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Beware of microbial traffic jams

A team of researchers found that rapidly proliferating yeast cells can exert forces of up to 150 psi, equivalent to nearly five times atmospheric pressure. This jamming phenomenon may contribute to microbial pathogenesis and biofouling, with potential consequences for environmental systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 13, 2016

Controlling 'bad cholesterol' production could prevent growth of tumors, study finds

Researchers found that cancer cells can regulate the body's lipid metabolism to increase production of lipids. Minimizing liver production of LDL can deprive tumors of their constant supply and reduce growth. The study aims to test existing medications for hypercholesterolemia on patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Outsourcing crystal growth...to space

Japanese researchers grew protein crystals in space using interferometry to measure growth rate and dissolution properties. The results showed an increased growth rate despite expected suppression of solution convection, which may be due to suppressed transport speed of impurity molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 15, 2016

How an artificial protein rescues dying cells

Researchers at Princeton University discovered how a synthetic protein called SynSerB promotes cell growth in serine-depleted E. coli cells. By inducing overexpression of a protein called HisB, SynSerB enables the production of essential amino acid serine, allowing cells to survive.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2016

Cancer in 3-D

A new microscope enables the visualization of cancer cells in 3D, revealing that these cells form small protrusions called blebs in a more realistic tumor environment. This discovery is a first step toward understanding 3D biology in tumor microenvironments and may help explain skin cancer cell invasiveness and drug resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 22, 2016

Mitochondria shown to trigger cell aging

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that eliminating mitochondria from aging cells can rejuvenate them, highlighting the critical role of mitochondria in cellular aging. The study's findings shed light on how mitochondrial biogenesis drives cellular aging and pave the way for targeted therapies to counteract this process.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 4, 2016

Aryeh Warmflash wins NSF CAREER Award

Aryeh Warmflash, a Rice University professor, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the mechanisms of embryonic cell differentiation. He aims to develop theoretical models to predict patterns of cell development and engineer embryonic-like systems.

Molecular motor grows cell's microtubules

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that a molecular motor can stimulate the growth of microtubules in cells, which could lead to new treatments for cancer. The study found that kinesin-5 molecules pause at the end of microtubules and generate pushing forces, allowing them to grow the microtubes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

Are the blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome?

Researchers have found that snakes share similar genetic patterns with mammals and birds in their limbs and genitalia, suggesting a common ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic elements may play a crucial role in phallus development and genital shape variation among species.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 1, 2015

Real-time analysis of metabolic products

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a method to analyze hundreds of metabolites simultaneously in real-time, allowing for rapid analysis of cellular responses to external stimuli. This breakthrough enables the study of complex biological processes and has potential applications in developing new pharmaceutical agents.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 30, 2015

Attacking acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered a molecule that can halt the growth of cancerous AML cells without harming healthy cells. The molecule, cortistatin A, works by inhibiting two specific kinases that play a key role in the growth of AML cells.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2015

Bioengineers identify the key genes and functions for sustaining microbial life

Researchers define the core set of genes and functions that a bacterial cell needs to sustain life, providing a foundation for new cell engineering approaches. The study identifies 356 essential genes across various microorganisms, enabling the rapid construction of genome-scale cellular growth models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

Hippo dances with hormones

Scientists found that abnormal growth in fruit fly tumors depends on ecdysone, a steroid hormone similar to estrogen. This discovery may have implications for studying cancer stem cells and proliferative mechanisms in human cancers.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 2, 2015

Eavesdropping on the body: New device tracks chemical signals within cells

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new device that can track chemical signals within cells, allowing for faster and more accurate detection of cancerous growth. The device uses digital microfluidics to deliver rapid sequences of chemicals, enabling scientists to study cell responses in unprecedented detail.

Discovering a new force driving cell contraction during development and organogenesis

Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation have identified a new mechanism that generates forces to drive cell movements during development, replacing previous theories of shape changes. This discovery contributes to understanding organ development and maintenance by highlighting the role of volume changes and programmed cell death.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 9, 2015