Building a nano-scale filter using DNA
Inspired by biological filters, scientists at UCL, Imperial College London and Yale University have designed and built a nanometre-sized pore that helps us to better understand the complex way by which cells transport genetic material and viruses. Image:...
Tissue mechanics essential for cell movement
Cells that form facial features need surrounding embryonic tissues to stiffen so they can move and develop, according to new UCL-led research. The discovery, which is published in Nature, has important implications for understanding the causes of facial defects which...
Synthetic ‘virus’ to kill bacteria
A synthetic ‘virus’ that kills bacteria on first contact has been developed by LCN and National Physical Laboratory researchers (NPL). The study, published in Nature Communications, shows how newly designed proteins can be used to build tiny hollow shells that emulate...