Cell Biologist

  This discovery offers an early look at how natural microbes might eventually be guided or engineered to help reduce PFAS pollution, potentially supporting efforts to protect water quality and public health. Early Experiments Reveal Promise and Limitations During controlled lab tests, the researchers noted that R. palustris removed about 44% of PFOA from its surroundings within 20 days. Much of that absorbed chemical later returned to the environment, most likely because the cells broke apart -- a result that underscores both the usefulness and the challenges of relying on living microorganisms to capture or alter PFAS. "While R. palustris didn't completely degrade the chemical, our findings suggest a stepwise mechanism where the bacterium may initially trap PFOA in its membranes," said Saha, Richard L. and Carol S. McNeel Associate Professor. "This gives us a foundation to explore future genetic or systems biology interventions that could improve retention or even ...

  Norovirus infections are increasing across the United States , with recent data indicating a sharp uptick in positive cases. As families gather for holiday celebrations, health authorities are urging vigilance to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus. Understanding Norovirus And Its Impact Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the US and is known for rapid transmission in crowded settings. It spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces and close contact. Anyone can contract the virus, though consuming raw oysters or shellfish raises the risk. The illness often appears suddenly and can disrupt large gatherings, especially during festive periods. Symptoms And Onset Of Infection Signs of the infection typically emerge 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, headache and body aches. In more severe cases, individuals may experience dehydration marked by reduced urination, dry mo...

Indian researchers have unveiled a new artificial intelligence framework capable of transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment by analysing the disease at its molecular level. Developed at the S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in collaboration with Ashoka University, the tool offers a pathway to highly personalised cancer therapies. A Molecular Approach to Understanding Cancer The framework, named OncoMark, shifts focus from traditional cancer staging to the underlying biological programmes that drive tumour growth. These programmes, known as the hallmarks of cancer, determine how cells become malignant, spread through the body, evade immune responses and resist treatment. By decoding these mechanisms, the system provides deeper insight into why patients with similar stages may experience vastly different outcomes. Large-Scale Analysis and Pseudo-Biopsy Modelling Researchers examined 3.1 million single cells spanning 14 cancer types. They generated synthetic “pseudo-biopsie...

  Ganjam district in Odisha has marked a major milestone in public health by recognising 165 gram panchayats as tuberculosis-free. The achievement strengthens the district’s progress towards India’s target of eliminating TB by 2027 under a community-driven framework. District Felicitates TB Mukta Panchayats Local representatives were honoured in Berhampur for meeting the national criteria required for TB-free certification. Officials highlighted the proactive role of panchayat members in driving awareness, screening and treatment adherence. The recognition forms part of the TB Mukta Panchayat initiative launched nationwide to encourage grassroots participation in disease control. Criteria for TB-Free Certification To qualify, each gram panchayat must collect a minimum of 30 samples per 1,000 residents and ensure that active TB cases are either zero or below one per cent per 1,000 population. All diagnosed patients must receive uninterrupted treatment and support through the Niksha...

  For years, researchers struggled to directly observe these repair events as they occurred. Many traditional approaches required killing and preserving cells at different time points, producing only isolated snapshots instead of a continuous view. A New DNA Damage Sensor for Living Cells Scientists at Utrecht University have now introduced a sensor that changes this situation. Their tool allows researchers to watch damage appear and fade inside living cells and also inside living organisms. According to the study published in Nature Communications, this capability opens the way to experiments that were previously out of reach. Lead researcher Tuncay Baubec describes the approach as a method for looking inside a cell "without disrupting the cell." He notes that common tools such as antibodies and nanobodies often bind too tightly to DNA, which can interfere with the cell's own repair systems. "Our sensor is different," he says. "It's built from parts ta...

  India’s food safety regulator has taken a decisive step to curb misleading health claims by ordering the removal of beverages falsely marketed as oral rehydration solutions. The directive targets fruit-based drinks, energy drinks and electrolyte beverages that misuse the medically significant term “ORS” without meeting approved standards. Regulator Targets Misleading Product Labels The order clarifies that no beverage may use the term “ORS” in its name or branding unless it follows the medically established formulation. Several products were found to contain excessive sugar and flavouring agents, creating a false impression of therapeutic value. Strict Compliance for Food Business Operators All manufacturers, retailers and digital platforms must immediately withdraw non-compliant items. Enforcement teams have been instructed to inspect outlets, remove mislabelled drinks and ensure only WHO-standard ORS products remain available. Consumer Risks Linked to False ORS Claims The regul...

