A recent study discovered that knocking out a key gene, ASTN2, in mice results in changes to cerebellar structure and behavior. The knockout mice exhibited reduced socialization and communication, increased hyperactivity and repetitive behavior, similar to hallmark traits of autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that sensory neurons secrete a neuropeptide driving cancer growth and spread through a previously unknown neuro-cancer crosstalk. An FDA-approved drug may prevent metastasis in breast cancer instances. The study suggests targeting this pathway to stop breast cancer progression.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that clonal raider ants preserve genetic diversity through a unique method of asexual reproduction. The study reveals that daughter ants inherit two distinct versions of their genome, largely preserving the genetic diversity present in their mother's genome, which enables the species' survival.
A new study presents GeneMAP, a platform that maps metabolic gene functions more precisely, identifying key gene-metabolite associations at the heart of mitochondrial metabolism. The tool has already pinpointed one promising association with SLC25A48 and its role in transporting the essential metabolite choline.
A team of researchers captured the first-ever view of the E. coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) opening the transcription bubble using cryo-electron microscopy analysis. The study reveals a sequence of events showing how RNAP interacts with DNA strands as they separate, at unprecedented levels of detail.
A team of scientists captured a clear picture of the structural changes and intermediates that form during the initial stages of RNA polymerase binding to DNA. The findings provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of transcription and shed light on long-standing questions about the initiation mechanism.
A new microscope developed by Rockefeller University's Alipasha Vaziri and team captures broad swaths of brain activity with unprecedented resolution. The lightweight microscope, weighing only a US penny, images the mouse brain across a 3.6 x 3.6 mm field of view with 4 μm lateral resolution.
Researchers have discovered that a rare liver cancer called fibrolamellar carcinoma is not caused by the fusion of two genes, but by the overexpression of a protein called protein kinase A. This finding has potential to reveal pathways for broad range of cancers and offer new treatment possibilities.
A new study published in Cell demonstrates that CST is recruited to the end of the telomere and regulated by subtle chemical changes made to POT1, a protein in the shelterin complex. This finding provides new insight into human telomeres function at the molecular level, with implications for numerous diseases and disorders.
A new study reveals that working memory representations transform from unstable to solid in the brain's ability to hold and process information. Through repetitive practice, neural pathways solidify, making performance more accurate and automatic.
A new study reveals that AlphaFold's predictions can be as accurate as experimental structures, enabling the acceleration of drug discovery projects. The algorithm's potential for advancing medicine is vast, with the possibility of significantly expediting project timelines by up to a few years.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects about 296 million people and kills 1 million annually. Researchers from Rockefeller University have revealed mechanisms that may lead to new treatments by targeting the pol protein's unique properties, including a 'tethering' mechanism that allows it to bind to specific RNAs.
Researchers have identified a suite of genes that activate abnormal growth of sensory neurons in tissues cushioning affected joints, leading to pain without inflammation. The findings may lead to new treatments for patients who do not respond to anti-inflammatory drugs.
A new platform called TurboID has been developed to identify regulatory mechanisms driving dendritic translation, a process crucial for memory formation. The study reveals the role of micropeptides in protein synthesis and their potential link to intellectual disabilities like Fragile X syndrome.
A stem cell model system called blastoid has allowed scientists to study the nuances of human gastrulation in vitro, providing unprecedented clarity into early human development. The team observed key moments in gastrulation, including epiblast symmetry-breaking and emergence of molecular markers for primitive streak and mesoderm.
A new study on nematode mating behaviors offers insights into the genetic mechanisms of attraction. Hermaphroditic nematodes, which can self-fertilize, only mate when their sperm supply runs dry, suggesting a strategic approach to maximize gene passage.
Rockefeller University researchers have discovered a new way to target the oncogene behind a rare and often deadly liver disease using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The approach involves delivering siRNAs inside fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) cells through a surface receptor, blocking the oncogene from producing illnes...
Researchers have developed a powerful platform to design molecules targeting helicases involved in COVID and certain cancers. The new approach uses electrophilic small molecules to scout out weak points in the enzyme, providing chemical starting points for developing drugs.
A new study reveals that retinoic acid, the biologically active form of Vitamin A, is essential for stem cells to exit lineage plasticity and differentiate into hair or epidermal cells. The findings shed light on skin and hair disorders, as well as a potential path toward preventing tumor growth.
A new platform called uLIPSTIC enables the tracking of physical cell-to-cell interactions, allowing researchers to directly observe the elusive cellular interactome. This innovation uses a universal approach to label and quantify cell membrane interactions, opening up new avenues for understanding tissue formation and immune response.
A new study using advanced microscopy technology has recorded the activity of one million neurons in mice, revealing hidden patterns of brain activity that were previously unknown. The research challenges long-held assumptions about brain dynamics and suggests that much of the brain's complexity is irrelevant background noise.
Scientists have discovered two new end-replication problems in DNA replication, affecting both the leading and lagging strands. This revelation changes our understanding of telomere biology and may hold clinical implications for individuals with telomere disorders, such as Coats plus syndrome.
Researchers discovered that ATR kinase inhibits telomerase, preventing it from adding excessive telomeres to damaged DNA. This finding has implications for optimizing CRISPR techniques and studying cancer.
