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Engineering human stem cells to model the kidney's filtration barrier on a chip
A glomerulus-on-a-chip lined by human stem cell-derived kidney cells could help model patient-specific kidney diseases and guide therapeutic discovery.
Posted: May 10th, 2017
Read moreClosing the gate to mitochondria
A team of researchers develops a new method that enables the identification of proteins imported into mitochondria.
Posted: May 9th, 2017
Read moreWith stem cells to new intervertebral discs
Researchers hope that the stem cells will possibly form new disc cartilage once injected into a damaged disc. A new study on three sick German shepherds demonstrates that a treatment with the body's own stem cells are well tolerated - an important first step.
Posted: May 9th, 2017
Read moreEngineered bone marrow could make transplants safer
Engineers have developed biomimetic bone tissues that could one day provide new bone marrow for patients needing transplants.
Posted: May 8th, 2017
Read moreA dual-channel biological function generator
Tool brings mathematical predictability to multicircuit optogenetic tests.
Posted: May 8th, 2017
Read moreNovel tool confers targeted, stable editing of epigenome in human stem cells
New technology adds methyl groups at specific positions on DNA, allowing targeted gene correction of aberrant epigenetic disorders.
Posted: May 5th, 2017
Read moreFirst EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae
Experiment pushes toward the promise of algae as a clean, renewable food and fuel source.
Posted: May 4th, 2017
Read moreScientists engineer baker's yeast to produce penicillin molecules
Scientists have inserted fungus genes into a yeast cell to make it produce penicillin molecules.
Posted: May 4th, 2017
Read moreMaking the numbers work: Researchers use math to develop personalized chemo treatments
Researchers have developed statistical models that rank chemotherapy treatment options for patients based on the gene expression profile of the tumor.
Posted: May 4th, 2017
Read moreDiscovery could lead to design of next-generation antibiotics
Scientists present in atomic detail how specific bacterial enzymes, known as kinases, confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics, a widely used class of antibiotics and an alternative medication for patients with penicillin allergies. The study shows for the first time how these kinases recognize and chemically destroy macrolide antibiotics.
Posted: May 4th, 2017
Read moreImaging mRNA right where it is made - at the site of translation
Using fluorescence probes, researchers designed a technique that shows mRNA when it comes in contact with ribosomes. They used this method to record the synthesis of proteins and to measure cellular responses to iron.
Posted: May 3rd, 2017
Read moreBare bones: Making bones transparent
Transparent bones enable researchers to observe the stem cells inside.
Posted: Apr 26th, 2017
Read moreSkin stem cells used to generate new brain cells
Using human skin cells, neurobiologists have created a method to generate one of the principle cell types of the brain called microglia, which play a key role in preserving the function of neural networks and responding to injury and disease.
Posted: Apr 25th, 2017
Read moreCaterpillar found to eat shopping bags, suggesting biodegradable solution to plastic pollution
A common insect larva that eats beeswax has been found to break down chemical bonds in the plastic used for packaging and shopping bags at uniquely high speeds. Scientists say the discovery could lead to a biotechnological approach to the polyethylene waste that chokes oceans and landfills.
Posted: Apr 24th, 2017
Read moreAtomic-level motion may drive bacteria's ability to evade immune system defenses
A new study has found evidence that extremely small changes in how atoms move in bacterial proteins can play a big role in how these microorganisms function and evolve.
Posted: Apr 21st, 2017
Read moreFungi have enormous potential for new antibiotics
Fungi are a potential goldmine for the production of pharmaceuticals. This is shown by researchers, who have developed a method for finding new antibiotics from nature's own resources.
Posted: Apr 20th, 2017
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