Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Scientists create 3-D models of whole mouse organs

Scientists at Yale University have developed a method to create high-resolution 3D models of intact mouse organs, allowing for non-invasive imaging and analysis. This breakthrough uses fluorescence microscopy and optical clearing to image tissues up to depths of over two millimeters, enabling the creation of virtual 3D biopsies.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 24, 2010

Your fat may help you heal

A Rice University researcher has developed a natural extracellular matrix from adipose cells that supports the growth of living cells into tissues. The substance, called Adipogel, has been proven effective for growing liver cells and may be used to repair damaged organs in the future.

SourceRice University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 25, 2010

SAGE to publish the Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry

The Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry will be published by SAGE beginning with volume 59 in 2011. The journal focuses on significant advances in visual techniques providing biochemical and molecular information about cells, tissues, and organs.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry·DateFeb 9, 2010

First near-total face and upper-jaw transplant appears successful

A groundbreaking face and upper-jaw transplant has successfully integrated donor tissue with no long-term rejection, enabling the recipient to regain senses of smell and taste. The procedure, performed on a patient with extensive damage from postoperative scarring and blood vessel depletion, demonstrates the feasibility of facial trans...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Advance growing animal penile erectile tissue in lab may benefit patients

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have successfully grown replacement penile erectile tissue in rabbits, enabling normal sexual function and offspring production. The engineered tissue has the potential to benefit patients with congenital abnormalities, penile cancer, and some cases of erectile dysfunction.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2009

Cells in developing tissue consider their history of signaling exposure to determine location

Cells in developing tissue consider their history of signaling exposure to determine location, challenging the widely held hypothesis that morphogens are the primary source of positional information. Researchers found that cells require a 'memory' of past exposure to morphogen signals to adopt specific gene expression patterns.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 28, 2009

Bioengineers develop a microfabricated device to measure cellular forces during tissue development

Researchers have created a tiny micron-sized device that allows them to measure and manipulate cellular forces as cells reorganize into tissues. This discovery has significant implications for the study of tissue mechanics and its role in coordinating cell signaling, gene expression, and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Cell-building discovery could reduce need for some animal research

Researchers at Brown University have successfully grown and assembled living microtissues into complex three-dimensional structures, advancing tissue engineering. The breakthrough could eventually reduce the need for certain kinds of animal research, with implications for basic cell biology, drug discovery, and tissue research.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateFeb 2, 2009

Surface tension drives segregation within cell mixtures

Researchers have developed a new three-dimensional computer model that reveals surface tension plays a crucial role in cell sorting. The study found that when minority cells make up at least 25% of the mix, they are more likely to be in direct contact with other minority cells, enhancing the surface tension effect and allowing it to dr...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2008

Life savers in the gut

Researchers from EMBL discovered that proteins regulating iron metabolism play a vital role in ensuring nutrient and water absorption in the intestine. The study found that mice lacking these proteins suffer from weight loss, dehydration, and impaired nutrient absorption.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 9, 2008

A molecular map for aging in mice

Researchers created a molecular map of aging in mice by analyzing gene expression changes in 16 different tissues. The study found that different tissues exhibit distinct patterns of aging, suggesting three separate clocks for aging, and that some pathways are shared with human aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 28, 2007

Synchrotron radiation illuminates how babies' protective bubble bursts

A team of researchers from the University of Reading has developed a powerful X-ray beam technique to study the structure of amniotic membranes and their rupture. The findings reveal that the loss of a molecular lattice-like arrangement governs the timing of membrane rupture, paving the way for therapies to prevent premature birth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2007

Flexible electronics could find applications as sensors, artificial muscles

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed flexible electronic structures that can bend, expand, and manipulate devices, paving the way for applications in sensors and artificial muscles. These structures were created by forming single-crystalline semiconductor nanoribbons in stretchable geometrical configurations.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateApr 2, 2007

New medical technique punches holes in target cell membranes to treat tumors

A new medical technique using microsecond electrical pulses has been shown to create permanent nanoscale holes in target cell membranes without harming surrounding tissue. This technique, called irreversible electroporation (IRE), has the potential to revolutionize minimally invasive surgical treatments for tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalTechnology in Cancer Research & Treatment·DateFeb 12, 2007

Nearly unbreakable

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that bone stretches more than its fibers and mineral composition, allowing it to sustain large strains without breaking. The hierarchical structure of bone leads to a hierarchical deformation, with soft layers absorbing most of the strain, protecting the mineral phase from excessive loads.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2006

Bones at the nanoscale

Researchers at Max Planck Institute and ESRF study bone deformation using X-rays, revealing a hierarchical structure that allows bones to sustain large strains without breaking. The findings provide new insight into the design principles behind healthy bone fracture resistance.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2006