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Stopping cancer proteins before they even form?

A new drug targeting RAS, a pathologically altered protein causing 40% of colorectal and 90% of pancreatic cancers, has been developed. The molecular eraser, RIBOTAC, stops the production of RAS by degrading its mRNA, but surprisingly triggers changes in cancer cells despite minimal impact on protein quantity.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalJACS Au·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Understanding the mechanisms of collective cell movement

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has discovered that the protein ZO-1 plays a crucial role in collective cell migration by riding ERK activation waves to podosomes on the basal cell surface. This movement enhances force generation, extracellular matrix degradation, and invasive cell migration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers discover how stomach cancer learns to grow on its own

Early gastric cancer cells become self-sufficient by producing WNT7B, creating a self-sustaining loop and activating WNT signaling internally. This mechanism is triggered by MAPK signaling activation and has been validated in genetically engineered mouse models and human patient-derived organoids.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

New approach could treat anthrax beyond the “point of no return”

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh developed a new treatment approach for anthrax by reactivating the ERK pathway with a combination of growth factors. This method shows promise for treating the disease beyond its typical point of no return, offering hope for patients diagnosed late in the illness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 28, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Safeguarding intestinal stem cells during aging through balanced signaling

The study reveals that the interplay between ERK/MAPK and IFN-gamma signaling is essential for preserving intestinal stem cells during aging. The researchers found that maintaining a balance between these signaling pathways is critical for supporting stem cell maintenance, while also driving age-related changes in differentiated cells.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Erk5 and its potential applications in cancer treatment

Researchers explore Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (Erk5) and its unique structures regulating autophosphorylation and transcription. Erk5 is involved in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, energy metabolism, tumor growth, and metastasis, making it a potential target for cancer treatment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 14, 2024

Periostin shows promise to help fight a common form of esophageal cancer

New findings in The American Journal of Pathology indicate that periostin promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by enhancing cancer and stromal cell migration in cancer-associated fibroblasts. Periostin may be a promising therapeutic target for treating ESCC.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Kinase-targeted therapy in subsets of colorectal cancer

Researchers explore kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies for specific CRC subsets, offering hope for improved treatment options. Key findings suggest that uncovering essential kinases for tumor growth can lead to more effective treatment strategies in metastatic or later-stage CRC patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 22, 2023

Switching off the cytokine storm

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have obtained the first structure of p38α being activated by MKK6, opening up new directions for developing drugs to stop cytokine storms. The inflammatory response is triggered by a series of kinases, and inactivating p38α could prevent inflammation from occurring.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

Regeneration might be a whole-body affair

Researchers have found that injuries on one part of an organism can trigger a whole-body response aiding wound healing and tissue regeneration. This coordination is crucial for successful regeneration in certain organisms such as planarians, zebrafish, and axolotls.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalCell·DateJul 24, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Riluzole and Sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors: a Phase I trial

Researchers found a partial response in a patient with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, as well as stable disease in 11 patients, when combining riluzole with sorafenib in a phase I trial. The combination was safe and tolerable, and further exploration of its potential is warranted.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Oncotarget | Oncogenic driver FGFR3-TACC3 requires 5 coiled-coil heptads for activation and disulfide bonds for stability

Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Researchers identify specific alterations in the BRAF gene that may affect response to treatment and survival in adult brain cancers

The study found that BRAF alterations, particularly Class I mutations like v600E, are associated with improved overall survival in adults with glioma. However, the effectiveness of targeted therapies depends on the specific type and combination of genetic alterations driving the cancer.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

Unraveling the reward behavior: mechanisms underlying the dopamine signaling pathway

A team of researchers identified a protein kinase substrate downstream of the dopamine signaling pathway regulating brain reward behavior. The study found that phosphorylation of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2) decreases its channel activity, increasing neuronal excitability and promoting reward behavior.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

KANPHOS: Newly developed database for kinase-associated protein phosphorylation eases neural signaling research

The newly developed KANPHOS database provides comprehensive information on kinase-associated protein phosphorylation, facilitating research into neural signaling pathways. The database contains information on phosphoproteins, phosphorylation sites, and participant kinases, allowing for searches based on various parameters.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCells·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

A new dimension in Stem Cell Signaling

Researchers around Christian Schröter and Luis Morelli have discovered that ERK activity pulses every six to seven minutes in living stem cells, encoding differentiation information. This intermittent oscillation is believed to be a morse code-like mechanism that helps stem cells make decisions about fate.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Cells communicate by doing the 'wave'

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a novel method of communication among cells using 'mechano-chemical' signals. The findings show that the movement of one cell can trigger a cascading reaction resulting in collective cell migration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 21, 2020

How cells respond appropriately in harsh environments arising from global warming

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which cells respond to environmental stresses, including high temperature, dryness and high salination. The study found that a cytoplasmic sensor enhances MAP kinase phosphorylation, leading to a more accurate and robust response than previously thought possible.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Scientists uncover how protein clumps damage cells in Parkinson's

