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Study suggests new way of preventing diabetes-associated blindness

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland have discovered a new way to treat diabetic retinopathy by blocking two growth proteins, VEGF and angiopoietin-like 4. This could prevent many cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is the most common cause of vision loss in working-age adults in the US.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fragments of tRNA suggest a novel mechanism for cancer progression

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that short stretches of genetic material called tRNA fragments can reduce the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. These fragments bind to a key player in the life cycle of cancer cells, known as an oncogene, reducing its ability to promote cell division and metastasis.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2015

Dead feeder cells support stem cell growth

A new study successfully grew stem cells with dead feeder cells, challenging the theory that feeder cells provide nutrients. The discovery suggests that stem cells may only like the topology of feeder cells, enabling a simpler approach to growth using nanomanufacturing techniques.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateApr 24, 2015
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.

MIPT researchers grow cardiac tissue on 'spider silk' substrate

Researchers at MIPT have successfully grown fully functional cardiac tissues from cardiomyocytes using a genetically modified spider silk substrate. The study, published in PLOS ONE, demonstrates the potential for regenerative medicine to overcome transplant rejection by finding suitable substrates for cell growth.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 2015
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.

New target for anticancer drugs: RNA

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified a new target for cancer drugs in messenger RNA molecules, which carry unique tags that can be targeted to regulate translation. These tagged mRNAs play a key role in controlling cell growth and differentiation, making them potential targets for new anticancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2015

Regeneration in a hostile environment

Researchers found that cancer drug epothilone reduces scar tissue and stimulates growth in damaged nerve cells, promoting neuronal regeneration. The study suggests a potential new treatment for spinal cord injuries.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2015

Sizing up cells: Study finds possible regulator of growth

Researchers at Princeton University may have found a key to understanding how cells assemble and grow to the right size. The nucleolus, a part of the cell responsible for making ribosomes, is shown to play a crucial role in regulating cell growth through phase transitions.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2015

Artificial blood vessels

Researchers at Shanghai University developed a tri-layered artificial blood vessel composed of separate materials for mechanical strength and new cell growth. The composite allowed rapid proliferation and integration of rat fibroblast cells, overcoming limitations of existing vascular grafts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 3, 2015

How cells communicate

The study of zebrafish at the European Zebrafish Resource Center has shown that signaling molecules are transmitted in bundles via long filopodia, influencing signaling properties and tissue development. This precise control enables cells to develop their special structure and function.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2015
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.

Moving origami techniques forward for self-folding 3-D structures

A team at UMass Amherst has developed an approach to make reversibly self-folding origami structures on small length scales. They use ultraviolet photolithographic patterning of photo-crosslinkable polymers to create complex structures that can be folded and redeployed.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 8, 2015

Researchers uncover key cancer-promoting gene

A recent study by researchers at Michigan Medicine has uncovered a key gene involved in regulating TGF-beta receptor, explaining the paradox of cancer-promoting proteins. The identified gene, Bub1, was shown to bind to the TGF-beta receptor and promote aggressive cell growth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 6, 2015

Study sheds light on what causes cells to divide

A novel study has provided an answer to the long-standing question of how cells control their size and maintain stable distributions. Researchers found that cells follow a simple quantitative principle, adding constant size irrespective of birth size, to ensure stability of size distributions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 24, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Why cancer cells grow despite a lack of oxygen

Researchers discover PHD3 controls EGFR uptake, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor proliferation. PHD3 loss is crucial for human malignant brain tumour growth under hypoxia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2014

Fruit flies reveal features of human intestinal cancer

Fruit fly research reveals that a transcription factor called Mirror regulates tumour-like growth in the intestines. A similar system may be at work in humans, suggesting a potential role for Irx transcription factors in cancer progression. This study could lead to new treatments using the fruit fly model.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateOct 8, 2014
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.