Researchers found a genetic disorder linked to the absence of a chemical receptor called CCR2, which is essential for alveolar macrophages to properly function. This leads to half the normal count of pulmonary alveolar macrophages, resulting in tissue injury and increased susceptibility to mycobacterial infections.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a neural process in fruit flies that coordinates direction and goal orientation. A circuit involving neurons signaling compass and goal directions works together to guide the animal's navigation. The study provides insight into how brains enable navigation.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that bacteria sense phages via the CBASS system, which detects viral RNA to initiate an immune response. This finding may help counter antibiotic resistance. The discovery sheds light on how core immune functions are shared across distantly related domains of life.
Researchers identify protein SLC25A39 as a double-functioned nutrient sensor and transporter for mitochondria, regulating glutathione levels to prevent oxidative stress. The discovery sheds light on the critical role of glutathione in maintaining mitochondrial function.
A new blood test has been developed to detect common deadly cancers, such as ovarian and gastroesophageal cancers, earlier with ultra-sensitive technology. The test can pick up the presence of a protein produced by cancer cells in a tiny amount of blood in less than two hours.
A community-developed set of guidelines aims to improve image publication standards, enhancing reproducibility in scientific research. The guidelines cover formatting, color handling, and annotation, providing a framework for scientists to follow.
Researchers develop TrackerSci to track newborn brain cells' growth and maturity. The study reveals radical shifts in cell types depending on age, with neurons and glial cells declining in elderly brains.
A new study published in Science finds that advanced vocal learners in songbirds are also superior problem solvers, with a strong correlation between the two abilities. Starlings, blue jays, and catbirds were ranked as top vocal learners, with larger brains relative to their body size found in more complex species.
Scientists have identified the mechanisms behind how SOX9, a pioneer factor, reprograms adult epidermal stem cells to form cancerous tissues. By activating SOX9, researchers can induce basal cell carcinoma-like structures and study the underlying epigenetic processes.
Scientists at Rockefeller University identified distinct RNA changes in the brains of deceased patients with Parkinson's disease, which were also found in their living counterparts' blood. These changes are associated with various clinical symptoms, such as dementia and levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the assembly of ribosomes, the essential nanomachines that translate genetic information into proteins. A new study has provided high-resolution images of the large ribosomal subunit, revealing key steps in its formation and maturation. The findings bring researchers clos...
A new study in Nature reveals that fruit flies use a rise-to-threshold calcium signal to guide their decision-making process, similar to humans weighing options. Flies that spent more time exploring made more accurate decisions, mirroring the finding that humans tend to make better choices when given more time.
Researchers developed transgenic ants with fluorescent neurons that flashed green in response to odorants, allowing them to study the ant olfactory system. Contrary to previous findings, they discovered that only a few specific areas of the olfactory system responded to alarm pheromones, suggesting a more localized processing mechanism.
Researchers have developed a technology to grow genetically identical mini lungs on microchips, enabling high-throughput analysis of lung tissue infections and identification of candidate therapeutics. The platform can track thousands of lung buds at once, revolutionizing the study of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
Scientists have assembled a pangenome of genomic sequences from 47 people worldwide, revealing nearly 120 million DNA base pairs previously unseen. This breakthrough collection represents significantly more accurate human genetic diversity than ever captured before.
Researchers investigate the γ-TuRC complex, a key player in microtubule formation and stabilization. The study reveals that γ-TuRC can cap microtubules independently of nucleation, contributing to their formation outside of centrosomes during mitosis.
Researchers have identified FLVCR1 as a plasma membrane choline transporter in mammals, which could lead to treatments for diseases such as posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa and neurodegeneration. The discovery was made using an integrative genetic analysis approach that linked specific metabolites to transport proteins.
Researchers identified an ancient mechanism for wound repair, triggered by low oxygen levels and IL24 protein. This pathway coordinates tissue repair without the need for infection, and may be involved in other organs featuring epithelial layers.
Research published in Science Translational Medicine found that gum disease may trigger an immune response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Breaches in damaged gums allow oral bacteria to seep into the bloodstream, activating an immune response that targets the body's own proteins and causes flare-ups.
Researchers have developed an approach to studying HBV in the lab, allowing for a sharper view of its behaviors and characteristics during its life cycle. This breakthrough could lead to improved drug treatments and potentially even a cure for hepatitis B.
A new study identifies the anterior thalamus as a key brain region linking short-term to long-term memory. The thalamus plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, stabilizing memories from the hippocampus into long-term storage in the cortex.
A new study describes an optimized method for isolating and identifying nanobodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, which could lead to the development of effective therapies. The approach uses a yeast display method, reducing costs and time required for screening nanobody libraries.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have found queen-like mutants among social parasite ants, which can infiltrate and take over host colonies. These unique ants exhibit intermediate traits between worker and queen behavior, allowing them to thrive in the colony while avoiding dangers associated with leaving their nest.
A study published in Science reveals that three faulty genes fail to regulate the immune system's response to SARS-CoV-2, leading to inflammatory overload and multisystem inflammation syndrome in children (MIS-C). The findings provide a mechanistic explanation for Kawasaki disease-like symptoms in these patients.
Researchers found that arginine levels are limited in human cancers, prompting cancer cells to manipulate proteins to take up the amino acid. Starving cancer cells of arginine may lead to mutations that make them more recognizable to the immune system.
A new study provides evidence on when OAS occurs and how it impacts seasonal vaccines and booster shots. The findings suggest that boosting against a new strain can be effective if the new strain is sufficiently different from the previous one.
A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.