Featured Thoughts, News and Microarticles from the Scientific Community.
Foreign body-induced granulation tissue: A novel source of adult stem cells
Jilpa Patel–Mar 2, 2010
An inert foreign body placed in the subcutaneous tissue induces new tissue that encapsulates the foreign body (called granulation tissue). In a new study published in the journal Translational Research, Dr. Jilpa Patel and her group at the Cook Coun...(Read more)
Mamuka Khvedelidze–Jan 31, 2010
Neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory is based on exquisite selection of phenotypes caused by small genetic variations, which is the basis of quantitative trait contribution to phenotype and disease. Here, we propose a new non-Lamarckian theory for a role of epigenetics in evolution.(View details)Genetic variation in the Ahsg: one mechanism determining insulin resistance
Anton-Scott Goustin–Jan 28, 2010
My "favorite gene" is on human chromosome 3q27. It encodes a moderate-sized phosphorylated glycoprotein (yes!) which is secreted at a high rate from hepatocytes, into the bloodstream. The gene is called AHSG (in H. sapiens), Ahsg (mouse), or sometime...(Read more)
And you thought we would all perish because of global warming
Sebastian Darr–Jan 21, 2010
Taking into consideration the rates of mutation at both the germline and somatic-cell levels and their likely effects, a substantial reduction in human fitness can be expected over the next few centuries in industrialized societies unless novel means of genetic intervention are developed.(View details)A possible role for the anterior cingulate cortex in hypnosis
Graeme Smith–Jan 2, 2010
In my memory model, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is connected to many areas in the cerebral cortex, by a backbone network that seems to extend down both sides of the central fissure, as referenced in recent works on connectomics. It's role, se...(Read more)
Biodiversity and stability of ecosystems
Sergei Ostroumov–Dec 28, 2009
The role of biodiversity in benefiting stability of ecosystems is a matter of a hot dispute.The matter of stability of ecosystems is very important as it is a part of stability of the biosphere at the time of hazards of global change. Not much is...(Read more)
Soeren Hofmayer–Dec 18, 2009
Human adenovirus A-31 ATCC prototype was completely sequenced; an immunglogulin-like domain in the E3 gene product CR1 beta and an additional integrin binding RGD motif in the protein IX were detected and are conserved in seven wild type strains which were isolated from patients with disseminated disease.(View details)Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI): Fundamental new imaging modality on the horizon?
Soenke Bartling–Dec 9, 2009
Heard a lecture today from Prof. Buzug about MPI. After CT, MRI, PET, etc., it may become a new 3D imaging modality with very high-spatial resolution, fast scan times and no radiation! First in-vivo scans exist and there is no fundamental limitation for human size scanners!(View details)Unhampered molecular imaging through macrophage depletion?
Soenke Bartling–Dec 9, 2009
Within molecular imaging, unspecific uptake of imaging probes by phagocyting cells is severe problem. The new idea is to prevent this by means of macrophage depletion (e.g. through clondronate liposomes (as described in article) or overloading of phagocytotic capacity. (View details)Vascular Imaging in Small Rodents Using Micro-CT
Soenke Bartling–Dec 1, 2009
Very impressive images of intracranial vessels of living mice from Micro-CT ! (View details)Ijad Madisch–Nov 30, 2009
Ruzsics et al. moves to a new adenoviral vector direction: He is suggesting a species D Virus (19a), which I think it is a great idea. This paper explains in a comprehensive way, why we should switch from adenovirus C backbones to a species D backbone.(View details)Why do we still use adenoviral type 5 backbones for Gene Therapy?
Ijad Madisch–Nov 23, 2009
I worked for several years in adenoviral research. My main research focus was to understand the evolution of adenoviruses and to understand how recombination events of adenoviruses effects the emergence of new adenoviruses. Adenoviruses are widely kn...(Read more)
200 repetative vulnerabilities in the Human Genome
Graeme Smith–Nov 22, 2009
The human genome has the capability to code for literally thousands of different protiens. It will be years, working our way through the genome linking it to biochemical processes in the body, and learning from them what the mechanisms are for the ma...(Read more)
Human bloodstains on rock fragments
Policarp Hortolà–Nov 20, 2009
Human bloodstains on rock fragments were obtained and stored from 7 years, 6 months to 10 years, 2 months. Then, the bloodstains were examined by a scanning electron microscope. Results revealed a time-independent preservation of erythrocyte integrity, displaying moon-like shapes, and negative replicas.(View details)SEM analysis of red blood cells
Policarp Hortolà–Nov 20, 2009
Several bloodstains were examined by a scanning electron microscope. Results revealed a high preservation of erythrocyte integrity, with the maintenance of several discocyte shapes, a low tendency to echinocytosis and a frequent appearance of a moon-like shape in the thinner areas of the bloodstains.(View details)Outbreak of Severe Respiratory Disease
Ijad Madisch–Nov 18, 2009
A very interesting article,which describes an emergence of a new Adenovirus 14 Species B as a cause for a protracted outbreak of respiratory illness among military recruits. Sequencing the whole genome of B14 is the next step. Darr et al. demonstrated,which antiviral drug should be used for treatment.(View details)3D and 3D-like animations of strongly uneven surface micro-areas of bloodstains
Policarp Hortolà–Nov 17, 2009
3D and 3D-like animations of strongly uneven surface micro-areas of bloodstains were generated from small series of partially out-of-focus digital SEM micro-graphs. The methods used in this work well probably are also of relevance for surface micro-structures of other organic or inorganic materials.(View details)A Fulbrighter Gets the French Prize « Le Monde de la Recherche » for Best Science Thesis
Cédric Sueur–Nov 17, 2009
Dr. Cédric Sueur, working at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University, was awarded by Le Monde for his work on primates during his PhD thesis research. Each year, the French newspaper Le Monde gives a prize to the fi...(Read more)
Soenke Bartling–Nov 16, 2009
Is this really the first Molecular CT-imaging? The detected differences between targeted and non-targeted are very small (for notorious inhomogeneous micro-CT), tumor enhancement is very inhomogeneous, ROI selection is not described and the particles seem to clear from the tumor. Some doubt remains.(View details)Gene Therapy to restore color blindness
Aaron Irving–Nov 14, 2009
A recent Nature letters paper by Mancuso et al details the use of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) in gene delivery to restore the function of photo-pigments in squirrel monkeys. The male monkeys, red-green color-blind from birth, obtained...(Read more)
