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Colon cancer growth reduced by exercise

Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that exercise may play a role in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells. After high-intensity interval training (HIIT), growth was reduced and inflammation increased, indicating a potential anti-cancer effect. This study highlights the importance of regular physical activity...

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 27, 2019

New mechanism of bone growth discovered

A study published in Nature reveals that bone growth in mice follows the same principles as cell production in blood and other tissues. The discovery suggests that bone growth may be more dynamic than previously thought, with cells generated from a stem-cell like progenitor cell.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

Stem cell growth accelerated by tropoelastin protein

A new method of growing stem cells has been discovered using the tropoelastin protein, which could lead to significant cost savings in treatment options. This breakthrough discovery, published in PNAS, uses a cost-effective approach to encourage the growth and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Why haven't cancer cells undergone genetic meltdowns?

Researchers studied HeLa cells and found that cancer cells accumulate harmful mutations, but about 13% of cells remain mutation-free. This allows them to survive despite reducing their growth rate and chromosome numbers. The study suggests that high rates of deleterious mutations are necessary for the population to die out.

How trees and turnips grow fatter

International research teams identify key regulatory networks controlling radial growth in plants, enabling the development of more efficient carbon sinks and increased vegetable crop yields. The study reveals complex mechanisms behind plant stem cell activity and vascular tissue formation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2019

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers discovered that LMI1 protein limits cell growth, preventing large cells from developing into other tissue types, resulting in smaller leaves despite early cell growth. The study also found that LMI1 regulates pea leaf morphology by producing thread-like tendrils at the tip of the leaf and large stipules at the base.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2018

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have discovered a protein called LMI1 that regulates leaf growth and shape. The study found that LMI1 limits cell division, preventing cells from developing into other types and reducing the size of organs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 26, 2018

Honey, I shrunk the cell culture

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a near-infrared laser that can change the size and shape of a block of gel-like material while human or bacterial cells grow on it. This tool holds promise for biomedical researchers seeking to shed light on how to grow replacement tissues and organs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 2018

Sculpting bacteria into extreme shapes reveals the rugged nature of cell division

Researchers at OIST modified bacterial cells to form elaborate shapes, including stars, triangles, and pentagons, demonstrating the adaptability of bacterial cell division machinery. These findings suggest that geometry is not an obstacle to ring formation and have implications for developing new antibiotics.

Higher levels of the hormone prolactin in women are associated with protection against type 2 diabetes

A large prospective cohort study found that higher levels of prolactin in women are associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with the highest 25% of prolactin levels were 27% less likely to develop T2D than those in the lowest 25%. The association was similar regardless of menopausal status and other risk factors.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateOct 11, 2018

A new connection between glucose and lipid regulation in cancer metabolism

A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine identified an enzyme that helps cancer cells make the building materials they need to quickly proliferate. Inhibiting this enzyme could slow down cancer growth, leading to more effective treatments.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 7, 2018

Why plants are so sensitive to gravity: The lowdown

Researchers discovered that plant statoliths exhibit fluid behavior due to molecular 'motors' stirring them about, enabling the detection of slightest gravity changes. This finding provides insight into what makes plants sensitive to gravity.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

From one, many

Researchers have developed a system to profile every cell in developing zebrafish and frog embryos, revealing the comprehensive landscape of gene expression events that mark new cell states and types. This work provides a significant resource for studying developmental biology and disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

Who am I? How cells find their identity

A team of scientists led by Alex Schier has developed a new method to trace the entire history of individual cell differentiation. They discovered that cells can leave their initial path and change their identity, leading to a more flexible developmental program than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

Some e-cigarette ingredients are more toxic than others

A new study found that e-liquid ingredients can vary widely in toxicity, with some being more toxic than nicotine alone and propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. The researchers developed a system to rapidly evaluate e-liquid toxicity using plastic plates with tiny wells containing human cells exposed to different e-liquids.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2018

Joint supplement speeds melanoma cell growth

A dietary supplement commonly used to strengthen joints can also speed the growth of a type of melanoma, according to preclinical research. Chondroitin sulfate boosts growth in melanoma cells carrying the V600E mutation, but not other types, and may pose risks for people with elevated melanoma risk.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 15, 2018

More realistic and accurate organs-on-chips

Researchers created a new type of microfluidic device using collagen-based membranes to mimic the growth of human intestinal cells. The results showed that colon cells grown on the collagen membrane were more viable and differentiated compared to those in other devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMar 7, 2018