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Immune response study explains why some people don't get COVID-19

Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Data-processing tool could enable better early stage cancer detection

A team of Rice University researchers has developed a platform for integrating DNA and RNA data from single-cell sequencing with greater speed and precision. The method, MaCroDNA, relies on a classical algorithm to identify matching pairs of data and outperformed state-of-the-art technologies in accuracy measurements.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Pancreatic cancer lives on mucus

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have uncovered a mechanism involved in pancreatic cancer transformation, discovering that low-grade pancreatic cancer cells depend on mucus to survive and thrive. This knowledge could help set the stage for future diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.

New approach to single-cell RNA structure sequencing unveils biomarkers for human development and disease

Researchers have developed a new method to sequence single-cell RNA structures, revealing biomarkers crucial for human development and disease. This approach identifies cell types based on RNA shape, offering new insights into cellular fate and potential treatments against RNA viruses.

The hidden identity of leukemia

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University characterize myeloid/natural killer (NK) cell precursor acute leukemia (MNKPL) using multiomics approaches, revealing distinct molecular features. This work provides crucial details for accurate diagnoses and therapeutic decisions.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 9, 2024

New tool unifies single-cell data

A new tool, CellHint, has been developed to unify different single-cell data, creating harmonized datasets. Researchers applied CellHint to reveal underexplored connections between healthy and diseased lung cell states and identified potential interests for future research in adult human hippocampus.

NIH researchers create genetic atlas detailing early stages of zebrafish development

A new genetic atlas details the gene expression programs that drive zebrafish development, revealing insights into human embryonic growth and the origins of diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders. The atlas provides a comprehensive resource for studying cell development and differentiation in vertebrates.

Bacterial single-cell whole genome sequencing overhauled by engineered polymerase

A new process developed by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters greatly reduces bias in gene amplification, enabling high-coverage genome sequencing from single bacterial cells. The improved method uses an engineered phi29 DNA polymerase that is more efficient and robust than traditional versions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2023

CAPITAL: A major advance in single-cell RNA data analysis

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a computational tool called CAPITAL that can carry out accurate comparative analysis of complex single-cell sequencing datasets. The tool uses a pseudotime trajectory approach to align and compare cells along hypothetical paths reflecting their progress through transitional processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2022

Turning the spotlight on cells in tissues so RNA can tell their story

Researchers have developed a new DNA nanotechnology-driven method called Light-Seq that enables the analysis of gene expression patterns in hard-to-access cells within intact tissues. This approach overcomes limitations of existing spatial transcriptomics methods, allowing for deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and biology.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022

Estimating tumor-specific total mRNA level predicts cancer outcomes

Researchers developed a mathematical technique to measure total tumor-specific mRNA levels from bulk tumor sequencing data, associating higher mRNA levels with reduced patient survival. The study suggests this approach could serve as a prognostic biomarker for various cancers, guiding treatment selection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

Researchers map lung development after birth into late childhood for the first time

Scientists have constructed a detailed map of lung development after birth, providing insights into the genetic and epigenetic factors that affect lung health. The study used next-generation single-cell sequencing technologies to analyze over 80,000 human and mouse lung cells, revealing clues on how cell types communicate and develop.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Genomics·DateApr 11, 2022

UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm for in-depth cleaning of single cell genomic data

The UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm called AutoClass to clean noisy single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data. The algorithm effectively removes noise and enhances downstream analysis in multiple aspects, demonstrating its robustness and scalability.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

Intestinal cells change functions during their lives

Recent studies found that intestinal cells can change specializations in response to BMP signaling. This process, called zonation, is crucial for the proper functioning of the gut. Researchers used organoids and mouse models to confirm this discovery, which may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

A naturally-occurring metabolite is a potent senolytic in both mice and human cell culture

Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a naturally occurring metabolite, 25-hydroxycholesteral, that significantly reduces senescent cells in multiple cell types and improves muscle mass in aged mice. The molecule targets CRYAB, a small heat shock protein associated with age-related diseases like myopathies.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer reveals unusual cell type that could explain why it’s so aggressive

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed a molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer, revealing a rare population of stem-like cells that correlate with patient outcomes. These cells have metastatic properties and are found across many SCLC tumors, suggesting they may be driving the disease's aggressiveness.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Catching malaria evolution in the act

Scientists have developed a technique to sequence individual malaria parasites' genomes, allowing for the detection of new mutations. These mutations are often targeting a gene family controlling transcription in malaria, suggesting potential avenues for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 13, 2021

How sepsis need not be fatal

A team of scientists has identified molecular biomarkers associated with sepsis, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment. The study found that changes in CD52 expression were linked to good outcomes, while S100A9 acted as a driver of fatal sepsis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021