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Manipulating molecules to make memories

Novel transgenic mouse allows visualization of memory formation.

Aug 11th, 2014

Cryoprinting red blood cells

An innovative approach of cryopreserving red blood cells using vitrification in conjunction with bio-printing technologies has been described in a new collaborative study.

Aug 11th, 2014

The interior of a cell from a moving protein's point of view

Numerous obstacles posed by cellular structures hinder protein movements within the cell. Researchers now have succeeded in mapping the intracellular topology by observing proteins in living cells on multiple time and length scales. By developing a new fluorescence microscopy-based technique, the researchers were able to measure how long it takes proteins to move over distances ranging from 0.2 to 3 micrometres in living cells.

Aug 11th, 2014

Sensitive acid sensor controls insulin production

Researchers have developed an implantable device that precisely monitors acid build-up in the body for people with diabetes and produces insulin if acidosis becomes a risk.

Aug 11th, 2014

Bioengineers: Matrix stiffness is an essential tool in stem cell differentiation

Bioengineers have proven that when it comes to guiding stem cells into a specific cell type, the stiffness of the extracellular matrix used to culture them really does matter.

Aug 10th, 2014

Microtubule-based strategies for promoting nerve regeneration after injury

Scientists focus on microtubules as among the most important factors in encouraging injured adult axons to regenerate. Microtubules are hollow polymeric filaments composed of tubulin subunits that provide structural support for the axon.

Aug 8th, 2014

Antioxidant biomaterial promotes healing

Researchers have created a biodegradable biomaterial that is inherently antioxidant. The material can be used to create elastomers, liquids that turn into gels, or solids for building devices that are more compatible with cells and tissues.

Aug 8th, 2014

A hybrid-motor helps cells push their way through tissues

Research has uncovered how two cellular motors, previously thought to compete with each other, can actually work together to help cells squeezing through a crowded mass of cells.

Aug 8th, 2014

Microfluidic single-cell analysis used to probe human brain development

Researchers have identified cells' unique features within the developing human brain, using the latest technologies for analyzing gene activity in individual cells, and have demonstrated that large-scale cell surveys can be done much more efficiently and cheaply than was previously thought possible.

Aug 8th, 2014

Revolution biomotor discovered in many bacteria and viruses

Greater understanding of molecular mechanism used in DNA packaging could prove useful in development of new treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Aug 6th, 2014

Biology made simpler with clear tissues

Thanks to techniques developed at Caltech, scientists can see through tissues, organs, and even an entire body. The techniques offer new insight into the cell-by-cell makeup of organisms - and the promise of novel diagnostic medical applications.

Aug 5th, 2014

Researchers uncover novel process for creation of fuel and chemical compounds

A team of researchers has identified the genes and enzymes that create a promising compound - the 19 carbon furan-containing fatty acid (19Fu-FA). The compound has a variety of potential uses as a biological alternative for compounds currently derived from fossil fuels.

Aug 5th, 2014