The community site for and by
developmental and stem cell biologists

In Development this week (Vol. 144, Issue 24)

Posted by , on 18 December 2017

Here are the highlights from the current issue of Development – the last one of the year! Happy reading…and happy holidays!

 

Branched actin keeps Nrf2 in check in the skin

Embedded ImageThe Arp2/3 complex is responsible for the assembly of branched actin filaments. Although its cellular functions are well understood, less is known about the consequence of its disruption in developing animals. To investigate the function of Arp2/3 in the skin, Metello Innocenti and colleagues (p. 4588) have generated mice specifically lacking Arpc4, a core component of the complex, in the epidermis (referred to as Arpc4 eKO). These animals developed progressive psoriasis-like lesions soon after birth, accompanied by characteristic dermal inflammation. Differential gene expression analyses reveal upregulation of inflammatory and dermatological disease-related pathways in the affected Arpc4 eKO tissue. The mutant mice show increased epidermal levels and activity of Nrf2, a master regulator of epidermal homeostasis, the hyperactivation of which was previously found to result in severe keratinocyte abnormalities similar to those observed in the Arpc4 eKO. Furthermore, the authors show that Nrf2 interacts with the actin cytoskeleton, and a functional Arp2/3 complex sequesters Nrf2 to the cytoskeleton, effectively blocking its pro-psoriatic transcription factor activity. Intriguingly, Arpc4 appears to be downregulated in human psoriatic lesions and chemically induced psoriasis-like lesions in mice, thus providing further support to the authors’ model whereby loss of Arp2/3 is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

 

Tbx6 seals mesodermal fate in the tail bud

Embedded ImageNeuromesoderm progenitors (NMPs) are a distinct stem cell population that express both the mesoderm marker brachyury (T) and the neural marker Sox2, and are required for axial growth in vertebrates. They are capable of binary fate choice, differentiating as either neural or mesodermal progenitors. Tbx6, a downstream target of T, has been proposed to act as a fate switch, stimulating the mesodermal differentiation of NMPs, but the timing of this fate commitment is unclear. On p. 4522, Ramkumar Sambasivan and co-workers report the identification of cells in the mouse primitive streak and later in the tail bud that co-express Tbx6 and Sox2. These Tbx6+/Sox2+ cells represent a novel transient subpopulation of NMPs primed for mesodermal differentiation. Tbx6-null NMPs in mouse embryos are incapable of mesodermal commitment and default to neuronal differentiation, which strikingly results in ectopic formation of neural tubes. The authors show that this phenotype is stronger in more posterior regions, suggesting a differential requirement for Tbx6 in trunk versus tail NMPs. These data confirm the proposed ‘fate switch’ role of Tbx6 in mesodermal commitment of NMPs, and further our understanding of NMP differentiation and their role in body axis elongation.

 

FGF signalling: making matrix in the lung

Embedded ImageAlveologenesis – the repeated division and growth of alveoli to expand the surface area in the lung – is one of the least understood stages of postnatal lung development. Defective alveologenesis results in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a disorder often observed in premature infants. FGF signalling and the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein elastin are known to be important for alveologenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. On p. 4563, Xin Sun and colleagues dissect the roles of FGFR3 and FGFR4 in alveologenesis. Using both global and conditional Fgfr3;4 double-mutant mouse models, they show that the earliest apparent phenotype – preceding any defects in alveolar organisation – is the improper deposition of elastin fibres. Levels of elastin protein are initially unchanged, but fibre organisation is disrupted, suggesting that this may be the underlying cause of the alveolar simplification observed in the mutants. Furthermore, the phenotype can be partially rescued by depletion of Mfap5, a regulator of elastin deposition that is upregulated in the Fgfr3;4 mutant. Lineage-specific inactivation of Fgfr3;4 demonstrated that normal alveologenesis requires functional Fgfr3 and Fgfr4 in the mesenchyme but not the epithelium, which is consistent with the known role of fibroblasts in ECM organisation. The authors suggest that a defective elastin ECM physically interferes with alveolar septa formation, resulting in simplified alveoli characteristic of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

 

