cell biology
Automatically Observing Stem Cell Differentiation
A team of researchers in Japan has combined simple agarose with advanced machine learning techniques to study the differentiation of stem cells.
How Beneficial Gut Bacteria Thrive On Breastmilk
Different strains of beneficial gut bacteria have evolved independent mechanisms to make the most of the sugars found in breastmilk.
Measuring The ‘Springiness’ Of Red Blood Cells
A microfluidic method of measuring red blood cell deformity has revealed that the cells take longer to recover if they are constricted for more than three minutes.
Calcium Ions Help Shape The Brain
A transient increase in the concentration of calcium ions is necessary for the proper formation of the neural tube in the developing embryo.
Not A Muscle But Still On The Move
Even non-muscle cells require motor proteins to pull against their surroundings and fight their way through often sticky environments, researchers say.
A Gene That Allows Algae To Reset The Circadian Clock
Researchers have identified a novel red and violet light-sensitive pathway that helps algae sense day and night.
Expanding The Mouse Genome
Scientists have genetically modified mice so that they are able to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in a controllable way.
Female Chickens Need Male Hormones To Develop Ovaries
Male hormones turn out to be more important for developing ovaries than testes, at least in chickens.
Mapping The Complexities Of Protein Synthesis In Silicon
Protein synthesis is so complex that even a simple three subunit peptide requires almost a thousand different reactions.
