New research has investigated the mechanism by which bivalency functions to poise genes for expression during cell differentiation, providing insight into a long-standing paradigm in the regulation of developmental gene expression, revealing a key mechanism that has so far eluded experimental scrutiny. These findings provide insight into the intricate cellular processes that control development, how cell types are specified from stem cells, and how cell identity is established. Deciphering these mechanisms is not only key to understand fundamental biology but will also ultimately pave the way for the development of regenerative medicine approaches.
Read more …Uncovering how developmental genes are held in a poised state
A team of physicists has developed a groundbreaking method for detecting congestive heart failure with greater ease and precision than previously thought possible. This multidisciplinary study, involving both cardiologists and computational physicists, builds on the team's earlier breakthroughs, for example, in predicting the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Read more …New computational method reveals congestive heart failure
A research team has discovered that the two key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's -- tau protein and beta-amyloid -- affect brain circuits in distinct yet synergistic ways, particularly those linked to memory and emotions. The study, using a new animal model of Alzheimer's disease, suggests a potential breakthrough in treatment strategies. Current therapies mainly focus on blocking just one of the toxic proteins associated with the disease, but this discovery could pave the way for more comprehensive approaches.
Read more …The two proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease affect brain circuits differently