Light News and Research

RSS

Combination of ExM and SIM helps observe 3D ultrastructure of synaptonemal complex

The development of egg and sperm cells in all mammals, including humans, is significantly contributed by the synaptonemal complex—a ladder-like cell structure.

6 Jul 2020

Study reveals the role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease

In people affected by Parkinson’s, clusters of alpha-synuclein or α-synuclein, also referred to as the “Parkinson’s protein,” are detected in the brain.

6 Jul 2020

Harvard neurobiologists provide new insights into the mystery of scent

The premiere of the movie Scent of Mystery in 1960 marked a singular event in the annals of cinema: the first, and last, motion picture debut "in glorious Smell-O-Vision."

3 Jul 2020

Plant tissue succulence engineering can be used to improve drought and salinity tolerance

After several years of experimentation, scientists have engineered thale cress, or Arabidopsis thaliana, to behave like a succulent, improving water-use efficiency, salinity tolerance and reducing the effects of drought.

3 Jul 2020

Light-sheet microscope allows gentle, non-invasive observation of corals

Many corals are sensitive to bright light, so capturing their dynamics with traditional microscopes is a challenge.

2 Jul 2020

Researchers solve a controversial question in photosynthesis

The research team has devised novel approaches to observe energy changes that occur in subcellular compartments in live plants.

1 Jul 2020

Singapore researchers discover protein that drives cancer progression

Cancers arise when the genetic code of normal cells is altered, causing excessive growth. Researchers from the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore have discovered a protein that drives the growth of cancers of the esophagus or liver by altering the genetic code in a novel way.

30 Jun 2020

Research reveals how colored light can help control biological processes in plants

University of East Anglia scientists have helped find a way to control different plant processes - such as when they grow - using nothing but colored light.

29 Jun 2020

Function-Based Sequencing Technique Permits Analysis Of Just A Single Bacteria Cell

A function-based sequencing technique using optical tweezers and taking advantage of the properties of gravity is letting researchers analyze bacteria cells.

29 Jun 2020

A focused approach to imaging neural activity in the brain

When neurons fire an electrical impulse, they also experience a surge of calcium ions.

29 Jun 2020

Scientists construct a model to explain why plants are green

When sunlight shining on a leaf changes rapidly, plants must protect themselves from the ensuing sudden surges of solar energy.

26 Jun 2020

Genome study opens pathway toward sustainable edible seaweed

Since the 1980s, in seaweed farms dotted along the coastline of the subtropical islands of Okinawa, farmers have cultivated the edible brown alga.

26 Jun 2020

Scientists study how cancer cells in the liver react to magnetic nanoparticles

Scientists from the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University and National University of Science and Technology "MISiS" have studied how magnet nanoparticles affect cancer cells in the human liver.

26 Jun 2020

Simplified artificial cell sheds light on the dynamics of cellular symmetry

Symmetry and asymmetry are fundamental properties of nature. Seen from above, butterflies have left-right symmetry, while male fiddler crabs show dramatic asymmetry.

26 Jun 2020

Molecular dynamic simulations may contribute to structure-based drug design

Uppsala University scientists have reported that they have developed a new way to predict how unique molecules that can be employed in novel immunotherapy.

26 Jun 2020

Study shows how chemicals cause complex cell mutations

Fresh insights into why some harmful substances are so efficient at causing cancer could aid the quest for better treatments.

25 Jun 2020

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients Also Contaminate The Environment

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients have the capability of contaminating their surroundings, according to a new study published in mSphere.

25 Jun 2020

High-throughput super-resolution microscope shows organelle in unparalleled detail

The centriole is the organelle of interest if individuals want to learn the fundamental mechanisms of cellular division and motility.

23 Jun 2020

Researchers identify genes that control the internal clock of plants

How do plants know when it is time to flower? Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have studied this question and identified two genes that are key to this process.

23 Jun 2020

Artificial Night Sky Poses Serious Threat To Coastal Species

The artificial lighting which lines the world's coastlines could be having a significant impact on species that rely on the moon and stars to find food.

23 Jun 2020