Caltech researchers get first look at how groups of cells coordinate their...(bout fruit-fly embryology as well. For i...)

Date:12/9/2008

bout fruit-fly embryology, as well. For instance, while scientists had known that the cells in the mesoderm tended to divide twice during gastrulation, they didn't know if this was applicable only to a particular subset of cells, or if it was a hard-and-fast rule. Turns out, it was a rule. "We saw that each and every cell divides twice," says Stathopoulos. "Even more surprising, we saw that the timing of those divisions is based on the cells' original position in the tube--even though, by the time they divide, they've traveled from where they began. They actually remember where they came from."

While Stathopoulos says she's not yet sure what this timed division means, it's a clear sign that there are many more layers of order in embryonic development than had been previously suspected.

"What's fun about this," says Fraser, "is that all the different parts came together at the same time--genetics, labeling, imaging, analysis. It was like a perfect storm . . . in a good way."

'/>"/>

Contact: Lori Oliwenstein lorio@caltech.edu 626-395-3631 California Institute of Technology Source:Eurekalert

3 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related biology news :

1. UNC, Caltech research finds further evidence for genetic contribution to autism
2. Caltech researchers find dual-use sexual attraction and population-control chemicals in nematodes
3. Caltech scientists awarded $20 million to Power the Planet
4. Caltech neurobiologists discover individuals who hear movement
5. Caltech engineers build mini drug-producing biofactories in yeast
6. Caltech researchers awarded $10M for molecular programming project
7. Caltech scientists create DNA tubes with programmable sizes for nanoscale manufacturing
8. Caltech biologists spy on the secret inner life of a cell
9. Caltech scientists engineer supersensitive receptor, gain better understanding of dopamine system
10. Caltech engineers build firast-ever multi-input plug-and-play synthetic RNA device
11. Caltech geobiologists discover unique magnetic death star fossil