Braving the cold with β-Tubulin 97EF

Embedded ImageAlthough mammals have internal mechanisms for regulating body temperature, the vast majority of organisms are ectotherms, meaning that their body temperature is dictated by the external environment. Temperature fluctuations significantly affect cellular homeostasis, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are currently poorly understood. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that microtubules are sensitive to cold, with suboptimal temperatures causing their disassembly. Christian Lehner and colleagues (p. 4573) employed global gene expression analyses of Drosophila S2R+ cells grown over a range of temperatures to identify β-Tubulin 97EF, a previously poorly characterised β-tubulin paralogue, to be among the most temperature-responsive. This upregulation was confirmed in vivo, and exhibited distinct tissue specificity, with expression being most prominent in the gut and the hemocytes. Despite the mild phenotypic consequences of β-Tubulin 97EF inactivation, likely confirming functional redundancy between β-Tubulin paralogues, βTub97EF mutant Drosophila embryos were more sensitive to the cold than their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, although there was no correlation between β-Tubulin 97EF levels and microtubule assembly rates, microtubules containing β-Tubulin 97EF were less prone to destabilisation at lower temperatures. Taken together, these results identify β-Tubulin 97EF as a cold-regulated isoform that promotes microtubule stability, and highlight the importance of mechanisms to allow acclimation to temperature variations.

 

PLUS:

 

An interview with Claudio Stern

Embedded ImageClaudio Stern is the J. Z. Young Professor of Anatomy at University College London (UCL), UK. His lab studies the processes that regulate patterning and cell diversity in the early embryos of vertebrates, mostly in chick. Claudio, an elected fellow of the Royal Society, the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Latin-American Academy of Medical Sciences, was awarded the 2006 Waddington Medal by the British Society of Developmental Biology, and he also served as President of the International Society for Developmental Biology (ISDB) from 2010-2013. At the 18th Congress of the ISDB (Singapore, June 2017), Claudio was awarded the ISDB’s Ross Harrison Prize, which recognises an individual’s outstanding contributions to developmental biology. We met with Claudio to ask him more about his career, his thoughts on the field, and his advice for early career researchers. Read the Spotlight article on p. 4473.

 

The TGFβ superfamily in Lisbon: navigating through development and disease

The 10th FASEB meeting ‘The TGFβ Superfamily: Signaling in Development and Disease’ took place in Lisbon, Portugal, in July 2017. Here, Jan Christian and Carl-Henrik Heldin review the findings presented at the meeting, highlighting the important contributions of TGFβ family signaling to normal development, adult homeostasis and disease, and some novel mechanisms by which TGFβ signals are transduced. Read the Meeting Review on p. 4476.

 

The hallmarks of cell-cell fusion

Cell-cell fusion is essential for fertilization and organ development. Dedicated proteins known as fusogens are responsible for mediating membrane fusion. However, until recently, these proteins either remained unidentified or were poorly understood at the mechanistic level. Here, Javier Hernández and Benjamin Podbilewicz review how fusogens surmount multiple energy barriers to mediate cell-cell fusion. See their Review article on p. 4481

Mechanisms of gene regulation in human embryos and pluripotent stem cells

Fig. 1.While the principles that establish and regulate pluripotency have been well defined in the mouse, it has been difficult to extrapolate these insights to the human system due to species-specific differences and the distinct developmental identities of mouse versus human embryonic stem cells. In their Review, Thorold Theunissen and Rudolf Jaenisch examine genome-wide approaches to elucidate the regulatory principles of pluripotency in human embryos and stem cells, and highlight where differences exist in the regulation of pluripotency in mice and humans. Read their Review article on p.4496

 

 

 

 

 

Thumbs up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Categories: Uncategorized

Navigate the archive

Use our Advanced Search tool to search and filter posts by date, category, tags and authors.

PhD student

Posted by , on 18 December 2017

Closing Date: 15 March 2021

 

The Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Muenster, Germany has an opening for a

PhD student

(position-code 15-2017)

 

The position is available in the group of Dr. Ivan Bedzhov that is focused on understanding the self-organization of early mammalian embryos and stem cells. The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms of spatiotemporal organization and cell fate transitions of the early lineages. Technical approaches cover 3D cell and embryo culture techniques, genetic and genomic engineering in stem cells and embryos, cell transplantation studies, embryo micromanipulations, live-imaging, molecular biology and next generation sequencing techniques. Supervision by senior scientists and technical assistance from a laboratory technician will be provided.

