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Life Sciences

Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.

447,757 articles | 2542 topics

Health and Medicine

Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.

431,843 articles | 751 topics

Social Sciences

Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.

260,756 articles | 745 topics

Physical Sciences

Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.

257,913 articles | 1552 topics

Applied Sciences and Engineering

Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.

225,386 articles | 998 topics

Scientific Community

Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.

193,043 articles | 157 topics

Space Sciences

Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.

29,662 articles | 175 topics

Research Methods

Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.

21,889 articles | 139 topics

Mathematics

Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.

3,023 articles | 113 topics

Cell division in microalgae: mitosis revealed in detail for the first time

Researchers at Bielefeld University have identified five key characteristics of mitosis in the microalga Volvox carteri, including a porous nuclear envelope and crucial centrosome function. They used confocal laser scanning microscopy to capture high-resolution images of live cell division and gain insights into the complex process.

Transgender algae reveal evolutionary origin of sexes

A team of scientists has identified a master regulatory gene for sex determination in the green alga Volvox carteri, which shows how it evolved from a more primitive mating system in a close relative. The discovery may provide a possible blueprint for the origin of sexes in other multicellular organisms.

Genome signatures enable tracking of algal complexity

Researchers have sequenced the genome of Volvox carteri, a multicellular alga that captures light energy through photosynthesis. The study reveals surprising similarities and differences between the Volvox and Chlamydomonas genomes, shedding light on the evolution of multicellularity in these algae.

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Origins of multicellularity: All in the family

A global collaboration found that Volvox and Chlamydomonas algae share a common list of protein parts, suggesting limited innovation in the transition to multicellularity. Key discoveries include increased ECM proteins, cyclin D proteins, and novel gene functions.

Scientists discover 'dancing' algae

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered 'dancing' algae, Volvox, that form stable groupings and exhibit unique waltzing and minuet patterns. The 'dance' is held together by fluid flows and induced attraction between colonies.

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How Volvox got its groove

Researchers discovered that ancestors of Volvox algae transitioned to multicellularity at least 200 million years ago. This finding provides insights into the evolution of complex life forms, highlighting the importance of cooperation among cells in overcoming conflicts that hinder collective growth and reproduction.

Algae's protein 'tails' create motion – and aid munching

Researchers found that flagella in algae allow for active nutrient gathering, concentrating nutrients just ahead of the moving colony. This discovery explains how single-celled life forms can evolve into larger multicellular organisms like Volvox, a colony of up to 50,000 cells.

Need sex? It's probably something about stress

In Volvox carteri, colonies become sexual when exposed to high temperatures, releasing pheromones to guarantee mating partners. This response is linked to the activation of the sex-inducer gene, which promotes the production of a pheromone in reaction to increased oxidants produced by free radicals.

Jumpin' Jordan! Athletic Gene Yields Biological Clues

Researchers David Kirk and Stephen Miller have discovered a transposon gene, called Jordan, in the green alga Volvox. This gene helps them isolate genes of interest to understand their form and function, shedding light on cell reproduction and specialized cells. The study has implications for human gene therapy and cancer research.