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New method creates human trophoblast stem cells from late-gestation placentas

Researchers at Kumamoto University and collaborators developed a method to produce human trophoblast stem cells from late-gestation placentas, opening a new avenue for studying pregnancy complications. The resulting patient-derived models reproduce key features associated with preeclampsia, enabling the uncovering of molecular mechanis...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2026

Lab-grown retinal cells show promise for new eye therapies

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have successfully grown specialized blood vessel cells critical to retinal health from induced pluripotent stem cells. These 'retinal endothelial cells' integrated into damaged tissue to regenerate blood vessels, restore function, and form functional vascular tissue in a lab-grown environment.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2026

How our biological clock starts and keeps ticking

A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified a unique biological clock mechanism in the worm C. elegans, comprising two previously known proteins MYRF-1 and LIN-42. This feedback circuit governs the timing of gene expression pulses, crucial for proper developmental progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2026

Blocking TGF-β signaling may strengthen efficacy of osteoporosis therapy

Researchers identify TGF-β signaling pathway as key regulator of osteoblast quiescence, suggesting its inhibition can aid in reactivation of dormant osteoblasts. Combining TGF-β-blocking antibodies with anti-sclerostin treatment shows promising therapeutic potential for osteoporosis treatment.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

A CNIO group contributes to identifying which breast lesions will progress to cancer, thus helping avoid overtreatment

A study by the CNIO group has identified a genetic signature in precancerous breast lesions that can predict which ones will evolve into invasive tumours. This discovery could help avoid over-treatment of women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, a common precancerous lesion.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

Beyond cell death: The hidden drivers of stem cell aging

A recent study reveals that MLKL activation causes direct damage to mitochondria, impairing energy production and leading to functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, deletion or inhibition of MLKL significantly alleviates these defects, suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism driving HSC aging.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Closer to deciphering TOR, the molecular machinery that makes humans and yeast grow

TOR protein's molecular switch regulator, SEA complex, has been structurally solved by CNIO researcher Lucas Tafur. The study reveals that SEA doesn't regulate TOR in the way previously thought, providing new insights into understanding cancer and disease prevention.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

How did humans develop sharp vision? Lab-grown retinas show likely answer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used lab-grown retinal tissue to discover the cellular mechanisms that shape the foveola, a critical part of the eye responsible for sharp vision. The findings suggest that blue cones convert into red and green cones during early development, rather than migrating to other parts of the retina.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2026

New line of bovine embryonic stem cells shows promise for lab-grown meat, biomedical applications

A team of researchers at UConn has developed a novel line of bovine embryonic stem cells, which have significant potential for lab-grown meat and human tissue replacement. The cells can be induced into muscle and fat cells to produce meat products and also have applications in medical research and disease-resistant cattle development.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalStem Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

A new way to map how cells choose their fate

Researchers develop ddHodge, a geometry-preserving method that accurately reconstructs cell state dynamics. The technique reveals repeating processes like the cell cycle and identifies critical biological moments in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 29, 2025

Uncovering how cells build tissues and organs

Engineers from the University of Rochester's Department of Biomedical Engineering are studying how cells interact mechanically with the extracellular matrix to build tissues and organs. The study aims to shed light on developmental diseases, such as cancer and failed wound healing, which involve distorted principles during development.

New research shows a tiny, regenerative worm could change our understanding of healing

New research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals planarian stem cells ignore their nearest neighbors and respond to signals further away in the body. This discovery may help explain the flatworm's extraordinary ability to regenerate and offer clues for developing new ways to replace or repair tissues in humans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Seeing with fresh eyes: Snails as a system for studying sight restoration

Researchers have established apple snails as a system to study eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. The team discovered that the snail eye is anatomically similar to humans and can regrow itself, with genes such as pax6 playing a crucial role in development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

Deep learning accelerates research on early pregnancies

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have created a deep learning tool called deepBlastoid to study human embryo development in artificial laboratory conditions. The tool can evaluate images of blastoids equally well as expert scientists but 1000 times faster than traditional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLife Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

“Biological emulsions”: What salad dressing can teach us about the internal organization of cells

Researchers unveil detailed construction plan of nucleolus, a ribosome factory inside cells, and demonstrate ability to engineer synthetic nucleoli with altered properties. This discovery has important implications for controlling ribosome production, which is critical in preventing diseases such as cancer and ribosomopathies.

A Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals that metal-organic frameworks may be toxic

A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

Cellular scaffolding secrets unlocked: Scientists discover key to microtubule growth

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Dundee have discovered how microtubules decide whether to grow or shorten, a fundamental mechanism governing cellular processes. This breakthrough sheds new light on cell division and opens potential avenues for cancer treatment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025

Plant cell sculptors

The study discovered that closely related SCAR proteins have distinct functions in plant cells, with specific regions impacting protein stability. This knowledge could improve understanding of plant-microbe interactions and develop strategies for improved plant growth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Quantum-inspired cameras capture the start of life

Researchers at the University of Adelaide used quantum-sensitive cameras to image embryos, capturing biological processes in their natural state. The sensitive detection of photons allows for gentle illumination and minimizes damage from light, enabling researchers to study live cells and developing specimens.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAPL Photonics·DateMar 13, 2025

Uncovering the protein complex critical to male fertility

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein complex crucial for male fertility, revealing the TEX38/ZDHHC19 interaction regulates sperm development and structure. The study found that disrupting this complex can cause sperm deformity and infertility, providing insight into the causes of male infertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

AI in cell research: Moscot reveals cell dynamics in unprecedented detail

A groundbreaking AI tool called Moscot maps single cells in spatial tissues, enabling the observation of millions of cells simultaneously. This allows researchers to analyze complex cellular processes within entire living organs and organisms, providing new insights into diseases like diabetes.

The longevity factor Foxo3 mediates “unfit” cell elimination to ensure healthy body construction

Researchers from Osaka University found that Foxo3 mediates erroneous cell elimination during vertebrate development, ensuring precise development and cancer prevention. The study identified a specific pathway involving Foxo3, N-cadherin, and reactive oxygen species to eliminate unfit cells with abnormal Shh activity levels.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024

Researchers characterize mechanism for regulating orderly zygotic genome activation in early embryos

In Drosophila embryos, the pioneer transcription factors Zelda and GAF regulate timely gene expression. Researchers identified HIRA's interaction with dPCIF1 to control premature activation of GAF, ensuring orderly genome activation. This mechanism provides new insights into zygotic gene activation regulation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2024

Keeping close watch on stem cells

Researchers at Osaka University have created an innovative device called INSPCTOR that enables real-time remote monitoring of cell growth in incubators. This technology allows for effective quality control and precise measurement of cellular transformation, which is crucial for advancements in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 30, 2024

Stowers scientists uncover a critical component that helps killifish regenerate their fins

A recent study published in iScience found that the length of time cells spend engaged in the repair process is also key to regulating regeneration in African killifish. The researchers discovered that skin cells launch a genetic program that primes the whole animal to prepare for a repair response, guiding repair cells to get to work.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024