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student with strong interest in stem cell biology and mouse embryonic development. Previous research background in epithelial polarity or mouse development and embryonic stem cells is an advantage, but not a requirement. Excellent organizational skills, ability to work effectively as part of a team and to plan and execute experimental research independently are required.

The position is available immediately. This is a fully funded 4 years position, part of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1348 “Dynamic Cellular Interfaces”. The income will be according to 65% of level E13 TVöD (the regulations of the contracts for the civil service – Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst).

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine offers dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art transgenic, imaging, robotics, genomics and proteomics equipment and core facilities. The working language in the institute is English, knowledge of the German language is not required. A childcare facility is situated in the guesthouse of the institute next to the main building. The institute is located in Muenster that has been awarded LivCom-Award for ‘The World’s Most Liveable City’ by the UN.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Please send your application (with the position-code 15-2017), letter of motivation, CV, the contact information of 2 referees and (optional) the Masters degree’s thesis to:

 

career@mpi-muenster.mpg.de

or

Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine

Roentgenstrasse 20

48149 Muenster

Germany

 

Thumbs up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Categories: Careers, Jobs, Lab Life, Research

PhD student position –  Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine

Posted by , on 15 December 2017

Closing Date: 15 March 2021

TheMax-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Muenster, Germany has an opening for a PhD student (position-code 15-2017).

The position

The position is available in the group of Dr. Ivan Bedzhov that is focused on understanding the self-organization of early mammalian embryos and stem cells. The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms of spatiotemporal organization and cell fate transitions of the early lineages. Technical approaches cover 3D cell and embryo culture techniques, genetic and genomic engineering in stem cells and embryos, cell transplantation studies, embryo micromanipulations, live-imaging, molecular biology and next generation sequencing techniques. Supervision by senior scientists and technical assistance from a laboratory technician will be provided.

Your profile

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student with strong interest in stem cell biology and mouse embryonic development. Previous research background in epithelial polarity or mouse development and embryonic stem cells is an advantage, but not a requirement. Excellent organizational skills, ability to work effectively as part of a team and to plan and execute experimental research independently are required.

Our offer

The position is available immediately. This is a fully funded 4 years position, part of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1348 “Dynamic Cellular Interfaces”. The income will be according to 65% of level E13 TVöD (the regulations of the contracts for the civil service – Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst).

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine offers dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art transgenic, imaging, robotics, genomics and proteomics equipment and core facilities. The working language in the institute is English, knowledge of the German language is not required. A childcare facility is situated in the guesthouse of the institute next to the main building. The institute is located in Muenster that has been awarded LivCom-Award for ‘The World’s Most Liveable City’ by the UN.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Your application

Please send your application (with the position-code 15-2017), letter of motivation, CV, the contact information of 2 referees and (optional) the Masters degree’s thesis to:

 
or

Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
Roentgenstrasse 20
48149 Muenster
Germany

Thumbs up (1 votes)
Loading...

Tags: , , ,
Categories: Jobs

Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Cell Biology of Tubulogenesis and its impact on Cell Differentiation

