Cells found to possess two mechanisms that allow them to respond to different force ranges
A study carried out at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) heralds a paradigm change in the field of mechanobiology. The study reveals that cells respond to forces of differing strength using use two distinct mechanisms, on.....»»
Giant panda skin cells transformed into stem cells to help ensure their survival
A team of biologists in China has reprogrammed skin cells from giant pandas into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), opening the door to creating primordial germ cells that could serve as precursors to sperm and egg cells......»»
New method developed to relocate misplaced proteins in cells
Cells are highly controlled spaces that rely on every protein being in the right place. Many diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders, are associated with misplaced proteins. In some cancers, for instance, a protein that normally s.....»»
"Pirate birds" force other seabirds to regurgitate fish meals. Their thieving ways could spread lethal avian flu
It's not easy finding food at sea. Seabirds often stay aloft, scanning the churning waters for elusive prey. Most seabirds take fish, squid, or other prey from the first few meters of seawater. Scavenging is common......»»
Ellsworth Air Force Base fires 2nd commander
Ellsworth Air Force Base fires 2nd commander.....»»
AI tools help uncover enzyme mechanisms for lasso peptides
Lasso peptides are natural products made by bacteria. Their unusual lasso shape endows them with remarkable stability, protecting them from extreme conditions. In a new study, published in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers have constructed and tes.....»»
New data science tool greatly speeds up molecular analysis of our environment
A research team led by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, has developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in the field of metabolomics, the study of small molecules found within cells, biofluids, tissues, and.....»»
Researchers identify novel endocytic recycling mechanism with "kiss-and-run" membrane fusion
Endocytosis and recycling control the uptake and retrieval of various materials in eukaryotic cells. Mammalian cells have developed several recycling routes, including the relatively extensively studied "fast" and "slow" tubulovesicular recycling pat.....»»
Evolved in the lab, found in nature: Uncovering hidden pH sensing abilities in microbial cultures
In a study led by Sarah Worthan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Behringer Lab at Vanderbilt University, scientists have successfully evolved microbial cultures that possess the ability to sense pH changes, enabling rapid responses to environ.....»»
Ford, Kia gain some traction in revamping China operations
Most global automakers, unable to match or catch up with China’s rapid shift to electrified vehicles, and losing market share, still seem to have no idea how to respond other than cutting production......»»
First-of-its kind tool allows scientists to manipulate cells without touching them
When studying the spread of cancer or the behavior of a virus like the one that causes COVID-19, the irony is that working with these harmful pathogens requires gentleness. Especially in the case of COVID, the particles do not survive well when makin.....»»
Moderate levels of exotic species invasions may help maintain biodiversity, study suggests
Globally, more than 13,000 plant species, equivalent to the entire native flora of Europe, have been naturalized outside their native ranges. A study, jointly conducted by scientists from China and the U.S., provides new insights about biodiversity,.....»»
Beetles cooperate on tricky dung moves
Dung beetles are among the strongest animals in the world. They also possess an exceptional ability to cooperate. Research shows that female and male spider dung beetles together are able to move large dung balls across difficult obstacles. However,.....»»
EU wants to force Apple’s iPhone to work with third-party smartwatches and other accessories
The European Commission wants Apple to continue complying with the Digital Markets Act by requiring the company to offer “free and effective interoperability to third-party … The post EU wants to force Apple’s iPhone to work with third-.....»»
Redwood Materials signs deal to recycle BMW’s EV batteries in the US
The automaker will use recycled materials from Redwood in its American-made EVs. Enlarge / BMW is moving to cylindrical cells for its sixth-generation EV powertrain, which debuts in the Neue Klasse. And now it has a recycling par.....»»
How US Air Force special ops is allowing airmen the ‘freedom to fail’
How US Air Force special ops is allowing airmen the ‘freedom to fail’.....»»
ISPs tell Supreme Court they don’t want to disconnect users accused of piracy
ISPs say Sony's win over Cox would force them to do "mass Internet evictions." Enlarge / The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, DC, in May 2023. (credit: Getty Images | NurPhoto) Four more large Internet s.....»»
Silencing in action: How cells "repress" genomic remnants of ancient viruses
Researchers have identified key cellular control sites that regulate gene expression and prevent the activation of "cryptic" genomic regions, including ancient viral sequences......»»
DNA origami and fluorescent probes can precisely release molecular cargo
In the world of nanotechnology, the development of dynamic systems that respond to molecular signals is becoming increasingly important. The DNA origami technique, whereby DNA is programmed so as to produce functional nanostructures, plays a key role.....»»
Readers Respond to the May 2024 Issue
Letters to the editors for the May 2024 issue of Scientific American.....»»
What Is Sickle Cell Disease?
You have around 35 trillion red blood cells moving around your body at all times. Typically they are rounded and flexible. What happens when they aren’t?.....»»