The Ethics Session at the Company of Biologists “From Stem Cells to Human Development” workshop

Last September the Company Of Biologists organized an exciting three-day dive into the biology of human stem cells and their use to study human development and regeneration (look out for the full meeting report in Development, coming soon, and Katherine Brown’s post on the Node). Some of the scientific work presented at the meeting was extremely compelling. With the induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) technology that allows the generation of human stem cells from somatic cells without destroying an embryo, experiments that were confined to science fiction not so long ago are now being carried out rather routinely in labs. For example, in Dr Nakauchi’s lab rat organs are grown in mice and vice-versa, the ultimate goal being to grow human organs in large vertebrates such as pigs to transplant them into patients requiring organ transplants. But such ground-breaking work challenges our current biological and moral definitions. Is it ethical to break the species barrier? Do human/non-human animal chimeras blur the distinction between humans and animals? How does that affect human dignity and the dignity of other species? This pioneering line of research also challenges our regulatory codes. As the 2006 and 2008 ISSCR’s guidelines for stem cell use are both currently being revised, it would seem particularly timely to think about what comes next in terms of regulations to accommodate these new technical and conceptual advances. What particular techniques and topics require our attention? Can we foresee what these new techniques will allow us to do and how to leave room in the regulations for that?

To discuss the ethical questions surrounding this emerging field, Dr Hermeren and Dr Hyun held a very interactive session entitled “Ethical Aspects of Stem Cell Research”, chaired by Dr Austin Smith. In this piece, I will try to convey some of the points of debate that arose from the speaker’s presentations, the stories shared by the panel and the questions from the audience.

One of the points that raised particular attention was crossing the species barrier, especially in light of the fascinating work conducted by Dr Nakauchi, who joined the discussion panel during the session. Another example is the work of Dr Goldman, who engrafted human glial progenitors in mice, altering their cognitive ability. What is the status of such humanized chimeric animals? As Dr Hyun appropriately put it: if we build a gas station with stones from a cathedral, does it make it a cathedral? Is there a distinction between biological humanization and moral humanization? How does that alter animal welfare? What are the biological and moral significance of the presence of animal cells in human organs grown in non-human hosts if transplanted back to a patient?

Related to Dr Nakauchi’s work, a question from the audience sparked a very interesting discussion: how is his research perceived by the general public in Japan? He explained that at first, the experiments he was carrying out in his lab, namely generating cross-species chimeras in the hope of growing human organs in large mammals, were regarded with circumspection. Then, he started communicating his research to the general public and explaining the ultimate goal: generating human organs using the patient’s own cells to compensate for the shortcomings of organ donations and allow organ transplants without the need of immunosuppressive therapy. Communication really changed the public’s perception of his experiments for the better. After a few questions and answers, a consensus arose in both the audience and the panel: it is crucial to actively communicate, not merely react, about the new lines of research involving human stem cells, in order to make the public appreciate their use and dissipate misconceptions.

Another point raised during the discussion with the speakers was the availability of human embryos. Dr Rossant, also part of the panel, explained during her research presentation that early human development is mainly studied with embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, these embryos are not an ideal material since they have exclusively seen an in vitro environment. It was therefore discussed whether we should consider creating human embryos exclusively for research use. Also, for how long should these embryos be allowed to grow in vitro? Current regulations allow a period of 14 days but this significantly restricts the developmental stages that can be studied. This also brings more basic questions such as the real definition of an embryo both morally and biologically.

Another novel ethical question that arises with iPSCs is informed consent from the patient. Numerous tissue banks have been created over the years, many before it was even imaginable to create human stem cells from somatic cells. Patients gave up their rights on surgical discards that can now be used to create an immortal embryonic cell line that co-exists with the patient. Those embryonic cells could one day, and maybe not so far ahead in the future, be used to generate an organ or another human being carrying the same genetic information. Who is then the study subject? The patient? The immortalized cell line that carries his/her genome? It is also interesting to think about the rights of the donor. Could he/she forbid the use of the tissue he/she consented to give for the generation of an iPSC line? Furthermore, with the refinement and wider use of whole genomic studies, how to proceed when pathological genetic mutations are found in patients-derived cell lines? Should the donor be informed?

