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How cells use mechanical tension sensors to interact with their environment

Researchers discovered that actin filaments serve as tiny stretchy tension sensors in cells, transmitting mechanical signals to other proteins. The findings have significant implications for understanding how cells mechanically control movement, including cardiac cell contraction and motile cell migration.

Watch how cells squeeze through channels

Researchers observed cells moving through small channels to understand cell migration in 3D environments. The findings suggest that cancer cells may penetrate tissues and be blocked within small capillaries, potentially allowing them to metastasize.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human white blood cells use molecular paddles to swim

Researchers have discovered that human white blood cells use a new mechanism called molecular paddling to swim and migrate through fluids without changing shape. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of cell migration, which could impact our understanding of immune responses and cancer research.

'Off-road' mode enables mobile cells to move freely

Researchers at IST Austria found that actin flows from front to tail, driving cell movement, and can couple with environment without integrins, enabling flexible crawling through tissues. This 'off-road' mode of locomotion allows cells to migrate efficiently in various environments.

Federal grant bolsters Rice eye research

Peter Lwigale has been awarded a four-year, $1.5 million NIH R01 grant to investigate the function of Npnt, a protein abundant in the cornea's extracellular matrix. The study aims to inform therapies for malformed eyes and injuries.

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.

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.

Taking a break helps drosophila germline cells reach their destination

Scientists from Japan's University of Tsukuba discovered a regulatory pathway governing the first quiescence period in Drosophila germline cells. This break is crucial for pole cell migration and gamete development. The study confirmed that the two rest periods are essential for Drosophila germline development.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Controlling the messenger with blue light

Researchers developed an optogenetic method called mRNA-LARIAT to control mRNA position and translation in living cells. The technique uses blue light to trap specific mRNAs, reducing protein synthesis and cell motility.

Discovery sheds new light on how cells move

Researchers have discovered that the force each cell applies to the surface beneath it primarily controls its shape and motion in a collective cell migration. This finding provides new insights into how cells rearrange and migrate as a group, which could lead to the development of new treatments to speed up wound healing.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A heart-healthy protein from bran of cereal crop

A protein found in the bran of foxtail millet has been shown to reduce plaque buildup and inflammation in mice with genetic predispositions to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that this natural compound may have great potential in preventing and treating heart disease.

Discovery of 'cellular bike couriers' clue to disease spreading

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a previously unknown cellular component called intracellular nanovesicles (INVs) that deliver proteins in heavy traffic. INVs are approximately 30 nanometres across and could provide clues to the process that allows cells, such as cancer cells, to migrate within the body.

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.

Megakaryocytes act as 'bouncers' restraining cell migration in the bone marrow

Researchers discovered that megakaryocytes influence the migration of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils in the bone marrow. The study found that large megakaryocytes act as passive obstacles, reducing neutrophil mobility. This new understanding highlights the importance of biomechanical properties in regulating cell motility.

Physics could answer questions about breast cancer spreading to bones

IUPUI researchers used FRET sensors to monitor the force dynamics during cell movement, finding that cancer cells exhibit low tensions and slow mobility when interacting with bone cells. This study aims to provide clues for controlling cell migration and potentially stopping breast cancer spread.

Enzyme may indicate predisposition to cardiovascular disease

A study suggests that low plasma levels of PDIA1, an enzyme involved in protein disulfide isomerization, are associated with a higher risk of thrombosis. Researchers found no correlation between PDIA1 levels and well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

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.

Researchers discover a trigger for directed cell motion

A team of researchers at the University of Münster discovered a mechanism that triggers subsequent lamellipodial cycles in cells, allowing them to maintain direction over time. This discovery sheds light on how cells navigate their environment without external signals.

Study identifies new approach to repairing damaged peripheral nervous system

A new study from the University of Virginia identifies a compound that can recruit oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell, to repair damage in the peripheral nervous system. This finding has implications for treating debilitating neurological disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Machine learning tracks moving cells

Scientists have devised an elegant tool to quantify the movement and changing morphology of cells through time using machine learning. The software, Usiigaci, analyzes microscopic snapshots of migrating cells and detects their changing outlines, enabling single-cell tracking at unprecedented resolution.

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.

Elucidating cellular responses to force

A study published in Cell Systems has characterized global phosphorylation and protein abundance changes in response to physical force in Xenopus embryos. The research team identified precise modulatory points in response to force, highlighting the importance of mechanical forces in tissue homeostasis.

