The immortality of germ cells
Germ cells, the reproductive cells that eventually become eggs and sperm, are set aside early in embryonic development, when the embryo is just a hollow ball of cells called the gastrula. This means that the cells transferring genetic information to.....»»
Study uncovers role of tissue viscoelasticity in cell response
To the casual eye, a memory foam mattress would appear to have no relationship to the behavior of cells and tissues. But an innovative study carried out at the Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Madrid shows that viscoelasticity—t.....»»
Using genetic code expansion to study membrane proteins
Over the years, chemical biology methods have made an important contribution to the study of integral membrane proteins. A key modern approach is genetic code expansion (GCE), which makes it possible to modify proteins directly in living cells to giv.....»»
Bone Marrow Donors Can Be Hard to Find. One Company Is Turning to Cadavers
San Francisco–based Ossium Health has carried out three transplants for cancer patients using stem cells from deceased donors’ bone marrow in recent months......»»
Researchers Give Animal Cells the Ability to Photosynthesize for the First Time
A Japanese team has developed a technique to insert chloroplasts isolated from algae into animal cells, a feat that could revolutionize sustainable energy and how artificial meat and organs are created......»»
Squishy microgels in granular biomaterials confine and direct cell behavior
A simple biomaterial-based strategy that can influence the behavior of cells could pave the way for more effective medical treatments such as wound healing, cancer therapy and even organ regeneration, according to a research team at Penn State......»»
High-performance inkjet print head enhances bioprinting productivity
Bioprinting is a technology used to create three-dimensional structures, such as human tissues or organs, using bio-inks made of cells and hydrogels. However, conventional inkjet technology has difficulty dispensing bio-inks that are sensitive to tem.....»»
Using CRISPR to decipher whether gene variants lead to cancer
In recent years, scientists have created a range of new methods based on CRISPR-Cas technology for precisely editing the genetic material of living organisms. One application is in cell therapy: A patient's immune cells can be specifically reprogramm.....»»
New CRISPR system for gene silencing doesn"t rely on cutting DNA
Scientists from Vilnius University's (VU) Life Sciences Center (LSC) have discovered a unique way for cells to silence specific genes without cutting DNA. This research, led by Prof. Patrick Pausch and published in the journal Nature Communications,.....»»
Mitochondrial study offers new insights into how our cells process RNA for energy production
Researchers at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet have made a major discovery in how human cells produce energy. Their study, published in The EMBO Journal, reveals the detailed mechanisms of how mitochondria process.....»»
A causal theory for studying the cause-and-effect relationships of genes paves the way for targeted treatments
By studying changes in gene expression, researchers learn how cells function at a molecular level, which could help them understand the development of certain diseases......»»
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.....»»
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.....»»
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.....»»
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.....»»
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.....»»
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.....»»