Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Living foams

A team of researchers has developed a computational framework that captures cell interactions and their impact on embryonic tissue dynamics. They found that dynamic forces and tension fluctuations are responsible for the fluid state of tissues during development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 12, 2021

Cells rely on their crampons to avoid slipping

Scientists from UNIGE discovered that paxillin helps cells perceive their environment and dock at the right place using cellular crampons. Without functional paxillin, cells can't attach properly and slip continuously.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 29, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Robust cell junctions are critical for maintaining stem cell function

The research team identified vinculin as critical for maintaining the quiescent properties of hair follicle stem cells. Vinculin's loss leads to weak cell-cell junctions and dysregulated YAP1 pathway, causing increased cell proliferation and loss of quiescence.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 26, 2021

Adhesion, contractility enable metastatic cells to go against the grain

Researchers discovered that metastatic cancer cells use adhesion and contractility to move away from stiffer tissue, defying the typical durotaxis process. By modulating cell contractility, they can change their ability to migrate in response to environmental stiffness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New microscopy analysis allows discovery of central adhesion complex

Researchers developed a new method to visualize and quantify molecular processes in cells, revealing a ternary adhesion complex essential for cell attachment. The study provides insights into how individual proteins assemble and co-organize to form functional units.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2021

Protein tells developing cells to stick together

Researchers at Tohoku University found that a protein called Toll-1 plays a key role in regulating cell adhesion and sorting during fruit fly development. This process helps maintain the boundaries between different cell populations and ensures proper tissue formation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 24, 2020

New mechanism of force transduction in muscle cells discovered

The study reveals that metavinculin modulates mechanical force transduction on the molecular level, potentially resisting high peak forces observed in muscle tissues. Mice lacking metavinculin did not exhibit cardiomyopathy, suggesting a more complex pathophysiological role for the protein.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

New insights into facial birth defects are revealed by Mount Sinai researchers

The study, published in Genes and Development, reveals the role of signaling pathways in regulating cell behavior, including proliferation, death, and migration. The research team identified new signaling outputs that function independently of established FGF signal transduction pathways, particularly in cell adhesion.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 11, 2020

Staying in touch!

Researchers identified key enzyme PPM1F that regulates integrins' detachment from ECM, allowing cells to move in protein meshwork. The discovery sheds light on how cells balance attachment to versus detachment from extracellular matrix.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Sticking together

Researchers find that cell adhesion proteins and a gradient of signaling molecule Sonic Hedgehog work together to create precise sorting of cells into domains. By combining experiments from biophysics, genetics, and developmental biology, the team successfully solves the puzzle of how patterns are created in developing organisms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

How cells build organisms

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key control mechanism that allows cells to self-organize in early embryonic development. By studying the expression of unique combinations of adhesion molecules, the team found that these 'adhesion codes' determine which cells prefer to stay connected and how strongly they do so.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

Multisample technique to analyze cell adhesion

Researchers at KAUST developed a new fluorescent multiplex cell rolling assay (FMCR) to analyze cell adhesion, speeding up the process and enabling analysis of multiple cell types. The technique has applications in studying cellular processes in inflammation or cancer cell metastasis.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2020

How the brain recognizes change

Researchers discovered that presynaptic PTPσ trans-synaptically regulates postsynaptic NMDA receptor responses, enabling novelty recognition in mice. Mice lacking PTPσ showed impaired social novelty recognition and failed to recognize new objects, stranger mice, and rules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·DateApr 21, 2020
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.

Teamwork in a cell

A team of researchers has systematically characterized 145 regulatory proteins that control the cytoskeleton's dynamic remodeling process. This comprehensive database reveals a new perspective on how these proteins work together to coordinate processes such as cell division, differentiation, embryonic development, and wound healing.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 23, 2020

LD Motif Finder locates ancient hidden protein patterns

A machine learning tool has identified 12 new human proteins carrying functional leucine-aspartic acid (LD) motifs, which play a significant role in cell adhesion and morphogenesis. The researchers also found that LD motif signaling evolved over 800 million years ago, possibly by co-opting ancestral interaction sequences.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBioinformatics·DateJan 6, 2020

