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Video technology could transform how scientists monitor changes in species evolution and development

Researchers have made a breakthrough in studying species evolution by using robotic video microscopes and computer vision to measure embryo characteristics. The study found huge changes in an embryo's observable traits before and after developmental events, suggesting that measuring timings of development is just the tip of the iceberg.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Watch how hammerhead sharks get their hammer

Researchers have documented the development of bonnethead sharks, showing how their skulls widen and distort to form a hammer-like shape. The study provides insight into the formation of this unique feature, which is thought to amplify their field of vision and ability to detect prey.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalDevelopmental Dynamics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2023

Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development

Researchers tested five chemicals on zebrafish embryos and found that all caused impaired migration of bone-forming cells, leading to facial malformation. The study suggests a potential general mechanism underlying teratogenic chemicals and proposes using zebrafish as an alternative method for testing cross-species teratogens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Using topology, Brown researchers advance understanding of how cells organize themselves

Using computational topology, Brown researchers have developed an algorithm that profiles shapes and spatial patterns in embryos, enabling the study of how cells assemble into tissue-like architectures. The new approach uses persistence images to rapidly compare large datasets, reducing computation time from hours to seconds.

SourceBrown University·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateSep 14, 2023

Researchers grow embryonic humanized kidneys inside pigs for 28 days

Scientists have created chimeric embryos containing a combination of human and pig cells, which developed into structurally normal kidneys with 50-60% human cells. The researchers successfully grew humanized organs inside pigs, offering new possibilities for studying human development and developmental diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Origins of coronary arteries

A team of researchers compared the development of blood vessels in various animals, including mice, quails, and fish, to understand the origins of the human heart. They found that the structure of the human coronary arteries likely evolved from a common amniote ancestor, adapting to life on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

ALS and frontotemporal dementia show origins in utero, according to evidence from mice and patient-derived stem cells

Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

With advances in in vitro models, group proposes refined legal definition of an embryo

A group of biologists and ethicists suggest adding clarity to ongoing research using embryo models to refine the legal definition of human embryos. They propose a new definition that focuses on what an embryo can become rather than how it came to be, allowing for improved evaluation of models and potential future recognition as embryos.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 17, 2023

Research with Brazilian participation is first to create models of bovine embryos

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Institute of Biosciences successfully developed blastoids from bovine pluripotent stem cells, creating an accessible in vitro model for studying embryogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to improved farm animal reproduction and enable breeding cattle with desirable characteristics.

A key function for tight junctions in embryo models

A study by Gladstone Institutes researchers found that tight junctions between cells may play a critical role in gastrulation in human embryos. By suppressing tight junction formation, the team was able to create primordial germ cell-like cells, which are stem cells resembling human precursors of sperm and egg cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 17, 2023

Holograms for life: Improving IVF success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have created 3D holographic images of embryos to aid in selecting the best quality embryos for IVF, potentially improving success rates. The non-invasive approach uses miniscule amounts of light to provide insights into embryo development.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJul 5, 2023

Human embryo-like models created from stem cells to understand earliest stages of human development

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo, allowing for the experimental modeling of embryonic development during the second week of pregnancy. This breakthrough could help understand why and how pregnancies fail, and potentially lead to new treatments for genetic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Investigating the placenta: Discovery from Stowers Scientists shows why this often-overlooked organ should be given more attention

A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Pro-viral human protein critical for embryo development

Researchers discovered that ZC3H11A is essential for regulating metabolic genes in embryos and their absence leads to complete lethality. The study's findings suggest that ZC3 may be a promising therapeutic target for the development of anti-viral agents against medically significant human viruses.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Weiss-Kruszka syndrome and the failure to establish neuronal identity

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism underlying Weiss-Kruszka syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by craniofacial anomalies and autistic features. The study reveals that the ZFP462 gene mutation leads to a failure to safeguard neural lineage specification during early embryonic development.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Scientists' use of hydrogel materials leads to stem cells developing like human embryos

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully induced a gastrulation-like event in human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the early stages of embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for studying human development and creating personalized body tissue or organs using hydrogel materials.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Plastic pollution kills sea urchin larvae

Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022

DNA sequence enhances understanding origins of jaws

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a crucial DNA sequence in jawed vertebrates that plays a major role in shaping the joint surfaces during embryonic development. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of vertebrate jaws, which is believed to have occurred around 423 million years ago.

SourceUppsala University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2022

Embryo blood cells are stem cell-independent

Research at Kumamoto University reveals that fetal liver blood cells are stem cell-independent, contrary to the long-held view that HSCs are essential for their production. The study provides new insights into the origin of HSCs and suggests a reconsideration of their role in embryo formation.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022