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Fixating on faces

Researchers found two types of face cells that respond differently to human and non-human faces. The study's findings suggest that the brain processes faces based on attention focus, not just visual presence. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of social cognitive defects like autism.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 25, 2017

New transplant technique restores vision in mice

A new transplant technique has successfully restored vision in mice with inherited retinal degeneration. The technique uses 3D retinal sheets derived from mouse embryonic stem cells, which develop normal structure and connectivity, allowing the growth of functional photoreceptors that connect to host cells and send visual signals.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Early exposure to excess hormone causes genital defects in females

Researchers at the University of Florida identified cells targeted by a male hormone and found that excess hormone exposure during fetal development can cause vaginal defects in females. The study found a specific window of hormonal influence and a type of cell responsible for guiding the developing vagina to its correct position.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2016

Treating the inflammation in lymphedema

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has discovered that a specific subset of blood cells - the regulatory T cells - can suppress lymphedema. This finding could help develop therapies to cure lymphedema by targeting inflammatory responses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 11, 2016

Genomic imprinting gets complicated in adults

A recent study found that genomic imprinting, a process silencing one set of parental genes, can be regulated in adult tissues. The researchers observed variation in epigenetic marks between cell types, indicating a need for fine-tuned gene expression in different tissues throughout development and adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 3, 2016

Elongation by contraction

Scientists have found that cell boundary elongation is driven by the activity of actomyosin networks in neighboring cells, not within the same cell. This discovery sheds light on the complex processes involved in tissue development and organ specialization.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2016

A new wave of antimalarial drugs in preparation

Researchers have identified potential new antimalarial drugs targeting the parasite's heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a key player in its survival and resistance to treatments. The study uses innovative modelling technology to isolate compounds that can destroy the pathogen without affecting human cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 7, 2016

Smell tells intruder mice how to behave

Researchers discovered a cluster of hypothalamic cells that respond only to male smells, driving intruder mice to explore their surroundings. These cells play a crucial role in regulating social behavior, similar to the human brain, and may hold the key to understanding disorders like autism and schizophrenia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 23, 2016

How to organize a cell: Novel insight from a fungus

Researchers have found that random distribution of organelles in cells is an energy-dependent activity, utilizing ATP to transport organelles along cytoskeleton fibers. This study has implications for understanding human disorders, such as Zellweger syndrome, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2016

Why humans (and not mice) are susceptible to Zika

Researchers have identified a key protein in Zika virus that blocks the action of interferons in human cells, making humans more susceptible to infection. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and vaccine development by blocking the activity of this protein.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 19, 2016

Advance could help grow stem cells more safely

Brown University bioengineers have developed a synthetic bed that works as well as traditional mouse cells without contamination risk. The innovation allows for the cultivation of human embryonic stem cells more safely and could lead to advances in stem cell therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMay 2, 2016

Brain cells divide the work to recognize bodies

Researchers from KU Leuven measured individual brain cell responses to animal and human body images, finding that each cell specializes in recognizing specific features. The findings suggest a collaborative process where different cells work together to recognize bodies.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2016

Long-term benefits of 'senolytic' drugs on vascular health in mice

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated significant health improvements in the vascular system of mice following repeated treatments to remove senescent cells. The study shows that regular clearance of senescent cells can improve age-related vascular conditions and may be a viable approach to reduce cardiovascular disease and death.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAging Cell·DateFeb 11, 2016

New mouse-human modeling system enables study of disease development in vivo

Scientists have created a new mouse-human modeling platform that can study neural crest development and model diseases like melanoma and neurofibromatosis. The system uses human committed stem cells injected into mouse embryos, resulting in successfully integrated chimeras with disease-relevant human cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016