Molecular & Structural Biology

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Researchers discover surprising network activity in early developing visual cortex

One of the outstanding mysteries of the cerebral cortex is how individual neurons develop the proper synaptic connections to form large-scale, distributed networks.

25 Oct 2018

Research uncovers how sleeping stem cells in the mammary gland are awakened at puberty

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have discovered how the growth of milk-producing mammary glands is triggered during puberty. Sleeping stem cells in the mammary gland are awoken by a protein dubbed FoxP1, according to the research that was published today in the journal Developmental Cell.

25 Oct 2018

Skin cells show minimal damage, maximum pigmentation when exposed to sunlight every 48 hours

Skin cells show the least amount of DNA damage and produce the most amount of melanin when exposed to sunlight in 48 hour windows, according to new study.

25 Oct 2018

Potential new biomarkers may aid early detection of glaucoma

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have identified new potential biomarkers that may facilitate early detection of glaucoma in patients. Moreover, they ascertained that the mutation of a certain gene in mice causes intraocular pressure elevation.

25 Oct 2018

Scientists determine normal function of gene associated with ALS and FTD

The normal function of a gene associated with the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia has been determined for the first time by University of Bath scientists.

24 Oct 2018

Modeling Alzheimer’s Disease Using Microfluidics

An interview with Dr. Joseph Park, the incorporation of astrocytes into the Alzheimer’s-in-a-dish culture system and it's applications in drug development.

24 Oct 2018

Researchers reach new milestone in understanding muscle formation

Researchers from the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics believe they have reached a new milestone in the understanding of muscle formation that could help define new cellular and molecular approaches in pathological conditions affecting muscle wellness.

24 Oct 2018

New study finds evidence that animals can judge time

Are you taking your time when feeding your pet? Fluffy and Fido are on to you -- and they can tell when you are dawdling.

24 Oct 2018

Neurons in the brain's primary visual cortex can reliably detect straight lines

Single neurons in the brain's primary visual cortex can reliably detect straight lines, even though the cellular makeup of the neurons is constantly changing, according to a new study by Carnegie Mellon University neuroscientists, led by Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Sandra Kuhlman.

24 Oct 2018

Study uncovers rare phenomenon of antibodies working together against malaria

Scientists investigating how the human immune system defends against malaria have uncovered a rare phenomenon: antibodies working together to bind to a vulnerable spot on the parasite.

24 Oct 2018

How a single mutation can devastate cellular function

A scientist has shown how a single mutation in a protein found in astrocytes reproduces fibrous globs that devastate cellular function.

23 Oct 2018

Researchers discover how acne-causing bacteria resist treatment

Researchers in Sweden have discovered how acne-causing bacteria feed off their human hosts. The study, which was performed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, could make it possible to find effective ways to treat severe acne.

22 Oct 2018

Epigenetic modifications may contribute to Alzheimer's Disease

Scientists report epigenetic modifications in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's, after observing differences in histone acetylation across the genome.

22 Oct 2018

New protein sequencing technique could revolutionize biomedical research

Scientists have developed a new, low-throughput technique that allows individual proteins to be identified. It is called single molecule fluorosequencing.

22 Oct 2018

Resemblance to parents increases with offspring age in monkeys

Most of us would acknowledge that family members often resemble one another, particularly in the face. Indeed, humans are good at picking out pairs of close relatives amongst the faces of unfamiliar adults.

22 Oct 2018

Study reveals connection between two proteins known to be hyperactive in cancer

A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital has revealed a connection between mTORC1 and Src, two proteins known to be hyperactive in cancer.

20 Oct 2018

Scientists uncover key regulator of mTORC1 in cancer growth

Scientists have discovered that Src is needed for activation of mTORC1, a major regulator of cellular metabolism, growth and proliferation in cancer.

19 Oct 2018

Breast Cancer as a Dynamic Disease

An interview with Dr. Andrew Ewald, discussing the influence of the myoepithelium on breast cancer growth and the importance of studying metastasis.

19 Oct 2018

Father’s exposure to nicotine may cause cognitive deficits in descendants

A father’s exposure to nicotine may cause cognitive deficits in his children and even grandchildren, according to a study in mice publishing on October 16 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Pradeep Bhide of Florida State University in Tallahassee and colleagues.

19 Oct 2018