Glia guide brain development in worms

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Mind-blowing. In C. elegans fluorescent images show that when brain cells called glia are zapped and killed with a microscopic laser neurons (red) survive but are highly abnormal (right) compared to normal ones (left).
Mind-blowing. In C. elegans, fluorescent images show that when brain cells called glia are zapped — and killed — with a microscopic laser, neurons (red) survive but are highly abnormal (right) compared to normal ones (left).

Again and again, experiments confirmed it. Without glia, neurons die. So scientists who wanted to study in living animals what glia — the most abundant brain cells — do for neurons besides keep them alive were out of luck. But now, a breakthrough.


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Large population of endangered dolphins found off Bangladesh

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The world's largest population of vulnerable Irrawaddy dolphins -- famed as aquarium attractions -- has been found in Bangladesh's waters, according to a five-year wildlife study.

Endangered Miss. frogs get a break in the weather

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(AP) -- Pick up a Mississippi gopher frog and it covers its eyes with its forefeet, like someone afraid to see what's coming next. And for at least a decade, it's had a good reason not to look.

Nobel Prize winner Dr. George Palade dies at 95

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(AP) -- Dr. George Palade, who won a Nobel Prize in 1974 for his work isolating and identifying cell structure and helped create one of the leading cell biology programs in the nation at the University of ...

Lost manatee headed to Fla. after Mass. rescue

8 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- A wayward manatee is headed home to Florida after being pulled from frigid Cape Cod waters in an early morning rescue.

Landmark study unlocks stem cell, DNA secrets to speed therapies

Oct 10, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
In a groundbreaking study led by an eminent molecular biologist at Florida State University, researchers have discovered that as embryonic stem cells turn into different cell types, there are dramatic corresponding ...
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