in the hunt for new antibiotics to treat human infections.
The Marine Biological Laboratory has introduced two new microscopes for biological and biomedical research, providing a valuable resource for scientists and students. The instruments enable correlative imaging, allowing researchers to confirm results in different ways, and are expected to influence further development of advanced imagi...
Researchers have established Holothuria tubulosa as a new experimental model organism for studying evolutionary development in echinoderms. The study has developed a protocol to efficiently produce embryonic cultures of the sea cucumber, allowing for the use of genetic manipulations to dissect development.
The Logan Science Journalism Program offers hands-on research training in biomedical and environmental sciences, enabling fellows to present their findings at a mini-symposium. Fellows come from prominent news organizations, including The New York Times and CNN.
A collaborative research project, 'Ecosystem on the Edge,' aims to understand how coastal marsh plants and microbes interact in a constantly pulsating environment. The four-year study at Plum Island Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research site will investigate controls and impacts of iron and sulfur cycling.
Researchers at MBL have found a genetic arrangement that confers antibiotic resistance to the bacterium Bacteroides fragilis, which may help it protect itself from tetracycline. The study highlights the role of transposons in horizontal gene transfer and potential mechanisms for controlling gene expression.
A study at Marine Biological Laboratory found that bacteria form complex structures called 'pink berries' to protect against viruses. These structures have a genetic mechanism that introduces new variation into their genomes, allowing them to adapt and survive.
Researchers studied shark and skate skin mucus to understand its unique biochemistry. They found a thin, neutral mucus layer with properties similar to human mucus, suggesting potential biomedical applications for wound care and treatment.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequenced datasets of microbes collected from salt marsh sites to study the relationship between cordgrasses and sulfur-cycling microbes. They found diverse microbial communities with varying combinations of genes for sulfate reduction and sulfur oxidation, allowing them to thrive in salt marsh sediments.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has been awarded $4.3 million by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to expand its imaging capabilities. The grant will support the procurement of two state-of-the-art microscopes that can perform advanced imaging techniques, including 2D and 3D reconstruction from electron and light microscopy.
Researchers have pinpointed the crucial changes in a membrane protein that allow Antarctic octopuses to function normally in freezing temperatures. By swapping specific amino acids, scientists discovered three key modifications that together enable the pump to work efficiently, allowing the octopus's nervous system to adapt and thrive.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have devised a method to precisely alter rotifer genomes using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling the study of fundamental biology and evolution. The new approach will allow scientists to investigate various aspects of biology, including aging, DNA repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function.
Researchers successfully engineered an albino strain of the hummingbird bobtail squid, offering clear optical access for visualizing its nervous system. This breakthrough presents Euprymna berryi as a viable candidate for a model cephalopod, enabling scientists to study complex animal behavior and unlock secrets of biology.
A team of scientists has discovered ancient groundwaters harbor diverse microbial communities producing large amounts of 'dark oxygen'. This process enables microbes to survive and potentially consume methane, a greenhouse gas. The study's findings challenge prior assumptions about microbial life in subsurface ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that octopuses and cephalopods use RNA editing to rapidly respond to environmental temperature changes. By tweaking their protein function, these animals can acclimate to cold water, but not rapid changes. The study reveals a unique mechanism of genetic adaptation in these species.
Scientists have defined a basic toolkit for forming tubular organs in animals, which is thought to be the foundation of organ development in vertebrates. The study uses the sea star as a model organism and reveals that cells can proliferate and migrate simultaneously during tube formation.
The MBL's 36th year Logan Science Journalism Program provides immersive research training for twelve fellows from prominent news organizations. They will participate in Biomedical and Environmental Hands-On Research Courses, exploring cutting-edge technologies and scientific innovations.
A new study reveals that lampreys use body-sensing feedback to regain swimming abilities after spinal injury, challenging the conventional view of neural regeneration. Mathematical models suggest that this technique could be applied to humans with spinal injuries or diseases affecting movement.
A 50-year study on Great Sippewissett Marsh found that more than 90% of the world's salt marshes will be underwater by 2100 due to sea-level rise. Despite attempts to adapt, low-lying wetlands are unlikely to migrate landward, and human development may exacerbate the problem.
A new framework developed by a multidisciplinary team provides guidance to local and regional planners to anticipate and prepare for the impacts of climate change on critical civic resources. The C-FEWS framework evaluates options and makes decisions related to specific local conditions, focusing on the nexus of food, energy, and water.
A recent study found that most Antarctic species' chemical compounds can repel amphipod predators but are ineffective against hermit crabs, which could decimate local populations. This highlights the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to invasive species and underscores the importance of long-term research on the seafloor.
A new protocol for live imaging of adult C. elegans has been developed, extending imaging time to over two hours while avoiding heat stress in the specimen. This breakthrough allows for high-resolution imaging of cell dynamics and developmental processes.
A team of scientists has created the first detailed map of embryonic movements in C. elegans, showing a slow-wave twitch phase before hatching that depends on neuronal activity. The study used innovative imaging techniques and computational tools to track the embryo's movements, revealing new insights into neurodevelopment.
Scientists have developed a new model incorporating the day/night cycle into a global ocean biogeochemistry model to investigate its effects on phytoplankton. The study found that diel light cycles significantly impact phytoplankton competition, particularly at lower latitudes.
Researchers propose that arthropod shells evolved from a common ancestral structure, contrary to the prevailing gene co-option theory. This discovery suggests that many 'novel' structures in arthropods are actually homologous and share a single origin dating back to the Cambrian period.