How animals find their way
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Cellular Physiology
Articles tagged with Cellular Physiology
Out on a limb: The role of Newtic1 protein in limb regeneration in adult newts
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that the Newtic1 protein plays a crucial role in limb regeneration by secreting TGFβ1 growth factors. This discovery sheds light on the regenerative abilities of adult newts and their potential as a model for regenerative medicine.
Common, usually harmless group of bacteria associated with higher death rates in kidney patients
Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 25, 2022
Psoriasis does not appear to increase heart attack risk in people with significant kidney disease
A study found that in people with significant kidney disease, psoriasis does not increase the risk of heart attack. After controlling for other risk factors, researchers found no association between psoriasis and heart attacks in patients with end-stage renal disease.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe American Journal of the Medical Sciences·DateOct 18, 2022
Nerves on the spot
Sensory neurons in human skin have been found to regulate melanocytes, influencing pigmentation and cell survival. The study identified a protein called RGMB as a key factor promoting melanocyte survival and darkness.
New study reveals that the yeast eps15-like endocytic protein Pan1p is a key player in endocytosis
Scientists have elucidated the regulatory functions of Pan1p, a key player in late-stage clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The protein drives actin assembly and disassembly, facilitating vesicle internalization.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022
Liver cancer’s supercharged metabolism offers a new treatment strategy, Penn study suggests
Researchers discovered that liver cancer cells modify their metabolism to leave them susceptible to disruptions in arginine supply, a key molecule. A three-pronged approach targeting tumor metabolism, blocking survival-promoting responses, and starving tumors of arginine can induce senescence, making cancer cells killable.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022
Newts unleashed: Limb muscle regeneration needs metamorphosis and body growth
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba discovered that changes in the extracellular environment during metamorphosis and body growth enable newt muscle fibers to dedifferentiate and contribute to limb regeneration. This process is crucial for newts' ability to regenerate limbs throughout their life cycle.
How cells zip through the stickiest mucus
Human cells move faster through thick mucus due to fin-like ruffles on their membranes, which sense viscosity and adapt to fluid thickness. This discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, including asthma and mucinous cancer.
Scientists identify ‘bottleneck’ in drug delivery pathways in stem cells
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the efficiency of nanoparticle delivery into cells, particularly in stem cells. They found that nanoparticles become trapped in bubble-like vesicles, preventing them from reaching their targets.
Move over muscles, it’s time for tendons to be in the spotlight
Researchers found that tendons, not muscles, are the key site where increased mechanosensitivity translates to better running and jumping capabilities. High expression of the calcium-ion channel mechanoreceptor coincided with wider tendons composed of larger collagen fibrils.
Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation
A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.
Joining the fight against non-small cell lung cancer
Researchers have identified new biomarkers to detect non-small cell lung cancer in its early stages through a blood test, offering improved survival chances. The approach can also identify potential drug resistance, allowing clinicians to choose alternative treatment options.
Cancer vulnerabilities could get exposed by ‘game changing’ method
A new study applies 'Deep Visual Proteomics' to cancer cells, revealing mechanisms driving tumor development and exposing therapeutic targets. The method integrates advances from four technologies to analyze protein landscapes, providing insights into cancer vulnerabilities.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022
Treating TB: uOttawa scientists collaborate to identify new drug for unique therapeutic approach
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Astrocyte networks in the mouse brain control spatial learning and memory
A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.
Run (and tumble) to dinner
Scientists from the Institute of Industrial Science have developed a theoretical model for optimal search strategy in biological systems, which may help design new drones or nanobots. The model uses stochastic optimal control theory to analyze chemotaxis, a process of attraction to chemical gradients.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateFeb 16, 2022
Hungry yeast are tiny, living thermometers
Researchers discovered that yeast cells can actively regulate temperature-dependent phase separation in their membranes. This process is crucial for membrane function and cell division. By adjusting the temperature, yeast cells can maintain a consistent state of phase separation, which may be essential for optimal cellular performance.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
UCSF-led study uncovers unique stem cell trajectory in lungs damaged by COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis
Researchers discovered that human lung stem cells can undergo abnormal differentiation in response to injury from diseases like COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis. This aberrant process prevents the restoration of normal lung function, but the study also identified a potential therapeutic target for reversing damage.
SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021
“Tug of war” between cells – When crucial connections are missing
Researchers at University of Göttingen investigate tight junctions' importance in cell movement and their consequences when missing. The findings suggest a 'tug of war' scenario between cells with unequal contraction and stretching, affecting tissue mobility and biological functions.
Packard Foundation backs Rice bioengineer
Rice University's Neuroengineering Initiative is working on developing noninvasive systems to monitor and control the brain. Jerzy Szablowski aims to achieve single-cell precision in 15-20 years through innovative receptor development and gene therapy.
