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A 'clear' choice for clearing 3-D cell cultures

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to clear 3-D cell cultures, allowing for clearer imaging and analysis of neural tissues. The ClearT2 method works within 1.5 hours and preserves the size of the tissue, making it ideal for studying neural growth and development.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 3, 2014

Ferroelectric switching seen in biological tissues

University of Washington researchers have confirmed the presence of ferroelectric switching in biological tissues, particularly in proteins found in organs that repeatedly stretch and retract. This phenomenon may help build and support healthy connective tissues in mammals and potentially detect early stages of hardening of arteries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Mantis shrimp stronger than airplanes

Researchers develop composite material with improved impact resistance and toughness inspired by mantis shrimp's club, which accelerates underwater faster than a 22-caliber bullet. The new design structure shows less external damage and increased residual strength after impact compared to standard aerospace materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateApr 22, 2014

New method isolates immune cells for researchers to study how they ward off oral diseases

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to isolate single immune cells from the mouth, allowing them to study how these cells fight diseases. The method successfully isolated over 94% of the cells, enabling researchers to gain insights into treating oral cancers and other health issues.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiological Procedures Online·DateApr 15, 2014

More insights from tissue samples

A team of researchers has demonstrated the advantages of the HOPE fixation strategy, which preserves tissue structure while allowing modern analysis techniques like proteomics and phospho-proteomics. This breakthrough enables personalized medicine and opens up new opportunities for disease research and therapy.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 8, 2014

Newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients show imbalance in intestinal microbial population

A multi-institutional study found that newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients have an imbalance in their intestinal microbial population, with increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance is associated with the development of symptoms and may be exacerbated by antibiotic use.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 12, 2014

The nose knows in asthma

Researchers have discovered that genes expressed in the nasal passages can serve as accurate proxies for those expressed deeper in the lungs. This breakthrough allows for less invasive and more affordable genetic profiling of asthmatic patients, potentially leading to improved treatment options and better understanding of the disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 19, 2014

It's the water

Researchers have developed a graphene water balloon to visualize hydrated protein molecules without freezing or slicing them. This technique allows for the capture of high-resolution images of ferritin, a protein critical for human health, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 4, 2014

Sugar solution makes tissues see-through

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new sugar and water-based solution called SeeDB that turns tissues transparent in just three days without disrupting their shape or chemical nature. This technique enables the visualization of neuronal circuitry inside a mouse brain, revealing detailed wiring patterns and single-fiber resolution.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 23, 2013

Brain images of previously unattainable quality

The BigBrain model is based on data from over 7,400 tissue samples and provides a detailed understanding of the normal structure of different functional areas of the brain. The high-resolution model will contribute to precise identification and evaluation of changes in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

New fluorescent tools for cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a multicolor fluorescence labeling method to visualize miRNAs in tissue sections, enabling the identification of tumor-specific miRNAs and distinguishing between different tumor types. This technology shows promise as a molecular diagnostic tool for clinical settings.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2013

Safeguards needed for tissue donors

Donors to biobanks have a moral stake in what happens to their tissue samples, requiring ongoing updates and protection of their rights. Tomlinson recommends biobanks provide donors with plain language summaries of research projects and inform them about potentially controversial uses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 28, 2013