More physical than chemical: Researchers show what really gets cells going

A team of researchers from Osaka University found that aggregated social amoebae require physical contact to induce migration, contradicting the long-held assumption that chemical signals play a crucial role. The study highlights the importance of examining cellular processes at all stages of development, particularly in understanding ...

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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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.

Effects of deep space radiation on intestinal cells

Exposure to energetic heavy ions from deep space radiation impairs intestinal epithelial cell migration and triggers senescent signaling. This effect persists for at least a year after exposure, suggesting potential adverse impacts on astronaut GI function and health.

A mere drop of blood makes skin cells line up

A team of researchers found that blood serum triggers spontaneous movement and growth in dormant skin cells, paving the way for new insights into wound healing mechanisms. The study reveals that blood plays a key role in initiating cell migration and proliferation even without a visible wound.

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.

3D imaging and computer modeling capture breast duct development

A team of biologists and civil engineers developed the first 3D computer model to capture breast duct development, using science and engineering principles to predict cellular forces. The model reveals that cells migrate by pulling forward and pushing backward, forming a teardrop shape.

Calculus III for cells

Researchers investigated how cells respond to cylindrical surfaces and a sphere-with-skirt geometry, finding that cells change their shapes and internal structures. Cells on stiff surfaces form stress fibers, which are influenced by surface curvature, enabling new tools in biology.

Prenatal antiepileptic drug exposure and seizure severity

Mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid showed greater seizure severity and reduced neural migration. Voluntary exercise alleviated VPA-induced effects, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for prenatal VPA-exposed individuals with neurological disorders.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Watch fat cells help heal a wound in a fly

Researchers found that fat body cells in Drosophila propel themselves forward towards wounds using a wave-like motion, effectively sealing them and preventing infection. The cells work together with immune cells to aid healing and increase antimicrobial peptide production.

Cells lacking nuclei struggle to move in 3-D environments

Researchers discovered that nuclei play a crucial role in cell movement, particularly in 3D environments. Cells lacking nuclei or disconnected from the cytoskeleton exhibit reduced mobility on soft surfaces and fail to move in three-dimensional matrices.

Induced microglia-like cells reduce brain amyloid in mice

Researchers developed an antibody selection system to identify therapeutically significant antibodies that induce microglia-like cells. These cells migrated to the brain and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, reducing brain amyloid deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

What does hair loss have to teach us about cancer metastasis?

Researchers at MUSC identified a mechanism that regulates signaling events leading to cell migration and metastasis. The study found that ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) affects cell migration by disrupting the ability of cells to form focal points in primary cilia.

Synchrony of waves

Endocytic waves initiated by clathrin emerge in some cell populations and are temporally related to downstream waves of F-BAR and other actin regulating proteins. This study reveals the link between endocytosis and generation of cortical actin waves, providing insight into how cells maintain plasma membrane composition.

Internal forces directing cell migration are revealed by live-cell microscopy

A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the orientation of integrins on cell surfaces in real-time, revealing that actin flow inside the cell aligns with external forces. The study provides new insights into how cells migrate towards wounds or pathogens, shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular movement.

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.

HKUST researchers reveal new insights into the control of cellular scaffold

A research team led by Prof. Robert Qi uncovered a previously overlooked mechanism controlling the organization of microtubule cytoskeletons. They found that PolD1 physically associates with γTuRCs, blocking microtubule nucleation and regulating various cellular activities such as Golgi assembly and cell polarization.

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.

Phagocytes in the brain: Good or bad?

A new study reveals that microglial cells are essential for normal brain function, and impaired TREM2 gene expression can lead to devastating consequences. The researchers found that mutations in the TREM2 gene disrupt microglial function, leading to impaired phagocytosis and catastrophic effects on energy metabolism.

Genetic mutation trade-offs lead to parallel evolution

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that populations of E. coli evolved in two divergent paths, either improving swimming speed or growth rate, but not both, due to trade-offs. This study sheds light on how evolution proceeds when performance depends on multiple traits restricted by a trade-off.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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How cells communicate to move together as a group

Researchers discover Fat2 and Lar proteins trigger leading and trailing edge movements during epithelial migration, enabling coordinated tissue movement. This process is crucial for embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression.

Immune cell serves as an essential communications link for migrating cells

Researchers discovered that macrophages transmit messages between non-immune cells, such as pigment cells in fish, to facilitate complex patterns like stripes. This unique function of macrophages suggests they may play a broader role in intercellular communication, affecting tissue development, regeneration, and cancer.

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.