Cell Biologist

  Radiotherapy remains a vital treatment for cancer patients in India. However, its expansion faces challenges due to high costs and planning gaps. A recent study by the Indian Council for Medical Research marks the urgent need to increase radiotherapy access to meet the growing cancer burden projected for 2025. Cancer Burden and Radiotherapy Needs in India India ranks third globally in cancer incidence with 7 per cent of cases. By 2025, new cancer cases are expected to reach 1.57 million. Cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in India. Breast, head and neck, lung and cervical cancers form 60 per cent of radiotherapy demand. Yet, only 28.5 per cent of patients receive radiotherapy, far below the optimal 58.4 per cent. This gap indicates a major shortfall in treatment availability. Estimating Radiotherapy Utilisation and Equipment Shortfall The study used data from the National Cancer Registry Programme and international cancer research collaborations. It calculated optimal ra...

  Recent advances at the California Institute of Technology have enabled real-time imaging of molecular motion at an unprecedented scale. Using a novel optical technique, scientists can now visualise particles as small as tens of angstroms. This breakthrough allows direct observation of molecular dynamics in fluids and gases, opening new avenues in biomedical research and nanotechnology. About Brownian Motion Brownian motion is the random movement of particles suspended in a fluid. It results from constant collisions with surrounding molecules. First explained by Albert Einstein over a century ago, this phenomenon reveals how microscopic particles behave in liquids and gases. The new imaging technique exploits Brownian motion to infer molecular size and behaviour. Limitations of Traditional Microscopy Conventional microscopes have limited resolution and often require invasive sample preparation. They cannot distinguish molecules smaller than a few hundred nanometres. Existing met...

  The study was published in Nature Communications. It revealed a tiny genetic difference in an immune protein called Fas Ligand (FasL) between humans and non-human primates. This genetic mutation makes the FasL protein vulnerable to being disabled by plasmin, a tumor-associated enzyme. This vulnerability seems unique to humans and is not found in non-human primates, such as chimpanzees. "The evolutionary mutation in FasL may have contributed to the larger brain size in humans," said Jogender Tushir-Singh, senior author for the study and an associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. "But in the context of cancer , it was an unfavorable tradeoff because the mutation gives certain tumors a way to disarm parts of our immune system." Tumor environment neutralizes key immune protein FasL is an immune cell membrane protein that triggers a programmed cell death called apoptosis. Activated immune cells, including CAR-T cells made from a pa...

  Researchers used Arabidopsis thaliana as a model to investigate the role of myosin XI in drought response. They used genetically modified plants lacking one, two (2ko), or all three (3ko), major myosin XI genes. These were then compared to wild-type plants across several tests, including drought survival assays, water loss measurements, stomatal aperture analysis, and ABA sensitivity. They also measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, visualized microtubules with fluorescent markers, and tracked expression of ABA-responsive genes via qRT-PCR. This comprehensive approach allowed them to assess the functional contribution of myosin XI to drought tolerance and ABA signaling in plants. The results were striking. Plants lacking myosin XI, especially the 2ko and 3ko mutants, showed a higher rate of water loss, impaired stomatal closure, and lower survival under drought. They were also less responsive to ABA, as seen in higher germination rates and reduced inhibition of root g...

  Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive DNA sequences in the genome that originated from ancient viruses. Over millions of years, they spread throughout the genome via copy-and-paste mechanisms. Today, TEs make up nearly half of the human genome. While they were once thought to serve no useful function, recent research has found that some of them act like "genetic switches," controlling the activity of nearby genes in specific cell types. However, because TEs are highly repetitive and often nearly identical in sequence, they can be difficult to study. In particular, younger TE families like MER11 have been poorly categorized in existing genomic databases, limiting our ability to understand their role. To overcome this, the researchers developed a new method for classifying TEs. Instead of using standard annotation tools, they grouped MER11 sequences based on their evolutionary relationships and how well they were conserved in the primate genomes. This new approach allow...

  They argue that gene editing could recover lost genetic diversity in species at risk of extinction using historical samples, such as DNA from museum collections, biobanks and related species. The multidisciplinary team of conservation geneticists and biotechnologists is co-led by Prof Cock van Oosterhout at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Dr Stephen Turner from Colossal Biosciences, in collaboration with the Colossal Foundation, the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (University of Kent), Globe Institute (University of Copenhagen), Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF), the Mauritius National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS), and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. "We're facing the fastest environmental change in Earth's history, and many species have lost the genetic variation needed to adapt and survive," said Prof van Oosterhout. "Gene engineering provides a way to restore that variation, whether it's reintroducing DNA variation t...

