Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How cells build organisms

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key control mechanism that allows cells to self-organize in early embryonic development. By studying the expression of unique combinations of adhesion molecules, the team found that these 'adhesion codes' determine which cells prefer to stay connected and how strongly they do so.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

Converting lateral scanning into axial focusing to speed up 3D microscopy

A team of scientists has developed a novel optical design that enables fast imaging in 3D microscopy by converting lateral scanning into axial focusing. This technology accelerates axially swept light-sheet microscopy (ASLM) and raster scanning microscopes to multi-kHz rates, outperforming previous aberration-free focusing technologies.

Embryos taking shape via buckling

Researchers from UNIGE have successfully demonstrated that cellular tissues deform through buckling, a phenomenon that could be crucial for understanding embryo development. By recreating the process in vitro and analyzing the mechanical properties of artificial embryos, the team provided quantitative proof of the hypothesis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 14, 2020

Scientists use CRISPR to knock down gene messages early in development

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR technique that allows them to target and reduce specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules involved in early embryonic development. This approach enables the study of genes that were previously difficult or impossible to manipulate, and has shown promise for understanding infertility and development...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 7, 2020

Cell diversity in the embryo

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered that epigenetic regulators control the development of different tissues and organs in early mouse embryos. By analyzing thousands of individual cells, they found that specific regulators have unique functions in every cell, making them difficult to study.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2020

Why is the female wallaby always pregnant?

Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

Choosing the best embryos

Researchers from CRCHUM unveiled a mechanism that likely contributes to the low level of pregnancy success in some fertility clinics. Healthy cells usually have one nucleus, but many fertility clinics transfer so-called 'binucleated embryos' with two nuclei back to patients. The study found that binucleation increases the chances of an...

Researchers discover how left-right information is integrated to correct organ positioning

Scientists from CSIC-UMH have discovered a molecular mechanism that ensures the right equilibrium needed in left-right signaling cascade during development, leading to correct heart positioning. This mechanism involves a transient wave of small molecules called microRNAs that travel along the left-hand side of the embryo.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 17, 2019

Shocking embryonic limbs into shape

Using electric shocks accelerates the formation of limb and tail buds in early chicken embryos. The study reveals that concentric rings within the blastula deform in a cascade-like process, inducing each ring to change shape.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 20, 2019

Do women regret embryo testing before IVF?

A study found that 94% of patients who underwent embryo genetic testing before IVF were glad to have the information, despite potentially disappointing results. The research suggests that even after a negative outcome, most women value the knowledge gained from embryo testing for reproductive planning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 21, 2019

What can be done to prevent another CRISPR crisis?

A new article recommends explicit management of conflict of interests, banning exclusive rights to research results, and enhanced informed consent to guide germline gene editing. The author argues that regulation and penalties are necessary to ensure public trust in science.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2019

Are mosaic embryos the 'dark horse' of IVF?

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that mosaic embryos can adapt to abnormalities and persist in development, resulting in positive IVF outcomes. Mosaic embryos, which contain both normal and abnormal cells, were previously considered non-ideal candidates for IVF transfer due to the risk of aneuploidy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 4, 2019