Monthly Archives:: August 2012

Medical researchers identify PHF20, a regulator of gene P53

Posted by & filed under Health Sciences.

Researchers have identified PHF20, a novel transcriptional factor, and clarified its role in maintaining the stability and transcription of p53, a gene that allows for both normal cell growth and tumor suppression. PHF20, the researchers found, plays a previously unknown and unique role in regulating p53.

New insights to the function of molecular chaperones

Posted by & filed under Health Sciences.

Molecular biologists have gained new insights into the function of so-called molecular chaperones in protein synthesis. Scientists were able to demonstrate how a molecular chaperone in bacterial cells can influence the formation of the three-dimensional structure of new proteins.

Virus detector harnesses ring of light in ‘whispering gallery mode’

Posted by & filed under Biology, News.

By affixing nanoscale gold spheres onto a microscopic bead of glass, researchers have created a super-sensor that can detect even single samples of the smallest known viruses. The sensor uses a peculiar behavior of light known as "whispering gallery mode," named after the famous circular gallery in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, where a whisper near the wall can be heard around the gallery.

Repairing cartilage with fat: Problems and potential solutions

Posted by & filed under Health Sciences.

Stem cells isolated from fat are being considered as an option for treating tissue damage and diseases because of their accessibility and lack of rejection. New research shows that this is not as straightforward as previously believed, and that fat-derived stem cells secrete VEGF and other factors, which can inhibit cartilage regeneration. However pre-treating the cells with antibodies against VEGF and growing them in nutrients specifically designed to promote chondrocytes can neutralize these effects.
Feedback

eSTEM Feedback

We appreciate any and all feedback about our site; praise, ideas, bug reports you name it!