Stem cell tuning.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have quantified how mesenchymal stem cells respond to the mechanical stiffness of their environments. Specific proteins can be localized in the cell nucleus depending on the stiffness. Their findings will help scientists control the state of stem cells in medical treatments.
Their work has been published in Analytical Sciences: https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.20SCP02
#sciencenews #biology #genetics #medicine
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have quantified how mesenchymal stem cells respond to the mechanical stiffness of their environments. Specific proteins can be localized in the cell nucleus depending on the stiffness. Their findings will help scientists control the state of stem cells in medical treatments.
Their work has been published in Analytical Sciences: https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.20SCP02
#sciencenews #biology #genetics #medicine
J-STAGE
Designing Elastic Modulus of Cell Culture Substrate to Regulate YAP and RUNX2 Localization for Controlling Differentiation of Human…
To establish a guideline for the design of cell culture substrates to control human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation, we quantitatively cha …
The earthworm in a new light.
By combining novel imaging techniques, a team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology has imaged the exciting variety of chemical interactions that take place inside the earthworm. Their chemo-histo-tomography method combines chemical imaging of the metabolites using mass spectrometry with micro-computed X-ray tomography of the microanatomy of the animal.
The work has recently been published in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2023773118
#sciencenews #microscopy #biology #microbiology
By combining novel imaging techniques, a team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology has imaged the exciting variety of chemical interactions that take place inside the earthworm. Their chemo-histo-tomography method combines chemical imaging of the metabolites using mass spectrometry with micro-computed X-ray tomography of the microanatomy of the animal.
The work has recently been published in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2023773118
#sciencenews #microscopy #biology #microbiology
PNAS
Connecting structure and function from organisms to molecules in small-animal symbioses through chemo-histo-tomography
Metabolites mediate the establishment and persistence of most interkingdom symbioses. Still, to pinpoint the metabolites each partner displays upon interaction remains the biggest challenge in studying multiorganismal assemblages. Addressing this challenge…
A mouse in a Petri dish.
University of Virginia biologists have grown the most sophisticated in-vitro mammal model known from stem cells. The tiny mouse embryo has a heart that beats, and its muscles, blood vessels, gut, and nervous system are beginning to develop. The model will aid understanding of mammalian development to help grow new tissues and organs for transplants.
Their latest results are published in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23653-4
#sciencenews #biology #embriology
University of Virginia biologists have grown the most sophisticated in-vitro mammal model known from stem cells. The tiny mouse embryo has a heart that beats, and its muscles, blood vessels, gut, and nervous system are beginning to develop. The model will aid understanding of mammalian development to help grow new tissues and organs for transplants.
Their latest results are published in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23653-4
#sciencenews #biology #embriology
Nature Communications
Construction of a mammalian embryo model from stem cells organized by a morphogen signalling centre
Following instruction by a morphogen secreting centre, aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells develop into embryo-like structures organized around an axial mesoderm, which show extensive...
Environmental brain effects.
A stimulating environment helps to keep the hippocampus young through molecular mechanisms affecting gene regulation. Studies in mice by the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases provide clues as to why an active, varied lifestyle can help preserve mental acuity in old age.
Their insights are described in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23993-1
#sciencenews #environment #biology
A stimulating environment helps to keep the hippocampus young through molecular mechanisms affecting gene regulation. Studies in mice by the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases provide clues as to why an active, varied lifestyle can help preserve mental acuity in old age.
Their insights are described in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23993-1
#sciencenews #environment #biology
Nature
Environmental enrichment preserves a young DNA methylation landscape in the aged mouse hippocampus
Nature Communications - Decline of brain function during aging is associated with epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation. Here the authors provide evidence that environmental enrichment...
Fighting Alzheimer’s.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona are working to develop new compounds that can bind to specific receptors in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Their studies in mice improved the cognitive deficit and the biomarkers related to the disease.
Their work has been published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0223523421003895?via%3Dihub
#sciencenews #biology #neuroscience
Researchers from the University of Barcelona are working to develop new compounds that can bind to specific receptors in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Their studies in mice improved the cognitive deficit and the biomarkers related to the disease.
Their work has been published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0223523421003895?via%3Dihub
#sciencenews #biology #neuroscience
Sciencedirect
Benzofuranyl-2-imidazoles as imidazoline I2 receptor ligands for Alzheimer's disease
Recent findings unveil the pharmacological modulation of imidazoline I2 receptors (I2-IR) as a novel strategy to face unmet medical neurodegenerative …
Vision in mice.
Mouse vision was thought to be different to that of humans because humans have a region of the retina specialized for fine details called the 'fovea' whereas mice do not. However, researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience have shown that the visual cortex of mice in fact contains a region of enhanced visual sensitivity - the 'focea'. This makes mice a better model for human vision than previously predicted.
The results can be read in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24311-5
#sciencenews #biology #neuroscience
Mouse vision was thought to be different to that of humans because humans have a region of the retina specialized for fine details called the 'fovea' whereas mice do not. However, researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience have shown that the visual cortex of mice in fact contains a region of enhanced visual sensitivity - the 'focea'. This makes mice a better model for human vision than previously predicted.
The results can be read in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24311-5
#sciencenews #biology #neuroscience
Nature Communications
Mouse visual cortex contains a region of enhanced spatial resolution
Nature Communications - The representation of space in mouse visual cortex was considered to be relatively uniform. The authors show that mice have improved visual resolution in a cortical region...
