Articles tagged with Animal Cells
Researchers discovered pygmy mole crickets use oar-like paddles to jump from water, exploiting water's stickiness to their advantage. The crickets' resilient protein-filled paddles fan out as they penetrate the water, allowing them to 'grab' a ball of water and propel themselves to safety.
Dartmouth researchers investigate nerve cells that establish spatial navigation, using microelectrodes to record activity in rat brains. Head direction cells and place cells work together to provide an overall sense of location and direction.
A new approach devised by EMBL scientists enables the distinction of proteins secreted by cells from those in their food, allowing measurement of secretion changes over time. This method has opened new avenues for drug and biomarker screening, as well as studying cell responses to drugs and 3D growth conditions.
Researchers have discovered a harmless mosquito virus that's closely related to some of the world's most dangerous mosquito-borne pathogens. The Eilat virus could aid in the development of new alphavirus vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic techniques, potentially offering a unique tool for studying other alphaviruses.
LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.
Researchers have developed a novel microscopy method to visualize cell structures in living fish larvae, resolving structures to 145 nm in the plane and 400 nm in-between. The technique allows for real-time observation of cell motion and development of vertebrates on the cellular level.
Researchers have discovered that aphids' insect cells recycle nitrogen to build essential amino acids, contrary to previous thought. This finding suggests potential new targets for aphid-specific insecticides and highlights the complex interactions between the aphid and its bacterial symbiont.
A team of NYU biologists uncovered a previously unknown role for female reproductive tract cells in fruit flies, which affects sperm movement and fertility. The discovery may provide insights into manipulating reproductive behavior in other insects.
Researchers have solved the debate on which bird digits exist, finding that precursor cells in pb can form a thumb despite pa cells dying off during development. The study, published in Nature, reveals new insights into embryonic development and vertebrate evolution.
Researchers found that a genetic switch in master neurons inhibits the proper functioning of protective cell stress responses, accumulating misfolded and damaged proteins. Restoring this natural ability could offer a new target for therapy, improving cellular health and quality of life.
Researchers found that microtubules, which act like 'fishing lines,' often incorrectly hook onto chromosomes, resulting in 90% of chromosomes getting connected in the wrong way. This error-prone process can lead to female infertility and miscarriages due to incorrect chromosome separation.
A study published in the European Physical Journal B demonstrates that embryo development follows hydrodynamic principles, where cells flow like a fluid, resulting in the formation of the head. This challenges previous theories suggesting chemical gradients drive cell movement, providing new insights for regenerative medicine.
Researchers discovered that plant cells use a distinct transmembrane signaling mechanism involving a small steroid molecule, unlike animal cells. This novel approach enables plants to grow and respond to external signals.
Researchers at Boston University's Computational Neurophysiology Laboratory have discovered a link between theta rhythm and the ability of animals to track their location. Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex require theta oscillations as a clock to help animals keep track of their spatial location.
Researchers discovered that slime mold cells organize into an epithelial layer with a structure and function similar to those in some animals. The layer secretes proteins, coating the fruiting body stalk with rigidity.
Researchers have created a potential method for detecting Alzheimer's disease with a simple blood test using synthetic molecules. The new technology may lead to blood tests for many important diseases if it proves successful.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a groundbreaking discovery that mechanical stress is instrumental in several key phenomena in neuronal development. The team used insect cells, including those from the desert locust, to build an in vitro nervous system and observe how neurons form a network.
US Department of Agriculture researchers have created strong yet pliable films made from a blend of gelatin from Alaskan pollock skins and polylactic acid. These films may be used in tissue-engineering labs to produce semi-synthetic tissue for bone and cartilage repair, potentially speeding up recovery times.
Researchers identify key genes that allow fruit flies to differentiate between smells, enabling the development of more effective insect repellents. By understanding how these genes are regulated, scientists can target similar genes in other insects to create substances that repel pests.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have identified three dopamine-releasing nerve cells essential for associating odors with negative experiences. By manipulating these cells using a temperature switch, they demonstrated that even without an electric shock, fruit flies can learn to avoid specific odors.
