News tagged with cellular biology


Hundreds of alterations and potential drug targets to starve cancer tumors identified

A massive study analyzing gene expression data from 22 tumor types has identified multiple metabolic expression changes associated with cancer. The analysis, conducted by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, ...

Cancer created Apr 21, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Sizing up bone growth: A surprising cellular mechanism drives skeletal proportions

(Medical Xpress)—Stroll through the Harvard Museum of Natural History and gaze up at the whale skeleton looming overhead. Look down at the furry foxes curled up inside their glass display cases. Don't forget ...

Medical research created Mar 14, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Fragile X makes brain cells talk too much, research shows

The most common inherited form of mental retardation and autism, fragile X syndrome, turns some brain cells into chatterboxes, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report.

Neuroscience created Feb 20, 2013 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (4) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Structure of a bond formed by two proteins critical for hearing and balance described for the first time

Researchers have mapped the precise 3-D atomic structure of a thin protein filament critical for cells in the inner ear and calculated the force necessary to pull it apart.

Medical research created Nov 07, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Discovery sheds light on Alzheimer's mystery

(Medical Xpress)—In 1906, when Alois Alzheimer discovered the neurodegenerative disease that would later be named for him, he saw amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles inside the brain. Several decades later, ...

Alzheimer's disease & dementia created Oct 22, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Using precisely-targeted lasers, researchers manipulate neurons in worms' brains, take control of their behavior

In the quest to understand how the brain turns sensory input into behavior, Harvard scientists have crossed a major threshold. Using precisely-targeted lasers, researchers have been able to take over an animal's ...

Neuroscience created Sep 24, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (8) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Using rabies virus, researcher tracks inputs to dopamine neurons

A genetically-modified version of the rabies virus is helping scientists at Harvard to trace neural pathways in the brain, a research effort that could one day lead to treatments for Parkinson's disease and addiction.

Neuroscience created Jun 06, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study shows how neurons interact, could lead to new treatment for addiction

Harvard scientists have developed the fullest picture yet of how neurons in the brain interact to reinforce behaviors ranging from learning to drug use, a finding that might open the door to possible breakthroughs in the ...

Neuroscience created Jan 18, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

'Brainbow,' version 2.0: Researchers refine breakthrough system for producing images of brain, nervous system

(Medical Xpress)—The breakthrough technique that allowed scientists to obtain one-of-a-kind, colorful images of the myriad connections in the brain and nervous system is about to get a significant upgrade.

Neuroscience created May 16, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Discovery reshapes understanding of embryonic development

(Medical Xpress)—When a baby is born, one of the first things a parent will do is count fingers and toes. New research conducted at UC San Francisco sheds lights on how these specialized digits are formed.

Medical research created May 01, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

The motivation to move: Study finds rats calculate 'average' of reward across several tests

Suppose you had $1,000 to invest in the stock market. How would you decide to pick one stock over another? Scientists have made great progress in understanding the neuroscience behind how people choose between ...

Neuroscience created Apr 19, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers identify and block protein that interferes with appetite-suppressing hormone

Ever since the appetite-regulation hormone called leptin was discovered in 1994, scientists have sought to understand the mechanisms that control its action. It was known that leptin was made by fat cells, reduced appetite ...

Medical research created Apr 17, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers discover new treatment possibilities for Lou Gehrig's disease

(Medical Xpress)—A team led by Dr. Alex Parker, a professor of pathology and cellular biology and a researcher at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), has identified an important ...

Neuroscience created Apr 17, 2013 | popularity 2.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Fatheads: How neurons protect themselves against excess fat

We're all fatheads. That is, our brain cells are packed with fat molecules, more of them than almost any other cell type. Still, if the brain cells' fat content gets too high, they'll be in trouble. In a recent study in mice, ...

Medical research created Apr 08, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Loss of tumor suppressor SPOP releases cancer potential of SRC-3

Mutations in a protein called SPOP (speckle-type POZ protein) disarm it, allowing another protein called steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) to encourage the proliferation and spread of prostate cancer cells, said researchers ...

Cancer created Apr 01, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast