Cell Biology

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Neuroscientists identify astrocytes as master 'conductors' of the brain

In the orchestra of the brain, the firing of each neuron is controlled by two notes--excitatory and inhibitory-- that come from two distinct forms of a cellular structure called synapses.

12 Nov 2020

Researchers discover a mechanism that cells use to degrade microRNAs

UT Southwestern researchers have discovered a mechanism that cells use to degrade microRNAs (miRNAs), genetic molecules that regulate the amounts of proteins in cells.

12 Nov 2020

Brain's taste map operates differently than previously believed

What happens in our brain that makes us experience the sweet taste of a donut or the bitter taste of tonic water? What are the patterns of neural activity responsible for the perception of taste? A new study from Stony Brook University found that the map of neural responses mediating taste perception does not involve, as previously believed, specialized groups of neurons in the brain, but rather overlapping and spatially distributed populations.

12 Nov 2020

New study challenges the common understanding of how mammalian brains work

A study by scientists at the University of Sussex is challenging the common understanding of how mammalian brains work.

12 Nov 2020

Return of mice to home cage evokes significant rise in dopamine release, shows study

By monitoring a well-replicated biomarker associated with reward, a study by neuroscientists from Florida Atlantic University provides evidence that the old adage, "There's no place like home," has its roots deep in the brain.

12 Nov 2020

Biologists investigate how molecular chaperones dissolve protein aggregates linked to Parkinson's

In many neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, protein aggregates form in the brain and are assumed to contribute to neuronal cell death.

11 Nov 2020

Researchers uncover potential genetic target for treating endometriosis

Michigan State University researchers have identified a potential genetic target for treating an especially painful and invasive form of endometriosis.

11 Nov 2020

ERC Synergy project explores causes of drug tolerance in intractable fungal infections

Over the next six years, research groups at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Tel Aviv University will study how invasive fungal pathogens are able to evade treatments and develop tolerance to antifungal drugs.

10 Nov 2020

Researchers discover unique anti-cancer function for previously well-characterized protein

The development and progression of cancer is a complicated process that occurs when cells in the body grow out of control. Many different mechanisms and pathways that directly affect cell proliferation have been uncovered.

10 Nov 2020

WPI researchers awarded NIH funding to develop computational models for human cell division

Two researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have been awarded $917,999 by the National Institutes of Health to develop computational models for the study of a critical piece of cellular machinery that often goes awry in cancer.

9 Nov 2020

Research uncovers key to piercing dangerous bacteria's armor

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are essential to human health, both in our environment and inside our own bodies. However, certain bacterial species can make us sick.

9 Nov 2020

Research sheds light on how encapsulated viruses hijack protein production systems

Researchers from the Universities of Melbourne, York, Warwick and Oxford have shed light on how encapsulated viruses like hepatitis B, dengue and SARS-CoV-2 hijack the protein manufacturing and distribution pathways in the cell - they have also identified a potential broad spectrum anti-viral drug target to stop them in their tracks.

6 Nov 2020

Natural component of ayahuasca tea promotes neurogenesis

One of the main natural components of ayahuasca tea is dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which promotes neurogenesis --the formation of new neurons-- according to research led by the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM).

6 Nov 2020

White blood cells can be used to attack tumors after completing a special training

Scientists at the National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden and Dresden University Medicine, together with an international team of researchers, were able to demonstrate that certain white blood cells, so-called neutrophil granulocytes, can potentially - after completing a special training program - be utilized for the treatment of tumors.

6 Nov 2020

Study opens a new avenue for prophylactic anti-malarial strategies

A new study led by Maria Manuel Mota, group leader at Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM; Portugal), now shows that malaria parasites secrete the protein EXP2 that is required for their entry into hepatocytes.

6 Nov 2020

Researchers gain novel insights into the role of autophagy in neurons

It appears that autophagy protects our neurons in the brain, but evidently for entirely different reasons than previously assumed, as researchers from the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Charité in Berlin have now shown.

5 Nov 2020

Researchers solve longstanding mystery about peculiar hybrid structures found in bacteria

Peculiar hybrid structures called retrons that are half RNA, half single-strand DNA are found in many species of bacteria.

5 Nov 2020

Super-resolution images of functioning and pathologically altered nerve cells

Three experts for super-resolution microscopy jointly want to obtain better images of functioning and pathologically altered nerve cells. The European Research Council ERC is funding them with eleven million euros.

5 Nov 2020

Antiangiogenic drugs increase the aggressiveness of some kidney tumors

Angiogenesis is the process by which tumors create new blood vessels that will provide them the nutrients to continue growing.

5 Nov 2020

Study describes the effects of a DPP3-knockout on the renin-angiotensin system

The role of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 3 in the blood pressure-regulating renin-angiotensin system was investigated in the inter-university cooperation project BioTechMed-Graz. The results could pave the way for new therapies for cardio-renal diseases.

5 Nov 2020

Cell Biology

Neuroscientists identify astrocytes as master 'conductors' of the brain

Researchers discover a mechanism that cells use to degrade microRNAs

Brain's taste map operates differently than previously believed

New study challenges the common understanding of how mammalian brains work

Return of mice to home cage evokes significant rise in dopamine release, shows study

Biologists investigate how molecular chaperones dissolve protein aggregates linked to Parkinson's

Researchers uncover potential genetic target for treating endometriosis

ERC Synergy project explores causes of drug tolerance in intractable fungal infections

Researchers discover unique anti-cancer function for previously well-characterized protein

WPI researchers awarded NIH funding to develop computational models for human cell division

Research uncovers key to piercing dangerous bacteria's armor

Research sheds light on how encapsulated viruses hijack protein production systems

Natural component of ayahuasca tea promotes neurogenesis

White blood cells can be used to attack tumors after completing a special training

Study opens a new avenue for prophylactic anti-malarial strategies

Researchers gain novel insights into the role of autophagy in neurons

Researchers solve longstanding mystery about peculiar hybrid structures found in bacteria

Super-resolution images of functioning and pathologically altered nerve cells

Antiangiogenic drugs increase the aggressiveness of some kidney tumors

Study describes the effects of a DPP3-knockout on the renin-angiotensin system

Real-time Raman monitoring for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion

Synthetic Psychedelics: A Growing Public Health Concern

How the Vutara VXL simplifies single-molecule imaging

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