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Global research team fills language gap in plant science

A global research team of 22 scientists has created a comprehensive glossary of terms to describe cellular processes in plants, aiming to clarify confusion among experts. The lexicon covers key structures and processes involved in cytokinesis, a crucial phase of cell division that could accelerate breeding for sustainable materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateOct 3, 2017
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Discovery of chromosome motor supports DNA loop extrusion

Scientists from TU Delft and colleagues show that condensin, a protein involved in packing DNA into chromosomes, has motor function. This discovery supports the 'loop-extrusion' model of chromosome packing, suggesting that condensin pulls DNA inwards to create loops.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2017

An evolutionary breakpoint in cell division

Researchers from Osaka University have found that the interaction between M18BP1/KNL2 and CENP-A proteins is crucial for cell division in various species except mammals, including humans. This essential protein interaction allows new CENP-A deposition into centromeres to maintain genome information equally during mitosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 30, 2017

Researchers discover how human cells maintain the correct number of chromosomes

A team of researchers at Queen Mary University of London has identified two proteins that enable the correct attachment between chromosomes and microtubules, which are crucial for maintaining a normal number of chromosomes in human cells. This discovery could help in treating diseases such as cancer and fertility problems.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2017

How cells combat chromosome imbalance

MIT biologists identified a mechanism for eliminating genetically imbalanced cells using natural killer cells. Aneuploidy, or uneven chromosome distribution, harms most cells but can help cancer cells grow uncontrollably.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 19, 2017
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.

Understanding HIV's persistence

A new study found that HIV-1 infected cells can persist in the body for decades by exploiting normal cell proliferation. The research identified a single infected CD4 T cell that can amplify the number of virally infected cells through clonal proliferation, leading to a million-fold increase.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

What the hair of a fly tells us about cancer

Scientists at the University of Geneva found that a protein called Sara plays a crucial role in guiding endosomes to differentiate between cells, a process essential for fly hair development. Mutant flies without Sara have naked backs, highlighting the significance of this mechanism in cancer tumour formation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2017

'Hail Mary' mechanism can rescue cells with severely damaged chromosomes

A team of scientists has discovered a remarkable mechanism that enables cells to repair severely damaged chromosomes, preventing cell death and cancer. The 'Hail Mary' mechanism involves the creation of a DNA tether to keep the broken fragment connected to the chromosome.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 5, 2017

Some mother cells kick DNA damage 'down the road' to offspring, CU study says

A CU Boulder study shows that some dividing human cells transmit low-level DNA damage to their daughters, causing them to enter a quiescent state previously thought to be random. The process is linked to the fate of daughter cells in subsequent cell cycles and has implications for cancer development and aging.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 2017
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A molecular rivet for long-range force transmission

Researchers discovered that plastin, an actin-bundling protein, plays a crucial role in facilitating polarisation and cytokinesis in embryonic cells. The study revealed that plastin functions as a molecular rivet, enabling the cell cortex to withstand forces generated during filament contraction.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 9, 2017

New insight into brain development disorder

The ASPM protein collaborates with katanin to regulate cell division and specialization into nerve cells, crucial for healthy brain development. A study published in Nature Cell Biology provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying microcephaly.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 24, 2017

Same but different

A study published in Science reveals how bacteria can exhibit different behaviors despite having the same genes. Researchers found that protein complexes play a crucial role in this phenomenon, and biased partitioning of these complexes can lead to the emergence of extreme phenotypes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2017

Bacterium named after UQ researcher

A new marine bacterium, Fuerstia marisgermanicae, has been named in honour of UQ microbiologist Emeritus Professor John Fuerst. The discovery reflects the global scientific community's high regard for Professor Fuerst's contributions to planctomycete research.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 17, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers reveal how cancer cells cope with genetic chaos

Two studies reveal that cancer cells can tolerate genetic mutations by inactivating the BCL9L gene and slowing down division to avoid mistakes, allowing them to thrive and evolve. This understanding may lead to new ways to target cancer cells and improve treatment efficacy.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 9, 2017

Sex cells evolved to pass on quality mitochondria

Mammals have evolved a specialized germline in their sex cells to pass on high-quality mitochondria, driven by the need to counteract rapid genetic mutations. This process restricts genetic variation in offspring, but allows for the transfer of better-functioning mitochondria.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 20, 2016

Protective barrier inside chromosomes helps to keep cells healthy

A recent study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the structures that contain our genetic material. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh created an artificial chromosome to investigate cell division and found a complex series of steps that form a protective barrier inside chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2016

