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Categories: Biology: Biotechnology, Energy: Batteries
Published Taking a 'one in a million' shot to tackle dopamine-linked brain disorders



With the help of a tiny, transparent worm called Caenorhabditis elegans, researchers have identified novel players in dopamine signaling by taking advantage of a powerful platform generated via the Million Mutation Project (MMP) for the rapid identification of mutant genes based on their functional impact. They can seek insights from simpler organisms whose genes bear striking similarity to those found in humans and where opportunities for genetic insights to disease can be pursued more efficiently and inexpensively.
Published An appetizer can stimulate immune cells' appetite, a boon for cancer treatments



The body has a veritable army constantly on guard to keep us safe from microscopic threats from infections to cancer. Chief among this force is the macrophage, a white blood cell that surveils tissues and consumes pathogens, debris, dead cells, and cancer. Macrophages have a delicate task. It's crucial that they ignore healthy cells while on patrol, otherwise they could trigger an autoimmune response while performing their duties.
Published New genetically engineered wood can store carbon and reduce emissions



Researchers genetically modified poplar trees to produce high-performance, structural wood without the use of chemicals or energy intensive processing.
Published A new mechanism for shaping animal tissues



A key question that remains in biology and biophysics is how three-dimensional tissue shapes emerge during animal development. Research teams have now found a mechanism by which tissues can be 'programmed' to transition from a flat state to a three-dimensional shape.
Published New two-step flu vaccine strategy shows promise in pig model



A new, two-step flu vaccination strategy that pairs intramuscular injection of a viral vectored flu vaccine with nasal spray administration of a novel attenuated live flu virus appears to be safe and effective in pigs, researchers report.
Published Largest protein yet discovered builds algal toxins



While seeking to unravel how marine algae create their chemically complex toxins, scientists have discovered the largest protein yet identified in biology. Uncovering the biological machinery the algae evolved to make its intricate toxin also revealed previously unknown strategies for assembling chemicals, which could unlock the development of new medicines and materials.
Published Machine learning approach helps researchers design better gene-delivery vehicles for gene therapy



Gene therapy could potentially cure genetic diseases but it remains a challenge to package and deliver new genes to specific cells safely and effectively. Existing methods of engineering one of the most commonly used gene-delivery vehicles, adeno-associated viruses (AAV), are often slow and inefficient. Now, researchers have developed a machine-learning approach that promises to speed up AAV engineering for gene therapy. The tool helps researchers engineer the protein shells of AAVs, called capsids, to have multiple desirable traits, such as the ability to deliver cargo to a specific organ but not others or to work in multiple species. Other methods only look for capsids that have one trait at a time.
Published Bacteria encode hidden genes outside their genome--do we?



A 'loopy' discovery in bacteria is raising fundamental questions about the makeup of our own genome -- and revealing a potential wellspring of material for new genetic therapies.
Published Researchers develop AI model that predicts the accuracy of protein--DNA binding



A new artificial intelligence model can predict how different proteins may bind to DNA.
Published Researchers make breakthrough in understanding species abundance



The key finding was that temperature and genome size, not body size, had the greatest influence on the maximum population growth rate of the diatoms. Yet body size still mattered in colder latitudes, conserving Bermann's Rule.
Published Researchers crack a key celiac mystery



An interdisciplinary team of medical and engineering researchers has spent the last six years working to unlock a significant piece of the puzzle in the search for a cure: how and where the gluten response begins.
Published 3D bioprinting advances research on respiratory viruses



Researchers develop a microstructured 'artificial lung' model using bioprinting technology.
Published Microscopy technique 'paves way' for improving understanding of cellular functions



Scientists have developed a new way of counting labelled proteins in living cells that could become a standard and valuable tool in the field of biomedical research.
Published Mix of factors prompts owl monkeys to leave their parents



There comes a point in the lives of young owl monkeys when they leave their parents and strike out on their own to find a mate. In a new study of a wild population of Azara's owl monkeys in northern Argentina, researchers reveal that a combination of social and ecological factors influences when these tree-dwelling monkeys peel away from their parents and siblings. According to their findings -- which were based on 25 years of genetic and demographic data for several generations of owl monkeys, covering more than 330 individuals -- none of the individuals, regardless of their sex, reproduced in the same group where they were born. In all cases, the researchers found, the animals either departed from their natal group or died before reproducing.
Published How ribosomes in our cells enable protein folding



Scientists discovered a role played by ribosomes during the folding of new proteins in cells.
Published Viral defense protein speeds up female stem cell production



A viral defense mechanism can be used to accelerate the creation of female stem cell lines in mice. The findings can boost efforts in medical research, drug testing, and regenerative therapies, particularly for women and individuals with two X chromosomes.
Published Discovering how plants make life-and-death decisions



Researchers have discovered two proteins that work in tandem to control an important response to cell stress.
Published Turning unused signals such as Wi-Fi into energy for electronics



We are constantly surrounded by electromagnetic waves such as Wi-Fi. Researchers tested a device to convert this ambient energy into energy for electronic devices.
Published Elephants on the move: Mapping connections across African landscapes



Elephant conservation is a major priority in southern Africa, but habitat loss and urbanization mean the far-ranging pachyderms are increasingly restricted to protected areas like game reserves. The risk? Contained populations could become genetically isolated over time, making elephants more vulnerable to disease and environmental change.
Published Researchers find gene which determines marsupial fur color



Fur is a defining characteristic of mammals, coming in a wide variety of colors and patterns -- thanks to a world-first study, we now know which genes make a marsupial's coat black or grey.