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Protein in cell membranes of sperm plays key role in finding their way to eggs

Researchers have found that a protein in the cell membranes of sperm plays a key role in how they find their way to eggs.

15 Nov 2018

Researchers directly connect activities of genes with instinctive behavior in male cichlids

Call it instinct, but something compels some animals to behave in certain ways, perhaps programs in their genes. Researchers have directly connected activities of genes with instinctive behavior in little male fish that make patterns in the sand to attract their mates.

15 Nov 2018

Human Cell Atlas study of early pregnancy shows how mother's immune system is modified

The first Human Cell Atlas study of early pregnancy in humans has shown how the function of the maternal immune system is affected by cells from the developing placenta.

14 Nov 2018

Researchers succeed in building protein nanotubes from tiny scaffolds

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have succeeded in constructing protein nanotubes from tiny scaffolds made by cross-linking of engineered protein crystals.

14 Nov 2018

Study sheds light on mechanisms that prevent autoimmune attack

Understanding the mechanisms that prevent our immune system damaging healthy cells, whilst fighting infection and cancer, could lead to the development of novel immune-regulating treatments.

14 Nov 2018

Speed and error rate of DNA synthesis influenced by DNA structure

The speed and error rate of DNA synthesis is influenced by the three-dimensional structure of the DNA. Using "third-generation" genome-wide DNA sequencing data, a team of researchers from Penn State and the Czech Academy of Sciences showed that sequences with the potential to form unusual DNA conformations, which are frequently associated with cancer and neurological diseases, can in fact slow down or speed up the DNA synthesis process and cause more or fewer sequencing errors.

14 Nov 2018

Biologists uncover novel genetic control of lipid maintenance and its potential connection to lifespan

Tiny microscopic worms, invisible to the naked eye, are helping scientists to better understand an extraordinarily complex biological pathway that connects fat to overall health and aging in humans.

14 Nov 2018

Salk researchers report new methods to identify AD drug candidates with anti-aging properties

Old age is the greatest risk factor for many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer. Geroprotectors are a recently identified class of anti-aging compounds.

14 Nov 2018

CityU develops first microarrayed 3D neuronal culture platform

Neuronal development is often regulated by the graded distribution of guidance molecules, which can either attract or repel the neuronal migration or neurite projection when presented in a format of concentration gradients, or chemotaxis. However, many details about the process is largely unexplored.

14 Nov 2018

People with rare cancers can benefit from genomic profiling, shows research

New research has shown that many Australians with rare cancers can benefit from genomic profiling. The findings of the patient-driven trial are being presented today at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting and could result in dramatic changes to the way those with rare cancers are diagnosed and treated.

14 Nov 2018

Study identifies potential therapeutic strategy for patients with clear cell renal cancer

Researchers have provided new insight on the mechanisms behind the development of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC), according to new findings published in eLife.

13 Nov 2018

Researchers unravel mystery of NPM1 protein in acute myeloid leukemia

While it has long been recognized that mutated gene NPM1 plays an important role in acute myeloid leukemia, no one has determined how the normal and the mutated forms of the protein NPM1 function.

13 Nov 2018

Neural networks could replace marker genes in RNA sequencing

Researchers have used neural networks and supervised machine learning techniques to characterize cell types following single-cell RNA sequencing.

13 Nov 2018

Study uncovers link between gut disruption and aging

A new study has shed light on how the disruption of commensal bacteria within the gut can affect the immune system and lead to age-related pathologies.

13 Nov 2018

First bifacial molecule can invade double-stranded DNA or RNA

Carnegie Mellon University researchers have developed a synthetic molecule that can recognize and bind to double-stranded DNA or RNA under normal physiological conditions. The molecule could provide a new platform for developing methods for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic conditions.

13 Nov 2018

New study provides deeper insight into chromosome segregation during mitosis

When a cell divides—a process known as mitosis—its chromosomes need to be separated and evenly distributed into the newly created daughter cells. Although this is known to be extremely complicated and to feature a range of cellular components, many of its details remain unclear, which has hampered efforts to develop treatments for when mitosis goes awry.

12 Nov 2018

Gladstone scientists gain new insights into the aging brain

The protein klotho has been shown to promote longevity and counteract aging-related impairments. Having more klotho seems to allow for longer and healthier lives, whereas a depletion of this molecule accelerates aging and may contribute to age-related diseases.

12 Nov 2018

Researchers discover how mitochondria deploy a powerful punch against disease-causing bacteria

The constant battle for dominance between disease-causing bacteria and our immune systems has led to the evolution of some crafty warfare tactics on both sides.

12 Nov 2018

Study shows novel strategy to reduce breast cancer bone metastasis

Uncovering a novel mechanism that promotes growth of breast cancer bone metastasis has revealed a potential Achilles' heel for these cancer cells. Reported in the journal Cancer Cell, the study shows that interfering with this mechanism can reduce the risk of relapses in animal models.

12 Nov 2018

Study shows how pneumococci challenge the immune system

Pneumococci are the most common cause of respiratory tract infections, such as otitis and sinusitis, as well as of severe infections like pneumonia and meningitis.

12 Nov 2018