Understanding bacteria's slimy fortresses

Researchers tracked a single bacterial cell as it grew into a mature biofilm of 10,000 cells. They found that the bacteria secrete a glue-like substance to keep from getting washed away and protect themselves from competing bacteria. A key gene, RbmA, plays a crucial role in developing a denser, stronger biofilm.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Revising the meaning of 'prion'

Researchers have discovered that prion proteins, previously known for causing fatal diseases, may also transmit beneficial traits from cell to cell. These intrinsically disordered proteins can adapt yeast cells to stressful environments and are conserved over millions of years in human cognates.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2016

Mayo Clinic uncovers how 1 gene, protein suppresses tumor formation

Researchers discovered that Pten's phosphatase activity counteracts PI3 kinase activity, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival. Mutant mice lacking critical amino acids form tumors at high frequency, making them susceptible to targeted cancer therapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 2, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell division and inflammatory disease link revealed

Researchers have identified a new connection between inflammatory signals and cell division, revealing how cells adapt to environmental changes. The discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of diseases such as Crohn's disease and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateMay 17, 2016

Cells check DNA segregation at the end of their division

Researchers have identified a signaling pathway that prevents DNA damage during cell division, ensuring identical copies are passed on to daughter cells. Chromatin bridges can form if DNA replication is problematic, but these bridges do not always trigger an alarm signal.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Biophysics: Closing the ring

Physicists have found a novel pattern-forming mechanism in biological systems, with the discovery of a crucial protein that forms ring-shaped filaments to constrict bacterial cells. At high concentrations, FtsZ polymers self-organize into ring-like structures, leading to the formation of Z-rings and daughter cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2016

Brain stem cell quiescence needs to be actively maintained in Drosophila

Biologists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered that the Hippo signaling pathway controls quiescence in Drosophila neural stem cells, regulating growth and cell division. The pathway's activation is necessary to maintain resting phases and prevent premature cell formation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2016

St. Jude researchers reveal how 2 types of immune cells can arise from 1

Scientists have discovered a key mechanism controlling the production of daughter cells in the immune system, which could lead to more effective vaccines and cancer treatments. Asymmetric cell division generates two types of cells with distinct properties, influenced by the distribution of c-Myc signaling protein.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2016
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.

How yeast makes heads or tails of itself

Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered how yeast cells decide their direction of growth, revealing the concept of polarity and its role in propelling single-celled organisms forward. The study found that Bud proteins play a crucial role in determining cell orientation, adapting to changes in nutrient availability.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2016

2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Andrea Ballabio and John Diffley receive the 2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine for their pioneering work on lysosomal function and its significance in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and obesity. Their research could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating human diseases.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 20, 2016

An IRCM team unveils a mechanism that controls neuron production from stem cells

A study by IRCM researchers has discovered a mechanism that controls the production of neurons from stem cells. This discovery could lead to more effective cell therapies and targeted treatments against cancer, particularly in diseases causing blindness where specific retinal cells degenerate.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 13, 2016

Turning point of a lifetime

Scientists have developed a new light sheet microscope that can record the first two to three days of a mouse embryo's life. By tracking each cell's daughters, grand-daughters, great-granddaughters, and so on, they identified a crucial turning point in the embryo's development.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 15, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

It's all about polarity

Asymmetric cell division occurs when endosomes, containing signalling molecules, are distributed unevenly between daughter cells. The central spindle, a scaffold structure composed of microtubules, plays a crucial role in dispatching this information.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2015

Study offers insights to how ovarian cancer grows -- and potential to stop it

A new study offers insights into how ovarian cancer grows, revealing a patterned hierarchy of cancer stem cells. The research identifies a key protein, BMP2, that regulates the growth of these stem-like cells. Targeting this protein could lead to more effective therapies for ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

The cell membrane winds up like a watch

Cell membranes deform when viruses detach and during cell division, thanks to the ESCRT-III protein complex forming a molecular spring. Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to observe the complex's movements in real-time, validating their theoretical models.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2015

Mapping the genes that increase lifespan

Researchers at the Buck Institute have identified 238 genes that, when removed, increase the replicative lifespan of yeast cells. The study also reveals a link between these genes and caloric restriction, DNA damage control, and age-extending pathways in higher organisms.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 8, 2015

