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How to hack a cell

A new study by Boston University engineer Wilson Wong outlines a simplified platform to target and program mammalian cells as genetic circuits, enabling researchers to make complex computations. The BLADE platform uses DNA recombinases to allow for more targeted manipulation of cells and their behavior.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 4, 2017

New method rescues donor organs to save lives

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a novel cross-circulation platform that maintains the viability and function of donor lungs for several days. The technology, inspired by an abandoned surgical procedure from the 1960s, enables long-term support of living organs outside the body.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 6, 2017

How blood can be rejuvenated

Researchers at Lund University successfully reprogrammed old blood stem cells to function like those of younger individuals, revealing a potential new approach to treating age-related diseases. This breakthrough suggests that epigenetic changes, rather than DNA mutations, underlie the decline in blood cell function with age.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

Stanford scientists develop 'lab on a chip' that costs 1 cent to make

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a cheap and reusable diagnostic 'lab on a chip' with the help of an ordinary inkjet printer. The technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities around the world, especially in developing countries where access to early diagnostics is limited.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2017

Cell-tracking agents get a boost

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new compound of bismuth and carbon nanotubes that improves upon existing cell-tracking agents. The improved Bi4C@US-tubes show up strongly on X-rays taken with computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing for more efficient tracking of stem cells in the body.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 30, 2017

See how immune cells break through blood vessel walls

Researchers discovered that immune cells use an active process to create gaps in blood vessel walls, involving the breakage of thin filaments and rapid reassembly. This process allows immune cells to squeeze through and survey organs for problems or join the fight against pathogens.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 17, 2017

Out of gas and low on sperm?

Researchers at Kyoto University found that the Myc gene regulates stem cell self-renewal in mice, leading to a slower rate of proliferation and impaired energy production. This discovery may lead to new treatments for infertility by stimulating sperm cell metabolism.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 27, 2016

Skin cells 'crawl' together to heal wounds treated with unique hydrogel layer

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a proprietary peptide-hydrogel biomaterial that promotes skin cells to 'crawl' together, closing chronic, non-healing wounds caused by diabetes. The treatment closed wounds 200% faster than no treatment and 60% faster than existing collagen-based products.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2016

Transforming plant cells from generalists to specialists

Researchers at Duke University have identified a set of DNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis roots that work together to trigger stem cell differentiation and create specialized cells with distinct roles. This discovery sheds light on the longstanding question of how plants make so many types of cells from the same genetic instructions.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 6, 2016

How the heart turns into bone

Researchers at UCLA discovered that cardiac fibroblasts, which give rise to scar tissue after injury, can also produce bone-like cells. By blocking an enzyme involved in bone mineralization, they prevented calcification in mice, offering a potential new approach for treating abnormal calcium deposits in the heart.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 17, 2016

A skin graft for bad burns

Researchers have developed an innovative skin graft process that combines split thickness skin grafts with a specially engineered sheet of stem cells to maximize natural healing power. The new technique shows promising results in treating large or complicated burn injuries, preserving hair follicles and oil glands.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTheranostics·DateOct 27, 2016

Cell softness predicts corneal transplant success

A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 2016

NIH-supported researchers develop novel system to grow norovirus in intestinal cells

Researchers successfully cultured norovirus in human intestinal cells, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines against this debilitating virus. The study, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind norovirus infection.

How cell nuclei squeeze into tight spaces

Fascin protein plays a crucial role in deforming the cell nucleus to navigate through tight spaces. The study suggests that this ability may be exploited by cancer cells to invade tissues, making fascin a potential target for therapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 22, 2016

Monitoring cell fates

Researchers at ETH Zurich study how stem cells differentiate into blood cells, revealing complex mechanisms beyond previously thought protein GATA1 and PU.1 roles. This knowledge is vital for developing effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2016

Protein pairs make cells remember

Researchers have discovered that protein pairs are essential for cellular memory, allowing cells to store and recall information. The formation of these pairs enables cells to respond more quickly to environmental stimuli and differentiate into specialized cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 15, 2016