  Recent advances in photocatalysis have led to a breakthrough method for producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using sunlight and water. Researchers have developed a novel material called Mo-DHTA COF that can synthesise H₂O₂ efficiently and sustainably. This innovation promises to transform industries by providing a greener alternative to conventional hydrogen peroxide production. Significance of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a vital chemical used in wound cleaning, water purification, fuel cells, and industrial processes. It decomposes into water and oxygen, making it environmentally friendly. However, traditional production methods are energy-heavy, costly, and polluting. A cleaner, more efficient synthesis method is needed to meet growing demand sustainably. Limitations of Traditional Photocatalysts Common photocatalysts like metal oxides, graphitic carbon nitride, polymers, and metal-organic frameworks have drawbacks. These include wide band gaps limiting light absorpti...

  Gujarat has become the first state of India to start a genome sequencing project focused solely on tribal communities. This initiative aims to identify genetic health risks and promote precision healthcare for tribal populations. The project plans to sequence the genomes of 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts. It is named Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat and is implemented by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC). The initiative is part of the 2025–26 state budget. Objective The project seeks to detect genetic disorders early. It targets conditions like sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, and hereditary cancers common among tribal groups. Early diagnosis will enable timely and targeted treatment. The initiative also aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science to improve tribal health. The genome sequencing will cover 2,000 individuals from various tribal communities in 17 districts. This wide co...

  The race for iron As for most living organisms, iron is also essential for bacteria . "Iron plays a central role in enzymes and the respiratory chain of living organisms, for example," explains Herzog. Particularly in iron-poor environments such as the human body, the conditions for sufficient absorption of the element are anything but ideal. Many microorganisms therefore produce so-called siderophores: small molecules that bind iron from the environment and transport it into the cell. "However, there were no known virulence or niche factors in the Pandoraea bacteria that could help them survive," says Herzog. The research team therefore wanted to find out how Pandoraea strains can survive in such a competitive environment. Using bioinformatic analyses, the team identified a previously unknown gene cluster called pan. It codes for a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase - a typical enzyme for the production of siderophores. "We started with a gene cluster analysi...

  The researchers induced the senescent-like state in worms by manipulating the transcription factor TFEB. Under normal conditions, worms subjected to long-term fasting followed by refeeding regenerate and appear rejuvenated. However, in the absence of TFEB, the worm's stem cells fail to recover from the fasting period and instead enter a senescent-like state. This state is characterised by markers such as DNA damage, nucleolus expansion, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of inflammatory markers, which are similar to those observed in mammalian senescence. e fasting period and instead enter a senescent-like state. This state is characterised by markers such as DNA damage, nucleolus expansion, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of inflammatory markers, which are similar to those observed in mammalian senescence. "We present a model for studying senescence at the level of the entire organism. It provides a tool to expl...

  The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recently called for a reassessment of the guidelines governing Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). The committee emphasises a flexible and site-specific approach that balances conservation with local socio-economic needs. This move follows concerns that current uniform ESZ rules may hinder development without proportional ecological benefits. What Are Eco-Sensitive Zones? Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas around protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. They aim to shield biodiversity from harmful human activities like mining, construction, and polluting industries. Some activities such as farming, eco-tourism, and renewable energy use are allowed but with restrictions to minimise environmental impact. Concerns Over Uniform ESZ Rules The committee brought into light that applying a blanket 10-kilometre ESZ around all protected areas ignores local ecological and geographical differences. For exa...

                                                      🧬 1. Biosecurity & Engineered Pathogen Detection A recent analysis from Vox highlights the growing risk of bioweapons via synthetic biology and AI. Companies like Ginkgo Bioworks are stepping in with platforms like ENDAR, which use AI to flag unnatural genetic material rapidly—a key tool for detecting engineered threats. 🔬 2. Smart Cancer Cell Therapies MIT spin‑out Senti Bio is pioneering genetically “smart” immune cells. Using gene-circuit “logic gates,” these cells activate only in the presence of tumor markers—resulting in complete remission in 2 of 3 first-phase patients with acute myeloid leukemia. This is a perfect example of synthetic biology applied to living therapeutics. ⚠️ 3. Risks of “Mirror Microbes” Scientists are warning that future creation of chiral-reversed microbes—also c...

