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Minicells play key function in self-preservation of bacteria, finds study

Scientists have known for decades that certain bacteria produce small spherical versions of themselves. Although they lack basic materials to reproduce or function like normal cells, recent interest in such "minicells" has spiked due to their proficiency as nano-sized delivery tools for drugs and vaccines to targeted cells and tissues.

27 Sep 2018

Conservation biologist tracks disappearing species in remote and icy locations

Colorado State University Professor Joel Berger chases winter, year-round. Unlike the surfers in the 1966 movie, "The Endless Summer," he isn't in pursuit of the perfect wave around the world. He's tracking disappearing species in remote and often icy locations.

27 Sep 2018

Researchers uncover molecular underpinnings of liver regeneration

In Greek mythology, Zeus punishes the trickster Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and sending an eagle to eat a portion of his liver every day, in perpetuity. It was the right organ to target - the liver has the ability to regenerate itself, though not overnight nor for eternity.

27 Sep 2018

Drosophila study shows chromosomal instability promotes invasive behavior in human tumors

Metastatic tumors are characterized by a high degree of chromosomal instability--that is to say a constant change in the number and structure of chromosomes they hold. In spite of this observation, it is unknown whether chromosomal instability contributes to the metastatic process.

26 Sep 2018

New robot could improve drug delivery in the body

Researchers have developed a tiny, soft robot that can carry heavy loads and is capable of adapting to adverse environments.

26 Sep 2018

Researchers to build 3D map of human cells and tissues

Researchers at CMU are working with the NIH to build 3D map of human cells and tissues as part of the Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP).

26 Sep 2018

Biological 'switch' influences whether immature blood cells differentiate into red or white blood cells

Japanese scientists have revealed a biological "switch" that influences whether an immature blood cell would develop into a red blood cell or a subtype of white blood cell called myeloid cells in response to infection or inflammation within the body.

26 Sep 2018

NIH-funded genome centers to speed up breakthroughs in precision medicine

The All of Us Research Program awarded funds totaling $28.6 million to establish three genome centers around the country. These centers will begin to generate genomic data from biosamples contributed by the program's participants.

26 Sep 2018

Understanding mosquitoes’ mating behavior is key for developing vector control strategies

The ears of male mosquitoes amplify the sound of an approaching female using a self-generated phantom tone that mimics the female's wingbeats, which increases the ear's acoustic input by a factor of up to 45,000, finds a new UCL-led study.

26 Sep 2018

Research reveals three-dimensional structure of membrane channel that controls blood pressure

New research for the first time reveals the three-dimensional structure of a membrane channel that's critical in controlling blood pressure.

26 Sep 2018

Genetic testing can play a substantial role in medical management

Genetic testing can play a substantial role in medical management by uncovering changes in genes that are associated with an increased risk for hereditary cancers.

26 Sep 2018

Study reveals structure of potential drug target in neurological conditions

Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) have revealed the atomic-level structure of a protein that could serve as a promising new drug target for the treatment of neurological conditions such as bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

25 Sep 2018

Tomocube introduces new holotomography microscope for live cell imaging

A novel optical microscope utilizing diffraction tomography to generate 3D holographic images of unlabelled live cells is now available from Tomocube. Called HT-1, the new microscope delivers quantitative nanoscale, real-time, dynamic images of individual living cells quickly and simply without any sample preparation.

From Tomocube Inc. 25 Sep 2018

Researchers now confirm that genome duplication drives evolution of species

Many wild and cultivated plants arise through the combination of two different species. The genome of these so-called polyploid species often consists of a quadruple set of chromosomes - a double set for each parental species - and thus has about twice as many genes as the original species.

25 Sep 2018

Researchers find molecule that halts, reverts neurodegeneration caused by Parkinson's disease

The small SynuClean-D molecule interrupts the formation of the alpha-synuclein amyloid fibers responsible for the onset of Parkinson's disease, and reverts the neurodegeneration caused by the disease.

25 Sep 2018

Environmentally-induced gene activity influences IQ test performance

Is there a link between differences in IQ test performance and the activity of certain genes? Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have shown that modifications in the structure of a specific gene have a negative impact on individual test performance.

25 Sep 2018

Genomic ‘islands’ evolved from viruses can be converted into ‘anti-bacterial drones’

Genomic "islands" that evolved from viruses can be converted into "drones" that disable Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria that are often resistant to antibiotics and pose a threat to safe hospital care, a new study finds.

25 Sep 2018

Study sheds light on how brain protein may be involved neurodevelopmental disorders

A study by researchers at Rockefeller University has shown that defects in a brain protein may underlie a number of neurodevelopmental disorders.

24 Sep 2018

New test speeds up diagnosis of multi-resistant pathogens

Researchers at the University of Cologne and the German Center for Infection Research have made an important step towards speeding up the diagnosis of multi-resistant pathogens.

24 Sep 2018

Environmental biologist explores how songbirds stay slim despite overeating

Noticing that songbirds, such as finches, never seem to get fat despite overeating at bird feeders, London environmental biologist Lewis Halsey wondered whether the amount of energy birds put into singing, fidgeting, or exercising could be adjusted in ways that regulate weight.

24 Sep 2018