Showing 20 articles starting at article 81
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: Cell Biology, Offbeat: Space
Published A new mechanism for shaping animal tissues
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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 Largest protein yet discovered builds algal toxins
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new artificial intelligence model can predict how different proteins may bind to DNA.
Published How do butterflies stick to branches during metamorphosis?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Most of us learned about butterfly metamorphosis as a kid -- a wriggly caterpillar molts its skin to form a tough chrysalis and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. But how exactly do chrysalises stay anchored as the butterfly brews within? Research shows that, despite their silks being weak and thin on their own, caterpillars can expertly spin them into chrysalis support structures resembling hook-and-loop fasteners and multi-strand safety tethers.
Published 3D laser printing with bioinks from microalgae
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Microalgae such as the diatom Odontella aurita and the green alga Tetraselmis striata are especially suitable as 'biofactories' for the production of sustainable materials for 3D laser printing due to their high content in lipids and photoactive pigments. An international research team has succeeded for the first time in manufacturing inks for printing complex biocompatible 3D microstructures from the raw materials extracted from the microalgae.
Published Researchers make breakthrough in understanding species abundance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers develop a microstructured 'artificial lung' model using bioprinting technology.
Published Microscopy technique 'paves way' for improving understanding of cellular functions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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 How ribosomes in our cells enable protein folding
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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 International Space Station crew carries out archeological survey in space
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An archaeological strategy adapted for space used daily photos to reveal how astronauts actually use areas aboard the International Space Station -- and how this differs from intended uses.
Published Do smells prime our gut to fight off infection?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In nematodes and humans, mitochondrial stress in the nervous system initiates a whole-body response that is most pronounced in the gut. A recent study showed that in nematodes, the odor of a pathogen triggers the nervous system to broadcast this response to the rest of the organism, prepping mitochondria in intestinal cells to fight a bacterial infection. Humans, too, may be able to sense pathogenic odors that prepare the gut for an infection.
Published Discovering how plants make life-and-death decisions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered two proteins that work in tandem to control an important response to cell stress.
Published Findings from first archaeology project in space
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The first-ever archeological survey in space has provided new insights into how astronauts use and adapt their living space on the International Space Station, which could influence the design of new space stations after the ISS is decommissioned.
Published Scientists lay out revolutionary method to warm Mars
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Ever since we learned that the surface of planet Mars is cold and dead, people have wondered if there is a way to make it friendlier to life. The newly proposed method is over 5,000 times more efficient than previous schemes to globally warm Mars, representing a significant leap forward in our ability to modify the Martian environment.
Published Cocaine discovery could pave way for treatment for substance abuse
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Cocaine binds to a specific transporter in the brain that is responsible for regulating dopamine levels. Researchers have studied and described the process, producing new knowledge that may bring us a step closer to designing a drug for cocaine abuse.
Published Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by diet and exercise even in individuals with a high genetic risk
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study shows that a healthy diet and regular exercise reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even in individuals with a high genetic risk. In other words, everyone benefits from lifestyle changes, regardless of genetic risk.