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Category: Cell Biology

  • 134 New Gut Viruses Found With Big Medical Implications

    134 New Gut Viruses Found With Big Medical Implications

    In a major breakthrough, scientists have identified over 100 new human viruses within 252 gut microbes, creating the first living model of the "gut virome"—previously known only through DNA fragments. This discovery could help unlock treatments for chronic health conditions.
    Image Credits: New Atlas

    In a major breakthrough, scientists have identified over 100 new human viruses within 252 gut microbes, creating the first living model of the “gut virome”—previously known only through DNA fragments. This discovery could help unlock treatments for chronic health conditions.

    While researchers have long studied bacteriophages in the gut through DNA sequencing, they have rarely isolated and observed live viruses. That limited our understanding to theories, without direct evidence of how these viruses behave.

    Activating Dormant Gut Viruses

    Now, researchers from Monash University and the Hudson Institute have successfully isolated and activated these dormant “prophages” in the lab, offering a crucial step toward harnessing the gut virome for medical advances.

    The researchers used 252 bacterial strains from the Australian Microbiome Culture Collection (AusMiCC), growing each one in anaerobic chambers to create pure, living cultures. Once grown, researchers exposed each strain to 10 different treatments—including compounds, foods, and varying oxygen levels.

    This process successfully activated 134 phages, essentially reawakening viruses hidden within the bacteria. However, researchers triggered only 18% of the viruses predicted by computational models in the lab—showing that theoretical predictions often overestimate viral activity in real conditions.

    “This study reshapes how we understand and investigate gut viruses,” said Professor Jeremy J. Barr from Monash University. “We discovered that molecules from human gut cells can reactivate dormant viruses inside gut bacteria, which could have major implications for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where inflammation and cell death are common.”

    Stevia and Gut Compounds Activate Phages

    The researchers discovered that the artificial sweetener Stevia, along with certain compounds naturally released by our own gut cells, were key triggers in activating gut phages. When they built a synthetic gut microbiome—composed of 78 bacterial species grown alongside human cells mimicking the intestinal lining—they found that 35% of the phage species became active in the presence of these human gut cells.

    Before going further, it’s important to clarify that phages only infect bacteria—not human cells—because they lack the necessary molecular tools to attach to or replicate in anything other than bacteria. However, since phages can alter bacterial behavior and shift the composition of the microbiome—which directly affects our immune system, metabolism, and even mental health—they’re highly relevant to human health.

    The Body’s Active Role in Viral Behavior

    The study also found that compounds released by dying or damaged gut cells were the most effective at activating phages. Processed foods, alcohol, medications, stress, poor sleep, and infections can trigger damage to gut cells.

    “We’ve long known the gut is packed with viruses, but until now, we lacked the tools to study them properly in the lab,” said lead author Dr. Sofia Dahlman. “Our results show that the human body isn’t just a passive host—it actively shapes viral behavior.”

    One of the most intriguing findings came through CRISPR-based genetic engineering, which revealed that certain inactive phages had mutations and deletions in their DNA that kept them permanently dormant. By comparing the DNA of active (inducible) and inactive (non-inducible) phages, researchers found that the dormant ones had damaging mutations in key genes responsible for integration and excision—the tools a phage needs to exit the bacterial genome and begin replicating.

    Phages Evolve to Permanently Silence Reactivation

    In essence, these viruses had evolved to trap themselves inside their bacterial hosts indefinitely. Further experiments confirmed that the cause was genetic damage within the phages themselves, not the bacteria. This marked the first direct functional evidence showing that mutations in a phage’s genome can completely shut down its ability to reactivate.

    At first glance, this seems like a counterintuitive strategy—even for a microbe—since replication is key to genetic survival. But this permanent dormancy may actually serve as a survival tactic, allowing the phage’s DNA to be passively copied each time the host bacterium divides, maintaining stability even if it means sacrificing the ability to mutate or evolve.

    Silent Influencers and Future Microbiome Therapies

    So, while some phages can be reactivated by specific compounds in the gut triggered by things like medications, these dormant ones have adapted to become long-term genetic hitchhikers, quietly residing within bacterial genomes.

    Even though inactive or “domesticated” phages can no longer replicate, they may still play a quiet but important role in gut health. The viral genes embedded in bacterial DNA can influence how those bacteria function—potentially boosting beneficial strains or suppressing harmful ones. On the other hand, active phages could one day be harnessed to reshape the microbiome more directly, by targeting harmful bacteria or delivering beneficial genes to microbes that help prevent diseases like IBD.

