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Gut feeling: A network approach towards understanding IBD

Researchers have developed a combined experimental and computational pipeline to understand the role of genes in IBD. The study uses organoids to analyze gene expression and identifies 'master regulators' that overlap with IBD-related processes. This breakthrough enables design of new experiments to explore IBD-related processes further.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalMolecular Omics·DateDec 10, 2019

Identification of a key protein linked to ageing

Scientists from Institut Pasteur have identified a key protein associated with ageing, which is progressively depleted in cells leading to senescence. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of senescence and its link to cellular ageing, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019

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

Case report: Stem cells a step toward improving motor, sensory function after spinal cord injury

A clinical trial enrolled 10 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries to receive stem cell injections, with the first patient demonstrating significant improvement in motor and sensory functions. The study's early findings suggest that patient response varies, but the treatment may offer a new option for improving physical function a...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 27, 2019

Bioprinting: Living cells in a 3D printer

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new bioprinting process that integrates living cells into fine structures created in a 3D printer, achieving high resolution and speed. This technique allows for the control of cell behavior and growth, enabling studies on tissue development and disease spread.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 21, 2019

Stopping the spread of cancer

Biomedical engineer Tara Deans receives $1.5 million grant to develop alternative platelets that can help stop tumor cells from spreading in the bloodstream. Her lab will engineer platelets with proteins that kill cancer cells, inspired by her friend's diagnosis with blood cancer.

Stem cell treatments for shoulder and elbow injuries flourish, but so far there's little evidence they work

Researchers warn that stem cell therapies for shoulder and elbow injuries have far outpaced supporting scientific data, with many treatments still unproven. The clinical data for these treatments are currently limited, and a greater understanding of optimal formulations and dosing schedules is needed to determine their effectiveness.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery·DateOct 1, 2019

Pancreas on a chip

Researchers have developed an 'Islet-on-a-Chip' device that integrates organ-on-a-chip and stem-cell technologies to screen insulin-producing cells, test insulin-stimulating compounds, and study the fundamental biology of diabetes. The device makes it easier to monitor islet function and study cell therapies for diabetes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 29, 2019

A novel method to characterize genes with high-precision in single cells

Researchers have developed a novel method to precisely detect and characterize genes in individual cells, enabling selective enrichment of selected molecules. This approach, called BART-Seq, addresses the challenge of detecting low-abundance gene transcripts and has potential applications in disease diagnosis and precision gene-editing.

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.

Speeding up single-cell genomics research

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new platform for rapid single-cell sequencing, combining microfluidics and novel software to scale up single-cell ATAC-seq. This approach enables the analysis of gene control in individual cells, revealing new insights into cell development and disease processes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 24, 2019

Scientists make single-cell map to reprogram scar tissue into healthy heart cells

Researchers at UNC McAllister Heart Institute develop stable platform to reprogram human fibroblast cells into cardiomyocytes, creating high-resolution molecular roadmap. The approach identifies key genetic facilitators and signaling molecules driving cell fate development, offering new insights into human cardiac reprogramming.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 20, 2019

Researchers discover cells that change their identity during normal development

Zebrafish have been found to have a type of pigment cell that can transform into another cell type during normal development, challenging the long-held dogma that once a cell has completed its development, it stays that way. This discovery sheds light on how cells differentiate and may hold implications for regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2019

First-of-its-kind study in endothelial stem cells finds exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids, e-cigarette use exacerbates cell dysfunction

A new study found that exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids and e-cigarette use exacerbate endothelial cell dysfunction, a key risk factor for heart disease. The researchers observed pro-inflammatory markers and toxic effects on cells from various e-liquids.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2019

Turning off growth to make flowers grow

A new study reveals that the transcription factor KNUCKLES plays a crucial role in terminating floral stem cell activity by initiating epigenetic events. This process involves the suppression of WUSCHEL gene expression, leading to the recruitment of Polycomb Group complexes and the formation of repressive H3K27me3 marks on chromatin.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 13, 2019

Location is everything for plant cell differentiation

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the location of proteins within a cell and the position of the cell itself play crucial roles in determining cell type. The study found that ATML1 protein accumulation is inhibited in internal cell layers, leading to epidermal cell differentiation. This post-transcriptional regulation enables plants to form a s...

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 9, 2019