Novel role of mitochondria identified in immune function

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered a new role for an enzyme involved in cell death. Their study shows how the enzyme, called RIPK3, relays signals between the cell’s mitochondria “powerhouses” and the immune system. The new study shows that this crosstalk is important not only for launching immune responses against tumors, but also for regulating the inflammatory responses that may result in autoimmune diseases.

“This finding could be helpful for developing strategies to target cancer and inflammatory diseases.”

Read more:
News Release

 Source: Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI)

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects vulnerable populations such as rural subsistence farmers and urban slum dwellers. Although leptospirosis causes life-threatening clinical manifestations, such as pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome, and has a worldwide distribution, the key barrier to addressing this neglected disease has been insufficient data on its disease burden. A new paper examines published literature and grey literature studies on leptospirosis and using information collected on disease incidence and case fatality, estimated leptospirosis incidence and mortality at country, regional and global level.

Read more:
The Global Burden of Leptospirosis

Source: MicrobiologyBytes

Microbe art

This culture is made of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis bacteria for study of the antibacterial resistance dissemination among hospital pathogens.

Read more:
Agar art contest 2015

Source: ASM

Microscope lamp

Vintage metal 1960's Porter microscope repurposed into a unique night light / lamp. Made by hand in New York City by Northern Electric Lighting Company, this is the perfect gift for the science nerd in all of us.

Read more:
REPURPOSED MICROSCOPE LAMP vintage antique

Source: NORTHERNELECTRIC via ETSY

Laboratory Rose

Serratia marcescens, Chromobacterium violeceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa - what a romantic combination on Mueller Hinton II agar. All 3 organisms exhibit different pigment, Red, Purple and Green respectively on MHII agar, makes our daily routine of interpreting disk diffusion  more interesting.

Read more:
Lovely Rose - American Society for Microbiology

Free eBook - Basic malaria microscopy

Microscopists are vital to malaria programmes, and their diagnostic and technical skills are relied on in both curative services and disease surveillance. Thus, training in malaria microscopy must be sound and must reach today’s high standards. When microscopists are trained and able to make quality-assured diagnoses of malaria, communities at risk have greater confidence in their services, and both patients and prescribers benefit.

'Read more:
WHO | Basic malaria microscopy – Part I: Learner's guide. Second edition

Source: WHO

My First Selfie

What a great moment in my life

Activator for Controlling Gene Expression in Human Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation

CRISPR/Cas9 protein fused to transactivation domains can be used to control gene expression in human cells. In this study, we demonstrate that a dCas9 fusion with repeats of VP16 activator domains can efficiently activate human genes involved in pluripotency in various cell types. This activator in combination with guide RNAs targeted to the OCT4 promoter can be used to completely replace transgenic OCT4 in human cell reprogramming. Furthermore, we generated a chemically controllable dCas9 activator version by fusion with the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) destabilization domain. Finally, we show that the destabilized dCas9 activator can be used to control human pluripotent stem cell differentiation into endodermal lineages.

Read more:
Conditionally Stabilized dCas9 Activator for Controlling Gene Expression in Human Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation: Stem Cell Reports



Source: Stem cell reports

The laboratorian´s way to say

I love you <3

Image credits: Polly Nikou

Creative Microbiology

Microbiology is as much a part of the universe as the Mandela represents. In a patient culture we focus on each component. Finding answers in a culture is both stimulating and relaxing. Using science and chemical reactions we get answers. Sometimes it's like solving a really hard puzzle. There are still a lot of bench tests that require skill and observation.


Read more:
AgarArt 2015

Source: Microbeworld
Image credits:
Diane Martin, Cooley Dickinson Hospital