All the new ethical questions discussed above relate to how research on human stem cells is perceived and regulated from the outside. However, there is a more internal aspect to this ground-breaking research: how can researchers keep this line of work ethical? What is research integrity? In the light of recent reports of fraudulent research involving stem cells (most notably the STAP matter), it seems timely to reflect on what is good research practice and how common are the deviations. Why are researchers tempted to deviate? What really constitutes fraud? On that topic, Katherine Brown, Development’s executive editor, was asked about what exactly constitutes plagiarism: is reproducing our own published work plagiarism? What happens when there is only limited ways to describe a method?

From this meeting, it was compelling to see that the use of human stem cells has emerged as an incredibly powerful tool to study human development and human regeneration. Hence, ethics sessions where researchers, regulators and publishers can discuss the next steps appear crucial to define how they want to conduct their research, how regulations should accompany these new technical and conceptual advances, and how to communicate to dissipate general public’s misconceptions.

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Here are the highlights from the new issue of Development:

Two top tips for angiogenesis

The widely accepted model of angiogenic sprouting proposes that a single cell – the tip cell – is found at the leading edge of vessel sprouts. Now, Victoria Bautch and colleagues describe an alternative blood vessel topology in which multiple endothelial cells (ECs) constitute the tip of sprouting blood vessels and polarize to promote lumen formation (p. 4121). By mosaically labelling ECs in both in vitro and in vivoangiogenesis assays, the researchers first demonstrate that sprouts often contain two cells at their tips, and that both cells extend filopodia. Live imaging studies show that, as reported previously, these tip cells switch positions, but the cell-cell overlap is largely maintained throughout switching. The researchers further report that tip cells polarize along their longitudinal cell-cell border; this border is characterized by apical polarity markers and is the site of lumen formation. Finally, the authors show that the loss of an atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoform disrupts EC overlap and lumen formation, highlighting a role for aPKC in angiogenic sprouting. Together, these observations suggest that the paradigm of a single cell at the tip of developing blood vessels requires revision.

Fat body shapes up the trachea

Development of the Drosophila tracheal system – the fly respiratory network – is known to require the chitin deacetylase serpentine (Serp), which is expressed in tracheal epithelial cells. Here, Shigeo Hayashi and co-workers show that Serp derived from the Drosophila fat body, which is functionally equivalent to the mammalian liver, is transported to the tracheal lumen and is required for tube morphogenesis (p. 4104). They first show that Serp is expressed in the fat body and that Serp levels accumulate in fat bodies of the rab9 and shrub vesicle trafficking mutants. By contrast, Serp levels in the tracheal lumen of these mutants are reduced, suggesting that Serp is secreted into the haemolymph and is taken up by tracheal cells. Importantly, the researchers show that fat body-derived Serp is able to rescue the tracheal defects observed in serp mutants. These studies suggest that Serp should be added to the expanding repertoire of proteins that the fat body supplies to other organs and highlight the role of the fat body in regulating the development of other organs.

Nf2: guiding axons across the midline

The cerebral hemispheres are connected by the largest axonal tract in the mammalian brain: the corpus callosum (CC). During CC development, axons from one hemisphere navigate across the midline, channelled along their way by guidepost cells that secrete guidance cues, to reach specific targets on the other hemisphere. Neurofibromatosis type 2 (Nf2/Merlin) mouse mutants show a complete absence of the CC but how Nf2, a signalling protein involved in various cellular processes and signalling pathways, controls axonal pathfinding is currently unclear. Using Nf2-conditional knockout mouse models, Xinwei Cao and colleagues show that, surprisingly, Nf2 is not required in callosal neurons or their progenitors but is required in midline neural progenitors that generate guidepost cells (see p. 4182). The authors reveal that Nf2 controls guidepost development and the expression of Slit2, a major signalling cue secreted by guidepost cells, through the suppression of YAP, an effector of the Hippo pathway. These findings represent an exciting step forward in the molecular understanding of midline formation and brain wiring, as well as uncovering an intriguing previously undescribed function for the Hippo pathway.

