Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory have identified a common mechanism underlying peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet. The discovery raises hope for the development of drug therapies to treat this condition, affecting nearly 8 million people in the US.
An international team at the MDI Biological Laboratory is studying the role of dietary restriction in extending human lifespan. Researchers are investigating how lower amounts of food or food with lower energy content affect molecular regulators of gene expression, a key player in aging.
Assistant Professor Voot Yin has identified the role of microRNA miR-101a in stimulating heart muscle cell growth and removing scar tissue. This breakthrough research holds promise for developing new drugs to regenerate damaged heart tissue and potentially treating other diseases involving muscle damage.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory have discovered two drugs that could reverse peripheral nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, with applications also for diabetes and traumatic injuries. The drugs reduce MMP-13 activity, preventing degeneration of axons and restoring touch response in zebrafish.
A new project called 'Pathway to BioTrails' will involve visitors to Acadia National Park in hands-on scientific research using DNA barcoding to monitor animal and plant species. The project aims to increase the scientific value of citizen science projects by validating tentative identifications made by citizens.
Researchers have found that elasmobranchs, including skates and sharks, lack a cluster of genes, HoxC, previously thought to be essential for proper development. This discovery challenges the assumption that all jawed vertebrates possess a full complement of nearly identical genes for critical aspects of development.
A new technique using microRNA analysis resolves an old issue in turtle evolution, placing turtles closer to lizards than crocodiles. The study identified 77 new microRNA families and found evidence of turtle-microRNA similarity with painted turtles.
The completed sea urchin genome reveals an 'extraordinarily complex innate immune system' that could provide new tools against infectious diseases. The genome also holds secrets to understanding aging and chemical threats, with potential implications for human health.
The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory has unveiled a new comparative toxicogenomics database, integrating gene sequences, chemicals, and references to provide insights into gene-chemical interactions. This resource will help predict toxicity and understand the genetic basis of differences in responses to chemical exposures amon...