    This breakthrough lays the groundwork for future therapies aimed at manipulating the gut microbiome to support human health.

    Eight Years of Breakthroughs in Microbiome Therapeutics

    The study represents eight years of work by teams from Monash University, the Hudson Institute, and global collaborators. By cultivating a library of gut phages and their bacterial hosts, scientists now have real, testable systems to explore and engineer.

    “Growing these viruses gives us the tools to understand their roles and opens the door to developing microbiome-based treatments for conditions ranging from IBD to cancer,” said Associate Professor Sam Forster of the Hudson Institute. “This approach also enables us to design probiotic strains with specific viral functions tailored to human health.”

    Thanks to the team’s success in culturing and analyzing a large number of bacterial viruses, it’s now possible to begin engineering phages and probiotics for a wide variety of therapeutic uses.

    “This research sets the stage for future advances in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and microbiome-based treatments. It’s a significant leap in uncovering the viral dark matter of the human gut,” said Barr.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Innovative Label-Free Biosensor Boosts Progress in Monoclonal Antibody Manufacturing

    Innovative Label-Free Biosensor Boosts Progress in Monoclonal Antibody Manufacturing

    A Terasaki Institute team led by Dr. Jucaud, with Dr. Ye from UT San Antonio, developed a microfluidic biosensor for real-time antibody monitoring. This method could streamline monoclonal antibody production, cut costs, and improve patient access.
    Researchers at the Terasaki Institute developed a novel microfluidic biosensing platform to monitor monoclonal antibody secretion in real time. The system integrates a photonic crystal biosensor with a microtranswell chip to identify high-secreting hybridoma clones, streamlining antibody manufacturing. Credit: Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation

    A Terasaki Institute team led by Dr. Jucaud, with Dr. Ye from UT San Antonio, developed a microfluidic biosensor for real-time antibody monitoring. This method could streamline monoclonal antibody production, cut costs, and improve patient access.

    The study is featured in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

    Rising Demand for Monoclonal Antibodies Highlights Need for Real-Time Production Monitoring

    Monoclonal antibodies are vital for treating cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious, respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases.

    With global sales over $240 billion in 2024, monoclonal antibodies require large-scale, efficient, and cost-effective production monitoring. However, current monitoring methods depend on end-point assays, which do not provide real-time insights into cellular secretion.

    Dr. Jucaud’s team created the first fast, cost-effective biosensor to monitor live antibody secretion in real time. The microfluidic system reduces culture volume, concentrates antibodies, and places hybridoma cells above a PC-TIR biosensor from Dr. Ye’s team at UT San Antonio.

    Rapid Antibody Secretion Analysis Accelerates Biomanufacturing Advances

    This setup enables antibody analysis in one hour, helping evaluate cell lines, improve production, and identify high-secreting clones to boost manufacturing and cut costs.

    “This research highlights the transformative potential of advanced biosensors in biomanufacturing,” said lead author Dr. Danial Khorsandi.

    “With this platform, we can identify the true ‘powerhouse’ cells producing the highest antibody levels,” said Dr. Jucaud, Principal Investigator. “This level of precision allows us to identify and prioritize top-performing cells early in the development process.”

    Targeting High-Performing Cells to Transform Monoclonal Antibody Production

    “Identifying high-performing cells, which boost manufacturing efficiency, could revolutionize monoclonal antibody production—cutting costs and improving patient access,” said Dr. Jucaud.

    His team expects the platform’s fast, precise, and scalable design to advance research and large-scale biomanufacturing, meeting growing global demand for antibody diagnostics and treatments.

    This new system streamlines production, reduces costs, and expands patient access to vital therapies.

    Read the original article on: Phys.Org

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  • Scientists Use Engineered Stem Cells to Slow Aging in Monkeys, Study Reveals

    Scientists Use Engineered Stem Cells to Slow Aging in Monkeys, Study Reveals

    BEIJING (WSYX) — Scientists have shown that genetically modified human stem cells can delay aging symptoms in monkeys, potentially paving the way for treatments aimed at age-related decline in humans.
    Image Credit: Pixabay

    BEIJING (WSYX) — Scientists have shown that genetically modified human stem cells can delay aging symptoms in monkeys, potentially paving the way for treatments aimed at age-related decline in humans.

    Stem Cell Therapy Cuts Aging Signs in Monkeys Without Side Effects

    Over a 44-week period, researchers treated cynomolgus monkeys with senescence-resistant mesenchymal progenitor cells (SRCs) engineered with the longevity-associated FOXO3 gene. The therapy lowered indicators of cellular aging, chronic inflammation, and tissue damage, all without significant side effects.


    Scientists slow aging in monkeys with engineered stem cells, study finds (Cell)

    Therapy Boosts Memory, Brain, Bone, and Reproductive Health While Reversing Tissue Aging in Monkeys

    Monkeys treated with the therapy exhibited better performance in memory tasks, enhanced brain structure, improved bone density, and healthier reproductive function. Further analysis revealed signs of rejuvenation in the blood and various organs, with biological “aging clocks” indicating that tissue age had been reduced by several years.

    Published in Cell, the study identifies exosomes—small vesicles released by the transplanted cells—as major contributors to the observed rejuvenation. Although still in the early stages, the researchers noted that this is the first evidence showing that engineered human progenitor cells can slow systemic aging in primates, offering a promising foundation for future regenerative therapies in humans.

    Read the original article on: abc6

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  • World’s First ‘Behavior Transplant’ Between Species Achieved

    World’s First ‘Behavior Transplant’ Between Species Achieved

    A single gene switch transferred hardwired behavior into another
    Created with ChatGPT 5

    In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists have successfully transferred a courtship behavior from one species to another, causing the recipient to perform the foreign action as if it were innate. While cross-species gene transfers have previously influenced traits, this marks the first time an entirely new behavior has been genetically introduced into another animal.

    Rewiring the brain with a single gene

    Researchers at Nagoya University accomplished this by altering a single gene to rewire neural connections, effectively transferring behavior between two fruit fly species: Drosophila subobscura and D. melanogaster. Though both belong to the same family, their neural circuits drive very different courtship rituals.

    The achievement is the result of nearly ten years of work by the Japanese team. In 2017, co-first author Ryoya Tanaka helped map and compare the mating circuits of the two species—D. melanogaster, which attracts mates by singing, and D. subobscura, which offers regurgitated food as a “nuptial gift.” Using optogenetics, the researchers confirmed that a gene known as Fruitless (Fru), present in both species, controlled courtship but produced very different behaviors in each.

    Drosophila subobscura males regurgitate food and offer it as a gift to females during courtship
    Tanaka et al., 2025

    Pushing this further, the team genetically altered D. melanogaster males—whose lineage split from D. subobscura about 35 million years ago—to abandon singing and adopt gift-giving instead. Over evolutionary time, environmental pressures and mating preferences had shaped their distinct “love languages”: one evolved wing muscles and circuits for song, while the other refined neural pathways for presenting food. That lost behavior has now been reactivated through genetic engineering.

    Flipping the Fru gene

    By switching on the Fru gene within insulin-producing neurons of D. melanogaster, the researchers rewired brain circuits, enabling the singing flies to perform the food-giving ritual. The transformation occurred without any learning or external influence—it emerged purely from reprogrammed neural wiring.

    The gene flip enabled new neuronal pathways to form, resulting in courtship behavior previously unknown to the species
    Depositphotos

    “When we activated the Fru gene in these neurons, they extended new projections that connected to the brain’s courtship center, creating circuits that drove gift-giving in D. melanogaster for the first time,” explained Tanaka, co-lead author at Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Science.

    Dormant behaviors reawakened

    This discovery demonstrates that animals may harbor dormant behaviors within their neural architecture—behaviors that can be reawakened by flipping the right genetic switch. “Our findings show that the evolution of new behaviors doesn’t always require new neurons,” said co-lead author Yusuke Hara from Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). “Sometimes, small-scale genetic rewiring of existing neurons is enough to generate behavioral diversity and drive species differentiation.”

    Last year, scientists mapped the 50 largest neurons of the fruit fly brain connectome
    Tyler Sloan and Amy Sterling for FlyWire, Princeton University, (Dorkenwald et al., 2024)

    Beyond fruit flies, the implications are significant. These insects share about 60% of their genes with humans, and roughly three-quarters of human genetic diseases have fly counterparts. Research on D. melanogaster has already earned six Nobel Prizes, and in 2024 scientists produced the most detailed neuronal map of a fly brain to date.

    This study provides compelling evidence that subtle genetic modifications—even to a single gene—can reshape behavior at a species-wide level. While no one is suggesting engineered instincts in humans, the research suggests that some of our own behaviors may lie dormant, encoded in our biology, waiting for the right molecular trigger.