Decoding cell division's mysterious spindle matrix

Researchers uncover the crucial function of a protein called BuGZ in assembling the spindle matrix and microtubules during mitosis. The discovery could lead to new insights into cancer and other diseases caused by errors in cell division.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell·DateSep 17, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A barrier against brain stem cell aging

Scientists at the University of Zurich discovered a novel mechanism that helps neural stem cells resist aging-induced damage. A diffusion barrier in the endoplasmic reticulum regulates the sorting of damaged proteins, allowing for rejuvenation and longer lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2015

Fruitfly sperm cells reveal intricate coordination in stem cell replication

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that a ring of protein actin forms between daughter cells to block cytokinesis, controlling when and how this process coordinates all cell players in sperm maturation. The study sheds light on the coordination of stem cell types in niche environments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 15, 2015

New cell division mechanism discovered

A team of Canadian and British researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the cell division mechanism, finding that chromosomes emit signals to influence microtubule action. This signaling pathway is crucial for the segregation of chromosomes during cytokinesis, a critical step in cell division.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2015

Scientists identify progenitor cells for blood and immune system

Researchers at UCSF have identified a family of daughter cells, called MPPs, which arise from stem cells in bone marrow to generate the entire blood system. The discovery raises the possibility of manipulating these cells to overcome imbalances and deficiencies in the blood system due to aging or cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 18, 2015
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.

Researchers expose how 'James Bond' cells are made

A new study from Australian and Singaporean scientists has discovered that each subtype of dendritic cell has its own unique parent cell. This discovery could lead to more efficient treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by targeting the progenitor cells that produce these immune cells.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 8, 2015

How dividing cells end up the same size

Researchers at Duke University found that the initial size of cells determines how much they grow before dividing into two, contrary to previous findings. This discovery was made possible by analyzing oscillations in cell growth and gene expression using a unique device that allows for single-cell analysis.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJun 4, 2015

Protein scaffold

Researchers at OIST Graduate University mapped the points along the genome where a scaffolding protein called condensin binds. Condensin is essential for reassembling copied genomic fragments into chromosomes and maintaining genetic integrity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGenes to Cells·DateMay 26, 2015

Dying cells can protect their stem cells from destruction

Dying daughter cells release protein Pvf1, binding to nearby mother stem cells' receptors, preventing apoptosis. This allows stem cells to survive until they can regenerate damaged tissue. The discovery may lead to new cancer treatments by targeting protective signals in tumor-initiating cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers track protein 'hitchhiker' in fluorescent worms

Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a mechanism in which a protein 'hitchhiker' attaches to the centrosome to regulate gene expression during cell division. This process could have implications for understanding human development and disease, including cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 6, 2015
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.

New cell marking technique to help understand how our brain works

Scientists at the University of Southampton have created a new technique called multicolour RGB tracking to mark individual brain cells. This approach allows researchers to color-code and distinguish between cells that were previously indistinguishable.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2014
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.

Pitt/McGowan Institute team discovers stem cells in the esophagus

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a pool of stem cells in the esophagus, which could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus. The study found that these stem cells divide slowly compared to other cells in the esophagus, suggesting they may play a role in tissue rene...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2014

Misfolded proteins clump together in a surprising place

Researchers found that 90% of misfolded protein aggregates form on the ER surface, dependent on active protein synthesis and ribosome activity. The aggregation is regulated by mitochondria, which play a key role in confining the aggregates to the mother cell during asymmetric cell division.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateOct 16, 2014

Think big! Bacteria breach cell division size limit

Scientists have discovered bacteria that can divide in lengths ranging from 3 to 45 micrometers, defying conventional cell division rules. This discovery has significant implications for understanding microbial biology and the potential impact of these microorganisms on human health.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2014

Measuring the number of protein molecules inside cells

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have developed new methodologies to quantify protein molecules in living human cells. They measured approximately 400 CENP-A proteins present on centromeres, essential structures that drive chromosome segregation during cell division.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·DateJul 18, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

'Parent' cells reset the cell division clock

Researchers have discovered that cell division time is programmed by the 'parent' cell and varies between parent and offspring cells. The study's findings challenge a 40-year-old theory on cell division and provide a new model to predict how populations of cells divide.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2014

Why a bacterium got its curve -- and why biologists should know

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that bacteria curve shape is crucial for flourishing as a group. Curvature helps swarmer cells attach to surfaces, ensuring next generation stays close to nutrients and progenitors. The study highlights the importance of naturalistic settings for studying bacteria.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2014