Systems Biology
Articles tagged with Systems Biology
SLAS Technology Vol. 36 charts the next era of intelligent laboratory automation
This issue highlights advancements in drug discovery, synthetic biology, and laboratory digitalization. SLAS Technology emphasizes scientific and technical advances that enable improved biomedical research and development.
Real-time imaging of microplastics in the body improves understanding of health risks
Scientists create fluorescent nanoplastics that resemble real-world plastics in morphology, enabling real-time tracking and studying chronic exposure effects. The study reveals that smaller particles retain longer in the body, highlighting the need for further research on health risks due to microplastic ingestion.
Mathematicians tame cellular “noise” to control life at the single-cell level
Researchers create a novel mathematical framework to control biological noise, enabling precise single-cell control. The 'Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation' technology suppresses stochastic fluctuations while maintaining stable average behavior, with promising applications in cancer therapy and synthetic biology.
New software sheds light on cancer’s hidden genetic networks
Researchers developed RNACOREX, a new open-source software tool that identifies gene regulation networks in cancer. The tool analyzes thousands of molecules simultaneously to detect key interactions, providing an interpretable molecular map that improves understanding of tumors.
Refining the uncharted landscape of human transcription factors: a strategic framework for future prioritization
A study analyzed large-scale human ChIP-seq data to identify unmeasured transcription factor-tissue/cell type pairs, revealing significant gaps in current knowledge. These findings indicate that essential regulatory mechanisms may have been overlooked, emphasizing the need for strategic prioritization of measurement targets.
Scientists engineer first fully synthetic brain tissue model
Researchers have successfully engineered functional brain-like tissue without animal-derived materials, opening doors to more controlled and humane neurological drug testing. The new material functions as a scaffold for donor brain cells and can be used to model traumatic brain injuries or neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
Lehigh University team develops computational model to guide neurostimulation therapy for atrial fibrillation
The Lehigh University team created a computational model to predict the hemodynamic response of patients with AFib, helping tailor neurostimulation dosages. The model validated against clinical data and predicted accurate effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume.
Xiao receives David W. Robertson Award for Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry
Han Xiao, a pioneer in medicinal chemistry, has been awarded the David W. Robertson Award for his contributions to therapeutic discovery. His research focuses on developing chemical tools to probe and manipulate biological systems, with a focus on cancer therapy.
Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series: AI and omics unlock personalized drugs and RNA therapies for heart disease
Researchers use AI, omics, and systems biology to design targeted drugs for cardiovascular disease pathways. The tools could transform heart drug development and save lives, but global health policy leadership is urgently needed.
How dense is it inside living cells?
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the nucleus is less dense than the surrounding cytoplasm, despite its rich biomolecular composition. The researchers used light to probe density at microscales and found a consistent nuclear-to-cytoplasmic density ratio across eukaryotes.
Rice research team on quest to engineer computing systems from living cells
Researchers aim to integrate microbial sensing and communication with electronic networks, enabling computing systems constructed from living cells. The project explores the development of smart biosensors capable of identifying chemical signatures and learning through cellular memory.
Exploring coordinated tissue growth in embryos based on control theory
Researchers from Japan and USA discover midline tissues use formation control to grow harmoniously, with the notochord leading elongation and adjacent tissues migrating together through fibroblast growth factor gradients and cell adhesion. Computer simulations confirm this mechanism is essential for synchronized tissue development.
Optimizing how cells self-organize
A new computational framework has been developed to optimize cellular self-organization, allowing scientists to understand and control how cells grow and interact. The framework uses machine learning tools to extract rules that guide cell behavior, enabling the creation of artificial organs and potential treatments for cancer.
Scientists tackle single-cell data’s “reliability crisis” with new tool ‘scICE’
Scientists have developed a new tool named scICE to tackle the stability problem in single-cell RNA sequencing data. The tool provides a way to validate clustering outcomes mathematically, ensuring higher confidence in conclusions drawn from single-cell data.