Posted by , on 14 December 2017

Closing Date: 15 March 2021

Background:
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology – DanStem has been established as a result of a series of international recruitments coupled with internationally recognized research groups focused on insulin producing beta cells and cancer research already located at the University of Copenhagen. DanStem addresses basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology and has activities focused on the translation of promising basic research results into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for cancer and chronic diseases such as diabetes and liver failure. Find more information about the Center at http://danstem.ku.dk/.
Our research: 
Our lab has two main goals 1) to understand how cell polarity and tissue architecture control cell fate specification (see Kesavan et al, Cell 2009 and Löf-Öhlin et al, NCB 2017) and 2) to translate this knowledge into efficient and reliable strategies for regenerative medicine in diabetes (Löf-Öhlin et al, NCB 2017 and Ameri et al, Cell Rep 2017). These objectives are applied, primarily, to our organ of choice – the pancreas. To explore our goals, we use a combination of mouse pancreatic epithelium and human pluripotent stem cells as model systems. Functioning as an interdisciplinary lab we work to combine knowledge from multiple systems; through the combinatorial use of animal models, stem cells and computer modelling.
Project: 
The aim of this project is to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tubulogenesis and its role in balancing cell proliferation and differentiation of multipotent progenitors in the developing pancreas. The postdoc will use the mouse model and confocal and multiphoton 3D microscopy of both live and stained specimens to investigate these questions, as part of a team of imaging, developmental biology and image analyses experts.
The position is for 2 years with possible extension. The employment is planned to start beginning of 2018 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.
Qualifications: 
  • A PhD degree in life sciences. Postdoctoral experience is a merit.
  • Documented hands-on experience in developmental biology and genetics of the mouse
  • Documented experience in advanced imaging and image analysis. Experience with segmentation and tracking in large 3D datasets and/or programming skills is a merit.
  • Good record of peer reviewed scientific publications and grant writing skills.
  • An interest in cross-disciplinary research. Experience in the same is a merit
  • Excellent English skills written and spoken
Employment Conditions: 
The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority is 32.700-34.400 DKK/month. A supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate´s experiences and qualifications. In addition a monthly contribution of 17.1% of the salary is paid into a pension fund. Applicants that are recruited from abroad may be eligible for a special researcher taxation scheme. In all cases, the ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration, and thus we encourage all – regardless of their personal background and status – to apply.
For further information contact Professor Henrik Semb, Henrik.semb@sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk
Application Instruction: 

The application must be submitted in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below. Only online applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is 23.59pm, January 22, 2018
The application must include:
  • Cover letter detailing the basis on which the applicant scientific qualifications meet the requirements for this position.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • List of references (full address, incl. email and phone number)
  • Diplomas – all relevant certificates.
  • List of publications.
Application procedure: 
 
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on his/her assessment. You may read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk. DanStem and The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background.
Apply online
Link for general info on the recruitment process: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process
Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.

SØG STILLINGEN

Thumbs up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Categories: Careers, Education, Jobs, Research

Postdoc in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

Posted by , on 14 December 2017

Closing Date: 15 March 2021

Background:   
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology – DanStem has been established as a result of a series of international recruitments coupled with internationally recognized research groups focused on insulin producing beta cells and cancer research already located at the University of Copenhagen. DanStem addresses basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology and has activities focused on the translation of promising basic research results into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for cancer and chronic diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.
Find more information about the Center at http://danstem.ku.dk
The goal of this project is to engineer therapeutically active islet-like aggregates for future cell therapy phase 1 trials in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
Job Description: 
We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate with a strong cell biological and cell signaling background in directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. Experience in differentiation towards pancreatic lineages is a merit. The candidate is expected to work on the engineering of human pluripotent stem cell-derived aggregates with functional properties close to human islets of Langerhans. The functionality and therapeutic potential of the aggregates will be tested in vitro and in vivo after transplantation into mice. The candidate is expected to use state-of-the-art genetic, molecular and cell biological, and tissue engineering experimental strategies. The candidate will work together with a dedicated team of scientists and technicians who together will tackle bottle-necks towards implementing the phase 1 clinical trials in T1D.
 
Qualifications:   
The candidate is required to hold a PhD degree in pluripotent stem cell or developmental biology. A few years of postdoctoral experience in the same area are a merit. The candidate should also have hands-on experience in human pluripotent stem cell maintenance and differentiation, 3D culture of pluripotent stem cells, various cell and molecular biological methods, flow cytometry and live-cell imaging. Finally, we are looking for applicants with a good record of peer reviewed scientific publications, grant writing skills and an interest in team work.
 
Employment Conditions:   
The position is for 2 years with a possible extension. The employment is planned to start as soon as possible or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.
The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority is 32.700-34.400 DKK/month. A supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate´s experience and qualifications. In addition, a monthly contribution of 17.1% of the salary is paid into a pension fund.
Applicants recruited from abroad are eligible for a special researcher taxation scheme. In all cases, the ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration, and thus we encourage all – regardless of their personal background and status – to apply.
For further information, contact Professor Henrik Semb, Henrik.semb@sund.ku.dk
International applicants may find the following links useful: UCHP’s international dept. ISM on http://ism.ku.dk  and Work in Denmark on https://www.workindenmark.dk
 
Application instruction:   
The application must be submitted online and in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below.
 
