A group of researchers at University of California San Diego has identified the cause of a “short-circuit” in cellular pathways, a discovery that sheds new light on the genesis of a number of human diseases. The recent study, published in the journal Science Signaling, explores the biochemical mechanism that can interrupt the cellular communication chain—a … Read more
Human anatomy, the study of the body’s structure and organization, provides a foundational framework for understanding the complex organization and functions of the human body. From the microscopic level of cells and tissues to the macroscopic level of organs and organ systems, human anatomy elucidates the anatomical structures, physiological processes, and interconnected systems that sustain … Read more
Researchers at Princeton and Rockefeller University have found a new way to study cellular communication, recording interactions between cells as they work in a living organism and unlocking new ways to understand how our bodies function. Cell interactions are essential to fighting disease and forming tissue, said Yuri Pritykin, assistant professor of computer science, the … Read more
Cellular communication relies on receptor molecules on the cell surface. The periodic uptake and sorting of these receptors, critical for their degradation or recycling, are governed by an elaborate machinery prominently featuring the Commander complex. Research teams at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, led by Dr. Markku Varjosalo and Prof. Juha Huiskonen dissected … Read more
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, serves as the primary energy currency in living organisms, playing a crucial role in various cellular processes across all forms of life. Its significance lies in its ability to store and transfer energy within cells, enabling fundamental biological functions necessary for life, growth, and reproduction. At its core, ATP consists of … Read more
Biochemistry is a branch of science that explores the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. Combining principles from biology and chemistry, biochemistry seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules. From the intricate dance of enzymes and metabolic pathways to the decoding of genetic information … Read more
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that merges principles from physics and biology to investigate the physical mechanisms underlying biological processes. This dynamic branch of science employs quantitative and analytical approaches to unravel the mysteries of life, exploring how physical forces, energy, and structure govern the behavior of biological systems. Biophysics spans a wide range of … Read more
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more
Physiology, derived from the Greek words “physis” (nature) and “logos” (study), is the scientific discipline that explores the normal functioning of living organisms. It aims to understand the mechanisms that govern the various physiological processes within organisms, from the cellular level to complex organ systems. Physiology provides insights into how living organisms maintain homeostasis, respond … Read more
Cellular processes are the intricate series of events that occur within a cell, governing its growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Demystifying these processes involves unraveling the complex molecular choreography that underlies cellular life. From the fundamental processes like cell division to the intricate pathways of cellular communication, understanding these mechanisms is essential for comprehending life at … Read more
Stem cells possess the remarkable ability to transform into specific cell types, replenishing dead or damaged cells within our bodies. Unraveling the mystery of how these versatile cells determine their fate in various situations, a team led by Bon-Kyoung Koo at IMBA and the Institute for Basic Science identified a pivotal gene, Daam1, through their … Read more
Within the intricate framework of the human immune system, cellular communication thrives through signaling molecules like cytokines and chemokines. Among these messengers is MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor), a protein pivotal in regulating various immune reactions. In a surprising revelation, there exists a parallel in the plant kingdom – proteins known as MDL, remarkably similar … Read more
For decades, scientists have recognized that pregnancy necessitates a mother’s body to adapt, preventing her immune system from mistaking the developing fetus as a threat. However, recent research, led by Dr. Sing Sing Way, sheds light on the intricate and enduring nature of the cellular communication between a mother and her unborn child, surpassing previous … Read more
Fertilized eggs are crucial for the development of complex multicellular organisms because the process is tightly regulated by biological mechanisms. Effective cellular communication through signaling pathways plays a vital role in this context. When the activities of these signaling pathways are disrupted, distinct developmental abnormalities can be observed in the embryo. In a recent publication … Read more