Getting to the heart of slow conducting cardiomyocytes

During a heart beat, an electrical impulse leads to the contraction of the upper part of the heart: the atria. The electrical impulse slows down through the atrioventricular junction (AVJ) before resuming rapid propagation to induce contraction of the lower part of the heart: the ventricles. This contraction delay, combined with the presence of cardiac valves, is crucial for unidirectional blood flow in the heart and is altered in various heart diseases. How is this slow conducting property established and restricted to the AVJ? On p.4149, Takashi Mikawa and colleagues discover that, contrary to the current hypothesis, the AVJ does not maintain juvenile slow conduction; instead, AVJ conduction velocity is plastic and determined by its proximity to the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart). They further show that the cardiac jelly (an extracellular martix-rich deposit that accumulates during valve formation) acts as a crucial physical barrier separating the AVJ from endocardial signals that induce a fast conduction phenotype. The authors thus uncover an exciting mechanism whereby valve formation and the delay in chamber contraction are developmentally linked, and open new perspectives for understanding heart development and congenital diseases.

PLUS…

Development of the cerebellum: simple steps to make a ‘little brain’

The cerebellum is a pre-eminent model for the study of neurogenesis and circuit assembly. In recent years, our understanding of cerebellar growth has undergone major recalibration, and insights from a variety of species have contributed to an increasingly rich picture of how this system develops. Here, Thomas Butts, Mary Green and Richard Wingate review these advances. See the Review on p. 4031

Making designer mutants in model organisms

Recent advances in the targeted modification of eukaryotic genomes have unlocked a new era of genome engineering. From pioneering work using zinc-finger nucleases, to the advent of TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 systems, we now possess the ability to analyze developmental processes using sophisticated genetic tools. Here, Stephen Ekker and colleagues summarize the common approaches and applications of these still-evolving tools. See the Review on p. 4042

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A postdoctoral research position is available in the Hilton Laboratory within the Duke Orthopaedic Cellular, Developmental, and Genome Laboratories at Duke University School of Medicine. The primary research focus of this position will utilize novel mouse genetic and surgical models to study  skeletal development, disease, and repair/regeneration with a particular emphasis on identifying underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to normal skeletal development and repair processes or the pathogenesis of disease. One of the major focuses of the Hilton Lab is to utilize conditional (Cre/LoxP) mutant and transgenic mouse models coupled with primary cell culture and biochemistry to understand the contributions of various signaling pathways to the development and maintenance of the growth plate and joint cartilages, as well as, to normal fracture repair and bone regneration. Successful candidates will have recently obtained a PhD degree with a strong background in molecular, cellular, or developmental biology. Detailed knowledge of signaling pathways and prior experience with transgenic and “knock-out” mouse models and/or skeletal biology is preferred. Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references.

Send applications to:

Matthew J. Hilton, PhD

matthew.hilton@dm.duke.edu

Visit the laboratory at:

www.thehiltonlab.com

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Every year we give you a chance to choose from sets of beautiful images taken by the students at the MBL Woods Hole embryology course. The most voted image then features in the cover of Development. The images from Woods Hole are always beautiful, and to showcase them last year we produced a set of four Node postcards featuring some of these images. The Node postcards were very popular, and many of you collected them in our stand at conferences. Following their success we decide to release a new set of Node postcards featuring Woods Hole images. And here they are!

The colourful postcards show a annelid (credit: E. Zattara), a mouse skeletal preparation (credit: S.Jones), a limpet embryo (credit: J.Petersen and R.Miller) and a snake (credit: J.Hines and N.Peters).

Look out for the new Node postcards in the Company of Biologists stand at various conferences in the coming year!

 The Node postcards wall of fame!

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The eggs of domestic birds have been used in the study of developmental biology, leading to the extensive accumulation of knowledge on embryonic development. However, the early events involved in bird development, particularly the mechanism underlying fertilization, have not been elucidated in as much detail as those of other species of animals. The ooplasm in avian eggs is opaque, which makes it difficult to manipulate in vitro for artificial fertilization systems such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Furthermore, a hen must be sacrificed to obtain a single egg due to the difficulties associated with the constant induction of multiple ovulations.

