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......»»
Scientists successfully use harmless viruses to investigate the nervous system in frogs
Virus. When you hear the word, you probably shudder. But not all viruses are bad or cause disease. Some are even used for therapeutic applications or vaccination. In basic research, they are often employed to infect certain cells, genetically modify.....»»
Better health diagnostics through genetically engineered embedded sentinel cells
Cells can now be genetically programmed to record their histories within their genomes, a development that could revolutionize the study of developmental and disease processes, according to a collaborative work by researchers from multiple institutio.....»»
This week"s space station science: Leads on cancer drugs, satellite sustainability, glass from magnesium silicates
Recent findings from the International Space Station address.....»»
New transformer-based AI model enhances precision in rice leaf disease detection
Rice is one of the world's most essential food crops, but its production is constantly threatened by leaf diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These diseases, which manifest as spots or blotches on leaves, can severely i.....»»
Wood ants that actively combat plant diseases could be used in organic apple orchards
The small industrious wood ant can do more than just build high nests in spruce forests. A newly published article in the journal Microbial Ecology reveals that ants combat a range of plant diseases, including those affecting apples. At the same time.....»»
Exploring life at its simplest: Scientists create a "minimal cell membrane" with just two lipids
Lipids, or fats, are essential to life. They form the membranes around cells, protecting them from the outside. In nature, there is an enormous diversity of lipids, with each organism having its own unique combination. But what are the minimum lipid.....»»
Tweaking non-neural brain cells can cause memories to fade
Neurons and a second cell type called an astrocyte collaborate to hold memories. “If we go back to the early 1900s, this is when the idea was first proposed that memories are ph.....»»
Improved ultrasound technique produces previously unattainable images inside live cells
A ultrasound technique from the University of Nottingham will allow the production of sharper images inside live cells without causing damage at resolutions that were previously unattainable......»»
Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor provides rapid ultra-low hydrogen detection
Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly popular choice as we shift towards cleaner energy. It can be burned like traditional fuels, producing only water as a byproduct, and can generate electricity when used in fuel cells. However, as hydrogen productio.....»»
Study reveals RNA"s unknown role in DNA damage repair
A multi-institutional team of researchers, led by Georgia Tech's Francesca Storici, has discovered a previously unknown role for RNA. Their insights could lead to improved treatments for diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders while chan.....»»
Using gas bubbles to precisely deliver nanomedicines shows promise for lung cancer treatment
The delivery of nanomedicines using gas bubbles has shown itself to be a unique way of transporting cytotoxins to the lungs of cancer patients. The method enables precise and focused treatments, and the local action of the drugs also prevents a range.....»»
Transparent worms with glowing proteins may help fertility treatments
The development of maternal egg cells is pivotal for survival—but also precarious. During meiosis, the DNA-containing chromosomes can easily be broken or lost, causing infertility, miscarriage or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Scientists hav.....»»
Spatial interactomics tool maps protein interactions to fight lung cancer
As Ahmet F. Coskun and his team of researchers continue their mission to create a 3D atlas of the human body, mapping cells and tissues, they're making discoveries that could lead to better treatments for the most common type of lung cancer......»»
DNA repair by cooperation between proteins: A look inside the cell"s repair hub
New research from the Kind Group at the Hubrecht Institute sheds light on how cells repair damaged DNA. For the first time, the team has mapped the activity of repair proteins in individual human cells......»»
Light-activated, drug-carrying liposomes show potential for minimally invasive glaucoma treatments
More than 4 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. It's the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide and there's currently no cure, but there's a way to help preve.....»»
Sugar-like nanoparticle covering could boost cancer drug delivery
A spoonful of sugar might actually help medicine go down, according to recent research from the University of Mississippi. And it could reduce the harmful side effects of cancer treatment. Instead of a literal spoonful of sugar, however, the research.....»»
Study reveals how caregiving for loved ones shapes lives of Cleveland"s chronically homeless
Shortly after Jerome's mother died of cancer, he experienced what he described as a "mental breakdown" and, before too long, found himself without a home. Taking care of his mother had drained him—both emotionally and financially......»»
Researchers discover the essential role of light in the organization of retinal cells
New work from the laboratory of Michel Cayouette, Director of the Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montréal, reveals for the first t.....»»
Human Cell Atlas achieves leap in the understanding of the human body
Researchers with the global Human Cell Atlas (HCA) consortium report significant progress in their quest for a better understanding of the cells of the human body in health and disease, with the publication on 20 November of a collection of more than.....»»
Nanofibers made of copper-binding peptides disrupt cancer cells
While toxic in high concentrations, copper is essential to life as a trace element. Many tumors require significantly more copper than healthy cells for growth—a possible new point of attack for cancer treatment......»»