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Nanobiomaterial boosts neuronal growth in mice with spinal cord injuries

Researchers used layered double hydroxide (LDH) to inhibit inflammatory environments surrounding spinal cord injuries, accelerating neuron regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction in mice. LDH promotes the activation of channels for neuron excitation and induction of action potential, improving locomotive behavior.

A computational guide to lead cells down desired differentiation paths

A computational guide to lead cells down desired differentiation paths uses a novel computer-guided design tool to predict effective combinations of transcription factors. The approach significantly increases the efficiency of cell conversions, generating higher numbers of immune cells and skin cells than other methods.

Biological artificial organs like skin, vessels...now produced more easily

A Korean research group has developed a new cell co-culture platform that enables the differentiation of stem cells into desired cell types without special pretreatment. The platform displays surface traits similar to those of the extracellular matrix, providing cells with an environment similar to that of the body.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 7, 2021

Terahertz zaps alter gene activity in stem cells

Researchers from Kyoto University and Tokai University have developed a new apparatus to study terahertz radiation's effects on human stem cells. The findings reveal that terahertz pulses activate genes involved in motor neuron survival and mitochondrial function, while deactivating those involved in cell differentiation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 8, 2020

Breakthrough for tomorrow's dentistry

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified all cell populations in mouse teeth and young human teeth, deciphering differentiation pathways of odontoblasts and ameloblasts. The study sheds light on tooth sensitivity and the formation of enamel.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2020

Artificial muscle sheets transform stem cells into bone

Researchers have developed a new method to transform stem cells into bone cells using an artificial muscle sheet with shape-memory function. This technology has potential applications in treating complex bone fractures by culturing stem cells on the sheet and adapting them to directly strengthen bones.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020

How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends

Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Silencing retroviruses to awaken cell potential

A team from the University of Tsukuba identifies a novel silencing component called TAF-Iα that plays a crucial role in retroviral silencing during reprogramming. This discovery enables the production of high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy applications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2019

How gene expression noise shapes cell fate

A new method called VarID quantifies gene expression variability across groups of similar or related cell states, revealing the dynamics of biological noise during cell differentiation. This approach may help understand how gene expression noise regulates development and cell fate decisions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019

A Matter of concentration

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has found that the concentration of Argonaute proteins plays a central role in regulating the balance between stem cells and differentiated cells in plants. This balance is crucial for plant development, growth, and adaptation to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPlant Communications·DateSep 17, 2019

Bacteria made to mimic cells, form communities

Researchers at Rice University have created a genetic circuit that allows bacteria to differentiate like stem cells, forming genetically distinct communities with complex behaviors. The discovery, called asymmetric plasmid partitioning, enables the creation of diverse populations of microbes that can exhibit non-native behaviors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 12, 2019

Cyborg organoids offer rare view into early stages of development

Researchers at Harvard have grown simplified organs with fully integrated sensors, offering a rare view into early stages of organ development. The cyborg organoids can monitor the electrophysiological activity of cells for up to 90 days, providing insights into how individual cells interact and synchronize during development.