life inspired

Many, perhaps all, people harbor a small number of cells from genetically different individuals--from their mothers and, for women who have been pregnant, from their children. What in the world do these foreigners do in the body?

Very interesting summary of maternal and fetal microchimerism. Full article at Scientific American.

A deeper article in Nature about a chimeric condition in children.

Labels: cell, chimeras

"A genome-scale genetic interaction map was constructed by examining 5.4 million gene-gene pairs for synthetic genetic interactions, generating quantitative genetic interaction profiles for ~75% of all genes in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A network based on genetic interaction profiles reveals a functional map of the cell in which genes of similar biological processes cluster together in coherent subsets, and highly correlated profiles delineate specific pathways to define gene function. The global network identifies functional cross-connections between all bioprocesses, mapping a cellular wiring diagram of pleiotropy." Full Article @ Science.

Labels: cell, complex networks

"Sitting over the microscope, whilst listening to music the idea popped up to combine
microscopic imagery with electronic music. The Scientist will certainly see more than
a carpenter, but both might enjoy the beauty. Concerning the used music, it is
Venetian Snares (oh another biological toppic) "Szamar madar", a masterpiece (in my ear) in blending classical music with electronic break core music. " Dirk Pacholsky

Labels: cell