Researchers discovered that the cuttlefish has a simple microbiome containing only two families of bacteria: Vibrionaceae and Piscirickettsiaceae. The most dense community of microbes was found in the esophagus, contradicting previous assumptions about where microbe populations would thrive.
The study reveals seven distinct patterns of muscle activity and demonstrates that individual muscle cells can participate in multiple patterns with different kinetics. This coordination of many cells working together enables the creation of complex behaviors not present in single cells.
A team led by Ethan Garner describes the opposing and balanced enzymatic actions that keep B. subtilis from bulging wide while it builds up its inner cell wall and elongates.
The Logan Science Journalism Program allows established science and health journalists to participate in hands-on research training at the MBL. Fellows conduct biomedical or environmental research, discovering key concepts and techniques in cell biology, genomics, and ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers found that offspring from older mothers are more responsive to dietary interventions known to increase lifespan. However, caloric restriction did not improve overall fitness in these offspring.
Scientists have discovered a new mobile DNA element in the mosquito parasite Wolbachia, which may contribute to improved control strategies for mosquito-borne illnesses. The novel plasmid is widespread across natural Wolbachia populations and has potential implications for controlling disease transmission.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has received a $17 million award from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to fund a new imaging scientist. This funding will support the development of new imaging technologies and drive biological discoveries.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) have identified key genes that promote spinal cord regeneration in axolotls. By activating these genes, scientists were able to force human cells to undergo regeneration, highlighting similarities between species.
Researchers from Northeastern University and the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that squid chromatophores use both pigmentary and structural coloration to create dynamic effects. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for biologists and chemists to better understand cephalopod biology and develop wearable devices or coat...
Scientists discover lampreys can fully regenerate their spinal cord even after two complete injuries, a phenomenon with potential implications for human spinal cord injury treatment. The study reveals that central nervous system regeneration in lampreys is resilient and robust after multiple injuries.
A new study found that the median lifespan increase of Brachionus rotifers varied greatly among genetically distinct strains when exposed to low temperature. The findings indicate that temperature affects lifespan depending on an individual's genes, challenging the long-held free-radical theory of aging.
Researchers found that the gene sequence for serotonin uptake is nearly identical in human and octopus genomes, suggesting serotonin regulates social behavior in both species. The study used MDMA to enhance prosocial behaviors in octopuses, mirroring its effects on humans.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have identified a key molecule driving chemoattraction between sperm and egg cells in marine invertebrates. This molecule allows sodium ions to flow into the sperm cell, transporting protons out of the cell and increasing the pH, enabling the Ca2+ pulses needed for fertilization.
A large-scale study reveals an abundant and widely distributed suite of non-photosynthetic bacterial populations responsible for fixing nitrogen in the surface ocean. The research, published in Nature Microbiology, provides the first genomic evidence of non-photosynthetic bacteria with nitrogen fixation capabilities.
A team of researchers has found that RNA molecules recognize specific 3D shapes to condense into the same droplet. This mechanism is essential for forming RNA-protein condensates that may serve as 'crucibles' for enhancing biological reactions. The discovery provides insight into the formation of liquid droplets in cells and their pote...
Researchers found that plants in northern Alaska's tussock tundra took up nitrate at comparable rates to vegetation in nitrate-rich ecosystems. This discovery has important implications for predicting which arctic plant species will dominate as the climate warms, and how much carbon tundra ecosystems can store.
Scientists discovered a motor nerve dedicated to papillary and skin tension control in the stellate ganglion, allowing papillae to hold shape for over an hour. The study also found similarities between the neural circuit controlling papillae and squid skin iridescence.
A study by MBL researchers found that genes aiding lamprey spinal cord healing are also active in mammalian peripheral nervous systems. The findings support the idea of harnessing these genes for improved spinal cord injury treatments.
A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the orientation of integrins on cell surfaces in real-time, revealing that actin flow inside the cell aligns with external forces. The study provides new insights into how cells migrate towards wounds or pathogens, shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular movement.
Researchers have found that the scales of sharks and skates share a common origin with teeth, and that ancient fishes had multiple layers of armor. Meanwhile, studies on backbone formation reveal a shared evolutionary history between jawed vertebrates, including humans.
Scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory developed a technique using mirrored cover slips to improve the speed and efficiency of light-sheet microscopy. The method doubles the speed of the microscope and markedly improves its efficiency, useful for imaging fast-moving biological processes.
Researchers at Cornell University create synthetic 'camouflaging skin' that can change texture and pattern like an octopus, enabling dynamic camouflage. The breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as temperature manipulation and biomedical devices.
Researchers use imaging technology to study a simplified human gut microbiome, finding a mixed community where each cell is next to cells of different species. The host appears to mix and prevent large clusters of single-bacteria species from forming.
A 26-year study has revealed a cyclical response between soil warming and carbon release, suggesting a self-reinforcing feedback loop that could exacerbate global warming. The study found that warmed soils experienced periods of abundant carbon release, alternating with periods of no detectable loss in soil carbon stores.