    Senior author Daisuke Yamamoto of NICT said the team has shown that complex behaviors like nuptial gift-giving originate from their genetic roots. This helps us understand how evolution invents new strategies that ensure survival and reproduction.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • A Microbiologist Describes the Microbes Lurking Between Your Toes

    A Microbiologist Describes the Microbes Lurking Between Your Toes

    Your feet are thriving hubs for microbes. The spaces between your toes are loaded with sweat glands, and when enclosed in socks and shoes, they trap moisture in a warm, humid environment perfect for microbial growth.
    Image Credits: Pixabay

    Your feet are thriving hubs for microbes. The spaces between your toes are loaded with sweat glands, and when enclosed in socks and shoes, they trap moisture in a warm, humid environment perfect for microbial growth.

    In fact, each foot can harbor a miniature rainforest of bacteria and fungi, with anywhere from 100 to 10 million microbial cells packed into every square centimeter of skin.

    Feet don’t just support a vast population of microorganisms — up to 1,000 different species per person — they also host a greater diversity of fungi than any other part of the body. In other words, your feet aren’t just sweaty or smelly; they’re teeming with biodiversity.

    Socks as Microbial Hotspots

    Since your feet are rich in microbes, your socks quickly become prime territory for the same bacteria and fungi. Research shows that socks can host both harmless skin dwellers, like coagulase-negative staphylococci, and potentially harmful pathogens, including Aspergillus, Staphylococcus, Candida, Histoplasma, and Cryptococcus.

    These organisms flourish in the warm, damp environment between your toes, feeding on sweat and dead skin cells.

    The unpleasant odor of sweaty feet, socks, and shoes comes not from the sweat itself, but from microbial metabolism — the byproducts, such as volatile fatty acids and sulfur compounds, create the infamous smell. It’s so common, in fact, that the NHS has entire advice pages dedicated to the problem.

    The microbiome of your socks is shaped not only by your feet but also by your surroundings. They collect microbes from every surface you step on — from household floors and gym mats to locker rooms and even your garden.

    Socks act like microbial sponges, soaking up bacteria and fungi from soil, water, pet hair and dander, and the everyday dust around you. In one study, socks worn for only 12 hours contained more bacteria and fungi than any other type of clothing tested.

    These microbes don’t just stay in your socks — they can spread to your shoes, floors, bedding, and even back onto your skin.

    In a hospital setting, researchers found that slipper socks worn by patients carried floor microbes, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens, into hospital beds. This highlights that foot hygiene isn’t merely a personal concern — it also plays a role in infection control and public health.

    Microbe Multipliers

    Socks can significantly contribute to the spread of fungal infections such as Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), a highly contagious condition that typically targets the toes but can extend to the heels, hands, or even groin. This infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in the warm, damp environment found inside sweaty socks and tight shoes.

    To reduce the risk, experts advise against walking barefoot in communal areas like gyms and pools, sharing socks, towels, or shoes, and neglecting foot hygiene. Thoroughly washing and drying between the toes is essential, and while topical antifungal treatments are often effective, prevention remains the best strategy.

    Importantly, socks can hold onto fungal spores even after laundering. This means wearing a previously infected pair — even if it appears clean — can lead to reinfection.

    The safest practice is to wear clean socks every day, let shoes dry completely between uses, choose breathable fabrics, and avoid footwear that traps heat or encourages excessive sweating.

    Proper Sock-Washing Tips

    Most laundry tips emphasize keeping fabric, color, and shape intact — but for socks, hygiene takes priority. Research shows that standard home wash temperatures (30–40 °C) may not be enough to eliminate bacteria and fungi.

    Inadequately cleaned socks can become carriers of infection, particularly in homes with vulnerable individuals.

    For effective sock sanitation: Turn socks inside out before washing to expose the inner surface where most microbes gather; Use an enzyme-based detergent to break down sweat and skin debris; Wash at 60 °C when possible, as higher temperatures help dislodge and kill microbes; If washing at lower temperatures, steam iron the socks afterward — the heat can destroy any remaining spores.

    Cotton socks generally withstand higher washing temperatures better than synthetic blends, making them a preferable choice for people prone to fungal infections. Drying them in direct sunlight can also be beneficial, as UV light has natural antimicrobial properties.

    The Forensic Potential of Sock Microbiomes

    Your socks may reveal more than you think. In a U.S. murder case, forensic scientists matched soil bacteria on a suspect’s socks to those at a victim’s burial site.

