Cell Biologist

  A team of EMBL researchers and collaborators has now created a tool that takes single-cell analysis to a new level. It can capture both genomic variations and RNA within the same cell, offering greater accuracy and scalability than earlier technologies. This approach allows scientists to identify variations in non-coding regions of DNA , the areas most often linked to disease, giving them a new way to explore how genetic differences contribute to human health. With its precision and ability to process large numbers of cells, the tool marks a major step toward linking specific genetic variants with disease outcomes. "This has been a long-standing problem, as current single-cell methods to study DNA and RNA in the same cell have had limited throughput, lacked sensitivity, and are complicated," said Dominik Lindenhofer, the lead author on a new paper about SDR-Seq published in Nature Methods and a postdoctoral fellow in EMBL's Steinmetz Group. "On a single-cell level,...

  The New York State Department of Health recently confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus in the US since 2019. This case appeared in Nassau County on Long Island. It marks the first local transmission in New York. The infected individual likely contracted the virus through a mosquito bite. The source of the virus remains unclear. This event has raised awareness about mosquito-borne diseases in temperate regions. Overview of Chikungunya Virus Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It is common in tropical and subtropical zones. Symptoms include sudden fever, joint pain, muscle ache, headache, rash, and swelling. Most patients recover within a week. Some suffer long-term joint pain lasting months. Severe cases are rare but can affect newborns, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Transmission and Local Spread The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, found in parts...

  Greenhouse gas levels reached unprecedented highs in 2024, according to the United Nations . Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide all set new records. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported the largest annual rise in CO2 since measurements began in 1957. This sharp increase challenges global efforts to limit warming under the Paris Agreement. The 2024 year was also the warmest on record, intensifying concerns about climate feedback loops and the planet’s ability to absorb emissions. Unprecedented Rise in Greenhouse Gases In 2024, CO2 concentration soared to 424 parts per million (ppm). This is a 3.5 ppm jump from 2023, the biggest single-year increase ever recorded. Methane levels reached 1,942 parts per billion, while nitrous oxide hit 338 parts per billion. Since pre-industrial times, these gases have increased by 152%, 266%, and 125% respectively. CO2 remains the dominant greenhouse gas, responsible for about two-thirds of the current warming effect....

  Uruguay’s Senate passed a law on 15 October 2025 decriminalising euthanasia. This makes Uruguay the first predominantly Catholic Latin American country to legalise euthanasia by legislation. The law allows seriously ill patients to seek medical help to end their lives under strict conditions. This move follows similar judicial decisions in Colombia and Ecuador and ongoing debates in Chile. Recent Legislative Developments The euthanasia bill cleared Uruguay’s Senate with 20 out of 31 votes. The lower house had approved it earlier with a large majority. The government is now tasked with implementing detailed regulations. The law’s passage marks the culmination of five years of political effort and public debate. Key Provisions of the Law Euthanasia must be performed by healthcare professionals. Assisted suicide, where patients self-administer lethal medication, remains illegal. Unlike other countries, Uruguay sets no fixed life expectancy limit or waiting period. Patients with incu...

  The Botanical Survey of India recently identified a new balsam flower species named Impatiens rajibiana. It was found in Shergaon, West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. This discovery adds to the growing list of balsam species native to India. Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a hotspot for such botanical discoveries. Discovery of Impatiens rajibiana Impatiens rajibiana was found during a survey of natural forests. It belongs to the balsam family, known for their bright flowers and seed dispersal mechanism. This species is unique to the Shergaon region and was officially recognised by the Botanical Survey of India . Significance of Arunachal Pradesh in Botanical Research Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse forests support many rare and endemic plants. The discovery of Impatiens rajibiana follows earlier finds like Impatiens godfreyi and Impatiens sashinborthakurii. These findings show the state’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts. Overview of Indian Balsa...

  "We wanted to see what happened to their KoRV loads over time and how it related to chlamydial infection and levels of the stress hormones cortisol and corticosterone in their feces," Dr Blyton said. "Virus load likely weakens the immune system, so those with a higher KoRV load are more at risk of diseases such as Chlamydia which can cause blindness, infertility and death. "Poor quality or disappearing habitat may increase stress and the koalas with higher average cortisol levels had higher average KoRV loads. "We have confirmed the biggest threats faced by koalas of habitat loss and disease are connected - this is very important to know to improve support for remaining koala populations." The 67 koalas in the study included wild koalas being treated for Chlamydia before being released, others in a Chlamydia vaccine trial and a small number of animals kept in captivity because of injury or ill health. "Our study showed KoRV loads within individual a...