Forging a novel therapeutic path for patients with Rett Syndrome using AI
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have identified vorinostat as a promising treatment for Rett Syndrome using an AI-driven drug discovery process and innovative disease modeling. The findings demonstrate disease-modifying abilities across multiple tissues, offering hope for a potentially curative treatment.
Center for Bioenergy Innovation taps Cregger, Eckert as chief science officers
Melissa Cregger and Carrie Eckert lead CBI's research on non-food feedstock crops and cost-effective biomass conversion methods. The appointments aim to boost domestic supply chains and energy security while providing job growth in rural areas.
A sweet solution for safer diagnosis and treatment
Scientists replace toxic additives in hydrogels with D-sorbitol, a safe sugar alternative found in chewing gum, to create bioelectronic devices that are soft, safe, and integrated with natural tissue. The new material has increased biocompatibility and improved electronic performance.
Using bacteria as living test tubes to study human gene mutations and find new drug leads
Researchers at UC San Diego create a simple approach to rapidly check on human gene changes by turning everyday bacteria into living test tubes. This technique, called LEICA, uses E. coli as the host bacterium and relies on its growth rate to reflect human enzyme performance.
Control the world's toughest creatures
Scientists successfully fabricated micron-scale metal patterns on living tardigrades, enabling controlled movement through magnetic fields. This breakthrough opens doors for micro/nanofabrication of living organisms and bio-inorganic hybrid systems.
The body remembers: OU researchers publish new study on Oklahoma City bombing survivors’ trauma ‘imprint’
Researchers found that cortisol levels were lower in survivors, while heart rate and blood pressure responses were altered. Interleukin 1B was significantly higher, suggesting potential long-term health problems despite healthy symptoms.
Revolutionizing protein modification: a new frontier in cancer research
A team of scientists has created a new method to selectively modify specific proteins in complex biological environments. They achieved this using aptamers and deoxyoxanosine, allowing precise conjugation of desired sites on target proteins. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment.
mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines train the ‘long-term memory’ of the immune system
Researchers found that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines cause persistent epigenetic changes in monocyte-derived macrophages, enabling a sustained immune response. These changes were preserved for six months after vaccination and required multiple doses to maintain long-term immunity.
Non-genetic theories of cancer address inconsistencies in current paradigm
Researchers argue that the current paradigm of cancer as a genetic disease is unproductive due to inconsistencies in sequencing data. Alternative paradigms considering non-genetic processes, such as disruptions in gene regulatory networks and tissue organization, are proposed to guide future experiments.
New insights into the perception of coffee taste - genetic predisposition plays a role
A new study identified a group of bitter compounds in roasted Arabica coffee that influence its taste. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, with individual variations affecting how people perceive bitterness, particularly through specific taste receptors.
Buck Institute and Phenome Health awarded up to $52M from ARPA-H
The Buck Institute and Phenome Health have been awarded up to $52M by ARPA-H to develop a groundbreaking research project that aims to predict and prevent diseases using advanced analytics and AI. The project, known as PATH, will utilize machine learning and digital wearables to create personalized recommendations for healthy aging.
Australian researchers win the ‘Nobel’ of high-performance computing
A team led by Associate Professor Giuseppe Barca has developed software capable of accurately predicting molecular behavior and setting a new benchmark in computational chemistry. This breakthrough enables scientists to simulate drug performance with accuracy rivaling physical experiments, accelerating new therapeutics design.
Healthy women have cells that resemble breast cancer, study finds
A new study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that at least 3% of normal breast tissue cells in healthy women contain chromosome abnormalities associated with invasive breast cancer, which may guide future approaches to early detection.
Correlating fruit fly and human data via machine learning and systems biology results in the identification of key metabolites that impact lifespan in both species
Researchers analyzed correlations between fruit fly and human data to identify key metabolites impacting lifespan. Threonine was found to extend lifespan in flies and show promise as a therapeutic target for aging interventions.