A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the density of heterochromatin, a tightly packed form of chromatin found in human cells. The study reveals that heterochromatin DNA is not fully inactive, but rather has physical properties that can be described in live cells.
Rotifers have been found to use Terminons, giant DNA sequences, to shield their chromosomes from degradation, which is linked to aging. This finding may help researchers better understand the mechanisms of aging.
Researchers captured dramatic footage of wild cuttlefish fighting over a mate, showcasing their unique posturing, skin displays, and aggressive behavior. The analysis suggests that this behavior follows the mutual assessment model of game theory, indicating a high level of cognitive ability.
A new study suggests that cephalopods, such as octopus and squid, have evolved prolific RNA editing to enable complex behaviors. This mechanism comes at the cost of reduced genomic DNA evolution, with a trade-off between the two processes observed in these animals.
A new MBL study has shed light on the origin of vertebrate gills, indicating they evolved around 600 million years ago. The research corrects a long-held misunderstanding that gills developed separately and independently in two vertebrate lineages.
Researchers have created a novel method called RESA to identify mRNA-regulatory sequences in embryos, providing insights into the maternal-to-zygote transition and gene regulation. This breakthrough has broad applications for studying genetics and biology across various species.
A study found that soil respiration rates increase with temperature up to 25°C, but decrease above this threshold. The Arctic and deserts are most responsive to climate warming due to higher carbon storage in soils.
The new microscope tracks individual molecules' position and orientation in living cells, shedding light on cellular functions and forces. It detects nanoscale alignment of molecules required for cell movement and division.
Scientists have developed a multi-view microscope that captures higher-resolution images of live cells and tissues without increasing radiation exposure. The new system uses computation to fuse images and achieve double the volumetric resolution of traditional methods.
Scientists have discovered that cells can perceive their own shapes, specifically curvature of the cell membrane, through a protein-based mechanism. This ability allows cells to organize themselves in response to changes in their environment.
A new study by J. Andrew Gillis at the MBL Whitman Center found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used to pattern gill arch appendages and human limbs.
A team of scientists at the MBL Whitman Center successfully recreated a T-cell receptor signaling pathway, revealing novel insights into protein signaling and its role in the immune response. The study found that protein molecules separate into structures through phase separation, leading to efficient signal transduction.
A team led by Julie Huber has discovered an active microbial community in cold oceanic crust at North Pond, an isolated sediment pond on the western flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The microbial community is oxygenated and heterogeneous, with distinct differences from that found in ocean bottom seawater.
Researchers found distinct bacterial assemblages with radially arranged bacteria in dental plaque, providing insights into their behavior and function. The study proposes a model for how dental plaque develops based on imaging observations and sequencing data.
A colonial jellyfish-like species, Nanomia bijuga, coordinates multiple jets for whole-group locomotion through an elegant division of labor among young and old members. The colony can rapidly alter course and reverse its direction of swimming due to the long lever arm of the young members.
Researchers have discovered a crucial role for Cav3.1 calcium channels in healthy sleep patterns, which helps regulate slow-wave sleep and overall brain activity. The absence of this channel leads to abnormal brain function, including difficulties with falling asleep and staying asleep.
Scientists at MBL and Brown University have developed a system to measure plant photosynthesis over large areas by analyzing spectral signals from satellite sensors. The system uses solar-induced fluorescence in leaves, allowing for the detection of photosynthesis on a canopy scale.
The common squid has 60% of its RNA transcripts edited, creating vast protein diversity and potential role in brain physiology
Scientists observe blue crabs, commercially important species, in the Gulf of Maine, north of their native Cape Cod. Warming ocean temperatures allow them to move further north, expanding their range.
Researchers from Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee used sewage samples to compare human gut bacteria with high accuracy, revealing a core set of bacteria linked to obesity levels in cities. The approach provides a non-intrusive way to monitor public health without compromising individual privacy.
A recent study reveals that sea slugs can absorb genes from the algae they eat, enabling them to photosynthesize and survive for months on sunlight. This natural process has implications for gene therapy and rapid evolution in multicellular species.
Scientists discovered that bacterial biofilms are associated with colon cancer, particularly in the ascending colon. A novel imaging technique revealed diverse microbial communities in these biofilms, suggesting a possible link between bacteria and tumor development.
Climate change may be causing fiddler crabs to move further north in the US East Coast, with one scientist discovering a crab nearly 50 miles north of its usual range. This warming trend could lead to changes in ecosystems as new species are introduced.
Researchers have developed a novel probe that reports on the electrical activity of cells using tarantula toxin, allowing for the observation of voltage-activated ion channels in live cells. This breakthrough has the potential to help scientists understand the function of specific ion channels and identify drug targets for neurological...
A new method using mRNA sequences has revolutionized the study of proteins in the African clawed frog, allowing for cost-effective proteomics experiments. The technique enables researchers to identify and estimate protein abundance with high accuracy, opening up new avenues for research in developmental biology and medicine.
A new computational method has uncovered closely related, previously indistinguishable bacteria living in different parts of the human mouth. The study provides high taxonomic resolution of bacterial communities, revealing distinct bacteria in saliva, tongue, gums, plaque, and tonsils with unique properties.