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How trees and turnips grow fatter

International research teams identify key regulatory networks controlling radial growth in plants, enabling the development of more efficient carbon sinks and increased vegetable crop yields. The study reveals complex mechanisms behind plant stem cell activity and vascular tissue formation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2019

Are microplastics in the environment truly harmful?

Researchers found significant gaps in understanding microplastic effects, with concentrations detected being orders of magnitude lower than those affecting organisms in lab tests. The study highlights a need for more environmentally realistic studies and better monitoring of specific environmental regions.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 17, 2018

Sex in plants requires thrust

Scientists discovered that pollen tubes exert forces similar to car tire pressure as they navigate through plant tissue to fertilize eggs. The research found that cells can 'feel' and respond to physical resistance in their environment, leading to changes in growth patterns.

SourceMcGill University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateSep 24, 2018

Sex in plants requires thrust

A team of researchers measured the force exerted by plant sperm cells as they navigate female flower tissues using microfluidic technology. The study found that the cellular pressure driving invasion corresponds to that of a car tire, and the pollen tubes adapt their growth pattern in response to physical resistance.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 20, 2018

New recommendations for endoscopic eradication therapy in Barrett's esophagus

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has released new guidelines for the use of endoscopic eradication therapy in patients with Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The guidelines support evidence-based recommendations and clinical guidelines addressing key issues related to Endoscopic Eradicati...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateApr 6, 2018

Is 'ovarian tissue freezing' superior to egg freezing?

A new study suggests that ovarian tissue freezing is a superior option to egg freezing for preserving fertility, reversing menopause, and promoting natural conception. Nearly 37% of women who underwent the procedure were able to have children later in life, with nearly two-thirds experiencing restored natural fertility.

SourceSAGE·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateJul 13, 2017

Mutant maize offers key to understanding plant growth

Researchers used live cell time-lapse imaging to investigate maize mutant growth, finding that delays in cell division can lead to growth defects when paired with improper division plane orientation. This study provides crucial details for understanding plant growth and may have long-term implications for developing short-stature maize...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2017

Image-based modeling

Researchers developed a novel image-based simulation approach that accounts for realistic architectural non-idealities and flow physics in tissue engineering scaffolds. This technology allows for correlating cell behavior and tissue growth with flow, tracking relationships over time via repeated scanning.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 2016

Protein found to bolster growth of damaged muscle tissue

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a protein that boosts the growth of damaged muscle tissue, potentially contributing to treatments for age-related muscle degeneration and diseases like muscular dystrophy. The protein, β1-integrin, promotes stem cell growth and restoration after muscle injury, with results showing...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 19, 2016

3-D 'mini-retinas' grown from mouse and human stem cells

Scientists create miniature retinal organoids that mimic the structure of real retinas, offering new perspectives on retina growth, injury, and repair. The protocol increases yield by up to 4-fold compared to previous methods, enabling researchers to study retinal disease mechanisms and develop therapies for age-related blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 31, 2016