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Unraveling the mystery of stem cells

Neuroscientists document some of the first steps in the process by which a stem cell transforms into different cell types.

Mar 24th, 2016

Unlocking the secrets of gene expression

Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), scientists have made a significant breakthrough in our understanding of how our molecular machinery finds the right DNA to copy, showing with unprecedented detail the role of a powerhouse transcription factor known as TFIID.

Mar 24th, 2016

Microfluidic devices gently rotate small organisms and cells

A method to rotate single particles, cells or organisms using acoustic waves in a microfluidic device will allow researchers to take three dimensional images with only a cell phone.

Mar 23rd, 2016

Sidling up to natural killers

A technique to generate antibodies that can help strengthen natural immune responses to cancer and leukemia has been developed.

Mar 23rd, 2016

For first time, scientists use CRISPR-Cas9 to target RNA in live cells

Technique may open doors to new treatments for many conditions, from cancer to autism.

Mar 18th, 2016

A surprising makeover turns an ordinary protein into a magnetic sculptor

By studying an unusual group of magnetic microorganisms, scientists have uncovered a new and unexpected function for a ubiquitous protein family.

Mar 17th, 2016

Future brain therapies for Parkinson's possible with stem cell bioengineering innovation

Scientists develop novel way to inject healthy human nerve cells into the brain. The technology involves converting adult tissue-derived stem cells into human neurons on 3-D scaffolds, or tiny islands, of fibers.

Mar 17th, 2016

3-D technology enriches human nerve cells for transplant to brain

Scientists have developed a 3D micro-scaffold technology that promotes reprogramming of stem cells into neurons, and supports growth of neuronal connections capable of transmitting electrical signals. The injection of these networks of functioning human neural cells - compared to injecting individual cells - dramatically improved their survival following transplantation into mouse brains.

Mar 17th, 2016

New insights into protein synthesis

Researchers show that pausing occurs frequently when proteins are being synthesized.

Mar 17th, 2016

Spongy material helps repair the spine (w/video)

Remember those colorful 'grow capsules' that blossom into animal-shaped sponges in water? Using a similar idea, scientists have developed biodegradable polymer grafts that, when surgically placed in damaged vertebrae, should grow to be just the right size and shape to fix the spinal column.

Mar 14th, 2016

Researcher to turn plant virus shells against human cancers

Scientists have been awarded more than $3 million in federal and foundation grants to turn common plant viruses into cancer sleuths and search-and-destroy emissaries.

Mar 9th, 2016

How an artificial protein rescues dying cells

A new study has revealed how a synthetic protein revives E. coli cells that lack a life-sustaining gene, offering insight into how life can adapt to survive and potentially be reinvented.

Mar 8th, 2016

Scientists discover a natural adhesive with biomedical applications

Chemists created a nonpermanent adhesive from a natural chemical reaction that can be used in the biomedical field. This discovery may benefit tissue repair or drug delivery.

Mar 8th, 2016

Research team documents design of wood-based polymers

Researchers recently demonstrated the design of softwood lignin-based polymers with potential application as alternatives to petroleum-based polystyrene. These softwood materials can be obtained from sources such as pine, cedar, spruce, and cypress trees.

Mar 8th, 2016

Scientists develop very early stage human stem cell lines for first time

Scientists have for the first time shown that it is possible to derive from a human embryo so-called 'naïve' pluripotent stem cells - one of the most flexible types of stem cell, which can develop into all human tissue other than the placenta.

Mar 4th, 2016

Engineered hydrogel scaffolds enable growth of functioning human breast tissue

Researchers have created a hydrogel scaffold replicating the environment found within the human breast. The scaffold supports the growth of human mammary tissue from patient-derived cells and can be used to study normal breast development as well as breast cancer initiation and progression.

Mar 2nd, 2016

How does nanotechnology work?