    The microbial makeup of the socks closely mirrored that of the crime scene, indicating they had collected and preserved location-specific soil microbes. This growing area of forensic microbiology demonstrates how microbial signatures can provide valuable evidence in legal investigations.

    It’s a reminder that the ecosystems we carry on our bodies — and in our clothing — are not only intricate and informative but also remarkably resilient. Whether aiding in crime-solving or triggering a fungal outbreak, your socks are far more biologically active than they seem.

    So, the next time you pull off a sweaty pair at day’s end, consider the microscopic world you’ve been carting around — and perhaps choose that 60-degree wash cycle.

    Read the original article on: Sciencealert

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  • Gut Cells Promote Self-Renewal By Signaling In Ways Similar To Brain Cells

    Gut Cells Promote Self-Renewal By Signaling In Ways Similar To Brain Cells

    Gut support cells send precise messages—much like brain neurons—using fine extensions to guide the stem cells that maintain and repair the intestine. This finding could reshape how we understand tissue healing and gut disorders.
    Gut cells communicate with precision to heal and maintain the organ’s health 
    Image Credits: Depositphotos

    Gut support cells send precise messages—much like brain neurons—using fine extensions to guide the stem cells that maintain and repair the intestine. This finding could reshape how we understand tissue healing and gut disorders.

    The intestinal lining, known as the epithelium, undergoes constant renewal, replacing all its cells every four to five days. This process relies on stem cells located in tube-shaped “crypts” within the gut lining, which divide and develop into various cell types to replace old cells.

    Gut Cells Found to Communicate with Neuron-Like Precision

    Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) have discovered a surprisingly precise communication system in the gut, resembling how neurons interact in the brain.

    “Examining the fundamentals closely can sometimes lead to breakthrough insights,” said Dr. Gediminas Greicius, principal research scientist at Duke-NUS’ Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program and lead author of the study. “This targeted signaling system was right in front of us, and recognizing it transforms how we view gut stem cell biology.”

    It all centers on Wnts signaling molecules that regulate the activity of intestinal stem cells located in the crypts. More specifically, these stem cells reside in a specialized “niche,” a tightly controlled microenvironment that governs their function. When Wnt signaling is activated, it triggers stem cell growth and division, helping to maintain the balance between self-renewal (preserving the stem cell pool) and differentiation (producing specialized cells for the intestinal lining).

    Originally, scientists believed Wnts spread passively through the tissue to reach stem cells. However, this new study challenges that assumption.

    Image Credits: Graphical abstract of the study’s findings
    Duke-NUS Medical School/Greicius et al. 2025

    Telocytes Relay Gut Signals with Precision, Mirroring Neuronal Communication

    “These signals don’t just drift through tissue,” said Professor David Virshup, co-corresponding author and CSCB Director. Instead, specialized cells called telocytes deliver signals with precision, much like neurons in the brain.

    Telocytes are intriguing for their long, thread-like cytonemes that connect directly to stem cells. Using advanced imaging, researchers saw telocytes deliver Wnt molecules to individual stem cells via cytonemes in mouse intestines. Telocyte-stem cell contacts resemble synapses, revealing neuron-like precision in this system.

    “This direct delivery shows a new level of precision in signaling,” said Assistant Professor Alexander Ludwig of NTU Singapore. “It’s a striking demonstration of how high-resolution imaging and innovative protein tagging can uncover new biological processes and shift existing paradigms.”

    Disrupted Gut Signaling May Play a Role in Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

    The study’s findings could have broad implications. Disrupted Wnt signaling already drives certain colon cancers and may fuel chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

    “This breakthrough could change how we approach tissue repair,” said Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS. Replicating this precise signaling could enhance stem cell therapies and improve treatment for gut disorders. It’s a powerful reminder of how fundamental science can pave the way for real-world medical advances.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • AI-Enhanced Microscope Forecasts and Monitors Protein Clumping Tied to Brain Disorders

    AI-Enhanced Microscope Forecasts and Monitors Protein Clumping Tied to Brain Disorders

    The buildup of misfolded proteins in the brain plays a key role in diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. However, these harmful proteins appear indistinguishable from normal ones to the human eye.
    Thematic illustration of smart microscopy for detecting protein aggregation. Credit: 2025 EPFL/Alexey Chizhik

    The buildup of misfolded proteins in the brain plays a key role in diseases such as Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. However, these harmful proteins appear indistinguishable from normal ones to the human eye.