Researchers have discovered that protein clumps, particularly pα-syn*, recruit enzymes and tau to damage brain cells, leading to mitochondrial destruction. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease, shedding light on potential treatment targets.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateDec 20, 2018

Novel mechanism for generating our skeleton

The Mek5/Erk5 pathway plays a crucial role in skeletogenesis through the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. Erk5 controls early chondrogenic differentiation and chondrogenic differentiation after condensation formation. This study improves our understanding of skeletal development and paves ...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 2, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Fighting barnacle buildup with biology

A new study identifies a specific chain of proteins activated during barnacle metamorphosis, suggesting bacteria play a crucial role in their development. The findings could lead to the development of ship coatings that inhibit bacterial cues, mitigating biofouling issues.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016

What aggravates hippocampal neuronal injury in acute cerebral ischemia?

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 was shown to protect against hippocampal neuronal injury in a rat model of diabetic cerebral ischemia. However, reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 decreased Ku70 activity and increased Bax expression, leading to increased lost hippocampal neurons.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 8, 2014

Limb regeneration: Do salamanders hold the key?

Researchers have identified a critical molecular pathway, the ERK pathway, that determines whether an adult cell can be reprogrammed and aid in limb regeneration. Constantly active ERK pathway may unlock new therapies for human diseases.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 19, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Double-pronged attack could treat common children's cancer

A new study published in Clinical Cancer Research has found a dual-pronged strategy of combining two experimental cancer drugs to be an effective treatment for childhood cancer rhabdomyosarcoma. The study showed that the combination of AZD8055 and AZD6244 reduced tumour growth and blocked off escape routes, leading to improved outcomes.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 1, 2013

GIS scientists discover molecular communication network in human stem cells

Researchers at GIS and MPIMG discovered a molecular network in human embryonic stem cells that activates the ERK pathway, causing cells to respond by activating genetic information. The network also silences genetic information through ELK1, maintaining the cell's undifferentiated state.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 2, 2013

Same protein that fires up cancer-promoting Erk also blocks its activation

Researchers have discovered that protein Shc acts as a tumor suppressor by binding to and blocking the activation of cancer-promoting protein Erk. This finding has significant implications for treating various types of cancer, including ovarian and prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 19, 2013

New insight into RASopathy-associated lymphatic defects

Researchers used transgenic mice to study the effects of RAS pathway alterations on lymphatic system development. They found that excess ERK activation leads to lymphatic defects in RASopathies, which can be reversed by ERK inhibitor treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers correct the record about behavior of important human protein tied to cancer

A study challenges the prevailing belief that a key human protein linked to cancer needs a partner to function, revealing it can initiate processes on its own. The researchers used high-resolution microscopy techniques to observe proteins in living cells and found that the protein's activation rate is directly linked to its nuclear entry.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2010

Study reveals how blood flow force prevents clogged arteries

Researchers found that steady blood flow creates frictional force and stretching force that protect blood vessels from atherosclerosis. The study identified proteins involved in this process, including PECAM-1 and Fyn, which could lead to the development of new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

JCI table of contents: Aug. 21, 2008

Simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways, mTOR and MAPK, resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. This combination therapy may improve the treatment of human cancers, particularly for patients with advanced, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 21, 2008

Anti-tumor effects are enhanced by inhibiting 2 pathways rather than 1

Researchers found that simultaneously inhibiting the mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. This dual inhibition was particularly effective against aggressive forms of the disease, leading to a potential breakthrough for combination therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 21, 2008
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Blazing a new path for Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers created a mouse model of EDMD to investigate gene expression changes in the heart. They found increased expression of MAP kinases, which play roles in other forms of cardiomyopathy. This discovery opens possibilities for treating lamin-related cardiomyopathies with MAP kinase inhibitors.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 11, 2005

Epilepsy: Signals 'brake' in brain impaired

A team of researchers found that impaired Kv4.2 ion channels in neurons can lead to increased excitability and seizure frequency in epilepsy. Inhibiting the ERK enzyme may provide a new therapeutic target for treating this condition.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2004
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Molecular traffic cop directs cellular signals

Researchers have discovered a new inhibitor called hSef, which regulates the Ras/ERK MAP kinase cascade by limiting ERK activity to specific regions of the cell. This discovery provides insights into how cellular signals are localized and controlled within the cell.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2004

The MAP kinase pathway in coxsackievirus infections

The MAP kinase pathway is activated in response to coxsackievirus infection, leading to increased viral replication. This signaling cascade also triggers host cell responses, including inflammation and immune activation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 12, 2002

Bubonic plague kills by cutting off cellular communication

Researchers found Yersinia pestis uses a protein called YopJ to cut off cellular communication, disrupting immune response and killing the host. Understanding this mechanism could have important implications in medicine, particularly for cancer and immune-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateSep 16, 1999

Researchers Discover Early Step In Stroke’s Deadly Path

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that a member of the MAP kinase family, ERK, may act as a molecular gatekeeper activating excitotoxic pathways. This finding could lead to new drug targets against stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 1998