Stiffness and viscosity of cells found to differ in cancer and other diseases
During illness, the stiffness or viscosity of cells can change. Tom Evers demonstrated this by measuring such properties of human immune cells for the first time. "The stiffness of certain cells could be a way to make a diagnosis," Evers said......»»
Fast, rewritable computing with DNA origami registers
DNA stores the instructions for life and, along with enzymes and other molecules, computes everything from hair color to risk of developing diseases. Harnessing that prowess and immense storage capacity could lead to DNA-based computers that are fast.....»»
Scientists explore role of intestinal bacteria in cancer prevention
Certain intestinal bacteria are found more frequently in countries such as Norway than in a number of other countries and there is also a higher incidence of bladder cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer. These findings may lead to new opportuniti.....»»
A new method for efficient synthesis of anti-cancer drugs
The Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction is a fundamental reaction in organic chemistry, widely used to create conjugated carbonyl compounds. Conjugated carbonyl compounds are used in many industries for synthesizing perfumes, plastics, and pharmaceutic.....»»
Mechanical engineer figures out way to enhance sensitivity of nanopores for early detection of diseases
SMU Lyle mechanical engineering graduate student Kamruzzaman Joty has introduced a new technique in nanotechnology for detecting and analyzing biomolecules, potentially paving the way for new methods of early disease detection......»»
Prenatal test accidentally picks up cancer in 50% of those with wonky results
The prenatal test results flagged cancers when other screens and tests missed it. In 2013, researchers reported an eye-opening case of a healthy pregnant woman with a puzzling pre.....»»
Biologist explores why humans have sex—and sexes—in a world where life requires neither
University of Maryland biology Professor Eric Haag has spent his career studying animal reproduction, but people's sex lives never factored into his research. That changed in 2014 when a cancer diagnosis prompted Haag to take stock of his career......»»
Scientists streamline creation of nucleoside analogs, a group of life-saving molecules
A team of researchers has found a quicker and more efficient way to create nucleoside analogs, a type of small molecule that can be used in treatments for everything from cancer to viral diseases......»»
New synthetic receptor expands cellular control options, including immune response and neurological signaling
A basic function of cells is that they act in response to their environments. It makes sense, then, that a goal of scientists is to control that process, making cells respond how they want to what they want......»»
ZnO-based nanoplatforms show potential for early cancer screening
In the ongoing battle against cancer, early detection remains a crucial factor in improving survival rates and reducing the economic burden on health care systems......»»
Discovery of molecular switch explains how bacteria control their protein biosynthesis through cell metabolism
Protein biosynthesis—the process whereby cells produce protein molecules, which are essential for life and growth—is a highly complex and strictly regulated affair. An interdisciplinary team led by LMU biologist PD Dr. Jürgen Lassak has now disc.....»»
Decoding protein interactions to better understand how mutations contribute to disease
Investigating how proteins interact is key to understanding how cells work and communicate. In a new study published in Nature Communications, FMI researchers have provided key insights into how protein interactions are governed and how mutations inf.....»»
Nationwide assessment finds urban areas face higher cancer risk from air pollution
New research builds on scientific understanding of how air pollution and cancer risk are distributed throughout the U.S. Air pollution, often resulting from industrial or vehicle emissions, can travel for hundreds of miles and impact the health of co.....»»
Customized CRISPR toolkit allows remote-controlled genome editing
Thanks to CRISPR, medical specialists will soon have unprecedented control over how they treat and prevent some of the most challenging genetic disorders and diseases......»»
Nanoscale bumps and grooves trigger big changes in cell behavior
The surfaces that cells come into contact with can influence how the cells grow, function, and communicate—shaping metabolism and even cellular health. Now, engineering researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a platform.....»»
New understanding of a cancer-relevant protein reveals opportunities for drug discovery
A new approach to targeting a protein involved in cell division, which can misfunction in cancer, has revealed new insights into how it functions......»»
Scientists develop self-sustained protein transport and tissue assembly in artificial cells
In a new Nature Communications study, scientists have developed a novel method for artificial cells to interact with their external environment without the need for complex modification processes......»»
Toxic site is leaking cancer-causing chemicals in Grand Prairie, Texas: When will it be cleaned?
The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a plan to clean a toxic site leaking cancer-causing chemicals under dozens of homes in Grand Prairie, Texas......»»
Bio-inspired droplet-based systems herald a new era in biocompatible devices
Oxford University researchers have made a significant step toward realizing a form of "biological electricity" that could be used in a variety of bioengineering and biomedical applications, including communication with living human cells. The work wa.....»»
A matter of time: New research shows how tissue development is temporally organized
When a vertebrate embryo develops, a group of cells self-organizes into the neural tube, eventually becoming the brain and the spinal cord. This involves specific signals, but how these signals are interpreted by developing cells remains unclear. A t.....»»
Cell model identifies important factor in neural development
The Wistar Institute's Alessandro Gardini, Ph.D., and lab have shed new light on how certain biological processes determine the development of neural cells. Their findings on a molecular "bridge" complex demonstrate a new level of detail in the under.....»»