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How folic acid protects the developing brain and spinal cord revealed in new study

A new study found that folic acid works with the enzyme ALDH1L1 to produce retinoic acid, a critical developmental signal for the nervous system. Folic acid's protective effect is lost when ALDH1L1 is disrupted, supporting its role in preventing neural tube defects.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026
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Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Researchers developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The approach targets multiple disease-relevant cellular pathways, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Scientists at King's College London have developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This approach targets multiple features of the disease simultaneously, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Vitamin D3 concentrations are lowered by a common vitamin D supplement

Research found that taking vitamin D2 supplements lowers the body's concentration of vitamin D3, which is essential for bone and immune health. Vitamin D3 has been shown to have modifying effects on the immune system, potentially fortifying against viral and bacterial diseases.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateSep 18, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Impact of co-exposure of bisphenol A and retinoic acid on brain development

Researchers found that co-exposure to bisphenol A and retinoic acid disrupts neurodevelopmental gene signaling, leading to brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential link between chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2025

Single protein mimics retinoic acid therapy to help leukemia cells mature

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that the FGR protein can induce cell differentiation in leukemia cells similar to retinoic acid treatment. The presence of FGR alone was enough to make these cells mature, producing well-known markers of maturation and expressing inhibitor of the cell cycle p27.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeNews article·DateMar 31, 2025

Gladstone team uncovers why maternal diabetes predisposes babies to heart defects

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified cells and molecules that go awry in the developing hearts of fetuses in women with diabetes, leading to higher levels of retinoic acid activity. The study could eventually lead to interventions to lower heart malformations risk in babies born to women with diabetes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateNov 30, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New LJI research has major implications for controlling T cell activity

Researchers discovered cytoplasmic retinoic acid receptors, such as RARalpha, are essential for T cell linking sensing at the cell surface with downstream signaling cascades and gene expression programs. The study sheds new light on TCR signaling and its connection to cancer treatment.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

Retinol disruption and the role of vitamin a metabolism in colon cancer

Researchers have highlighted the importance of stromal vitamin A pathway in regulating IL-6 expression in colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts. The study found that disrupting retinol-mediated IL-6 expression could be a potential approach to target CAFs during CRC treatment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 3, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A non-hormonal pill could soon expand men’s birth control options

Scientists have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha protein. The compound YCT529 was found to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy without observable side effects, paving the way for human clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2022

A new way to treat PTSD?

Researchers discovered a new way to treat PTSD by targeting epigenetic modifications. Combining two natural products, SAMe and vitamin A, reversed PTSD-like behaviors in animals. This approach offers hope for a non-toxic treatment that addresses the underlying genetic cause of the disease.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Cell reproduction dogma challenged

Researchers from CNRS and IGBMC demonstrate that meiosis in mice begins and proceeds normally even without retinoic acid. Meiosis is a crucial process for the transmission of unique sets of genes to offspring, resulting in novel assortments of chromosomes.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 2020

Loose RNA molecules rejuvenate skin, researchers discover

Johns Hopkins researchers found that laser treatments and retinoic acid share a common molecular pathway that senses loose RNA molecules. This pathway is also involved in mice regenerating hair follicles after a wound.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2019

Therapy could improve and prolong sight in those suffering vision loss

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a therapy that can improve and prolong sight in those suffering from vision loss by dampening noise generated by nerve cells in the eye. The treatment has shown promising results in mice with a genetic condition, retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateMar 13, 2019

In zebrafish, a way to find new cancer therapies, targeting tumor modulators

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a potential new treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma by targeting the MYB gene in zebrafish. The study found that retinoic acid derivatives effectively shut off the MYB gene, slowing tumor growth and validating its efficacy in human cells.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 21, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Bird's eye perspective

Harvard Medical School researchers studied chicken embryos to understand the formation of high-acuity spot in the retina, which enables crisp daytime vision. They found that suppression of retinoic acid plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 23, 2017

Why the flounder is flat

A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms driving the metamorphosis that transforms flounders from symmetrical larvae to asymmetrical adults. The discovery sheds new light on an evolutionary puzzle, but also has practical implications for the fishing industry, which faces significant losses in flounder aquaculture.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Retinoic acid suppresses colorectal cancer development, Stanford study finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that retinoic acid levels play a critical role in suppressing colorectal cancer. Higher levels of the metabolite were found in mice and human tissues with less severe intestinal inflammation, suggesting new ways to prevent or treat colorectal cancer.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateAug 30, 2016

A step toward a birth control pill for men

Researchers have made progress in designing a better male pill by tweaking experimental compounds that show promise. The team is refining the chemical structures to achieve a balance of solubility, specificity, and stability, aiming to design a safer and more effective alternative for men.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 13, 2016

How zebrafish rebuild the skeleton of amputated fins

Researchers have discovered how zebrafish rebuild their skeleton after losing parts of their fins. A critical enzyme called Cyp26b1 helps to regulate retinoic acid levels, allowing osteoblasts to revert and form new bone tissue. The regeneration process relies on a complex navigation system involving signaling proteins and cell types.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDevelopment·DateAug 24, 2015

Can vitamin A turn back the clock on breast cancer?