Full-bodied cheese flavor–prediction of flavor development soon possible thanks to new method
Researchers developed an efficient analysis method to precisely determine gamma-glutamyl dipeptide concentrations, enabling prediction of full-bodied cheese flavor development. The method uses ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and can analyze 60 cheese samples per day.
LEGO-inspired advances in life sciences drives customizable sensor technology
A research team developed an RNA-based sensor platform that can regulate gene expression in bacteria, mimicking natural biological interactions. The START platform enables tunable control over sensor response and detection of various molecules, including drugs and proteins.
Thaumatin: natural sweetener with anti-inflammatory potential
A new study reveals thaumatin, a widely used natural sweetener, produces bitter peptides that stimulate acid secretion and influence inflammatory reactions in human stomach cells. The peptides also show anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory interleukin 17A release via the TAS2R16 bitter taste receptor.
Scientists design new drug to fight malaria
A team of researchers has designed a new antimalarial drug called MED6-189, which is effective against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of human malaria parasites. The compound works by targeting the apicoplast organelle and vesicular trafficking pathways, making it a promising lead in the fight against malaria.
Revolutionizing industrial scale lactoferrin production with synthetic biological systems
Researchers developed innovative technologies to increase lactoferrin production using synthetic biological systems, overcoming limitations in separating and purifying LF from milk. The new methods have the potential to meet market demand for LF in food, pharma, and cosmetics industries.
The cell rejuvenation atlas: identifying master regulators of rejuvenation strategies
Researchers developed SINGULAR, a cell rejuvenation atlas that offers a comprehensive systems biology analysis of diverse rejuvenation strategies across multiple organs at single-cell resolution. The study identified master regulators and uncovered common targets across immune cells.
Texas A&M joins $26 million initiative to revolutionize carbon utilization
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
A new mechanism for shaping animal tissues
Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics found a new mechanism for shaping animal tissues through collective, programmed cell behaviors. This discovery could help understand how tissues form in animals and provides a new approach to studying tissue-shaping processes.
Human odorant receptor for geosmin identified for the first time
Researchers have identified the human odorant receptor for geosmin, a compound responsible for the distinct 'earthy' to 'musty' odor found in soil, plants, and certain foods. The discovery could aid in developing novel detection systems to monitor food quality and water purity.
An international effort to define intelligence, consciousness and more: efforts to create consensus definitions for diverse intelligent systems
A collaboration of scientists, ethicists, and researchers aims to create a consensus definition for diverse intelligent systems, including AI, LLMs, and biological intelligences. The proposed approach will provide a common language for recognizing, predicting, manipulating, and building cognitive systems.
Balancing instability and robustness: new mathematical framework to understand dynamics of natural systems
Researchers introduce ghost channels and cycles to understand transient behaviors in complex systems like climate processes or neuronal networks. This new approach challenges traditional concepts based on stable or unstable equilibria, potentially helping predict tipping cascades and ecosystem degradation.
Not everything that tastes bitter is potentially harmful. But why? Study provides an explanation
Researchers found that five human bitter taste receptor types react to both free amino acids and peptides, as well as bile acids. This suggests that bitter receptors play additional roles in human health beyond food selection.
Improving transformation frequency in maize
Researchers at VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology have developed a new method to improve maize transformation frequency using ternary vectors and morphogenic regulators. By combining these technologies, they achieved a 20-fold increase in transformed plants, paving the way for more effective research and innovative applications.
3D maps of diseased tissues at subcellular precision
A platform called Open-ST enables scientists to reconstruct gene expression in cells within a tissue in three dimensions, capturing molecular and (sub)cellular structures. The platform was used to study cell types at subcellular resolution in tissues from mice brains, tumor tissue, and healthy lymph nodes, providing insights into cance...
Mono-canalicular lacrimal stent intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction treatment
Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.
New research approach: Exploring the mouthfeel of food with a microscope
Researchers use atomic force microscopy to study mouthfeel and flavor perception, potentially leading to health-promoting products with optimal taste. The study's findings could also redefine the traditional definition of flavor, incorporating mechanical perception as an additional factor.
