Developmental biology

Comparative Anatomy: Comparing Anatomy Across Species

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Comparative anatomy is a branch of biology that involves the study of anatomical structures and systems across different species to understand evolutionary relationships, adaptations, functional morphology, and biological diversity. By comparing the anatomy of organisms from various taxonomic groups, researchers can gain insights into evolutionary patterns, developmental processes, physiological functions, and ecological adaptations that have … Read more

Developmental Biology: Processes from Fertilization to Organism Formation

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Developmental biology is a fascinating field that explores the processes governing the growth, differentiation, and organization of cells into complex multicellular organisms. From the moment of fertilization, when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, to the formation of fully functional organs and tissues, developmental biology seeks to unravel the intricate molecular, cellular, and … Read more

The Cell: Fundamental Unit of Life

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The cell, often described as the fundamental unit of life, represents the building block of all living organisms. This microscopic entity is the smallest structural and functional unit of life, capable of carrying out the essential processes necessary for an organism’s survival and reproduction. From single-celled organisms like bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans, … Read more

Subtle variations in actin proteins uncover profound cellular dynamics

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In the microscopic realm of cellular function, the significance of minute details becomes apparent. A prime example is found in the intricate world of proteins, where even a slight variation in the sequence of amino acids can wield transformative influence over a cell’s architecture. Scientists from the Universities of Göttingen and Warwick delved into the … Read more

Biology

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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

Molybdenum transporter genes enhance soybean yield and nutritional content

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In a study published in Current Biology, researchers have reported the identification of key genes controlling shoot molybdenum concentrations in soybeans and have unlocked the mystery of how molybdenum fertilizer boosts soybean yield. Molybdenum is a trace element indispensable to plant growth. For leguminous plants, especially soybeans, molybdenum fertilizer is particularly important. The high demand … Read more

Ancient splicing machinery reveals universal mechanisms for gene expression

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To carry out all of life’s functions, proteins must be produced from instructions carried by genes within DNA and delivered to the cell’s protein-making machinery by messenger RNA. However, to generate mature mRNA, intervening sequences called introns must be removed through a process called splicing. Errors that occur during splicing can potentially cause disease. In … Read more

Scientists unveil the role of microbiome in controlling hydra’s feeding behavior

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An increasingly important field of work in modern life sciences is the study of the symbiotic coexistence of animals, plants, and humans with their specific microbial populations. In recent years, researchers have gathered growing evidence that the composition and balance of the microbiome plays a decisive role in the function and health of the organism … Read more

Centrin-SPDL1-L regulates cone cell lipid droplet localization

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In a recent study featured in Developmental Cell, Professor Huang Xun and his team from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have unveiled the pivotal role of CETN-SPDL1-L, a protein localized within lipid droplets, in governing the positioning of lipid droplets within cone cells. This localization holds significant … Read more

Segregation of fat crucial for embryo development

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Developmental biology has long acknowledged that a mother’s egg offers crucial nutrients for embryo development. However, the significance of nutrient storage location within the developing embryo remains a question. Michael Welte, a University of Rochester Biology Department professor, addresses this inquiry blending developmental biology with metabolism. The research, led by Marcus Kilwein, formerly a graduate … Read more

New species of Jurassic reptile discovered in Wyoming

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In a recent study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, scientists have unveiled a new species named Opisthiamimus gregori, which once inhabited Jurassic North America around 150 million years ago. This creature coexisted with well-known dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. The research sheds light on the species’ characteristics and its significance in the evolutionary … Read more

More genetic causes of brain malformations identified

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A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has put forth intriguing findings indicating that a higher proportion of cases involving abnormal brain development in children may possess genetic underpinnings, challenging previous assumptions. Polymicrogyria, a condition characterized by the formation of excessive small folds in the brain before birth, can result in a spectrum of issues … Read more

How neural crest cells gave rise to our bony armor

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Approximately 350 million years ago, our evolutionary ancestors and those of all modern vertebrates were simple, soft-bodied creatures living in the ancient oceans. In order to survive and progress in the face of formidable predators, mainly crustaceans at that time, they needed to acquire some form of protection and advantage. The evolution of dermal armor, … Read more

New CRISPR-based system could help eliminate malaria-carrying mosquitoes

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Malaria remains a significant global health threat, causing numerous fatalities each year, particularly among children under five. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported five cases of mosquito-borne malaria in the United States, marking the first instances of local transmission in the country in twenty years. However, scientists are making progress in developing … Read more

Tiny crustacean could hold key to understanding embryogenesis

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Parhyale hawaiensis, a tiny crustacean, has gained attention due to its remarkable attributes. Referred to as a “living Swiss army knife,” this species possesses numerous distinct appendages, each characterized by its size and shape, and each serving a specific function. These fascinating creatures, coupled with their easily observable growth conditions, make them an ideal model … Read more

GSO1-mediated signaling pathway helps plants cope with salt stress

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A remarkable discovery has been made by a team of international researchers, led by Prof Jörg Kudla from the Institute of the Biology and Biotechnology of Plants at Münster University. Their study focused on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, commonly known as thale cress, and revealed a mechanism that allows plants to shield their sensitive … Read more

Studying embryonic development to shed light on cancer metastasis

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Metastasis, the ability of cancer to spread throughout the body, is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. This process involves cancer cells breaking away from the primary tumor and traveling to distant parts of the body. To better understand how cells separate from a tissue, scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) focused on … Read more

EmbryoNet: Automated image analysis software unravels developmental defects and signaling pathways in fish embryos

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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

Discovery of novel starch biosynthetic genes enhances potential for high-resistant starch varieties in rice and other cereals

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A recent study conducted by Prof. LI Jiayang’s team from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Prof. Wu Dianxing’s team from Zhejiang University has revealed that the loss of function of two similar genes involved in starch biosynthesis contributes to an increase in resistant starch (RS) … Read more

Antidepressants improve egg quality in aging worms and fruit flies: Study

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Northwestern University researchers have conducted a study where roundworms were exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of drug typically used to treat depression and anxiety. The researchers were surprised to find that this treatment actually improved the quality of aging female worms’ egg cells. The researchers discovered that the SSRIs decreased embryonic … Read more