Researchers found that a vitamin A derivative, retinoic acid, can reverse the changes in pre-cancerous breast cells, making them resemble normal cells. However, this treatment has no effect on fully developed cancer cells. The study's findings suggest that there may be a narrow window of opportunity for this treatment to be effective.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalInternational Journal of Oncology·DateMar 31, 2014

Retinoic acid gradient visualized for the first time in an embryo

Researchers visualize retinoic acid distribution for the first time in a live zebrafish embryo, observing two opposing concentration gradients along the head-to-tail axis. This discovery confirms retinoic acid as a morphogen, essential for understanding tissue development and regenerative medicine.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gene 'switch' may explain DiGeorge syndrome severity

Researchers discovered a 'switch' called MOZ that modifies the Tbx1 gene, essential for normal heart development, to explain variations in DiGeorge syndrome severity. The study found that MOZ activity can be influenced by environmental factors, such as diet, particularly vitamin A, which can exacerbate birth defects.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 23, 2012

Maternal smoking disrupts retinoid pathways in the developing fetal lung

Research finds that maternal smoking disrupts retinoid pathways in the developing fetal lung, leading to increased risk of asthma and lung disease. The study shows that maternal smoking affects lung development and retinoic acid signaling in offspring, highlighting a potential mechanism for long-term health consequences.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRespiratory Research·DateMay 31, 2012

Oxidized form of a common vitamin may bring relief for ulcerative colitis

Researchers found that retinoic acid reduces inflammation in the colon by increasing FOXP3 expression and decreasing IL-17 levels, which could lead to new treatments for ulcerative colitis. This discovery helps scientists understand what causes and controls inflammation in the colon.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateOct 1, 2009

Vitamin A derivative provides clues to better breast cancer drugs

Researchers from the University of Chicago discovered a 'yin-yang' effect between estrogen and retinoic acid on gene expression in breast cancer cells. This balanced control can lead to new ways of preventing and treating breast cancer, including more precise diagnoses and novel anti-cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJun 25, 2009
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Embryology study offers clues to birth defects

A new embryology study clarifies the role of retinoic acid in limb development and finds that it controls forelimb budding but not hindlimb patterning. The research may lead to new therapeutic measures for congenital limb defects such as Holt-Oram syndrome.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 9, 2009
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Cueing up at the meiotic starting line

A study published in Science reveals that the Dazl protein plays a crucial role in initiating meiosis in response to retinoic acid signals. The researchers found that mice lacking the Dazl protein failed to express Stra8, a marker of meiotic initiation, whereas those with the protein clearly expressed Stra8 and entered meiosis.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2008

Regulation of the retinoic acid gradient in zebrafish embryos

Researchers found that zebrafish embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid within a certain range, using an enzyme called Cyp26a1 to degrade excess acid and proteins like fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) to slow down degradation when levels drop too low. This regulation helps maintain a robust gradient of retinoic acid.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 19, 2007

Study shows how embryos regulate vitamin A derivatives

A study by UC Irvine researchers has revealed how human embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, to avoid birth defects. The study found that cells regulate retinoic acid within a certain range, using enzymes and proteins to maintain optimal levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 19, 2007

Combination treatment enhances tetanus vaccination

Researchers found that a natural product of vitamin A can regulate immunity and enhance vaccine response when combined with PIC. The combination resulted in a four to seven times better immune response compared to individual treatments.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2005
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study shows how retinoic acid enters a cell's nucleus

Scientists have found that retinoic acid, a cancer-fighting vitamin A derivative, enters a cell's nucleus via protein CRABP-II by exposing positive charges on its amino acids. This discovery could lead to new treatments for various diseases, including leukemia and breast cancer.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 2, 2005

Reducing side effects of retinoic acid cancer treatment

A Cornell University biochemist has developed a strategy to make tumor cells more sensitive to retinoic acid, reducing required doses and enhancing its anticancer activity. By introducing CRABP-II, a naturally occurring protein, researchers can boost RA's ability to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateAug 13, 2002

UV Radiation Induces Vitamin A Deficiency In Skin

Researchers discovered that UV radiation blocks the ability of skin cells to recognize retinoic acid, a nutrient made from vitamin A. This triggers a cascade of biochemical changes, causing a functional vitamin A deficiency in human skin. Pretreating skin with retinoic acid before UV exposure can limit the damage.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 30, 1999

Clinical Trials Show That Bone Marrow Transplant And Vitamin A Derivative Both Improve Survival From Neuroblastoma

Researchers found that bone marrow transplant significantly improves disease-free survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Additionally, follow-up therapy with high doses of retinoic acid shows promising results, with a three-year event-free survival rate of 55% compared to 16% for those treated with consolidation chemothera...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 18, 1998
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Retinoic Acid Used In Cancer Treatment

Cornell University researchers found that retinoic acid reverses the growth-promoting effects of oncogenes, which induce cancer. The study suggests enhanced therapies for leukemia and highlights the cancer-prevention role of carotenes in a diet rich in yellow-orange vegetables.

SourceCornell University·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 13, 1998

Hormone Control Of Rare Leukemia Sheds Light On Molecular Basis Of Cancer

Researchers discovered that a genetic translocation between chromosomes is responsible for the deadly uncontrolled cell growth in APL. The hormone retinoic acid plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and overcoming this translocation, making it a promising treatment for most cases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 1998