The study reveals that rodent brains contain working navigational neurons from birth, with different cell types maturing over time. This finding suggests that the sense of direction may be innate, but experience also plays a role.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that a molecular signal triggers cell shape change necessary for zebrafish lateral line development. This change in shape allows cells to migrate properly along the embryo's sides, forming a rosette structure.
A mathematical model reveals that division of labor can occur through the evolution of developmental plasticity, requiring strong genetic relatedness and fitness trade-offs. The model suggests a straightforward path for division of labor and may be applied to various complex evolutionary processes.
Researchers found that a subset of cells in flies express sex-specific genes, while others remain identical in males and females. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of sex differences in the animal kingdom and may have relevance to human biology as well.
Scientists have identified a new phenomenon called cell autonomous sex identity (CASI) that explains why some birds appear male on one side and female on the other. This discovery sheds light on the sexual development of birds and may have implications for behavior, disease susceptibility, and poultry production.
Marine biologist Helen Nilsson Sköld and her colleagues found that the number of internal pigment cells is linked to transparency levels in fish. Plaice have a high number of internal pigment cells, but are not transparent, leading to a bewildering display of colour.
Researchers discovered that H1N1 virus retained the bird version of the polymerase but had an additional mutation that allowed it to function in human cells. This new combination increased the virus's efficiency in human cells and could potentially lead to increased virulence and pathogenicity.
Researchers Konstantin Kornev of Clemson University have developed artificial probes inspired by the butterfly's proboscis to sample fluid inside cells. The probes use capillary action, similar to a paper towel, to draw up viscous liquid, overcoming pressure limitations.
Scientists develop a new method to study living cells by exploding them with laser pulses, then analyzing the vaporized contents for chemical profiles. This technique reveals crucial details about cell health and differences between diseased and healthy cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered that electric fish communicate by quickly plugging special channels into their cells to generate electrical impulses. The fish use a dimmer switch to save energy by turning their electrical signals up and down.
The HIV Nef protein inhibits cell mobility in immune cells, disrupting their ability to establish contact and combat the virus. This mechanism may lead to the malfunction of B-lymphocytes in AIDS patients.
Researchers at Michigan State University have improved zebrafish cloning methods, allowing for higher success rates and paving the way for further human health research. The new technique increases cloned fish numbers from adult fin cells or embryonic tail clips by 2-13% compared to previous methods.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new type of light-sensitive cell in the retina of fish, which challenges current knowledge about retinal function and image vision. This discovery reveals that horizontal cells, previously thought to be only responsive to neighboring nerve cells, can also sense light.
A new study reveals three distinct profiles of gene expression in the songbird brain, showing how birds remember and process new songs. Gene activity changes were observed even 24 hours after the initial stimulus, suggesting that memory formation is still ongoing.
Researchers found that birds in more unpredictable climates have more impressive singing skills, likely as a way to attract mates. The study suggests that this phenomenon may be an evolutionary adaptation for traits like language and music.
A new study on blue tits reveals that eggs fertilized by non-social partners tend to hatch earlier, with nearly 75% of extra-pair offspring produced in the first half of the clutch. This suggests that early hatching may be a key factor in the observed superiority of extra-pair offspring.
Researchers found that jackdaws, a type of bird, are sensitive to human eye orientation and use it to communicate, particularly when seeking food or interacting with potential threats. The birds' ability to interpret human gestures, such as gaze alternation and pointing, suggests a high level of cognitive awareness.
Researchers found that fly nerve cells can respond to movement in a wider field of vision due to connections with neighboring cells, allowing for more efficient processing of visual information. This challenges the traditional view of single-cell functionality and suggests a more complex network-based approach.
A study found that transplantation of stem cells from the spinal cord lining reverses paralysis in laboratory tests. The transplanted cells regenerated ten times faster than similar cells from healthy control animals.