  Tamil Nadu has become the first state of India to use a predictive model for estimating the risk of death among adults diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB). This model is integrated with the state’s existing TB SeWA application, which assists healthcare workers in triaging patients immediately at diagnosis. The initiative aims to reduce delays in hospital admission for severely ill TB patients and lower mortality rates. Background and Recent Developments The predictive model was developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE). It was launched recently and incorporated into Tamil Nadu’s TB SeWA (Severe TB Web Application). TB SeWA has been operational since 2022 under the Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET), a differentiated care model focusing on early identification of severe TB cases. Screening and Triage Process Under TN-KET, healthcare workers screen newly diagnosed adult TB patients for severe illness using five key v...

  The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. This move follows the Central government’s plan to add 75,000 new medical seats over five years. The regulations aim to widen faculty eligibility and support the growth of undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats across India. Expanded Eligibility for Teaching Institutions Non-teaching government hospitals with over 220 beds can now be designated as teaching institutions. This change increases the number of centres that can offer medical education, especially in underserved regions. Flexible Faculty Appointment Criteria Specialists with 10 years’ experience may be appointed as Associate Professors. Those with two years’ experience can become Assistant Professors without completing senior residency, if they have done the Basic Course in Biomedical Research within two years. This shifts focus from rigid service norms to competency and academic merit. Inc...

  Breakthrough discovery Announced on June 25, 2025, by University of Virginia and NIH researchers, the hemifusome is an organelle formed by two vesicles partially fused through a “hemifusion diaphragm.” It's been visualized via cryo-electron tomography and acts as a “loading dock” for cellular cargo—sorting, recycling, and processing materials. The structure is surprisingly common and shows up in various cell types, though it had been hidden until now. “Snowman in a scarf” image Dubbed the “snowman wearing a scarf” by media due to its distinctive shape (two circular vesicles connected by a thin membrane), this organsheet could unlock new biomedical insights. Broad impact on health Hemifusomes are implicated in diseases involving vesicle trafficking—such as Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and possibly other genetic or immune disorders. Researchers describe them as a potentially revolutionary diagnostic and therapeutic ta...

Over the past two decades, new technologies have helped scientists generate a vast amount of biological data. Large-scale experiments in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and cytometry can produce enormous quantities of data from a given cellular or multicellular system. However, making sense of this information is not always easy. This is especially true when trying to analyze complex systems such as the cascade of interactions that occur when the immune system encounters a foreign pathogen. MIT biological engineers have now developed a new computational method for extracting useful information from these datasets. Using their new technique, they showed that they could unravel a series of interactions that determine how the immune system responds to tuberculosis vaccination and subsequent infection. This strategy could be useful to vaccine developers and to researchers who study any kind of complex biological system, says Douglas Lauffenburger, the Ford Professor of Engineering ...

  In move to enhance India’s research and innovation landscape, the Union Cabinet has approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, allocates a substantial corpus of Rs. One lakh Crore. The scheme aims to invigorate private sector involvement in research and innovation, recognising its very important role in economic growth and self-reliance. Objectives of the RDI Scheme The RDI Scheme is designed with several key objectives.Encourage the private sector to invest in research and innovation, particularly in sunrise sectors that are crucial for economic security. Finance transformative projects that demonstrate higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Support the acquisition of technologies deemed critical for national interest. Lastly, it facilitates the establishment of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to promote advanced technological development. Funding Mechanism The RDI Scheme features a two-tiered funding me...

  Built‑in protein sensors for noninvasive live‑cell imaging Cornell researchers have engineered a technique using cells’ own endogenous protein groups as molecular sensors. This promises more accurate, less intrusive monitoring of protein interactions—key for studying viral assemblies, protein misfolding, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases  Discovery of a novel organelle: the “hemifusome” Cell biologists have identified a previously unseen organelle inside human cells—the hemifusome—through advanced microscopy. Its functions and role in health remain under investigation earth.com . New insight into queen-worker differentiation in honey bees Researchers at Penn State uncovered how maternal and paternal genes (genomic imprinting) interact during a critical 192‑hour window to determine whether larvae develop into queens or workers . Major initiative: UK’s Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG) Scientists in Cambridge are launching a multiyear “SynHG” project to build synthetic...

  India’s commitment to child health and immunisation has shown remarkable progress in recent years. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) has played role in reducing child mortality rates and improving maternal health. As of 2025, India has achieved substantial milestones in immunisation, leading to decline in both Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and child mortality rates. Key Achievements in Immunization India’s MMR has decreased to 80 per lakh live births, reflecting an 86% decline since 1990. The Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has seen a 78% reduction, surpassing the global average. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has also declined by 70%. These achievements show India’s effective immunisation strategies. Universal Immunization Programme Overview The UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, expanding from six vaccines in 2013. New vaccines introduced since 2014 include Inactivated Polio Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine , and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine. This expansion...