Zinc enhances cell adhesion, migration, self-renewal potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant trace element after Fe, present in the human body. It is frequently reported in association with cell growth and proliferation, and its deficiency is considered to be a major disease contributing factor......»»
A fossil first: Scientists find 1.5-million-year-old footprints of two different species of human ancestors at same spot
More than a million years ago, on a hot savanna teeming with wildlife near the shore of what would someday become Lake Turkana in Kenya, two completely different species of hominins may have passed each other as they scavenged for food......»»
Scientists reveal structural link for initiation of protein synthesis in bacteria
Within a cell, DNA carries the genetic code for building proteins. To build proteins, the cell makes a copy of DNA, called mRNA. Then, another molecule called a ribosome reads the mRNA, translating it into protein. But this step has been a visual mys.....»»
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.....»»
Scientists reveal possible role of iron sulfides in creating life in terrestrial hot springs
An international team of scientists has published a study highlighting the potential role of iron sulfides in the formation of life in early Earth's terrestrial hot springs. According to the researchers, the sulfides may have catalyzed the reduction.....»»
Scientists discover shared genetic foundations between musical rhythm and human language
In a study published Nov. 21 in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, researchers have uncovered significant genetic connections between human language abilities and musical rhythm skills, providing new insights into the biological underpinnings of the.....»»
The future of tick control: Identifying genetic tools to control cattle fever ticks
Research collaboration by the Texas A&M Department of Entomology and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, creates potential for genetic tools to control disease-spreading ticks......»»
Traces of a giant landslide deep in the southern Baltic Sea—researchers investigate a potential tsunami
Off the coast of Blekinge, in southern Sweden, at a depth of around 50–60 meters, the bottom sediment has scars that are tens of kilometers long and appear to have been caused by a huge submarine landslide. However, what caused this landslide and e.....»»
Passport control for glycan maturation: Discovery of a molecular tag that enhances biopharmaceutical quality
A collaborative research group, including researchers from Nagoya City University, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and RIKEN has uncovered a molecular tool, the "passport sequence," that significantly improves the production efficiency and q.....»»
Engineering DNA to mimic biological catch bonds with "fish-hook" system
In a first-of-its-kind breakthrough, a team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions......»»
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.....»»
Five fairness flaws the UN"s new plastics treaty must change
The UN's new plastics treaty is about to be finalized—marking a crucial opportunity to form an international agreement to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Plastic waste is ubiquitous—damaging human health and livelihoods, as well as ecosystem.....»»
Reindeer vocalization can offer cues to potential mates, study suggests
The sounds produced by male reindeer probably tell potential mates a lot about the caller: their age, size and weight. These are all important considerations for a female during the rut, according to a new Concordia-led study......»»
FCC approves Starlink plan for cellular phone service, with some limits
Starlink can provide cell service but FCC defers action on waiver of power limits. Starlink yesterday obtained federal approval to provide service to cell phones, with some limits.....»»
Is there enough land on Earth to fight climate change and feed the world?
Capping global warming at 1.5°C is a tall order. Achieving that goal will not only require a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, but also a substantial reallocation of land to support that effort and sustain the bios.....»»
Researchers propose a mathematical definition of cell death
Cellular death is a fundamental concept in the biological sciences. Given its significance, its definition depends on the context in which it takes place, and lacks a general mathematical definition......»»
Brains grew faster as humans evolved, study finds
Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on our human family tree evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species, a new study of human brain evolution has found......»»
From days to hours: A faster way to make a promising new catalyst
Scientists have discovered a faster, more sustainable method for making metal-encapsulated covalent organic frameworks (COFs), materials that have the potential to play a crucial role in catalysis, energy storage, and chemical sensing......»»
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.....»»
Fruit fly study offers new insights into sperm evolution
Sperm are the most diverse and rapidly evolving cell type. Why sperm have undergone such dramatic evolution is a mystery that has stumped biologists for more than a century......»»