Researchers uncover secrets of internal cell fine-tuning
Scientists at the University of Kent have discovered how cells regulate internal structures, known as actin filaments. The research could lead to new therapies for diseases like cancer.
Cell Structure
Articles tagged with Cell Structure
A mathematical equation that explains the behavior of nanofoams
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid reveals that nanofoams follow the same universal laws as soap lather, with small bubbles disappearing in favor of larger ones. The researchers used an atomic force microscope to observe the evolution of nanostructures during ion radiation.
U-M scientists slow development of Alzheimer's trademark cell-killing plaques
Researchers have found a way to slow down the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, by rescuing the Golgi structure in cells. By inhibiting an enzyme or expressing a mutant protein, the researchers were able to decrease harmful Abeta secretion by 80 percent.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014
Turing's theory of morphogenesis validated 60 years after his death
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Brandeis University have provided experimental evidence validating Alan Turing's theory of morphogenesis in cell-like structures. The study confirms the prediction of six different patterns and discovers a seventh, demonstrating how identical biological cells differentiate into distinct...
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 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.
New microscope captures movements of atoms and molecules
A new microscope allows scientists to capture the movements of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, revealing crucial functions in nanoscale devices. This breakthrough has applications in nanoelectronic technologies and clean-energy industries.
NREL researchers use imaging technologies to solve puzzle of plant architecture
The NREL team developed a breakthrough method using microscopic imaging to study the relationships between biomass cell wall structure and enzyme digestibility. They found that understanding the localization of enzymes and their effects on the cell wall is crucial for optimizing sugar yields and reducing costs in biofuel production.
Rice University researchers optimize photoluminescent probes to study DNA and more
Researchers at Rice University developed a methodology to optimize the sensitivity of photoluminescent probes using time-resolved spectroscopy. Their technique gave results nearly twice as good as standard fluorescence spectroscopy when probed for specific DNA sequences, improving signal-to-background noise ratio.
Stealthy microscopy method visualizes E. coli sub-cellular structure in 3-D
Researchers at Beckman Institute developed a fast, non-invasive 3D microscopy method that visualizes E. coli sub-cellular structure in three dimensions without disturbing the specimen or using fluorescence or contrast agents.
Multidisciplinary team of researchers develop world’s lightest material
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed the world's lightest material, boasting a density of 0.9 mg/cc and unparalleled mechanical behavior. The novel material's unique micro-lattice cellular architecture enables complete recovery from compression exceeding 50 percent strain and extraordinary high energy absorption.
New theory may shed light on dynamics of large-polymer liquids
Researchers have developed a new theory to understand slow dynamics of polymers in liquids under fast-flow, high-stress conditions. The theory explains how polymer molecules respond and predicts tube confinement and reptative motion.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 23, 2011
Long polymer chains dance the conga
Actin filaments, key components of cell structure, display snakelike movement but are limited by crowding; researchers created a novel approach to track individual filament motion, revealing their movement is more like a conga line on a crowded dance floor
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2010
Root system architecture arises from coupling cell shape to auxin transport
Researchers found that root shape determines hormone concentration and triggers new growth regions, sharing a deep evolutionary relationship with shoot patterning. This discovery uses computational modeling and highlights the power of interdisciplinary approaches in probing organismal architecture.
Scripps research team solves structure of 'beneficial' virus
The Scripps Research Institute has solved the 3-D structure of Senecavirus, a viral genus that infects solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer. The unique virus shape and RNA arrangement reveal potential binding sites to cancer cells, paving the way for improved therapeutic applications.
Super-resolution X-ray microscopy
The novel microscope combines high penetration power with spatial resolution, allowing for the detailed composition of semiconductor devices and cellular structures to be analyzed. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for improving semiconductor production and life science microscopy.
Airplane wings that change shape like a bird's have scales like a fish
Penn State engineers developed a concept for morphing airplane wings that can reduce drag and power, varying with flight speed. The design features a small-scale compliant cellular truss structure, segmented skin, and tendon actuation, enabling efficient flight over a broader range of speeds.
Inside fossil embryos of Earth’s earliest animals
Paleontologists have used microCT technology to visualize the internal structure of fossilized embryos, providing new insights into early animal evolution. The discoveries offer a glimpse into the development of ancient animals and shed light on their habitats.