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Random cell division promotes healthy embryo growth, says new research

There is variability in when and how cells divide during the development of embryos. While researchers traditionally believed this variability was an obstacle that needed to be regulated, the Hiiragi group now found that it actually promotes healthy development.

12 Oct 2024

Cell stress from crowding leads to slower growth and circular patterns

Like so many organisms on the planet, when cells experience mosh-pit-level crowding, they may just become stressed. Yet unlike most other life forms, cells subject to physical stress from crowding by neighbors can find some relief by dramatically slowing their own growth - and in doing so form an eye-catching pattern of concentric circles as a spectacular consequence.

12 Oct 2024

Researchers uncover new mechanism of stem cell differentiation linked to cancer progression

A study led by Umeå University, Sweden, have made new discoveries about how stem cells develop and transition into specialized cells. The discovery can provide increased understanding of how cells divide and grow uncontrollably so that cancer develops.

12 Oct 2024

Study sets new standards for lipidomics in cardiovascular disease research

Results of the first phase of a Ceramide Ring Trial have just been published in the renowned journal Nature Communications, representing a significant landmark in the field of lipidomics.

12 Oct 2024

Breakthrough in mirror molecule synthesis opens doors for drug discovery

A University of Texas at Dallas chemist and his colleagues have developed a new chemical reaction that will allow researchers to synthesize selectively the left-handed or right-handed versions of "mirror molecules" found in nature and assess them for potential use against cancer, infection, depression, inflammation and a host of other conditions.

10 Oct 2024

New cell culture model sheds light on immune protein's role in infectious diseases

A human cell culture model of the lung's most important immune cells, alveolar macrophages, helped make a key finding that is prompting researchers to rethink the role of another immune protein in infectious disease.

10 Oct 2024

AI-driven approach reveals hidden protein relationships

In a recently published article in Nature Communications, a team of researchers from the University of Virginia - including Phil Bourne, dean of the School of Data Science, Cam Mura, a senior scientist with the School, and Eli Draizen, a recent UVA alumnus - offer an AI-driven approach to explore structural similarities and relationships across the protein universe.

10 Oct 2024

Skin pigmentation may affect drug efficacy and safety

Skin pigmentation may act as a "sponge" for some medications, potentially influencing the speed with which active drugs reach their intended targets, a pair of scientists report in a perspective article published in the journal Human Genomics.

10 Oct 2024

CKMT2 regulates mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in type 2 diabetes

Creatine kinase M2 (CKMT2) plays a key role in mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, affecting energy metabolism in skeletal muscle.

10 Oct 2024

Grant supports gene-editing research for rare metabolic diseases

A $14M grant will fund research on gene-editing therapies for rare metabolic diseases at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

10 Oct 2024

Understanding the mysterious cells in the brain's visual cortex

Imagine yourself sometime in the far future aboard a routine rocket to Mars. Someone just spilled their drink. Without gravity, it collects in floating blobs that ripple right before your eyes. Now freeze.

10 Oct 2024

Decoding Cannabis: Differentiating Hemp and Marijuana

In this interview conducted at Pittcon 2024 in San Diego, Rabi Musah delves into her innovative use of DART-HRMS and chemometric analysis to differentiate between hemp and marijuana varieties of Cannabis sativa, exploring the forensic and legal implications of these findings.

From Pittcon 10 Oct 2024

Alcohol's effects on embryo development detected in late-gestation placenta

A new study led by Pr. Serge McGraw, researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine and professor at Université de Montréal, shows that the effects of alcohol exposure on an embryo prior to implantation in the uterus can be detected in the late-gestation placenta.

9 Oct 2024

First map of DNA modification in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex created

A UCLA-led study has provided an unprecedented look at how gene regulation evolves during human brain development, showing how the 3D structure of chromatin - DNA and proteins - plays a critical role.

9 Oct 2024

Transposable elements found to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's brains, revealing potential targets for therapy

Study reveals widespread dysregulation of transposable elements (TEs) in aging human brains with Alzheimer's disease, using advanced techniques like CRISPR interference to identify TE-related risk genes.

9 Oct 2024

Study reveals why paternal mitochondria must be removed during early development

It's one of the basic tenets of biology: We get our DNA from our mom and our dad.

9 Oct 2024

Combination of 14 'skinny genes' could be the key to weight loss

The secret to losing weight could all be down to a combination of 14 'skinny genes', a new study has found.

9 Oct 2024

Tiny molecule offers hope in reducing opioid side effects

Opioid drugs are highly effective at relieving pain but come with severe drawbacks. Their side effects range from dizziness to potentially fatal respiratory depression.

9 Oct 2024

Studying yeast could unlock new ways to make cancer cells more vulnerable

What can stressed yeast teach us about fundamental processes in the cell? A lot, according to scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The team studies, among other topics, how cells adapt to stress -- such as nutrient deprivation.

9 Oct 2024

Advances in technology shed light on cell function

Cells are the basic units of life — but when it comes to cells, if you think basic means simple, think again. Cells are complicated, with many millions of biochemical reactions per second seething within their confines. They also tend to be tiny, so it’s not easy to spy on their operations.

8 Oct 2024