The closing date for applications is 23.59pm, 22th January 2018.   
The application must include:
  • Cover letter detailing the basis on which the applicant scientific qualifications meet the requirements for this position.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • List of references (full address, incl. email and phone number)
  • Diplomas – all relevant certificates.
  • List of publications.

Application procedure:

 After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on his/her assessment. You may read about the recruitment process on http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process

DanStem and The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background.
Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organization – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

SØG STILLINGEN

Thumbs up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Categories: Careers, Education, Jobs, Research

A community approach to science communication

Posted by , on 14 December 2017

Science communication (scicomm) has become a buzz term in the current science landscape. I fully support its importance and have been a scicomm “activist” for over 6 years. My initiatives promote the enormous importance of Developmental Biology as a key discipline of the biomedical sciences (see our advocacy campaign); within this context, I put specific emphasis on the use of Drosophila as a most powerful tool to advance concepts and fundamental understanding (see our recent publication).

Defining scicomm and its many different facets is not easy. In my interpretation, it means establishing dialogue (in a variety of modalities) between practicing scientists (called “scientists” from now on) and a wide range of target groups to resolve reciprocal misconceptions, learn from one another and achieve mutual benefit.

Direct engagement of scientists with the wider public is usually done at science fairs, school visits, public presentations, etc. Many of these activities tend to be short-lived one-offs that reach a limited amount of people and, at first glance, may appear to be relatively low on ‘impact.’ However, there are opportunities if we open up to dialogue! Genuine engagement with pupils, teachers or visitors at a science fair can be a sobering exercise: the responses you receive make absolutely clear, what topics and arguments come across, excite and are perceived as being important – and it is the “thumbs down” responses which should make us think about our own science! To put it bluntly: if you cannot explain your science and its importance, you either have not thought hard enough and need to refine your explanations, or you are doing the wrong thing and should consider changes in your research direction! If we use scicomm in this way, it will help to align our science with the wider society in the long term; this can be taken even a step further through citizenscience and other forms of actively involving the public in our research. Furthermore, it will provide the refined explanations and elevator pitches with which to advocate our science and engage with journalists to achieve improved and helpful press outlets. Even more, they provide profound rationales and simple narratives that will be as powerful when presenting our own science in grant applications, talks and publications.

Important aspects of scicomm lie in the hands of journalists or teachers. Scientists tend to have little influence on article or school lesson contents, although journalists reach audiences in their millions, and students at schools are the potential future scientists and will constitute and shape the future society which we would wish to embrace science. To engage in true dialogue ….

To read the full content, please see the original publication of this post on PLoS blogs.

Thumbs up (1 votes)
Loading...

Tags: , , , , ,
Categories: Outreach

FASEB 2017 BioArt Winners

Posted by , on 13 December 2017

Here at the Node we are always on the lookout for beautiful developmental biology images and videos, and love our science art (see here, here, here, here and here!).

So we were excited to hear FASEB announce the winners of their 2017 BioArt competition.  As well as gorgeous images (see below) there was this wonderful video – the first 24 hours of embryo development in 9 animal species. I’d recommend full screen HD/4K for full embryonic immersion!

 

 

The video was made by Tessa Montague and Zuzka Vavrušová during the 2017 MBL Embryology Course and show, from left to right:

1. Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

2. Sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus)

3. Black widow spider (Latrodectus)

4. Tardigrade (Hypsibius dujardini)

5. Sea squirt (Ciona intestinalis)

6. Comb jelly (Ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi)

7. Parchment tube worm (Chaetopterus variopedatus)

8. Roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans)

9. Slipper snail (Crepidula fornicata)

 

It’s a wonderful piece of comparative embryology, maybe one for all introductory developmental biology courses! And look what they turn in to:

 

Image cobbled together in house. All images from Wikipedia, aside from the Chaetopterus and Crepidula that come from the always useful World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) site

 

Here’s a gallery featuring the  development-y winning images (click for more info):

 

 

Congratulations to the winners!