Chimeric exosomes co-activate immune response and tumor microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy
Researchers have developed chimeric exosomes that co-activate the immune system to combat tumors. The therapy targets solid tumors, where the immune cells are often compromised, and improves treatment outcomes for patients.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 13, 2021
"Caramel receptor" identified
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology have identified the 'caramel receptor', which recognizes furaneol, a natural odorant found in fruits and coffee. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of molecular coding of food flavors.
SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021
Chemical probe created to better understand immune response
Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect chemical changes in immune cells during the breakdown of pathogens. The breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and better treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, which claims about 1.5 million lives annually.
Packing with protamine: Insights into a high-performance molecular glue holding DNA together
A team of researchers from DGIST has developed a model to understand the condensation and decondensation of DNA induced by protamine in semidilute solutions. Protamine forms transient bridges between DNA, allowing its compaction into bundles. The study could provide valuable information on vaccine development and fertility.
Discovery of mechanics of drug targets for COVID-19
A team of international researchers has unraveled the inner workings of C5aR2, a key receptor involved in inflammation and COVID-19. The study provides an additional opportunity for therapeutic targeting with new drug molecules to block its activation and inflammation response.
Physiological stressors triggering disease in the heart
A recent study published at Masonic Medical Research Institute found that electrocution-induced physiological stress can lead to overlapping cardiac conditions in individuals. The research used human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the mechanisms behind these conditions, shedding light on potential new treatments.
SourceMasonic Medical Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateSep 22, 2021
Study identifies molecule that stimulates muscle-building in humans
Researchers found that consuming dileucine enhances the metabolic processes driving muscle growth, resulting in a 42% increase in protein synthesis. In contrast, leucine alone showed no significant impact on protein breakdown, highlighting the molecule's potential as a signaling agent for muscle-building pathways.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2021
Toxin sponges may protect poisonous frogs and birds from their own poisons, study suggests
Researchers have discovered that toxic animals produce 'toxin sponges' to mop up deadly toxins and prevent them from binding to vital proteins. This alternative autoresistance strategy may offer a general means of toxin protection, including the development of antidotes against various toxic agents.
SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
Standard vital signs could help estimate people's pain levels
A new study shows that machine-learning strategies can be applied to routinely collected physiological data to provide clues about pain levels in people with sickle cell disease. The researchers found that these vital signs give clues into the patients' reported pain levels, outperforming baseline models.
Pain hides in our data
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to mine physiological data from patients with chronic pain, detecting changes in pain levels and atypical fluctuations. The study aims to provide a more precise treatment method by supplementing subjective pain assessments with objective data-driven approaches.
Air pollution and honey bee health
Honey bees from highly polluted sites in India show reduced survival rates and altered physiological characteristics, indicating air pollution's negative impact on their health. The study suggests that air pollution may also affect ecosystem services, highlighting the need for further research to address this issue.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020
HIIT timing matters for increasing fitness
Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University compared two popular HIIT protocols, finding that 60-second intervals with 60-second rest periods improved aerobic capacity and body composition. In contrast, 30-second intervals with 120 seconds of rest had no significant impact on fitness parameters.
Exercise gives older men a better brain boost
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better brain function in older men. The research team discovered that higher fitness levels were linked to improved cognitive skills, including executive function and focus.
APS 2017 Distinguished Lectureship Award winners to present talks at Experimental Biology
The American Physiological Society has announced its 2017 Distinguished Lecturers, who will present talks at Experimental Biology. The winners include Michael J. Welsh, Brant Isakson, and Kurt Albertine, recognized for their lifetime achievement and contributions to physiology.
First physiological test for schizophrenia and depression
Researchers have identified a new way to distinguish between schizophrenia and depression using proteins in nerve cells. The method measures the level of hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) released in response to salt solution, which can indicate NMDA receptor signalling. This test may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, as we...
Unsaturated fatty acid may reverse aging effect of obesity
Research published in Experimental Physiology suggests that unsaturated fatty acids can reverse some of the effects of obesity on the immune system. Obesity was found to cause changes similar to those observed with aging, but supplementing the diet with unsaturated fatty acids reversed these effects.
Dietary supplement could improve heart health
Research suggests that supplementing mice with quercetin improves biomedical outcomes, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The study also found that quercetin-fed mice were more active than control groups, which could be beneficial for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients.
Smoking electronic cigarettes kills large number of mouth cells
Researchers at Université Laval found that e-cigarette vapor kills a large number of mouth cells within days, damaging the mouth's first line of defense against microbial infection. The study exposed gingival epithelial cells to e-cigarette vapor and observed significant cell death after just one day
Family support buffers the physiological effects of racial discrimination
African American adolescents experiencing high levels of racial discrimination show cellular wear and tear, but supportive family environments protect against premature aging. Family support reduces the link between discrimination and cellular aging.
Nanolive launches the ultimate live cell imaging tool at ASCB2015 in San Diego
Nanolive SA announces the launch of its groundbreaking 3D Cell Explorer microscope, which enables real-time exploration of living cells in 3D. The tool has the potential to fundamentally change research in cell biology across various fields, including education, universities, cosmetics, hospitals, and pharma industry.