  India has launched its first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, marking a landmark moment for national genomic medicine and tribal healthcare. The therapy, named BIRSA 101 in honour of Birsa Munda , strengthens the country’s position in advanced therapeutic innovation. Breakthrough Launch and Scientific Significance Unveiled by the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, the therapy represents a major milestone in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It uses precise gene-editing technology to correct the defective gene responsible for Sickle Cell Disease. The innovation is designed to serve as a long-term curative solution for hereditary blood disorders. Burden of Sickle Cell Disease in India Sickle Cell Disease severely impacts tribal regions across central and eastern India. It causes chronic anaemia, painful crises and progressive organ damage. The therapy aims to support national efforts to reduce the burden of the disorder, particularly a...

  Uttar Pradesh has expanded its forensic infrastructure with the inauguration of the upgraded Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Gorakhpur. The facility is intended to boost the speed and accuracy of investigations across the state and forms part of a wider plan to enhance forensic capabilities in every administrative division. Modern Facilities Introduced in Gorakhpur The upgraded laboratory includes advanced DNA analysis units, AI-enabled tools, drone technology and robotics systems. These additions are designed to support quicker evidence processing and improve the quality of scientific inputs used in criminal cases. The state government aims to ensure consistent standards by replicating such laboratories in all mandals. Strengthening Statewide Forensic Capacity Uttar Pradesh has allocated mobile forensic vans to every district, enabling rapid sample collection from crime scenes. These vehicles are expected to reduce delays in evidence handling and improve the reliability...

  A new giant stick insect species has been identified in the rainforests of North Queensland, adding to Australia ’s remarkable record of unique wildlife discoveries. The insect, named “Acrophylla alta”, is believed to be the heaviest stick insect ever recorded in the country. Discovery in the Queensland Rainforest Researchers uncovered the species during field studies in the mountain rainforests of tropical North Queensland. Despite its impressive size, the insect remained unknown for years due to its camouflage and its habitat high in the forest canopy, an area rarely accessible to scientists. Size and Distinctive Characteristics The species can grow up to 40 centimetres in length, making it one of the largest insects found in Australia . Early examinations suggest that its heavy body mass sets it apart from other long but lightweight stick insects in the region. One specimen studied weighed around 44 grams, making it significantly heavier than previously recorded giants. Habita...

  Servier India, the subsidiary of the French pharmaceutical group Servier, has entered into a strategic partnership with two genomic laboratories, MedGenome and Strand Life Sciences, to improve access to molecular testing for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) across India. This collaboration aims to make precision oncology more accessible by offering advanced biomarker testing at subsidised rates. Expanding Access to Molecular Testing The new initiative seeks to bridge the gap in access to quality molecular diagnostics, which are typically available only in urban centres. Through this programme, Servier India will offer a customised biomarker testing panel for AML and CCA, helping clinicians identify key mutations such as IDH1 and IDH2. Importantly, these specific mutation tests will be provided free of cost to patients in the government healthcare sector, promoting equity in cancer care access. Focus on Precision Oncology According to Servier India’s man...

  During the COVID-19 pandemic, EMBL Group Leader Gautam Dey received a Zoom call from collaborator Omaya Dudin, then leading a research group at EPFL. Dudin had just succeeded in adapting a new imaging method to visualize the inner organization of Ichthyosporea (a marine protist closely related to animals and fungi). This breakthrough overcame a long-standing obstacle: the species' tough cell walls. The technique, known as expansion microscopy, was originally developed at MIT and later refined into ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) by Paul Guichard and Virginie Hamel at the University of Geneva. Their improvements made the protist's cell walls permeable, allowing scientists to clearly observe its inner architecture for the first time. Motivated by this success, Dudin, Dey, Guichard, and Hamel began a long-term collaboration. Three years later, their partnership has produced an unprecedented body of knowledge about hundreds of protist species and laid the groundwork f...

  A breakthrough CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy has shown encouraging results in reducing cholesterol permanently by targeting the ANGPTL3 gene. Early findings from a small clinical trial suggest that this treatment could provide a long-term solution for patients struggling with severe or treatment-resistant high cholesterol. Targeting the ANGPTL3 Gene The experimental therapy works by disabling the ANGPTL3 gene, which regulates levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Known as “bad cholesterol,” LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, while triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In the initial study involving 15 patients, those given the highest dose experienced a 50% reduction in LDL cholesterol and a 55% drop in triglycerides. Inspired by a Natural Mutation The scientific concept behind the treatment arises from a rare natural mutation affecting about one in every 250 people. Individuals with a non-fun...

