A Scientific Research Vault
The mRNA vaccines were made within no time during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, highlighting the importance of tiny fat particles or the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in medicine. LNPs are like special cars for delicate RNA treatments and vaccines. They not only shield the RNA (from degradation), but they also make sure it gets to its targeted location.
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Immune system’s ability to distinguish between infections and inflammation is pretty much fascinating. The combination of mechanisms and signals is quite intrigue. And scientists feel there is much to explore. This clearly shows how sophisticated our body’s defense mechanisms are. Our immune system has been protecting us from a wide range of threats. And yet at the same time evolving over a span of millions of years.
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Researchers at the Ludwig Cancer Research have surfaced a remarkable discovery in the realm of cancer research. They have identified a specific duo of genes which are involved in shaping the behavior of a particular type of immune cell within tumors. Like a hidden code, the duo genes guide these cells in during the progression of cancer.
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Meet Dr. Jay T. Lennon. Within the intricate tapestry of microbiology, a realm of microorganisms thrives, weaving the intricate threads of ecosystems, interactions, and even human health. Dr. Lennon, a distinguished luminary in the field of microbial ecology, has passionately dedicated his career to unraveling the enigmatic world of these microscopic life forms. He emerges as an insightful figure who delves deep into the intricate relationships governing microbial communities.
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Let’s step into the captivating world of epigenetics. It is a rapidly evolving science rarely explored beyond scientific literature. Very deftly, Dr. Nessa Carey has connected academia and scientific journalism into her groundbreaking book “The Epigenetics Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance”. The book was first published in 2012.
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Meet Dr. Monica Dus, an extraordinary trailblazer in the field of biology whose passion for unravelling the mysteries of our genetic makeup and its interaction with nutrition has earned her widespread recognition. As an Associate Professor with Tenure at the prestigious University of Michigan, she stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Beyond academia, Dr. Dus is a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow in Biology, a distinction that further underscores her outstanding contributions to the scientific community.
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Scientists at Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan made an exciting discovery regarding cellular mechanisms that assist in developing our brains. They discovered that lactate plays an important role in helping neural stem cells become specialized neurons. Lactate happens to be the by-product of exercise and metabolism. Researchers even gave this process a fancy name: neuronal differentiation.
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As the scientific revelation unfolded, the discovery of insulin became the life-saving elixir to people who were suffering from diabetes, globally. Although, terms like high sugar, glucose, insulin, diabetes, glycaemic index etc are very well known to most of the masses. Yet, the first step of insulin synthesis, has been a tantalizing secret, which is yet to be unravelled even by the researchers. In a similar quest, scientists at the University of Michigan observed the tiny world of fruit flies. They studied how insulin is made in fruit flies by…
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Regenesis: How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselves is an exhilarating journey that re-shapes our understanding of life itself. The book is written by George M. Church and Edward Regis. It was first published in 2012. The renowned geneticist and science writer collaborated to present an all-encompassing exploration of synthetic biology. And highlighting its thrilling potentialities along with obvious challenges. In this remarkable masterpiece, they have woven following three distinct levels of exploration.
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Genomes come in various levels of complexity. Of course, it also depends on the number of genes an organism possesses. A genome is set of genetic material or DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) present in a living entity. It contains all the instructions necessary for an organism’s development, functioning, and reproduction. Not all living entities have equal number of genomes. Some bacteria, for instance, have very few genes, while plant and animal genomes can have tens of thousands.
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An international team of researchers has identified a programmable RNA-guided system in eukaryotes. Eukaryotes encompass plants, animals, fungi, and protists. The newly discovered system is based on a protein called Fanzor. It uses RNA as a guide to precisely target DNA. The researchers demonstrated that Fanzor proteins can be reprogrammed to edit the genome of human cells. Compared to CRISPR/Cas systems, the Fanzor system is more compact and has the potential to be delivered more easily to cells and tissues as therapeutics.
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One of the biggest challenges that still haunts tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is, how to mimic the properties of articular cartilage in synthetic materials. Articular cartilage possesses a unique combination of stiffness and toughness. These features allow the connective tissues to withstand the mechanical stresses and strains experienced during joint movement.
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Recent research conducted by Maxwell Miner from the University of Turku in Finland, working at the Turku PET Centre, sheds light on the potential of folate receptors as a valuable tool in the field of brain tumor imaging and treatment. Folate-based radiopharmaceuticals are a type of medical imaging agent that combines folate – a form of vitamin B9 – with a radioactive substance.
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The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia conducted a study utilizing siRNA technology to suppress the cyclophilin A (CyPA) protein. Surprisingly, this approach not only led to a reduction in tumor size. But it also enhanced survival rates among patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
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At the fundamental level, function of human cell is to convert nutrients into energy and useful products that sustain life. In the process, these cells give out certain waste products that otherwise cause harm to the inner environment. For instance, reactive oxygen species (ROS) molecule is one of the natural byproducts of cellular metabolism. ROS are highly reactive molecules that contain oxygen atoms with unpaired electrons.
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