Eight genes enough to convert mouse stem cells into oocyte-like cells
In a new study published in the journal Nature, researchers in Japan report that activating just eight genes for producing gene-controlling proteins is enough to convert mouse stem cells directly into oocyte-like cells that mature and can even be fer.....»»
Claustrophobic cells slow their own growth, forming beautiful patterns of concentric circles
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 slo.....»»
Advanced model predicts gene architecture via nucleosome position
DNA—the molecule that carries the genetic information of all living organisms—is packaged within cells in a complex manner that allows it to function efficiently. Nucleosomes facilitate DNA compaction and also play a crucial role in regulating ge.....»»
From chaos to structure: How a bunch of seemingly disorganized cells go on to form a robust embryo
Pipetting liquids into tiny test tubes, analyzing huge datasets, poring over research publications—all these tasks are part of being a scientist. But breaking this routine is essential. Time away from the usual work environment can spark creative i.....»»
Animal social interactions could speed up evolution
Scientists typically predict how species evolve by looking at their genes and the environment they live in, but new research from the University of Aberdeen has highlighted a key factor that's often overlooked: social interactions, where the genes of.....»»
How Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria use molecular mimicry to manipulate the host cell
Bacteria that cause diseases, so-called pathogens, develop various strategies to exploit human cells as hosts to their own advantage. A team of biologists from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), together with medical professionals and exper.....»»
Researchers discover how plants produce a novel anti-stress molecule
New research identifies for the first time the genes that help plants grow under stressful conditions—with implications for producing more sustainable food crops in the face of global climate change......»»
Cryo-electron microscopy provides new insights into the cell"s repair system
The membrane that surrounds cells in living organisms is extremely flexible and sensitive. How it protects itself from damage and renews itself is crucial for many life processes, and is not yet fully understood in detail. Scientists at Forschungszen.....»»
Nanopore technique shows transport mechanism of chaperone proteins at the single-molecule level
Proteins control most of the body's functions, and their malfunction can have severe consequences, such as neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. Therefore, cells have mechanisms in place to control protein quality......»»
Study finds early STEM success doesn"t boost college enrollment for Black, Latine students
Research studies have consistently identified early academic disparities as the greatest barrier to STEM representation for non-white students. To address the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in STEM, education policies have sought to improve math.....»»
Single-celled eukaryote employs unconventional cytoskeletal components for dynamic shape-shifting
Recently, a research group led by Prof. Miao Wei from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered that Lacrymaria cells utilize unconventional and novel components of the cytoskeleton to achieve their remarkable.....»»
Data analysis navigates lookalikes to try to pin down the true number of mouse lemur species
In some parts of the world, animals are going extinct before scientists can even name them. Such may be the case for mouse lemurs, the saucer-eyed, teacup-sized primates native to the African island of Madagascar. There, deforestation has prompted th.....»»
Nobel Prize in medicine awarded for discovery of microRNAs, the molecules that control our genes
Two scientists, Victor Ambros (UMASS Chan Medical School in the US) and Gary Ruvkun (Harvard Medical School in the US), have won the 2024 Nobel prize in medicine or physiology......»»
Medicine Nobel goes to previously unknown way of controlling genes
MicroRNAs control the activity of many key genes but were unknown before 1993. On Monday, the Nobel Committee announced that two US researchers, Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, wil.....»»
Making an RSV Vaccine Was Hard. Getting People to Take It Is Even Harder
New vaccines could help stem the spread of respiratory syncytial virus, but there are already huge inequities in access and uptake......»»
Study identifies compounds that extend longevity of Japanese morning glory flowers
The longevity of plant flowers is controlled by genetically programmed mechanisms. After a certain amount of time after flowering, the expression of genes associated with programmed cell death is induced and cellular components such as proteins and n.....»»
Dead Cells follow-up Windblown already feels like a roguelike classic
Dead Cells follow-up Windblown is heading into early access later this month and it's already feeling spectacular......»»
Engineers create a chip-based tractor beam for biological particles
MIT researchers have developed a miniature, chip-based "tractor beam," like the one that captures the Millennium Falcon in the film "Star Wars," that could someday help biologists and clinicians study DNA, classify cells, and investigate the mechanis.....»»
Tesla plans four new batteries in 2026, including for robotaxi, The Information reports
Tesla plans four new batteries in 2026. Tesla sources most of its EV batteries from other companies, including Panasonic Energy and LG Energy but wants to ramp up production of its 4680 battery cells......»»
Scientists find plant-like behavior in human cells
A team of scientists from Monash University has solved the structure of a protein known as "LYCHOS," which can detect and regulate cell growth by sensing cholesterol levels in the body......»»
As the Advanced Photon Source upgrade nears completion, scientists anticipate experimental possibilities
In June, X-rays began to shine again at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Photon Source (APS), a facility where intense, directed X-ray light beams are used to inspect everything from materials for better solar cells and batteries to ant.....»»