Researchers found that honeybees reduce plant damage by 60-70% when present, even without pollination, due to the caterpillars' inability to distinguish between bees and predators. This discovery highlights the importance of indirect effects in food webs and may lead to a new biological control method for sustainable agriculture.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance contest reveals visually engaging and scientifically important cell-related content. This year's winners showcase stunning visuals of cellular processes, including Golgi ribbons and clathrin proteins, through videos and microscope stills.
Scientists have obtained the first 3D images of the Mcm10 protein, which is essential for DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. The structure reveals unique features that allow it to interact with single-stranded DNA and position other proteins on the DNA strand.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology show that new cell contacts established during learning process stay active, enabling faster learning of forgotten information. This reactivation facilitates more efficient relearning and retains ability to learn up to advanced age.
Researchers found that 90% of deceased bats showed internal hemorrhaging consistent with barotrauma, highlighting the vulnerability of these mammals to wind turbine hazards. The unique respiratory system of bats makes them more susceptible to air pressure drops, which can cause fatal injuries.
Researchers discovered a record number of tyrosine kinase genes in Monosiga brevicollis, a single-celled microbe. The microbe's signaling network is more diverse and elaborate than found in any multicellular organism.
A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.
A Northwestern University study has discovered that multicellular organisms respond to stress in an integrated manner, with two specialized neurons controlling the response of individual cells. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that cells within a multicellular organism respond individually to stress conditions.
Atrazine, a widely used weedkiller, disrupts hormonal signaling in human cells, increasing the risk of abnormal birth weight and infertility. Exposure to atrazine has also been shown to 'feminize' zebrafish, with female fish outnumbering males at concentrations comparable to those found in agricultural runoff.
Researchers have developed new designer toxins that can kill Bt-resistant insect pests, including the pink bollworm, a major cotton pest. The toxins work by modifying the way the insects' gut membranes respond to Bt toxins, rendering them ineffective.
Researchers have discovered that cilia, tiny organelles on cell surfaces, transmit instructions that shape body tissues. Defective ciliary function disrupts the balance of Wnt signaling, leading to developmental errors and childhood diseases.
Researchers have discovered that modern brain centers containing hormones show similarities to those found in marine worm-like ancestors. These hormone-secreting cells are multifunctional and have sensory properties, suggesting they played a key role in conveying environmental cues to the body.
Researchers developed a method to penetrate plant cell walls using nanotechnology, enabling simultaneous delivery of DNA and chemicals. This breakthrough enables precise control over gene expression in plants, opening up new possibilities for agricultural biotechnology.
Many dinosaurs had small genomes, with a clear dichotomy between theropod and ornithischian lineages. The researchers found that theropod genomes were smaller than expected, with an average of 8.4% repetitive DNA.
Deep-sea fishing has been linked to habitat destruction and population declines of long-lived fish species. Eliminating government fuel subsidies could render fleets economically unviable and relieve pressure on vulnerable ecosystems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a brain protein called Arc controls how brain cells learn and associate behaviors, leading to improved long-term memory. The study also sheds light on the mechanisms behind certain addictive behaviors, such as drug addiction.
Cells use a molecular signature to distinguish their own RNA from viral RNA, triggering an immune response and cell suicide. This discovery opens up new possibilities for therapy, including using triphosphate-end RNAs to trigger anti-viral responses and gene therapy.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that mature muscle fibers, rather than their less-developed neighbors, are the tissues that turn malignant in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This breakthrough provides insight into how the cancer arises and offers a new model for analyzing its genetic causes.
Researchers at EMBL track individual cells in transparent fish embryos using advanced microscope techniques to find that they migrate to the right place to form eyes. This discovery suggests that other organs might be formed by individual cell migration rather than sheets of tissue.
Researchers have devised a new way to visualize and quantify the activity of key enzyme PKA, linked to heart failure. This innovative technique combined computer modeling with fluorescence-imaging in living cells, uncovering new details in molecular control.
Researchers found that gamma-tocopherol, commonly consumed through corn and soybean oil, destroys animal cells by preventing proper protein folding. In contrast, alpha-tocopherol does not have this effect. The study suggests a possible evolutionary explanation for the body's preference for alpha-tocopherol.