    The formation of protein aggregates typically occurs unpredictably and within minutes—making detection and analysis difficult. Yet, identifying and understanding these aggregates is crucial to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

    AI-Driven Microscope Predicts Protein Aggregation in Real Time Without Disruptive Tags

    Now, researchers at EPFL have developed a deep learning–powered, “self-driving” microscope system that integrates multiple imaging techniques to monitor protein aggregation in real time—and even predict it before it begins. This method improves imaging efficiency while minimizing the use of fluorescent tags, which can interfere with a sample’s natural behavior and reduce accuracy.

    “This is the first time we’ve been able to reliably anticipate the formation of protein aggregates,” said Khalid Ibrahim, a recent EPFL Ph.D. graduate. “Since their mechanical properties are tied to disease and cell dysfunction, understanding how these evolve during aggregation is key to developing effective treatments.”

    The research, published in Nature Communications, was led by Ibrahim alongside Aleksandra Radenovic of EPFL’s Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology and Hilal Lashuel from the School of Life Sciences, in partnership with Carlo Bevilacqua and Robert Prevedel of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg.

    The work stems from a long-term collaboration between Lashuel’s and Radenovic’s labs, combining expertise in neurodegenerative disease and advanced live-cell imaging.

    “This project began with a desire to develop methods that uncover new biophysical insights,” said Radenovic. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision realized.”

    In their initial collaboration, led by Khalid Ibrahim, the researchers created a deep learning algorithm capable of detecting mature protein aggregates in unlabeled images of live cells.

    Enhanced Algorithm Triggers Real-Time Brillouin Imaging to Reveal Protein Aggregate Mechanics

    Building on that foundation, the new study introduces an upgraded version of the algorithm designed for real-time image classification. When this algorithm identifies a mature aggregate, it activates a Brillouin microscope, which uses scattered light to measure the aggregates’ biomechanical properties—such as elasticity.

    Typically, Brillouin microscopy is too slow for tracking fast-forming aggregates. However, the AI-enhanced approach ensures the microscope only runs when needed, significantly improving efficiency and paving the way for more adaptive, intelligent microscopy.

    “This is the first study to demonstrate how self-driving systems can successfully integrate label-free microscopy, making it easier for biologists to adopt advanced smart imaging tools,” said Ibrahim.

    Since this algorithm only detects fully formed aggregates, the team took an extra step to capture the early stages of aggregation. They developed a second deep learning model, trained on fluorescently tagged images of live-cell proteins, to predict aggregation before it occurs.

    The newly developed “aggregation-onset” detection algorithm can distinguish between nearly identical images to accurately predict when protein aggregation is about to begin—achieving 91% accuracy. Once the system detects the early stages, it activates the Brillouin microscope, offering an unprecedented real-time view into the biomechanics of aggregation as it unfolds.

    According to Lashuel, beyond advancing smart microscopy, the technology holds significant promise for drug development and precision medicine.

    “Label-free imaging offers entirely new opportunities to investigate and target small, toxic protein clusters known as oligomers, which are believed to be key drivers of neurodegenerative diseases,” he explains.

    “We’re excited to expand on these results and lay the foundation for drug discovery platforms that can fast-track the development of more effective treatments.”

    Read the original article on: Phys Org

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  • New Bioluminescent Virus Sensor Is 515 Times More Efficient Than Earlier Techniques

    New Bioluminescent Virus Sensor Is 515 Times More Efficient Than Earlier Techniques

    Animals that generate their own light through internal chemical reactions are one of nature’s marvels—and scientists have long sought to replicate this for human applications.
    Image Credits: Scientists have made a huge leap in harnessing the illuminating power of nature – as seen in this common glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) – in order to light up viruses efficiently
    Depositphotos

    Animals that generate their own light through internal chemical reactions are one of nature’s marvels—and scientists have long sought to replicate this for human applications.

    Now, researchers at Mass General Brigham have made a major leap by tweaking the chemistry behind the glow, creating a  bioluminescence diagnostic tool that’s 515 times brighter and lasts eight times longer than existing versions. Impressively, it retains 96% of its brightness after an hour, overcoming key limitations of current technologies.

    How LUCAS Uses Nature’s Glow to Detect Viruses

    Named the Luminescence CAscade-based Sensor (LUCAS), this tool harnesses nature’s bioluminescent chemistry—using luciferin, a light-emitting molecule, and the enzyme luciferase. While previous attempts have recreated this glow, they’ve struggled to maintain it.