Live and let-7: MicroRNA plays surprising role in cell survival

Researchers at UC San Diego identified microRNA let-7 as a key player in managing cell survival and growth. The molecule controls autophagy through the amino acid sensing pathway, which has emerged as the most potent activator of mTORC1 complex activity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 7, 2014

UTHealth researchers gain insights into severe form of dwarfism

Researchers at UTHealth discovered a potential treatment window for pseudoachondroplasia by creating genetically engineered mice with the human COMP gene mutation. They found that administering certain medications at age 2 could reduce damage to chondrocyte cells in the growth plate, offering new hope for this disorder.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 3, 2014

New method for reducing tumorigenicity in induced pluripotent stem-cell based therapies

Mayo Clinic researchers discover a strategy to significantly reduce the risk of tumor development using pretreatment with genotoxic etoposide. This approach establishes an adjunctive therapy to harness the clinical value of iPSC-derived cardiac regeneration, providing a promising breakthrough for heart disease treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 23, 2014
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.

Finding the Achilles' Heel of ovarian tumor growth

Researchers have discovered a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) that plays a crucial role in ovarian cancer cell growth. A network of signals generated by osteopontin and FAK controls spheroid growth, making it a potential target for new therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateJun 19, 2014

How does a tree know it's time to grow again?

Researchers from Michigan Technological University have discovered a gene, 'Early Bud-Break 1,' that enables trees to start growing again after winter. The EBB1 gene helps awaken plant cells responsible for growth, allowing trees to grow at the right time, avoiding damage from late spring frosts and climate extremes.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Regenerating our kidneys

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Stanford University discovered the multi-layered nature of kidney growth using a rainbow mouse model. The WNT signal was found to be responsible for renal cellular growth, allowing for potential therapeutic applications in human kidney regeneration.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2014
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.

'Shocking' Stanford video reveals the surprising truth about cell wall growth

Researchers used microfluidic devices to trap bacterial cells and bathe them in different solutions, revealing that cell walls grow regardless of external pressures. The study's findings challenge the prevailing wisdom on osmotic shock, which may lead to new strategies for fighting bacterial diseases.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Cell resiliency surprises scientists

Researchers at Michigan State University found that cells can grow normally without a crucial component needed to duplicate their DNA. This discovery suggests that cells are more flexible in managing their DNA than previously thought.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2014

EMBO Gold Medal 2014 awarded to Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin received the 2014 EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on cellular polarity, which has renewed interest in mechanisms of cell size regulation. Her work revealed a potential mechanism by which microtubules direct actin cytoskeleton-driven cell growth.

SourceEMBO·DateApr 23, 2014
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.

New type of cell communication regulates blood vessel formation and tumor growth

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a new type of cell communication that suppresses blood vessel formation and delays tumour growth. Fluctuating levels of the molecule NRP1 can inhibit VEGF signals, leading to delayed tumour growth and potentially complete inhibition if trans communication occurs early in tumour development.

SourceUppsala University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 20, 2014

Shape-sifting: NIST categorizes bio scaffolds by characteristic cell shapes

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to measure and classify the shapes cells take in different environments. By analyzing these shapes, they can compare and differentiate various scaffolds used in tissue engineering, enabling more effective cell growth and development into viable tissues.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

Wisconsin researchers identify key pathway for plant cell growth

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a hormone and receptor that control cell expansion in plants. This finding reveals the molecular mechanisms behind plant growth, which is crucial for developing new technologies to manipulate crops for food, fuel, fiber, and medicines.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Evidence of harmful effect of bisphenol A-based plastics

Researchers have found that bisphenol A impairs the function of vital proteins in cells, suggesting a potential health risk. The study also discovered alternative compounds with promising applications in cancer treatment.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 10, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Negative feedback makes cells 'sensitive'

Cells lacking negative feedback loops become insensitive to growth stimuli, similar to cancerous cells. Researchers used automated imaging and mathematical analysis to show that mutant cells cannot detect growth factor levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2014

Brittle-bone babies helped by fetal stem cell grafts

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully treated two babies in utero with mesenchymal stem cells, a type of connective tissue cell that can form and improve bone tissue. The treatment was administered to babies born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare congenital bone disease causing stunted growth and repeated fractures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateDec 16, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Keeping growth in check

Researchers found that loss of RPL5 or RPL11 prevents cell cycle arrest but impairs proliferation due to reduced ribosome content and translation capacity. This discovery highlights a new mechanism for controlling cell growth, relying on the essential role of these ribosomal proteins in biogenesis.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