Researchers unlock the biomechanics of how the Ebola virus attaches to its host cell

Researchers have developed a simple model to understand the biomechanics of Ebola virus-host cell adhesion, which is essential for guiding the development of therapies. The model characterizes the interaction between the virus and cell surface receptors, providing new information on the road to developing an effective Ebola treatment.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Velcro for human cells

Scientists have developed a novel optogenetic system that allows for precise control of integrin-mediated adhesion in human cells using light. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy and regenerative medicine by enabling targeted manipulation of cell-matrix interactions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 15, 2019

How skin cells protect themselves against stress

Cell biologists at University of Münster create mini-measuring device to analyze molecular forces in desmosomes. They find that desmosomes only experience stress when cells are pulled, and the degree of stress depends on force magnitude and orientation.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Mycoplasma genitalium's cell adhesion mechanism revealed

Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which Mycoplasma genitalium adheres to human cells, a crucial step in bacterial infection and disease development. The study reveals the three-dimensional structure of the P110 adhesin protein interacting with sialic acids on human cell surfaces.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers have discovered a new cell structure

A new type of protein complex has been discovered in human cells, which attaches to its surroundings and plays a key role in cell division. This discovery challenges current knowledge of cell division and may provide answers to an unanswered question about how cells remain attached to the matrix during division.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 22, 2018

Mice need a clutch to smell

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that shootin 1b is essential for neuron migration to the olfactory bulb, which affects brain development and adaptation. The study reveals how shootin 1b mediates a mechanical clutch to generate force for neuronal movement.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2018

How sickled red blood cells stick to blood vessels

Researchers found that immature reticulocytes are more prone to stick to blood vessel walls, leading to vaso-occlusive pain crises. A new microfluidic system mimicked post-capillary vessels, revealing how low oxygen levels cause sickle red cells to form stiff fibers that increase adhesion.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Like a zipper -- how cells form new blood vessels

Researchers at the University of Basel have found that endothelial cells can migrate within vessel sprouts while remaining firmly attached to each other. This process allows for the formation of a complex network of blood vessels that pass through the body from head to toe.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2018

Lehigh University researchers to study Ebola method of host cell invasion

Lehigh University researchers aim to block specific virus entry while preserving normal cellular processes, which is a principal difficulty in designing therapies against viruses. The Ebola virus infects healthy cells by disguising itself as debris, prompting the need for accurate understanding of virus uptake processes.

SourceLehigh University·DateJul 16, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Novel microscopy technique developed to analyze cellular focal adhesion dynamics

Researchers developed a novel microscopy technique to analyze cellular focal adhesions, providing real-time information on dynamic processes. This breakthrough enables better understanding of cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, which can aid cancer treatment and tissue engineering applications.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·DateJun 1, 2018

Rooting out Ebola's biomechanical enabler

Researchers at Lehigh University aim to elucidate the biomechanical mechanism of Ebola-host cell interaction using computational molecular adhesion mechanics and single-molecule force spectroscopy. Their goal is to provide new pharmacological targets for antiviral drug development.

SourceLehigh University·DateFeb 20, 2018

Cells 'walk' on liquids a bit like geckos

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that cells can 'walk' on liquids using protein nanosheets with strong mechanical properties. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new cell technologies for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 14, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

'Persistent photoconductivity' offers new tool for bioelectronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method for manipulating cells using light, creating an effective tool for bioelectronics. Persistent photoconductivity allows the material to become more conductive when exposed to light, increasing surface charge and directing cells to adhere.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSmall·DateMay 3, 2017
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 'stickiness' could indicate metastatic potential

Researchers discovered that weakly adherent cancer cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues compared to strongly adherent cells. This finding suggests that adhesion strength may serve as a general marker of metastatic cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Illuminating the contacts

Researchers used super-resolution imaging to map the organization of cadherin-based adhesions in cells. The study revealed a multi-layered structure with compartments separated by an interface layer containing vinculin, which plays a key role in fine-tuning mechanical properties.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 15, 2017