    LUCAS solves this by adding another enzyme, beta-galactosidase, which binds to luciferin and controls the release of its light. This makes the glow not only far brighter but also longer-lasting, enabling efficient detection and illumination of hard-to-spot virus particles in a single reaction.

    “Creating accurate diagnostics is extremely difficult, especially given the tiny size of viruses and the complexity of biological fluids,” said senior author Hadi Shafiee of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Detecting an HIV particle in blood is like searching for an ice cube in a jelly-filled Olympic pool while blindfolded. LUCAS, with its innovative enzyme cascade, represents a major advance in detecting viruses in such challenging samples.”

    LUCAS Shows Promise in Detecting Multiple Viruses Across Sample Types

    The team tested LUCAS on 177 patient samples and 130 serum samples, all spiked with viruses including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HBV, and HCV. COVID-19 samples came from nasal swabs, while others were collected through blood. Impressively, LUCAS identified the viruses in just 23 minutes with an average accuracy of over 94%.

    Encouraged by these results, the researchers plan to use LUCAS to detect pathogens in other fluids and explore its ability to identify multiple viruses at once. They also note the tool’s portability and simplicity make it promising for detecting other disease markers, such as those linked to Alzheimer’s.

    “Early detection of infection and disease is critical—it can significantly impact treatment and long-term health,” said first author Sungwan Kim, a postdoctoral researcher in Shafiee’s lab. “By creating diagnostic tools that are highly sensitive, reliable, and easy to use, our goal is to make early diagnosis more accessible and help move personalized care forward.”

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Super Stem Cells Enhance Capabilities by Changing Diet

    Super Stem Cells Enhance Capabilities by Changing Diet

    Credit: Depositphotos

    A recent University of Copenhagen study created stem cells that are better at transforming into other cell types by altering their diet. These enhanced stem cells outperform regular ones in generating specialized cells like liver, skin, or nerve cells.

    The study, titled “Altering metabolism programs cell identity via NAD+-dependent deacetylation,” appears in The EMBO Journal.

    “Robert Bone, Assistant Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), explains, “We show that by modifying their diet, stem cells can rejuvenate into ‘super stem cells,’ reprogramming them to process energy differently.”

    “The overall outcome is that these stem cells act as though they are from an earlier developmental stage, which boosts their ability to differentiate into other types of cells.”

    The researchers specifically altered the type of sugar available to the stem cells in the growth medium, which the cells use to produce energy.

    These stem cells not only excel at differentiating but also stay healthier and more robust over time than those grown under standard conditions. Joshua Brickman, the corresponding author and Professor at reNEW, explains, “This is achieved with a fairly simple method.”

    Potential Future Applications of “Super Stem Cells” Highlighted by Joshua Brickman

    Joshua Brickman highlights the numerous potential future applications of “super stem cells.”

    Having discovered a simple way to rejuvenate cells, we aim to explore its potential across different types, such as liver or heart cells, to treat conditions like heart failure or liver cirrhosis. We may also be able to regenerate aging cells and address diseases such as Parkinson’s, osteoporosis, or diabetes.”

    One area the researchers are focusing on is fertility treatments, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF). “Super stem cells” are highly effective at producing tissue formed during early embryonic development, crucial for successful IVF.

    “One thing the ‘super stem cells’ seem to excel at is producing a cell lineage that becomes the yolk sac. Previous studies have shown that the creation of a yolk sac in embryos grown in a dish is crucial for their ability to implant and result in successful pregnancies,” says Robert Bone.

    “We hope to enhance IVF techniques by creating a culture for IVF that incorporates this same metabolic process. Ultimately, we aim to improve implantation success rates by integrating it into the clinic’s embryo culture protocols,” adds Joshua Brickman.

    Stem cells are unique cells capable of self-replication and differentiating into specialized types like liver, skin, or nerve cells. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) come from embryos and can be grown in a lab to become specialized cells.

    The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells as Tools for Healing and Repair

    Looking ahead, researchers envision using stem cells to create new therapies that could replace or repair damaged tissues and organs, or restore functions lost due to illness or injury. This field is known as regenerative medicine.

    In this study, scientists developed a new culture medium for mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Essentially, they swapped glucose, a type of sugar, with galactose in the culture. This shift in “diet” interrupts normal glucose metabolism and forces the cells to rely on oxidative phosphorylation for energy.