Systemic thrombolysis of acute portal venous system thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis: a pilot study
Researchers investigated the effectiveness of systemic thrombolysis for acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver cirrhosis patients. After a 7-day treatment period, 60% of patients achieved full recanalization of the portal vein, with no significant side effects.
Increasing experimental efficiency in plant genome editing
Researchers from VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology improved multiplex mutagenesis, reducing the complexity and cost of large-scale genome editing projects. The team optimized CRISPR/Cas9 vector design, achieving a 99% mutation rate with high efficiency.
Study reports ‘excellent’ outcomes for patients receiving optimized treatment for atrial fibrillation
Researchers found that 82 percent of patients had one year free from atrial fibrillation after an ablation procedure with procedural complications under 2 percent. The study used real-world clinical data from the REAL-AF registry, which showed improved outcomes compared to previous clinical trials.
Bitter makes the stomach acidic, but how?
A study by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology has uncovered a molecular link between bitter taste receptors and gastric acid release. Bitter substances stimulate parietal cells to secrete protons, leading to acidic stomach conditions. The findings hold promise for innovative treatments of gastric diseases.
An epigenome editing toolkit to dissect the mechanisms of gene regulation
Researchers have developed a modular epigenome editing platform to study the impact of chromatin modifications on transcription. The system allows for precise programming of nine biologically important chromatin marks, enabling the discovery of causal relationships between chromatin marks and gene regulation.
How the immune system learns from harmless particles
University of Bonn researchers found that harmless particles improve immune responses and enhance lung function in mice. The study used beta-glucan to stimulate the immune system, resulting in a modified response to pathogenic bacteria.
IRIS beamline at BESSY II extended with nanomicroscopy
The IRIS beamline at BESSY II has been extended with a nanoscope, enabling the imaging and spectroscopy of structures smaller than a thousandth of a human hair. This upgrade allows researchers to study biological systems, catalysts, polymers, and quantum materials with unprecedented resolution.
Imaging detects transient “hypoxic pockets” in the mouse brain
Researchers used bioluminescent oxygen indicator to track pO2 changes in mouse cortical astrocytes, finding transient hypoxic pockets that lasted several seconds to minutes and decreased with exercise. The findings suggest physical inactivity may directly affect tissue pO2 by favoring capillary occlusions.
WVU pharmacists using AI to help lower patient readmission rates
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.
Tuning a terahertz wave filter
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a tuneable terahertz wave filter that can achieve higher transmission rates and better signal quality than conventional systems. The new filter uses Fabry-Perot interferometry to control the filtering effect, enabling selective transmission of desired frequencies.
A call for standardization of controls in lifespan studies
The lack of standardized controls in lifespan studies leads to misleading outcomes and makes it difficult to compare results. Researchers propose solutions for quality control by checking inter- and intra-study consistency of lifespan data.
Studies on coffee consumption − New biomarker proposed
A new biomarker, N-methylpyridinium, has been validated for coffee consumption and is considered a reliable qualitative biomarker. The substance is specific to roasted Arabica and Robusta coffee and can be easily detected in various body fluids after coffee consumption.
Pelagic fish more impacted by human pressures and protections than benthic species
Researchers found that pelagic fish are more strongly impacted by human pressure but also benefit from marine protected areas. The study highlights the importance of increased protection in remote regions to safeguard the world's largest and most endangered pelagic fishes.
A new, comprehensive roadmap for the future of biomedical engineering
A new roadmap has been published by IEEE EMBS, outlining five primary medical challenges that need to be addressed through advanced biomedical engineering approaches. The paper, written by 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities, aims to guide future research and funding for groundbreaking innovations.
Enhanced 3D chemical imaging with phase-modulation
A new method for phase-modulated stimulated Raman scattering tomography enables rapid, label-free 3D chemical imaging of live cells and tissues. This technique improves lateral resolution and imaging depth compared to conventional methods.