Find out much more here:

http://www.faseb.org/Resources-for-the-Public/Scientific-Contests/BioArt/Past-Winners/2017-BioArt-Winners.aspx

Thumbs up (3 votes)
Loading...

Tags: , ,
Categories: Science Art

From stem cells to human development: registration now open!

Posted by , on 12 December 2017

 

Development is delighted to announce the third in our highly successful series of events focussing on human developmental biology. Since the initiation of this series, in 2014, we have witnessed huge progress in this field, with more and more researchers turning to stem cell and organoid systems to investigate development and organogenesis in vitro, as well as increased analysis of human embryos and tissues to understand how these processes occur in vivo. Technological advances such as genome editing, single cell sequencing and improvements in tissue engineering now allow us to delve more deeply into the conserved and divergent processes underlying human development. Such knowledge is essential to underpin translational research into developmental disorders and to develop cell and tissue therapies.

This meeting brings together researchers working on a diverse set of questions, united by  common challenges associated with working with human cells and tissues, and by a common goal to understand the similarities and differences between human development and that of other species. As well as talks from invited speakers and selected delegates, the meeting will also include a discussion session on the ethical and legal challenges of working with early human embryos, cells and organoid cultures – and how we as a community should address these.

 

Registration is open now!

Deadline 22/06/18

 

Find out more here:

www.biologists.com/meetings/from-stem-cells-to-human-development-september-2018/

 

Thumbs up (2 votes)
Loading...

Tags: , , , ,
Categories: News

PHD STUDENTSHIP: NEURO-EVO-DEVO

Posted by , on 11 December 2017

Closing Date: 15 March 2021

We invite applications for a funded PhD position in the Department of Zoology in Central Cambridge on Downing Street with Dr Stephen Montgomery’s research group.

Project title:

Developmental basis of mushroom body expansion in Heliconius butterflies

Project summary:
Mushroom bodies (MBs) are the most enigmatic structures in the insect brain. They have ‘higher order’ functions, integrating sensory information and storing memories of past experience. MBs share a conserved ground plan, but their size and structure varies extensively across species. MB volume in Heliconius butterflies are among the highest across insects, 3-4 times larger than typical for Lepidoptera, including their most closely related genera in the wider tribe of Heliconiini. This provides a novel system for investigating the developmental mechanisms that control neural proliferation and brain component size. However, nothing is known about the developmental changes that have produced such a dramatic expansion.

What the student will be doing:
The project will involve core laboratory, microscopy and neuroanatomical techniques, insect rearing and experimental manipulation. You will construct the first time course of Heliconius brain development, from late larvae through pupation to adulthood. Using immunocytochemistry and confocal imaging you will determine key properties of MB growth trajectories, providing a template for developing hypotheses of when and how MB development in Heliconius diverged from related genera.
By adopting an evo-devo approach you will then conduct a series of comparative studies across Heliconiini to assess how increases in neuron number are produced, considering four potential mechanisms: i) an increase in the number of neural progenitor cells, ii) accelerated cell-cycle rates during neurogenesis, iii) an extension in the overall duration of neurogenesis including the possibility of adult neurogenesis, iv) reduced or delayed patterns of apoptosis among neural progenitor cells.
Finally, once key periods of developmental divergence have been identified between Heliconius and related genera, you will perform a second series of analyses to identify divergent patterns of gene regulation and expression as part of a project that aims to identify the genetic basis of MB expansion.
Some field/insectary work in Panama may be necessary/desirable. The studentship is funded by the European Research Council for 3.5 years. A student stipend of £14,553 per annum, and tuition fees will be offered to a successful candidate.

FUNDING: The studentship is funded by the European Research Council for 3.5 years. A student stipend of £14,553 per annum, and tuition fees will be offered to a successful candidate.

FURTHER INFORMATION: https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/phd-and-mphil-studentships/developmental-basis-of-mushroom-body-expansion-in-heliconius-butterflies

APPLICATION DETAILS: Formal applications are welcome until 27th April via the graduate admissions webpage: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/how-do-i-apply

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early May and a decision will be made soon after. Informal enquiries to shm37@cam.ac.uk are welcome. For more details see: https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

RESEARCH GROUP: http://www.shmontgomery.co.uk

Thumbs up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Categories: Careers, Funding, Jobs, Research

How to win a conference prize

Posted by , on 11 December 2017

Or, at least, produce nice posters while trying.

