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Real-time imaging of contact between cells and between a single neuron’s extensions

Scientists from The University of Osaka have created two new fluorescent markers, Gachapin and Gachapin-C, that can visualize dynamic cell-to-cell contacts and connections within a single neuron's extensions. These indicators allow for the monitoring of complex patterns of connectivity in various cell types, including neurons.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Nematodes can help us detect indoor air impurities

Researchers developed a new method for measuring indoor air quality using transgenic nematode strains that produce fluorescence when exposed to harmful pollutants. The amount of fluorescence can be measured and used to detect various impurities in the air, including fungal samples, surfactants, and volatile compounds.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPathogens·DateFeb 2, 2023

Imaging the dynamic cellular zoo made easier

Osaka University researchers have synthesized a fluorescent protein with the shortest emission wavelength to date, enabling the simultaneous tracking of multiple processes in cells. The new protein, Sumire, exhibits improved brightness and stability compared to existing fluorophores.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeNews article·DateNov 16, 2022

The strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv can be widely used for transient expression and stable transformation of both herbaceous and woody plants

Researchers developed a strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv that shows no harmful effects on plant biological processes, enabling the monitoring of gene expression and protein localization in diverse organisms. This technique allows for efficient, convenient transformation with real-time visualization in various plant species.

Scientists studied color change from green to red in the fluorescent protein

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU have deciphered the molecular mechanism of GFP's green-to-red photoconversion, shedding light on its practical implications. The study suggests that understanding this process may hold key to uncovering ancestral proteins' functions and mitigating photobleaching in microscopy.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateSep 16, 2020

Cell membrane proteins imaged in 3D

Scientists developed a new technique to image proteins in 3D with nanoscale resolution using lanthanide-binding tags, enabling researchers to identify precise protein locations within individual cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 13, 2020

Strong signals show how proteins come and go

Bioscientists at Rice University have developed a novel system to amplify gene expression signals, allowing for more sensitive detection of target genes. The system, consisting of two modules, provides high-resolution dynamic information on gene expression dynamics, which are critical for understanding cell behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Scientists find way to supercharge protein production

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a method to supercharge protein production up to a thousandfold, which could significantly increase the production of protein-based drugs, vaccines, and biomaterials. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in various industries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Nanoscale platform aims to control protein levels

Rice University scientists invented a bifunctional recognition system called NanoDeg to target specific proteins and regulate their degradation. This plug-and-play system allows for precise control over protein expression levels, enabling the study of cellular dynamics and synthetic gene circuits.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateOct 30, 2017

The mystery of the Red Sea

Biologists from Moscow State University found new luminescent creatures in the Red Sea, with unique fluorescent patterns that can help identify different species. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals insights into the role of glow in attracting prey and exploring symbiotic relationships.

Protein Photonics special section in Journal of Biomedical Optics honors Osamu Shimomura

The Journal of Biomedical Optics special section honors Osamu Shimomura's work on green fluorescent protein, enabling researchers to observe molecular-level activity in live cells. Recent studies detail new applications of protein photonics, including multicolor imaging and monitoring cellular magnesium levels.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 3, 2015

Watching how the brain works

Scientists have observed intact protein interactions directly in a live animal's brain for the first time, using a novel imaging technique. The study reveals that proteins interact within neurons during brain development, forming complex networks.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014

A faster vessel for charting the brain

Researchers at Princeton University created enhanced proteins that respond quickly to changes in neuron activity, allowing for a more precise view of neuron signals. The new sensors can be customized to react to different rates of neuron activity, giving scientists a comprehensive understanding of brain-cell communication.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2013

What do memories look like?

Researchers have developed a way to see where and how memories are stored in the brain by attaching fluorescent markers to synaptic proteins. The microprobes allow scientists to observe live excitatory and inhibitory synapses for the first time, showing how they change as new memories are formed.

Cell on a chip reveals protein behavior

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science created a two-dimensional cell-like system on a glass chip, enabling precise observation of gene expression and protein behavior. The system allows for the simultaneous production and trapping of multiple proteins, revealing a spectrum of protein activities.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 18, 2013

Cell circuits remember their history

Researchers at MIT have designed new synthetic biology circuits that combine memory and logic, enabling the creation of long-term environmental sensors and efficient controls for biomanufacturing. These circuits can be used to program stem cells to differentiate into other cell types and provide precise long-term memory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 2013

A new glow for electron microscopy

Researchers from MIT have developed a new tag, APEX, that enables high-resolution visualization of proteins in cells using electron microscopy. The APEX tag allows scientists to label and identify specific proteins with unprecedented clarity, resolving open questions regarding protein locations and functions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 22, 2012