Ordinary heart cells become "biological pacemakers" with injection of a single gene
Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers have reprogrammed ordinary heart cells to become exact replicas of highly specialized pacemaker cells by injecting a single gene (Tbx18) - a major step forward in the decade-long search for a biological therapy to correct erratic and failing heartbeats.
Posted: Dec 19th, 2012
Read moreCooperation to create the first 3D design software for bioprinting
The software, which will be used to control Organovo's NovoGen MMX bioprinter, will represent a major step forward in usability and functionality for designing three-dimensional human tissues, and has the potential to open up bioprinting to a broader group of users.
Posted: Dec 19th, 2012
Read moreCell biology: Flushing out fats
A protein that contributes to cancer vulnerability also plays a surprising role in cardiovascular health and illuminates a promising target pathway for drug treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Posted: Dec 19th, 2012
Read moreSynthetic biology to get fossil fuels from ice cream and soap
Scientists at The University of Manchester have identified a biocatalyst which could produce chemicals found in ice-cream and household items such as soap and shampoo - possibly leading to the long-term replacement of chemicals derived from fossil fuels.
Posted: Dec 18th, 2012
Read moreHybrid tunnel may help guide severed nerves back to health
Building a tunnel made up of both hard and soft materials to guide the reconnection of severed nerve endings may be the first step toward helping patients who have suffered extensive nerve trauma regain feeling and movement, according to a team of biomedical engineers.
Posted: Dec 17th, 2012
Read moreDo-it-yourself viruses: How viruses self assemble
A new model of the how the protein coat of viruses assembles shows that the construction of intermediate structures prior to final capsid production (hierarchical assembly) can be more efficient than constructing the capsid protein by protein (direct assembly).
Posted: Dec 17th, 2012
Read moreScientists develop first public-access source with 3D information for protein interactions
Researchers have developed a platform that compiles all the atomic data, previously stored in diverse databases, on protein structures and protein interactions for eight organisms of relevance. They apply a singular homology-based modelling procedure.
Posted: Dec 17th, 2012
Read moreTissue engineering: Growing new organs, and more
Research could lead to better ways to heal injuries and develop new drugs.
Posted: Dec 17th, 2012
Read moreToward a new model of the cell
Everything you always wanted to know about genes.
Posted: Dec 16th, 2012
Read moreResearch may offer big benefits for biofuels and battling infections
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have deciphered the secrets of the production of cellulose, the most common natural polymer on Earth, in a discovery that could have major ramifications for both biofuel production and the battle against bacterial infections.
Posted: Dec 15th, 2012
Read moreSynthetic biology: Building a better world from the bottom-up
What if you could fashion a molecular system that could fight iron deficiency in developing nations? A system that could be grown and distributed in something as simple as yogurt.
Posted: Dec 14th, 2012
Read moreTeam solves mystery associated with DNA repair
Scientists have long sought to understand how a DNA repair protein, known as RecA in bacterial cells, helps broken DNA find a way to bridge the gap. In a new study, researchers report they have identified how the RecA protein does its job.
Posted: Dec 13th, 2012
Read moreStudy sheds light on how cells transport materials along crowded intercellular 'highways'
This study sheds new light on how cells manage to keep traffic flowing smoothly along this busy transportation network that is vital to the survival of cells and whose failure can lead to a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's and cancer.
Posted: Dec 13th, 2012
Read moreInternational collaboration reveals how cell membranes reassemble after cell division
An international collaboration between researchers at the Babraham Institute, Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute, Imperial College London and Amherst College in the US, has revealed an instrumental molecule in ensuring that the nuclear membrane reforms correctly after cell division, and therefore plays a key role maintaining the delicate balance between cell growth and cell death.
Posted: Dec 13th, 2012
Read moreBiopolymer - designer interfaces between biological and artificial systems
A review describes how developments in synthesis techniques have liberated the polymer MPC's potential for a huge range of medical and biological applications.
Posted: Dec 13th, 2012
Read moreMysterious enzyme structure in photosynthesis solved
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion have solved a long-standing puzzle in photosynthesis research. With the aid of quantum chemistry they were able to provide unexpected insight into the properties of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC).
Posted: Dec 12th, 2012
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