Letting go -- how dying cells detach from their neighbors

Dying cells must be detached from their neighbors to avoid causing further damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The study reveals a carefully choreographed sequence of molecular events that revolve around an interplay between cell adhesions and protein-based contractile cables.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 1, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Novel label-free microscopy enables dynamic, high-resolution imaging of cell interactions

Researchers have developed a novel live-cell imaging method that allows for dynamic, high-resolution visualization of cell interactions. The Photonic Crystal Enhanced Microscope (PCEM) can quantify and measure cell adhesion, a critical process involved in cell migration, differentiation, division, and death.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProgress in Quantum Electronics·DateDec 7, 2016

Researchers create living bio-hybrid system

A multidisciplinary team created a living bio-hybrid system that connects neurons in the brain to human-made electronic devices. The research used Raman spectroscopy to analyze biocompatibility and functionality of adhering cells, paving the way for seamless interfacing between machines and nervous systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateNov 15, 2016

A special bond: New receptors discovered for Helicobacter pylori

Researchers have identified a highly specific adhesion between Helicobacter pylori and human cells, which could be used diagnostically and therapeutically. This new approach aims to prevent the bacterium's attachment to stomach cells, potentially suppressing its damaging effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 18, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Clay nanotube-biopolymer composite scaffolds for tissue engineering

Researchers developed clay nanotube-biopolymer composite scaffolds that improve mechanical strength, water uptake, and thermal properties. The scaffolds demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility and encouraged cell adhesion, proliferation, and neo-vascularization in vitro and in vivo.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 29, 2016

ROBO1 helps cells put up stiff resistance

The ROBO1 signaling pathway enhances cellular contractility and adhesion in response to stiff environments, allowing cells to retain shape and position. This upregulation of ROBO1 may prevent cell invasion and delay tumor progression.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 14, 2016

Towards the prevention of cardiac failure in the chronic phase

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a therapeutic method using periostin1-specific neutralizing antibodies to inhibit the onset of cardiac failure in the chronic phase, improving patients' quality of life and reducing medical costs. The study's findings suggest that periostin1 is the primary cause of cardiac failure after AMI.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJan 24, 2016

Adhesion ABC

Cells form early adhesions from integrin clusters, a consistent size of 100 nanometres, even on soft or hard surfaces. These modular units enable cells to sense and migrate on surfaces with different rigidity, a hallmark of metastasis.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 5, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Seeing the action

Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel device that enables real-time observation of the forces involved in cell membrane hemifusion. By combining the Surface Forces Apparatus and fluorescence microscopy, they were able to visualize the rearrangement of lipid domains during this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2015

Desmoplakin's tail gets the message

Phosphorylation and methylation of desmoplakin regulate its interaction with the cytoskeleton, affecting cell-to-cell connections. The study reveals a regulatory mechanism that contributes to skin and heart diseases.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 2, 2015

Defining adhesion clusters

E-cadherin molecules form small clusters of about five molecules, which then recruit more molecules and organize into the adherens junction. The actin cytoskeleton fences these clusters, preventing them from merging to form a belt.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 18, 2015

Mapping the interactome

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have comprehensively described the network of proteins involved in cell-cell adhesions. The study reveals 561 proteins associated with E-cadherin, including adaptor proteins and those involved in cellular transport and protein synthesis.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 3, 2014
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.

Vascular simulation research reveals new mechanism that switches in disease

Researchers have made an unexpected discovery about endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis, revealing a continuum of migratory states regulated by differential cell-cell adhesions. This new mechanism may contribute to disease progression, including cancer, where blood vessel formation is critical for tumor growth.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 7, 2014

How developing sperm stick to the right path

Researchers found that developing sperm cells lacking p73 detached prematurely and died, while Sertoli cells lost their characteristic morphology. The study demonstrates the critical role of p73 in regulating cell adhesions for male fertility.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 24, 2014
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.

Precise docking sites for cells

A new method allows researchers to design and create three-dimensional structures with precise cell docking sites, enabling the study of individual cells in a close-to-reality environment. The technique uses direct laser writing and photoactive molecules to control the adhesion points for cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 11, 2013