Cell Biology

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Research reveals fundamental insights into the causes of severe birth defects

Research by Kai Jiao, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in Germany has yielded fundamental insights into the causes of severe birth defects known as CHARGE syndrome cases. These congenital birth defects include severe and life-threatening heart malformations.

3 Dec 2020

Drug meant for bacterial infections can combat weight gain

A drug originally developed to treat bacterial infections has proved capable of boosting the metabolism and attenuating the weight gain induced by a fatty diet in tests with mice. The study was conducted at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) with FAPESP's support, and the findings have just been published in the journal Science Advances.

3 Dec 2020

Specific immune mechanism in COVID-19 patients triggers inflammatory process

Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have demonstrated for the first time that in COVID-19 patients an immune mechanism known as the inflammasome participates in activation of the inflammatory process that can damage several organs and even lead to death.

3 Dec 2020

Researchers determine role of NLRP1 protein in detecting the common cold virus

The role of a protein in detecting the common cold virus and kickstarting an immune response to fight infection has been uncovered by a team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National University of Singapore.

From Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) 3 Dec 2020

Previously uncharacterized protein regulates mitochondrial NAD transporter

For their growth, cells need various nutrients and vitamins. So-called solute carriers (SLC), proteins that can transport such substances across the boundaries of cellular membranes, play a central role in metabolism.

2 Dec 2020

Study identifies a promising target for cancer treatment

If there is a positive aspect in cancer’s random biology, it is that the same characteristics that promote the growth of cancer cells usually present opportunities for destroying them.

2 Dec 2020

New patented technique reveals the energy status of cells

Scientists have developed a novel process that may help personalize anticancer treatments.

2 Dec 2020

Researchers identify key target that allows cancer cells to spread more efficiently

Cancer cells spread by switching on and off abilities to sense their surroundings, move, hide and grow new tumours, a new study has found.

2 Dec 2020

Study confirms that telomere shortening helps prevent cancer in humans

As time goes by, the tips of your chromosomes--called telomeres--become shorter. This process has long been viewed as an unwanted side-effect of aging, but a recent study shows it is in fact good for you.

2 Dec 2020

Research may lead to new strategies for calcium malabsorption

A Rutgers study has discovered that vitamin D regulates calcium in a section of the intestine that previously was thought not to have played a key role.

From Rutgers University 2 Dec 2020

New molecular imaging strategy helps observe the sperm selection process

A protein called CatSper1 may act as a molecular 'barcode' that helps determine which sperm cells will make it to an egg and which are eliminated along the way.

2 Dec 2020

Study: Painkillers interfere with auxin flow essential for developmental processes in plants

For centuries humans were using willow barks to treat a headache or an inflamed tooth. Later, the active ingredient, the plant hormone salicylic acid, was used to develop painkillers like Aspirin.

2 Dec 2020

Study: Gut microbiota directly shapes the makeup of human immune system

In recent years, the microbiota -- the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live on and in the human body -- has captured the attention of scientists and the public, in part because it's become easier to study. It has been linked to many aspects of human health.

1 Dec 2020