Gene editing in space.
Researchers from the Genes in Space program have developed and successfully demonstrated a novel method for studying how cells repair damaged DNA in space. They used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create controlled damage to DNA strands, before observing the self-repair mechanisms in detail.
Their methods are described in PLOS ONE: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253403
#sciencenews #biology #genetics
Researchers from the Genes in Space program have developed and successfully demonstrated a novel method for studying how cells repair damaged DNA in space. They used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create controlled damage to DNA strands, before observing the self-repair mechanisms in detail.
Their methods are described in PLOS ONE: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253403
#sciencenews #biology #genetics
journals.plos.org
A CRISPR-based assay for the study of eukaryotic DNA repair onboard the International Space Station
As we explore beyond Earth, astronauts may be at risk for harmful DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation. Double-strand breaks are a type of DNA damage that can be repaired by two major cellular pathways: non-homologous end joining, during which insertions…
Nanomaterials in the brain.
A University of Birmingham team have found that metal-based nanomaterials can cross an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier as both particles and dissolved ions. The physiochemical properties of the nanomaterials influence their penetration efficiency.
The research is reported in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/18/e2021915118
#sciencenews #biology
A University of Birmingham team have found that metal-based nanomaterials can cross an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier as both particles and dissolved ions. The physiochemical properties of the nanomaterials influence their penetration efficiency.
The research is reported in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/18/e2021915118
#sciencenews #biology
PNAS
Blood–brain barrier opening by intracarotid artery hyperosmolar mannitol induces sterile inflammatory and innate immune responses
Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is achieved clinically through intracarotid artery hyperosmotic mannitol (ICAHM) infusions. However, ICAHM is often viewed as a simple drug delivery mechanism…
Seabirds depleting fish.
University of Exeter research shows that the seabird colony on Ascension Island creates a halo in which fewer fish are found. Reduced numbers of flying fish were found up to 90 miles from the island. The study provides insights into how large colonies of animals are naturally limited in number.
Their insights can be read in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101325118
#sciencenews #biology
University of Exeter research shows that the seabird colony on Ascension Island creates a halo in which fewer fish are found. Reduced numbers of flying fish were found up to 90 miles from the island. The study provides insights into how large colonies of animals are naturally limited in number.
Their insights can be read in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101325118
#sciencenews #biology
PNAS
Direct evidence of a prey depletion “halo” surrounding a pelagic predator colony
Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate animal populations is a fundamental goal in ecology and is increasingly important at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic disturbance to ecosystems. Here, we present direct evidence of a phenomenon known as “Ashmole’s…
Shrinking dinosaurs.
Paleontologists at the University of Bristol have explained how changes in the diet of dinosaurs lead to a rapid shrinking of their sizes. The dietary changes were likely caused by a changing environment and competitive pressure for resources.
Their theories are described in Current Bbiology: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982221008083
#sciencenews #biology
Paleontologists at the University of Bristol have explained how changes in the diet of dinosaurs lead to a rapid shrinking of their sizes. The dietary changes were likely caused by a changing environment and competitive pressure for resources.
Their theories are described in Current Bbiology: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982221008083
#sciencenews #biology
Sciencedirect
Growth and miniaturization among alvarezsauroid dinosaurs
Sustained miniaturization, here defined as a drop in body size of at least two orders of magnitude from ancestors to descendants, is a widespread and …
Artificial organelles.
Organelles are components of cells that individually perform complex biochemical reactions. Researchers at the 기초과학연구원(IBS, Institute for Basic Science) have constructed artificial organelles that could supply ATP or other useful molecules to damaged or diseased tissue cells.
The work is reported in Nature Catalysis: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41929-021-00669-z
#sciencenews #biology
Organelles are components of cells that individually perform complex biochemical reactions. Researchers at the 기초과학연구원(IBS, Institute for Basic Science) have constructed artificial organelles that could supply ATP or other useful molecules to damaged or diseased tissue cells.
The work is reported in Nature Catalysis: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41929-021-00669-z
#sciencenews #biology
Nature
Programmed exosome fusion for energy generation in living cells
Nature Catalysis - The design of artificial organelles for applications in living cells faces several challenges such as cellular uptake, stability and biocompatibility. Now, fusion of exosomes...
Molecular mechanisms in brain diseases.
Regulation of cellular proteins is crucial for maintaining a healthy brain. Rutgers University scientists have developed insights into how toxic proteins are regulated in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, which could help to design effective treatments in future.
The report has been published in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/36/e2101410118/tab-article-info
#sciencenews #neuroscience #molecularbiology #biology
Regulation of cellular proteins is crucial for maintaining a healthy brain. Rutgers University scientists have developed insights into how toxic proteins are regulated in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, which could help to design effective treatments in future.
The report has been published in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/36/e2101410118/tab-article-info
#sciencenews #neuroscience #molecularbiology #biology
PNAS
Stress increases in exopher-mediated neuronal extrusion require lipid biosynthesis, FGF, and EGF RAS/MAPK signaling
In neurodegenerative disease, protein aggregates spread to neighboring cells to promote pathology. The in vivo regulation of toxic material transfer remains poorly understood, although mechanistic understanding should reveal previously unrecognized therapeutic…