  "The bacteria and fungi and other organisms living in the soil can actually end up having important effects on things that matter, like carbon sequestration, nutrient movement and what we're particularly interested in -- the legacy effects on plants," said co-author Maggie Wagner, associate professor of ecology & evolutionary biology at the University of Kansas. "We got interested in this because other researchers, for years, have been describing this type of ecological memory of soil microbes having some way to remember from their ancestors' past," she said. "We thought this was really fascinating. It has a lot of important implications for how we can grow plants, including things like corn and wheat. Precipitation itself has a big influence on how plants grow, but also the memory of the microbes living in those soils could also play a role." According to Wagner legacy effects have been observed before, yet the details remain unclear. A cle...

  A research group led by Professor Dr. Thorsten Hoppe at the University of Cologne's Institute for Genetics and the CECAD Cluster of Excellence on Aging Research has now identified a new biological pathway showing how the amino acid leucine strengthens mitochondrial performance. Their work reveals that leucine stabilizes important mitochondrial proteins, enhancing the organelle's ability to produce energy. The study, titled "Leucine inhibits degradation of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins to adapt mitochondrial respiration," was published in Nature Cell Biology How Leucine Supports Energy Production Leucine is one of the essential amino acids, meaning it must be obtained through food. It is a key component of protein synthesis and is abundant in protein-rich foods like meat, dairy products, and legumes such as beans and lentils. The researchers found that leucine helps protect certain proteins on the outer membrane of mitochondria from breaking down. These prote...

The process begins by extracting oil from sunflower seeds. To make the resulting flour safe and digestible for humans, the outer husks and certain phenolic compounds must first be removed. These elements normally give the flour a darker color and make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients effectively. Creating and Testing the Sunflower-Based Burgers Researchers prepared two variations of the meat substitute. One was made from flour derived from roasted sunflower grains, while the other used textured sunflower protein. Both formulations were enhanced with tomato powder, spices, and a blend of sunflower, olive, and linseed oils to improve flavor and nutritional value. The team shaped the mixtures into small burger patties and baked them. They then conducted sensory and physicochemical tests to evaluate the products' texture, flavor, and composition. Results revealed that the version made from textured sunflower protein had better consistency and higher levels of protein, along...

The researchers studied bacteria that carry extremely old, inactive viruses and found that these dormant invaders still play a protective role. Their findings, published in Nucleic Acids Research, suggest that this defense system could eventually help design stronger antiviral methods for use in medicine and food safety. "There's been a flurry of discoveries in the past few years related to antivirus systems in bacteria," said Wood, who led the project. " Antibiotics are failing, and the most likely substitute is viruses themselves. Before using viruses as antibiotic replacements to treat human infections, however, we must understand how the bacterium defends itself from viral attack." How Dormant Viruses Help Bacteria Fight Back According to Wood, scientists have long known that ancient, inactive viruses known as cryptic prophages can insert their genetic material into bacterial DNA. These genetic fragments allow bacteria to use specialized enzymes and protein...

  Modern lives are steeped in rapid digital stimuli. Constant alerts, short videos and infinite feeds train the mind to expect novelty every few seconds. This pattern, dubbed “ popcorn brain ”, leaves the brain restless in quiet moments, shortens attention spans, and erodes patience for deep work or slow leisure. What ‘popcorn brain’ describes The term captures a brain primed for bursts—like kernels popping—rather than sustained thought. Offline, this creates agitation, fidgeting and urges to check a screen. Activities once soothing, such as reading or unhurried conversation, start to feel dull. Over time, the threshold for stimulation rises and calm feels uncomfortable. How constant screens rewire attention Notifications and scrolling trigger quick dopamine hits that reward micro-checking. App-hopping fragments working memory and makes task-switching habitual. The prefrontal cortex—key for planning and self-control—gets overruled by reward-seeking loops. Sleep debt and blue-light ...

  A breakthrough study led by researchers at the University of Iowa has revealed a previously unknown structure of the DNA repair protein RAD52, offering promising insights for developing new cancer therapies. The discovery uncovers how RAD52 forms a protective double-ring structure to stabilise damaged DNA during replication, potentially making it an ideal drug target for cancers deficient in DNA repair mechanisms. RAD52 and DNA Repair Deficiencies Cancers such as breast, ovarian, and some brain tumours often carry mutations in key DNA repair genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. These mutations force cancer cells to rely on alternate repair pathways for survival. RAD52 is one of the proteins that compensates for this deficiency, helping cancer cells replicate even with damaged DNA. Scientists believe that blocking RAD52 could selectively kill such cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Discovery of a Unique Double-Ring Formation Using cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM), the research...