Zebrafish discovery throws new light on human hearing disorders
A study of the genetic make-up of zebrafish has provided brand new insights into the cause of congenital hearing disorders in humans.
Read moreStem Cells
Anti-arthritis drug also stops tuberculosis bacillus from multiplying in blood stem cells
Immunologists have shown that a drug used to fight arthritis also stops the process that allows the tuberculosis bacillus to infect and hijack blood stem cells.
Read moreSpecial cells contribute to regenerate the heart in Zebrafish
It is already known that zebrafish can flexibly regenerate their hearts after injury. An international research group now shows that certain heart muscle cells play a central role in this process. The insights gained could be used to initiate a similar repair process in the human heart.
Read moreA marine pathogenic bacterium forms specialized cells for dissemination
Vibrio parahaemolyticus can be found in the tidal zones in estuarine areas. The marine bacterium causes acute gastroenteritis in humans and is the leading cause for seafood borne illnesses in the world. Researchers have now identified specialized "adventurer" cells that ensure the bacterium's dissemination and prevalence. Their new findings are an important basis for the future management of the disease.
Read moreEmbryology: How cell competition modulates morphogen gradients
Tissue patterning is an important process during embryo formation, which ensures that groups of cells are arranged in an appropriate manner that allows them to function properly.
Read moreWake-up call: Cellular sleep isn't as harmless as once thought
New research into the mechanics of cellular sleep and shutdown could shed light on the aging process and how to potentially intervene.
Read moreEmbryonic development: Earlier origin of neural crest cells
Neural crest cells have been thought to originate in the ectoderm, the outermost of the three germ layers formed in the earliest stages of embryonic development. But their capacity to form derivatives like bone and tooth-forming cells defies fundamental concepts in developmental and stem cell biology. A research team has found a solution to this mystery by demonstrating an earlier origin of the neural crest in chick embryos.
Read moreMetformin offers no strength training benefits for seniors, study shows
A clinical trial argues against the hypothesis that the diabetes drug metformin could help exercising seniors gain more muscle mass. The double-blind trial found that older adults who took metformin while performing rigorous resistance exercise training had smaller gains in muscle mass than the placebo group.
Read moreMarked slowdown of cell division rates in old age
In a novel study comparing healthy cells from people in their 20s with cells from people in their 80s, researchers say they have documented that cell division rates appear to consistently and markedly slow down in humans at older ages.
Read moreHow the mouse X and Y chromosomes compete with each other to control offspring
New research presents the first demonstration of a specific difference in sperm function associated with sex ratio skewing.
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