Plant leaves come in many different shapes, sizes and complexities. Some leaves are large and smooth, while others are smaller and serrated. Some leaves grow in single pieces while others form multiple leaflets. These variations in leaf structure play a crucial role in how plants adapt—and survive—in different environments. “Plant morphology is diverse in nature,” … Read more
A team of University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists has developed the first 3D-printed brain tissue that can grow and function like typical brain tissue. It’s an achievement with important implications for scientists studying the brain and working on treatments for a broad range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “This could … Read more
T helper cells, also known as CD4+ T cells, are a crucial component of the immune system, playing a central role in orchestrating and regulating immune responses. These specialized white blood cells are essential for the body’s defense against pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The discovery and understanding of T helper cells have … Read more
Cytotoxic T cells, often referred to as CD8+ T cells, are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, playing a central role in the defense against intracellular pathogens, including viruses and certain types of bacteria. These specialized immune cells are characterized by their ability to directly recognize and eliminate infected or abnormal cells. The … Read more
The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a vital component of all living cells. It serves as a protective barrier, separating the internal environment of the cell from the external surroundings. The structure and function of the cell membrane are intricately linked, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular integrity, facilitating communication, … Read more
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more
A cell is the fundamental unit of life, serving as the basic building block of all living organisms. This remarkable structure is the smallest entity that exhibits the characteristics of life, encapsulating the complexity of biological systems within its microscopic confines. The understanding of cells and their functions has been a cornerstone of biology, unraveling … Read more
Within the intricate framework of the human immune system, cellular communication thrives through signaling molecules like cytokines and chemokines. Among these messengers is MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor), a protein pivotal in regulating various immune reactions. In a surprising revelation, there exists a parallel in the plant kingdom – proteins known as MDL, remarkably similar … Read more
Biological materials are made of individual components, including tiny motors that convert fuel into motion. This creates patterns of movement, and the material shapes itself with coherent flows by constant consumption of energy. Such continuously driven materials are called active matter. The mechanics of cells and tissues can be described by active matter theory, a … Read more
An international team of scientists has uncovered the vital role of microglia, the immune cells in the brain that acts as its dedicated defense team, in early human brain development. By incorporating microglia into lab-grown brain organoids, scientists were able mimic the complex environment within the developing human brain to understand how microglia influence brain … Read more
Imagine having a microscope that magnifies and enhances the tiniest details, revealing a world beyond the limits of conventional resolution. That’s precisely what enhanced super-resolution radial fluctuations (eSRRF) brings to the scientific forefront—an upgraded super-resolution magic wand for microscopes. Building upon the success of the SRRF method, eSRRF is not just an evolution; it’s a … Read more
Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have unveiled novel insights into how iron deficiency can hinder cell growth and proliferation in eukaryotic cells, as outlined in their findings published in Nature Cell Biology. This study, led by Dr. Hossein Ardehali, has significant implications for advancing our understanding of anabolism (cell growth and proliferation) in both normal and … Read more
Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and New York Genome Center has uncovered new insights into a crucial group of immune cells vital for effective vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation focused on T cells, one of the primary components of the human immune system, along with B … Read more
In a recent breakthrough published in Nature Communications, a cutting-edge method has been unveiled for delving into the inner workings of cell nuclei during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Led by Dr. Eitan Lerner of the Institute of Life Sciences and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Prof. Eran Meshorer of the Institute of … Read more
Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute, King’s College London, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust have unveiled a specialized immune cell crucial for safeguarding and repairing the human gut’s healthy cells. In conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these protective immune cells are depleted, leaving patients susceptible to disease progression and severe complications. … Read more
The revelation of a previously unidentified molecular target has sparked hope for a potential breakthrough in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. While many associate cancer with a singular mass, glioblastoma is notorious for its highly invasive nature, with cells rapidly spreading from the core tumor. Consequently, eradicating it completely … Read more
Researchers from Western and Brown University have achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding and potentially treating preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication affecting up to eight percent of pregnancies worldwide, often leading to maternal and fetal mortality. The research, led by Drs. Kun Ping Lu and Xiao Zhen Zhou at Western, and Drs. Surendra Sharma and Sukanta … Read more
Cells exhibit remarkable activity and act as power sources within the body. Their ability to generate physical forces is crucial for functions like muscle contraction during activities like running. Previously, scientists could measure forces experienced by individual proteins using force sensors, but intracellular forces remained elusive. Collaborating with The Ohio State University, researchers at Tampere … Read more
In 2018, an extraordinary discovery was made by researchers from the Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science RAS in Russia. They found two roundworm species (nematodes) in the Siberian Permafrost that had been in cryptobiosis for an astonishing 46,000 years, dating back to the late Pleistocene. This ability to enter a dormant … Read more
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have made a significant discovery regarding the self-repair mechanisms of cells responsible for hearing, which could have implications for the treatment and prevention of hearing loss. The hair cells located in the inner ear play a crucial role in both hearing and balance, thanks to their … Read more