We've all got a blind spot, but it can be shrunk
Scientists have found that training can effectively reduce the size of the human blind spot, improving vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration. The researchers trained participants on a direction-discrimination task for 20 consecutive weekdays, resulting in a 10% reduction in functional blindness.
Norwegian neuroscientists elected to American Philosophical Society
May-Britt and Edvard Moser, Norwegian neuroscientists, were elected members of the American Philosophical Society in recognition of their groundbreaking research on spatial memory. The APS recognizes outstanding achievements in all fields of intellectual endeavor, a testament to the Mosers' exceptional contributions to neuroscience.
Lack of naturally occuring protein linked to dementia
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that a lack of the MK2/3 protein is linked to structural and physiological changes in the nervous system, leading to early signs of dementia. These changes restrict learning and memory formation capabilities, but not memory formation itself.
Neurons can use local stores for communication needs
Researchers discovered that neurons can mobilize calcium from large dense core vesicles to facilitate the release of neuropeptides. This process enables fine-tuning of communication between neurons and other cells.
Experimental drug prolongs life span in mice
A new experimental drug has been developed that inhibits the aging protein PAI-1, quadrupling the lifespan of rapidly aging mice. The drug, TM5441, also protects organs from accelerated aging and may one day be used to treat human diseases like chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2014
Identifying a mystery channel crucial for hearing
Researchers have identified a key channel crucial for hearing, contradicting the long-held theory that TMC proteins are the transduction channel. The new findings suggest that the actual channel may be a distinct membrane protein expressed alongside other key molecules.
Researchers use iPSCs to define optimal treatment for managing life-threatening arrhythmias
Researchers used iPSCs to study the physiological basis of arrhythmias in a patient with LQTS. The results identified a specific regimen for correcting aberrant ion channel activity, offering promise for individualized drug therapies.
Having serious fun in the MBL physiology course
The MBL physiology course fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation among students, leading to the generation of 23 research papers and 59 meeting abstracts. The course's unique approach combines cell biology and physical sciences, and encourages students to think beyond their comfort zones.
Could the ways animals regenerate hair and feathers lead to clues to restore human fingers and toes?
The review article explores how extrafollicular environments regulate hair and feather stem cell activities, as well as the role of stem cells in shaping organ forms. Researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop regenerative medicine techniques for repairing damaged tissues, including fingers and toes.
A good nose: RUB-Researchers decipher interaction of fragrances and olfactory receptors
A team of researchers at RUB discovered how the human nose distinguishes between similar smells by analyzing the 3D structure of olfactory receptors and hydrogen bridge patterns. They found a specific pattern of chemical bonds that account for the specificity of olfactory sensors.
Association between menopause, obesity and cognitive impairment
A study of 300 post-menopausal women found that obesity was associated with improved cognitive performance, particularly in memory and language tasks. The researchers propose that estrogen released from fat cells may play a protective role in preserving cognition.
Butterflies shed light on how some species respond to global warming
Researchers studied two butterfly species, finding that genetic variables affect their ability to relocate due to global warming. The study suggests that some species may be more adapted to warmer temperatures than others.
Experimental nonsteroidal treatment of asthma shows promise
A new nonsteroidal therapy, IGFBP-3, has significantly decreased disease signs of asthma in mice by inhibiting the NF-kB inflammatory pathway. This could lead to a new alternative therapy for patients resistant to current steroid treatments.
40 minority scientists receive travel fellowships to Experimental Biology 2009 in New Orleans
The American Physiological Society has awarded $68,000 in travel fellowships to 40 underrepresented minority students and scientists to attend the Experimental Biology conference. The program aims to encourage more students from minority groups to become scientists.
Exercise suppresses appetite by affecting appetite hormones
A new study shows that aerobic exercise affects the release of two key appetite hormones, ghrelin and peptide YY, more effectively than non-aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise suppresses hunger by decreasing ghrelin levels and increasing peptide YY levels, leading to a greater suppression of hunger compared to weight lifting.
NIST/NIH micromagnets show promise as colorful 'smart tags' for magnetic resonance imaging
Researchers at NIST and NIH have demonstrated proof of principle for a new approach to MRI using customized microscopic magnets that can be injected into the body. These 'smart tags' can identify particular cells, tissues, or physiological conditions by emitting specific optical colors.
Symposium to explore role nanoparticles may play in disease
Physiologists investigate nanoparticles' potential to cause diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney stones. Researchers are exploring how nanoparticles interact with cells and tissues to understand their role in these conditions.
Severe asthma may be a different form of the disease
A study found that severe asthma is characterized by air trapping and incomplete reversibility with bronchodilator treatment. This suggests a distinct physiological difference between severe and non-severe asthma, potentially leading to new treatment approaches.
Granger wins Schmidt-Nielsen Mentor/Scientist Award
Granger received the award for his research on preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disease affecting nearly 5-7 percent of U.S. pregnancies. He has also improved graduate education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.