Collagen fibers encourage cell streaming through balancing act
Engineers have shown that the length of collagen fibers has a roll to play in the ability of normal cells to become invasive.
Read moreCell Biology
Cracking how tardigrades survive the extremes
Scientists have gained a new understanding of how tiny, ultra-resilient invertebrates known as tardigrades, or 'water bears,' are protected in extreme conditions. Tardigrades are found in water environments around the world — including mountainous, deep sea and Antarctic environments. The researchers discovered that a tardigrade protein named Dsup binds to chromatin — DNA inside cells — and forms a protective cloud against extreme survival threats such as radiation damage.
Read moreJellyfish's 'superpowers' gained through cellular mechanism
Jellyfish are animals that possess the unique ability to regenerate body parts. A team of scientists has now revealed the cellular mechanisms that give jellyfish these remarkable 'superpowers.'
Read morePotent antibody curbs Nipah and Hendra virus attack
A monoclonal antibody has been shown to impede the fusion machinery henipaviruses use to merge with the membrane of cells they are attempting to breach. The antibody halts the attack by blocking membrane fusion and the injection of the viral genome into the host cell. Researchers hope this discovery will pave the way toward preventing or treating Nipah or Hendra virus infections, which now have no vaccines or therapies for people. The main carriers are large bats called flying foxes.
Read morePoorly reported placebos could lead to mistaken estimates of benefits and harms
Researchers have found that placebo controls are almost never described according to standard reporting guidelines.
Read moreUltrasound can reveal gene expression in the body
Researchers are developing a technique for imaging mammalian gene expression with ultrasound by combining human bacteria and virus DNA.
Read moreSpider silk: A malleable protein provides reinforcement
Scientists have discovered that spider silk contains an exceptional protein. It generates high bonding strength by making use of an amino acid scientists have hitherto paid little attention to. The finding could have important implications in many areas.
Read moreHow neuronal recognition of songbird calls unfolds over time
A novel computational approach sheds new light on the response of neurons in the brain of a songbird when it hears and interprets the meaning of another bird's call.
Read moreUnravelling an alternative mechanism of airway mucosal immunity
Researchers have identified two key proteins, ASC and NLRP3, in the maintenance of the innate immune homeostasis in the airway. These proteins do so by a caspase-1-independent mechanism, suggesting that there may be multiple mechanisms involved in protection against microbial infections.
Read moreCell-based therapies for arthritis and osteoporosis
A new report highlights the latest advances in cell-based therapies for the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, and it identifies key unanswered questions that should be addressed through ongoing research.
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