Students on average author 1-3 papers and produce at least three times that many conference posters***. At large meetings, such as the ASCB, thousands of posters are presented each year. While presenting posters is popular, posters sessions evoke mixed feelings: they are often late in the evening, interrupted by special workshops, held in badly lit rooms far away from the bar, and many posters are sub-par: they are crammed with details and text in small font, and presenters elaborate in great detail. Experienced conference attendees therefore excel in the brief scanning of the title while avoiding eye contact with the presenter for fear of being entangled in a never-ending run-down of experimental details.

While we can’t influence the conference organization, we can absolutely and with little effort improve the posters! Based on my survey data, I compiled the top ten tips to improve your poster:

  1. Legible title

Make the title and your name readable from afar. This means, not too many words per title, maybe 6 to 10, in a legible font – Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Calibri or similar. Refrain also from All caps as it becomes hard to read after a few words. – If you love all caps, why not try Small Caps with capitalization instead.

  1. Avoid abbreviations

Ideally no abbreviations in the title and as few as possible in the poster content. Only few abbreviations are so common that they became words themselves: DNA, RNA, some gene and protein names. You don’t want to turn audience away with jargon, and remember, even specialist’s conferences are attended by editors, journalists, and newcomers in the field – be welcoming to them all!

  1. Not too much text

We read maximally 100-200 words per minute – but in posters, with scientific data, terms, and charts our reading speed will be significantly decreased. Keep that in mind – I personally am more convinced by a figure than by you explaining and interpreting it.

  1. Clear section layout

Start at the top left and end at the bottom right. This is how we read text, and also posters! Alternative: arrange your content in 2-3 columns, similar to an article – make sure the columns are clear by leaving enough white space surrounding them! Please refrain from unconventional layouts – the chances are high that it will confuse your readers!

  1. Figure titles instead of legends

This is easy – try moving the figure legend above the image/chart, instead of showing it below as you would in a paper. Right away, this gives you a header for that section! Explanations of the color code, which are critical to understand a figure, can be sub-headers!

legend_to_title-01

  1. Consistent color code

Absolutely keep the color code consistent across all figures! Nothing kills more time than figuring out the color code of each individual chart! Please, if your main experiment/mutant/condition is shown in “red” in the first figure, do not deviate from this in the next figure! And, of course, be color-blind friendly (no mixing red and green!)

Color_code

  1. Simple pictures and charts.

There is likely fascinating detail in your data, but not everyone wants to know all of it during a poster session. Therefore, please consider removing unnecessary details from your graphs! (Also: avoid 3D, no bar charts for distributions (#BarBarCharts) and avoid unconventional graph-types: it’s already unlikely people understand them in a paper, and less likely they feel like deciphering them in a poster session.

  1. Poster-Etiquette: Have the elevator speech ready!

Give your audience a polite overview in 2-3 minutes that includes the big picture and key finding, but leave out experimental details. If they are interested in more, they will ask! (Also, it is convenient to have this 2-minute blurb ready in case you accidentally bump into the heroine/hero of your field in the coffee line, instead of at the poster session!)

  1. Rehearse whenever you can!

Find 10 volunteers, not necessarily your supervisor only, to test out your 2-minute presentation; while in the lunch line, when waiting for a measurement to finish, or when cleaning the bench.

  1. Tricks are allowed.

To get people interested in your poster, you can use tricks. Have handouts ready to take home, bring a laptop to show movies, I’ve seen people hand out sweets, and know someone that served beers – everything is allowed when trying to convince people to read your poster!

 

Further reading:

A really nice paper on how to give a poster presentation is here: “Producing punchy posters” by Bernard S. Brown, in Trends in Cell biology, Vol. 6, 1996. He mainly deals with text, and less with figures, but has been helpful for me for 20 years!

 

*** my unpublished survey results.

Thumbs up (5 votes)
Loading...

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories: Education, Images, Outreach, Resources