UCLA research may help scientists understand what causes pregnancy complications

Researchers at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have identified a specific type of cell and related cell communication pathway crucial for healthy placenta growth. The findings may help clarify the causes of fetal growth restriction and other pregnancy complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 26, 2013

Plant cell architecture: Growth toward a light source

Researchers discovered how plant cells orient microtubule arrays to bend towards a light source through the action of protein katanin. This process enables plants to grow in response to environmental cues, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms of cell architecture and growth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2013

Human skin wound dressings to treat cutaneous ulcers

Researchers at Université Laval have developed biomaterial-free biological wound dressings made from human skin grown in vitro. These dressings successfully treated venous ulcers in patients who had been chronically suffering from such wounds, with an average healing time of seven weeks.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalAdvances in Skin & Wound Care·DateOct 2, 2013
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.

'Jekyll-and-Hyde' protein offers a new route to cancer drugs

A new study led by Oxford University researchers explains the dual natures of the 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' protein E2F, which can boost tumour cell growth and suppress it. The discovery provides a potent target for developing new cancer drugs, with compounds blocking E2F's change into 'Mr Hyde' resulting in cancer cell death

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 26, 2013

Proteins that deliver leucine to prostate cancer cells are therapeutic targets

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proteins delivering leucine to prostate cancer cells are therapeutic targets. Inhibition of these proteins inhibits nutrient signaling pathways and over 100 metastasis-related genes, leading to cell cycle inhibition and reduced tumor growth.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 19, 2013

Recent highlights in Molecular Biology and Evolution

Researchers developed a high-throughput assay to track cell growth at low nutrient concentrations, revealing metabolic differences among cells of the same strain in the same environment. The study also found significant genetic variation in Sherpa populations' mitochondrial genomes, suggesting an adaptation for low oxygen environments.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 17, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists learn how soy foods protect against colon cancer

University of Illinois scientists have found that lifelong exposure to genistein, a bioactive component in soy foods, protects against colon cancer. The study suggests that a diet rich in soy genistein represses signals through epigenetic modifications, reducing the number of pre-cancerous lesions and abnormal cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateAug 5, 2013

Hippo pathway to better cancer treatment?

Researchers at UBC have discovered that methylation of a protein called Yap is critical for the function of the Hippo pathway. Loss of the Set7 enzyme resulted in cell growth and larger organs, suggesting potential for drugs to activate this pathway to stop cancer cell growth.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 11, 2013

Critical pathway in cell cycle may lead to cancer development

A team of scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has identified a critical pathway in cell cycle control that, when disrupted, leads to cancer cell proliferation. Shortened telomeres, which occur with cellular aging, activate a DNA damage response that arrests cell growth.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 11, 2013
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.

Cells in the early embryo battle each other to death for becoming part of the organism

In early mammalian development, embryonic cells undergo a battle for survival between days 3 and 7. Cells with higher levels of Myc protein eliminate those with lower levels through an optimization mechanism. This study reveals that this process does not waste cellular resources but instead benefits the embryo.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2013

Cholesterol sets off chaotic blood vessel growth

Researchers at UC San Diego identified apoA-I binding protein as a key player in regulating blood vessel growth by removing excess cholesterol from endothelial cells. This process inhibits angiogenesis and can help prevent tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013

Scientists discover how rapamycin slows cell growth

Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered how rapamycin prevents cells from dividing, potentially slowing cancer progression and other diseases of abnormal growth. The study reveals that TOR sends a signal to shut down B cyclin production through an intermediary protein.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell·DateMay 23, 2013

'Traffic' in our cells works both for and against us

A recent study reveals that a protein in our cells, responsible for transporting vital substances, also enables bacterial cells to develop resistance to antibiotics. This mechanism is linked to the development of antibiotic resistance and cancer drug resistance, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The science of spring flowers -- how petals get their shape

Researchers found a hidden polarity map within growing buds that directs cell growth, resulting in the unique shapes of rose petals and leaves. The system provides flexibility for organs to adapt to their environment and develop different functions.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2013

How petals get their shape

Researchers discovered that Arabidopsis petals contain a hidden map that orients growth towards the edge, producing rounded shapes. This finding explains how different shapes are generated in plants and provides insights into evolutionary adaptability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2013