Embryo blood cells are stem cell–independent
The fetal liver is the major hematopoietic organ during the embryonic stage. It is generally believed that hematopoietic hierarchy in the fetal liver is established through the differentiation of fetal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This view assum.....»»
Vampire bats" metabolism mirrors that of blood-sucking insects, biologists find
A pair of biologists at the University of Toronto has found that vampire bats are able to burn amino acids as a fuel source similarly to blood-sucking insects. In their study published in the journal Biology Letters, Giulia Rossi and Kenneth Welch co.....»»
Cells have more mini "organs" than once thought—these rogue organelles challenge biology"s fundamentals
Think back to that basic biology class you took in high school. You probably learned about organelles, those little "organs" inside cells that form compartments with individual functions. For example, mitochondria produce energy, lysosomes recycle wa.....»»
Researchers uncover focal adhesions as subcellular signaling hubs in PI3K-AKT pathway
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway is one of the most critical and extensively investigated signaling pathways. It is the central regulator of various cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, an.....»»
Tracing the journey from Egyptian cat mummies to modern house pets
EU researchers are testing DNA from archaeological cat remains to help unravel the tale of cat domestication. It probably will not surprise cat owners, familiar with the enigmatic and independent nature of their beloved pets, to know that scientists.....»»
Beta cells: New insights into the structure, interactions and neuronal networking of primary cilia
Dysfunctions of the tiny cell processes (primary cilia) of the pancreatic beta cells could be a cause of type 2 diabetes. Little is known about the structure and function of these cilia. An international research team led by DZD researchers from the.....»»
Biochemists create protocells to explore how lipids may have led to first cell membranes
A team of biochemists at the University of California, San Diego, working with a group of biochemical engineers from the University of California, Los Angeles, has found that the development of short lipids might have led to the development of the fi.....»»
Scientists found a new way to make cancer cells self-destruct
Scientists have created a new compound that can self-destruct cancer cells. The compound is made up of two proteins, which researchers “glued” together. They describe … The post Scientists found a new way to make cancer cells self-destruct.....»»
How the Brain Summons Deep Sleep to Speed Healing
A heart attack unleashes immune cells that stimulate neurons in the brain, leading to restorative slumber.....»»
A comparison of bat and bird wings reveals their evolutionary paths are vastly different
Bats are incredibly diverse animals: They can climb onto other animals to drink their blood, pluck insects from leaves or hover to drink nectar from tropical flowers, all of which require distinctive wing designs......»»
Researchers challenge longstanding theories in cellular reprogramming
A team led by researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered that a group of cells located in the skin and other areas of the body, called neural crest stem cells, are the source of reprogrammed neurons found by other researchers......»»
Imaging advance creates clearer picture of organic solar cells" molecular structure
Research on organic solar cells has been conducted for a long time. Recent advancements in understanding their molecular structures are now paving the way for the development of highly efficient solar cells......»»
Mathematical model decodes protein interactions to show how condensates form
Biological cells are incredibly complex mixes of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. A model developed by two RIKEN researchers helps explain why components of the same type sometimes do and sometimes don't spontaneously come together.....»»
Webb and Hubble examine spooky galaxy pair
Stare deeply at these galaxies. They appear as if blood is pumping through the top of a flesh-free face. The long, ghastly "stare" of their searing eye-like cores shines out into the supreme cosmic darkness......»»
Single-molecule tracking technology streamlines drug discovery
New drug discovery is a critical step for improving patients' lives. First, researchers must identify molecules in the body's cells that help drive disease, as these are potential targets for new drugs. The next step is to screen candidate drugs that.....»»
Algae-jellyfish relationship provides insight on immune health
Marine animals like jellyfish, corals and sea anemones often live with algae inside their cells in a symbiotic relationship. The animals give the algae nutrients and a place to live; in return, algae give the animals some of the food they make from s.....»»
Prolonged brain development of marmosets could serve as model for human evolution
The development of primate brains is shaped by various inputs. However, these inputs differ between independent breeders, such as great apes, and cooperative breeders, such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and humans. In these species, gro.....»»
Solar-powered animal cells: Combining chloroplasts from algae with hamster cells
Energy-making chloroplasts from algae have been inserted into hamster cells, enabling the cells to photosynthesize light, according to new research in Japan. It was previously thought that combining chloroplasts (chlorophyll containing structures in.....»»
Compact in-incubator imaging device allows real-time remote monitoring of cell growth
Unlike most cells in the human body, stem cells have the unique ability to divide indefinitely. This property makes them especially appealing to scientists exploring ways to extend human lifespans or develop new methods for repairing damaged tissues......»»
How harmful are microplastics to human health?
Microplastics have been found throughout the human body -- including inside lungs, blood and brains -- and while it is not yet clear how harmful they are to our health, some researchers are sounding the alarm......»»
Study finds key protein aids nutrient transport within plant cells
Botanists have come to understand the channels and transporters involved in the uptake and transport of nutrients, yet how are they positioned where they need to be?.....»»