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Model unfolds proteins gently

A new theoretical model reported in the Journal of Chemical Physics investigates protein unfolding under smaller forces, revealing a previously uncharacterized sequential loss of structure involving fluctuation between two intermediates. The researchers discovered more steps and complexity compared to previous experiments and models.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 5, 2010

Casing the joint

Researchers have created a new animal model for rheumatoid arthritis that closely mimics the human disease. The KRN-CTM model exhibits chronic inflammation and cartilage damage similar to human cases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 7, 2010

Math model of colon inflammation singles out dangerous immune cells

Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model of colon inflammation that identifies pro-inflammatory macrophages as key culprits for unregulated inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. The model allows scientists to explore cellular and molecular changes underlying chronic inflammation, identify intervention points...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJul 22, 2010

Same disease, different stem cell models

A new study compares induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and embryonic stem cells in modeling fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder. The research reveals that the two cell types behave differently in the disease model, with iPS cells not fully replicating the gene silencing process.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

Researchers create mathematical model of fruit fly eyes

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a functional equation that explains how cells pack together to form the eyes of Drosophila, or fruit flies. This pared-down model uses only two parameters and demonstrates how it can be applied to different kinds of tissues, leading to potential advances in regenerative medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2008

Study maps life in extreme environments

A team of biologists has developed a model mapping the control circuit governing a whole free-living organism, allowing for accurate prediction of cell dynamics and adaptation to environmental stresses. The study, based on Halobacterium salinarum, provides insights into how cells make stable decisions in response to their environments.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell·DateDec 27, 2007

UNC scientists solve mystery of how largest cellular motor protein powers movement

Researchers have discovered a flexible coiled-coil region in dynein that enables rapid conversion of chemical energy into mechanical force, powering cell division and mitochondrial transport. This breakthrough sheds light on the protein's function and may hold implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2006

Pleasing plant shapes explained by new computer model

Researchers created a three-dimensional simulation of plant growth, simulating cell division and auxin concentrations to reveal the molecular mechanism behind phyllotaxis. The model enhances biological experiments and promises accurate models for other organisms' development from primordial stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2006

Immune system lab model overcomes ethical limits on human hematopoietic stem cells studies

Researchers have developed a humanized mouse model that can produce functional white blood cells, allowing for studies of immune responses against cancer and infection. The model, called NOD-scid IL2Rãnull, combines characteristics of previous models to enable successful engraftment and development of an intact human immune system.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 9, 2005

Determining the fate of cells in the human body

The study found that Twist1 and Hand2 proteins couple to determine the number of digits on a hand, paw or wing, and whether these digits are webbed or not. Additionally, the researchers identified high-frequency mutations in patients with Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome, which may lead to cardiac and placental tissue defects.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 15, 2005

Progress in breast cancer progression

Researchers found that NF-kB is essential for the initial transition stage of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. Inhibiting NF-kB after transition prevents cells from becoming invasive.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

Model helps patients, clinics, & drug manufacturers cope with health insurance cutbacks

A new model analyzes how patient care plans, clinic profits, and drug manufacturer revenues are affected by outcome-oriented reimbursement policies. The model identifies key factors that influence the optimal treatment plan for individual patients, including initial condition, cost parameters, and insurance reimbursement guidelines.

New theory on the mystery of the origin of life proposed by Weizmann Institute scientists

Researchers suggest that early life forms could have emerged from heterogeneous lipid assemblies, with information stored in composition rather than sequence. This model offers a solution to the long-standing question of how lipid assemblies could carry and propagate information.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2000

Why, in Superbowl of statistical mechanics, famous players could never cross goal line: 3-D proof for Ising model impossible, researcher proves

Computational biologist Sorin Istrail shows that the solution of Ising's model cannot be extended into three dimensions for any lattice, making exact solutions unattainable. The model, developed by Ernst Ising in 1926, has been extensively studied in one and two dimensions but remains unsolvable in three dimensions.

University of Pittsburgh researchers develop new model to study HIV transmission in women

The University of Pittsburgh has developed a new organ culture model to study HIV transmission in women, which could lead to breakthroughs in barrier medications and prevention strategies. The model, described in the journal Nature Medicine, closely mimics the stratified cell layers present at sites of sexual transmission in women.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 27, 2000

H.pylori bacteria and their human hosts

A mathematical model of H.pylori bacteria and their human hosts reveals the key role played by adherent bacteria in colonization, as well as the dynamic relationship between host response and bacterial persistence. The model sheds light on the complex interactions between the bacteria and human immune system.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 1999