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Novel database reveals hidden diversity and potential of deep-sea microbes

Scientists have created the first global atlas of single-cell microbes living in the aphotic ocean, revealing unexpected functions and capabilities among deep-sea microorganisms. The new database, GORG-Dark, contains over 9,600 genomes from individual microbial cells collected across a broad range of depths and locations.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2026

A new Stowers Institute brain atlas shows neurons don’t inherit their identity — they build it in their first hours of life

A new brain atlas reveals that neurons build their identity in the first hours of life, rather than inheriting it from their parent cells. The atlas, which mapped nearly 250,000 fly brain cells, shows that neuronal identity is established through a flexible, modular system involving different DNA switches and regulatory proteins.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2026

Vital intertwining

A study on a blood parasite's genome has led to the development of a new material with unusual properties. The material combines toughness and softness, characteristics that are typically not found in the same substance.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 16, 2025

New tool automates cell identification in complex datasets

A new computational tool called scODIN simplifies single-cell analysis by automating cell type identification in scRNA-seq data. It allows users to define specific cell subsets at different levels of detail and recognizes cells with intermediate phenotypes or transitional states, capturing complexity missed by traditional methods.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Advances and applications in single-cell and spatial genomics

This review highlights the transformative capabilities of single-cell and spatial genomics, providing critical insights into disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies. The technologies enable comprehensive cell atlases, tracing the evolution of sequencing methods and incorporating multi-omics approaches, which significantl...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 12, 2025

Mapping the sex life of Malaria parasites at single cell resolution, reveals the genetics underlying Malaria transmission

Scientists have mapped the global repertoire of genes that determine the male or female sexual fates in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. This study reveals key regulators of gene expression during development and identifies novel candidate 'driver' genes, shedding light on the complex biology of malaria transmission.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Pioneering the cellular frontier

Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an effective way to image a single cell using multiple techniques, providing significant implications in medicine and agriculture. The team used advanced X-ray imaging technologies to capture high-resolution images of the cellular structure and chemical processes within cells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic scientists replace fishmeal in aquaculture with microbial protein derived from soybean processing wastewater

Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Discovered how to predict whether patients with leukemia will be sensitive to epigenetic drugs

Researchers discovered a link between single cancer cell mutations and clinical response to epigenetic therapy in myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients showing treatment benefits had decreased mutation counts in stem cells and immature granulocytes, suggesting early tumor elimination is key to therapy success.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Interpreting large-scale medical datasets

A new generative model named scPoli enables multi-scale representations of cells and samples, facilitating the integration of high-quality large-scale datasets for novel biological insights and disease understanding. This model accelerates atlas building and usage, ultimately accelerating disease understanding and therapy development.

An ancient anti-cancer mechanism: DISE

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a new evolutionarily conserved RNAi-based form of cell death called Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE), which targets essential survival genes in cancer cells. This mechanism is ancient and effective against all cancers tested.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 3, 2023

Three new articles in the Special Issue “Single-Cell and Spatially Resolved Omics - I” of Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis Articles describe how single-cell and spatially resolved omics can identify novel therapeutic targets

Researchers have identified novel therapeutic targets using single-cell and spatially resolved omics, including cannabidiol for colorectal tumors, Cux1 as a potential target for dry skin diseases, and microglia communication for Alzheimer's disease. These studies offer hope for future treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023

Automated, accurate reporting for NGS-based clonality testing

Researchers have developed an automated calling algorithm for determining B and T cell clonality from NGS data with greater sensitivity than previous models. The new model increases the assay's sensitivity in detecting clonality, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoproliferative disorders.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2023

Creating an artificial pathologist

A team of scientists at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a method to quickly and accurately diagnose cancer using artificial intelligence and real-time deformability cytometry. The method reduces analysis time from hours to under 30 minutes, enabling faster decision-making during surgery.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Beyond the average cell

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Purdue University used single-cell data to develop a new framework for understanding the relationship between cell growth, DNA replication, and division in bacteria. They found that individual cells can exquisitely coordinate these processes, despite the 'noisiness' of each process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Building a 3D brain atlas

Researchers will map developing brains, identifying cell types, activities, and locations as they differentiate during development and change throughout childhood and adolescence. The project aims to learn more about normal, healthy brain development and better understand how diseases like autism, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's emerge.

Huge unveiling of schizophrenia brain cells show new treatment targets

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in understanding schizophrenia by analyzing individual brain cells. The study identified specific neurons and networks affected by the disease, suggesting that targeting these areas could lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

CAPITAL: A major advance in single-cell RNA data analysis

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a computational tool called CAPITAL that can carry out accurate comparative analysis of complex single-cell sequencing datasets. The tool uses a pseudotime trajectory approach to align and compare cells along hypothetical paths reflecting their progress through transitional processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2022

Individual cells are smarter than thought

Researchers discovered that individual cells use multimodal perception to integrate external and internal cues when making decisions. This finding has significant implications for understanding cellular decision-making in various contexts, including cancer treatment resistance.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 2022

Leveraging AI to work with cells

Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-assisted Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system to engineer stem cells. The new method reduces cell loss and increases throughput, enabling selective manipulation of individual cells in micro-arrays.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Revealing the function of Mkx in periodontal ligament homeostasis

A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Pioneering new technique to barcode cells

Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique to barcode individual cells more accurately and efficiently. The method combines artificial intelligence with microfluidics, allowing for real-time analysis of single cells and enabling the efficient sorting and counting of cells.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateDec 17, 2021