    This change in nutrient source causes the ESCs to revert to an earlier developmental stage, which boosts their ability to differentiate into other cell types.

    The researchers discovered that this metabolic shift activated a specific signaling protein known to control cellular aging. This activation enhanced the binding of other key proteins to DNA.

    Streamlining the Genome: How Metabolic Changes Enhance Genetic Efficiency

    As a result of this new metabolic process, the DNA becomes more densely “packed” in regions containing redundant genetic information, while areas with critical instructions remain more accessible. This adjustment reduces unnecessary genetic noise and amplifies the relevant signals.

    This improved “signal-to-noise ratio” helps the stem cells better understand their roles, making them act like cells from an earlier developmental phase and improving their performance.

    The researchers also found that a decline in the “signal-to-noise ratio” contributes to certain signs of aging.It’s like taking elderly people to a noisy restaurant where they struggle to hear due to both a quiet speaker and background noise. Aging stem cells face a similar challenge when trying to interpret their genomes.

    Read the original article on: Physorg

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  • For the First time, Scientists Observe Living Plant Cells Producing Cellulose and Constructing Cell Walls

    For the First time, Scientists Observe Living Plant Cells Producing Cellulose and Constructing Cell Walls

    Artistic rendering of cellulose regenerating on a plant protoplast cell surface with zoomed out view. Cellulose is synthesized by plasma membrane-bound enzyme complexes (green) and assembles into a microfibril network (brown), forming the main scaffold for the cell wall. Credit: Ehsan Faridi/ Inmywork Studio/ Chundawat, Lee and Lam Labs

    In a pioneering study on cellulose synthesis, a key component of plant cell walls, researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have recorded continuous images of living plant cells constructing cell walls over 24 hours. Their findings offer valuable insights that could help develop stronger plants for enhanced food production and more affordable biofuels.

    Published in Science Advances, the discovery unveils a previously unseen dynamic process with potential applications in plant-based products such as improved textiles, biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and innovative medical materials.

    According to the researchers, the study not only advances fundamental knowledge but also offers fresh insights into cell wall formation.

    A Collaborative Effort Across Disciplines

    This breakthrough is the result of over six years of collaboration among three Rutgers University laboratories from distinct yet complementary fields: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

    “This study provides the first direct visualization of cellulose synthesis and its self-assembly into a fibril network on a plant cell surface since Robert Hooke’s 1667 observation of cell walls,” said Sang-Hyuk Lee, an associate professor at Rutgers University and a co-author.

    The research reveals how basic physical processes like diffusion and self-organization drive cellulose network formation. Video footage shows Arabidopsis protoplasts—cells without walls—spontaneously generating cellulose fibers, which self-organize into a structured network.

    “I was surprised to see ordered structures emerge from the chaotic motion of molecules,” said Lee, also with the Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine. “I expected a more structured process, as shown in textbooks.”

    Cellulose, Earth’s most abundant biopolymer, is vital for plant cell walls and widely used in paper, textiles, filtration, and food thickening.

    “This discovery opens doors for studying genes involved in cellulose biosynthesis,” said Eric Lam, a Distinguished Professor of Plant Biology. “Future research may help develop stronger, stress-resistant plants and improve biofuel production.”

    For Shishir Chundawat, a Rutgers engineering professor and study co-author, this research fulfills a lifelong dream.

    “I’ve always been fascinated by how plants convert sunlight into cellulose for cell walls,” said Chundawat, who seeks to develop sustainable biofuels and biochemicals from plants and algae.

    A Childhood Curiosity Turned Scientific Pursuit

    His curiosity began with a middle school project collecting diverse leaves. “That experience inspired me to study biomass production and its sustainable applications.”

    Each research team contributed unique expertise. When standard microscopes proved inadequate, the team turned to total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy for clearer imaging.

    The technique, capturing images from the underside of cells, enabled 24-hour video recording without damage or bleaching.

    Lee, a biophysicist, designed a custom microscope and led imaging efforts. Chundawat’s team developed a fluorescent tagging method using a bacterial enzyme probe to highlight cellulose fibers.

    Lam’s team removed Arabidopsis cell walls, creating a “blank slate” for new cellulose formation. “This eliminated background interference, allowing clear tracking of newly synthesized cellulose,” Lam said.

    Other Rutgers researchers included postdoctoral scientists Hyun Huh and Mohammad Irfan, doctoral student Dharanidaran Jayachandran, and lab technician Junhong Sun.

    Read the original article on: Phys Org

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