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Writing the catalog of plasma membrane repair proteins

Researchers at OIST identified 80 plasma membrane repair proteins in budding yeast, revealing a coordinated sequence of molecular events. The study provides a foundation for investigating plasma membrane repair mechanisms in higher eukaryotes, including human cells.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

Tiny cell messengers show big promise for safer protein and gene delivery

Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Revealing the cell’s nanocourier at work

Researchers have discovered the ExHOS nanomachine, which controls constitutive exocytosis by delivering spherical molecular packages to the cell surface. This process is essential for preserving cell fitness and vital functions such as communication and growth.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scripps Research discovery suggests new strategy against harmful inflammation

Scientists have identified WASH protein complex as a gatekeeper of neutrophil-driven inflammation, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like sepsis and arthritis. The study reveals that WASH regulates the release of antimicrobial molecules, which can harm healthy cells if released excessively.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2022

Discovery illuminates how Parkinson’s disease spreads in the brain

A new study reveals that aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein spread in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease through a cellular waste-ejection process called lysosomal exocytosis. This process can lead to the deaths of neurons and ultimately result in the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2022

Study finds cells take out the trash before they divide

Researchers at MIT discovered that cells shed 4% of their mass before cell division to eliminate toxic components. This process allows newborn cells to start with fresh, functional contents, which may help explain why neurons accumulate toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists can control brain circuits, behavior, and emotion using light

Researchers create Opto-vTrap, a reversible inhibition system that can temporarily trap vesicles from being released, allowing for controlled brain activity. The technique enables temporary removal of fear memory in live mice, with potential applications in epilepsy treatment, muscle spasm treatment, and skin tissue expansion technolog...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Why can our brains learn and memorize?

Researchers have created a detailed model of how the brain learns and memorizes, shedding light on long-term potentiation and depression. The model simulates the competition between exocytosis and endocytosis of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2020

A novel mechanism that regulates cellular injury by phagocytes during inflammation

A novel mechanism regulating cellular injury by phagocytes has been identified through research on myoferlin, a protein involved in calcium-dependent lysosomal exocytosis. Myoferlin deficiency impairs the cytotoxic capacity of phagocytes, leading to increased accumulation of debris and reduced secretion of lysosomal enzymes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 21, 2018

Researchers raise a 170-million-year question over mysterious moss gene

Researchers have identified a fused gene in moss that provides insight into how cells build their external walls through the exocytosis process. The discovery raises questions about the unique arrangement of genes that have been retained for millions of years, with potential benefits for cell shape and structure.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

First 3-D observation of nanomachines working inside cells

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing the structure of protein machinery in living cells, allowing them to study its functions in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cellular biology and developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

Penn research describes missing step in how cells move their cargo

A study led by Wei Guo has identified Sec3 as a key activator that speeds up the binding of SNAREs, allowing vesicles to fuse with the plasma membrane. The researchers used a combination of molecular biology and crystallography to understand the mechanism of exocytosis and have potential implications for endocrinology, neurotransmissio...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2017

PKM2 promotes exosome release via phosphorylating SNAP-23

A research team at Nanjing University found that PKM2 promotes exosome release by phosphorylating SNAP-23, which controls the dock and release of secretory granules or exosome-containing multivesicular bodies. This study demonstrates for the first time that PKM2 plays an essential role in promoting tumor cell exocytosis.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Orchestrator of waste removal rescues cells that can't manage their trash

A recent study by Dr. Andrea Ballabio and colleagues discovered a key role for transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating lysosomal exocytosis, which can rescue cells from toxic waste buildup. The findings suggest an innovative approach to treating metabolic disorders associated with lysosomal storage diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 1, 2011

Gene called flower missing link in vesicle uptake in neurons

A novel gene called Flower was discovered to play a crucial role in vesicle uptake in neurons, allowing for rapid neurotransmission. The gene's corresponding protein is present in synaptic vesicles and enables calcium influx, initiating exocytosis.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 3, 2009

Cells use import machinery to export their goods as well

New research reveals that cells employ similar molecules for importing and exporting cargo, blurring the line between endocytosis and exocytosis. This challenges traditional biological assumptions about dedicated molecules for specific processes.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJun 25, 2009
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.

2005 Salivary Research Award

Dr. Castle's work elucidates the mechanism of secretion from exocrine cells, particularly salivary glands, through analysis of secretory granules and membrane components. His discovery of SCAMPs and demonstration of four pathways of secretion in parotid cells contribute to a deeper understanding of membrane trafficking and exocytosis.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 9, 2005