Gene editing technologies have revolutionized the field of molecular biology and genetics by providing powerful tools to precisely modify DNA sequences, study gene functions, correct genetic mutations, and engineer biological systems. Among the most widely used and transformative gene editing technologies is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and its associated protein, Cas (CRISPR-associated … Read more
In 2016, University of Pittsburgh researchers Dr. Farzad Esni, Ph.D., and Jing Hu, Ph.D., did an experiment in mice where they deleted one of two copies of the gene encoding an enzyme called focal adhesion kinase (FAK). They were interested in the role of FAK in pancreatic cancer, but a surprise finding took the research … Read more
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
Airway hillocks are mysterious, flat-topped structures that were only recently identified within regular lung tissue, and their role in airway biology and pathology has previously been unknown. A research team from Tufts University School of Medicine and Massachusetts General Hospital is now reporting evidence that hillocks and their stem cells are physiologically distinct from other … Read more
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that serves as the blueprint of life, carrying the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. Its structure and function are essential components of molecular biology and genetics, providing insights into the fundamental processes that govern life on Earth. DNA Structure The … Read more
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes and molecules within living organisms. It delves into the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and metabolites, elucidating fundamental principles of life, cellular functions, biochemical pathways, and molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. Proteins Proteins are essential biomolecules … Read more
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
Hydrogels have emerged as incredibly versatile biomaterials, revolutionizing various biomedical applications. These water-swollen molecular networks offer a unique opportunity to mimic the mechanical and chemical properties of diverse organs and tissues, facilitating seamless integration within the human body without causing harm, even to the most delicate anatomical structures. In clinical practice, hydrogels are already making … Read more
Scientists at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have built and demonstrated the potential efficacy of a new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell-based immunotherapy specifically designed to treat patients with cutaneous and rare subtypes of melanoma. CAR T-cell therapy uses genetically engineered versions of a patient’s immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. … Read more
In a significant stride towards veterinary regenerative treatment for dogs, scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have devised a non-invasive and pain-free method to reprogram canine stem cells using urine samples. The findings, published in Stem Cell Reports, hold promise for advancing medical care for companion animals. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been instrumental in … 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
Medical science, also known as medicine, is a multidisciplinary field of study and practice that encompasses the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders affecting the human body. It integrates knowledge from various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, genetics, and psychology, to advance our understanding of health and illness. Medical science is … Read more
Today, medicines based on antibodies—proteins that fight infection and disease—are prescribed for everything from cancer to COVID-19 to high cholesterol. The antibody drugs are supplied by genetically-engineered cells that function as tiny protein-producing factories in the laboratory. Meanwhile, researchers have been targeting cancer, injuries to internal organs and a host of other ailments with new … Read more
Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, genetics, and other scientific disciplines to harness biological systems and organisms for the development of useful products and technologies. It encompasses a wide range of applications, from healthcare and agriculture to industrial processes and environmental management. The core principle of biotechnology is the manipulation of living … Read more
Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by meticulously documenting the molecular transformations that convert a common form of prostate cancer into a rare and treatment-resistant small cell neuroendocrine (SCN) cancer. This revelation opens new avenues for understanding tumor evolution, potentially leading to innovative therapies to impede the development of SCN prostate cancers. Dr. Owen Witte … Read more
Organoids are miniature, three-dimensional organ-like structures that are grown in vitro, replicating the architecture and functionality of real organs. These tiny structures hold immense potential in various fields, from biomedical research to drug discovery and personalized medicine. The term “organoid” is derived from the combination of “organ” and “oid,” meaning resembling or having the form … Read more
Evolved.Bio, a pioneering startup, brings a ray of hope to individuals grappling with significant muscle damage. Their groundbreaking technology enables the regeneration of muscle tissue with remarkable efficacy, offering a novel approach to in-vitro tissue creation. Unlike traditional methods involving foreign materials and cells, Evolved.Bio’s technique allows cells to recreate the components and structure of … Read more
In a recent study suggests published in Circulation Research, researchers from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), led by Dr. José Luis de la Pompa, unveiled the crucial role played by the neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) protein in the intricate metamorphosis of the heart. This transformation, orchestrated by Nrg1, guides the heart’s journey from its delicate … Read more
Researchers at USC Stem Cell have conducted a groundbreaking study that delves into the nuanced differences between male and female mouse kidneys. This study not only sheds light on how sex hormones influence these differences but also reveals a promising avenue for improving kidney resilience by “feminizing” male organs. Professor Andy McMahon, the director of … Read more
Accessible and rapid COVID-19 testing has played a pivotal role in our battle against the pandemic, but it has not been without its challenges. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, long considered the gold standard for diagnostic accuracy, come with significant drawbacks. They demand precious time, sometimes taking a day or more to produce results, and … Read more