In our previous study published in Biology of Reproduction (69:1651-1657, 2003), ‘‘Fertilization and development of quail oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm’’, we successfully established the first avian ICSI system; however, live chicks had never been produced until recently. Although fertilization in birds is polyspermic, namely the entry of many sperm (approximately 60 in chickens) is permitted but only one sperm nucleus participates in zygotic formation with the female pronucleus, the single ejaculated sperm of a quail or chicken was capable of activating the egg for the fertilization process and subsequent blastoderm development 24 hr after ICSI. However, the rate at which the blastoderm developed (16%) was limited, and did not go beyond blastoderm stage X even when the period of cultivation of quail embryos was extended to 72 hr after ICSI. We could not determine why fertility was low even though a single chicken or quail sperm was able to effectively activate the mouse egg. I subsequently joined Shizuoka University in 2011, and the research performed there revealed that the rate of pronuclear formation in quail ICSI-eggs was very low, and also that first cleavage of the ICSI-egg took 1.5 hours longer than that with in vivo fertilization. However, the rate of pronuclear formation increased when the egg was injected with a single sperm in combination with calcium chloride or strontium chloride. These findings prompted us to speculate that a single quail sperm may not be sufficient to induce increases in Ca²⁺ concentrations in the egg cytoplasm for the pronuclear formation of quail eggs. Polyspermy may play a pivotal role as a Ca²⁺source in egg activation.

I was fortunate to meet with Drs. Inaba and Shiba in the University of Tsukuba, who are experts on Ca²⁺ imaging analysis, and collaborated with them to image increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations in the quail ooplasm. At that time, I successfully produced the first live quail chick by ICSI with sperm extracts (SE). This baby was named ‘‘Megumi’’, which means “The grace of God” in Japanese. The delayed cleavage of ICSI-eggs was prevented by microinjecting 2 ng SE (equivalent to 200 sperm) and the embryo underwent normal development beyond stage X at a high rate. The microinjection of 2 ng SE into quail egg evoked two phases of Ca²⁺ changes; multiple, long-lasting spiral-like Ca²⁺ waves that followed an initial transient increase in Ca²⁺ concentrations (See Fig), which have never been demonstrated in other species. By the end of 2012, I had finished a pilot study involving biochemical analyses to identify the sperm-derived egg-activating factors (sperm factors) that triggered these spiral-like Ca²⁺ oscillations. Phospholipase Czeta (PLCZ) was easily determined to be an inducer of transient increases in Ca²⁺ concentrations. However, difficulties were associated with identifying the sperm factors that induced spiral-like Ca²⁺ oscillations because a single microinjection of each candidate factor failed to evoke these oscillations. We unintentionally discovered that a simultaneous injection of aconitate hydratase (AH) and citrate synthase (CS) induced spiral-like Ca²⁺ oscillations, similar to those caused by the injection of SE.

Megumi and her offspring

Regarding the functions of the two characteristic increases in Ca²⁺ concentrations in quail fertilization, PLCZ-induced transient increases in Ca²⁺ concentrations were found to be necessary for the resumption of meiosis, similar to that in mammals, whereas spiral-like Ca²⁺ oscillations alone did not complete the fertilization process. However, the microinjection of neither PLCZ cRNA alone nor AH and CS cRNAs induced the normal development of ICSI-derived zygotes, whereas the simultaneous injections of these 3 factors enabled them to hatch. Therefore, AH and CS-generated Ca²⁺ signaling suggests a novel role for fertilization cellular event independent of PLCZ-induced Ca²⁺ signaling in birds. Spiral-like Ca²⁺ oscillations may function as the major driving force for cell cycle progression in early embryos. However, it has not yet been determined how they enhance the development of the early embryo.

It is our hope that the successful production of healthy chicks after ICSI will lead to significant advances in the introduction of genes into birds as well as cloning technology. ICSI–mediated gene transfer would not only streamline the procedure, but also overcome the low efficiency of avian transgenesis by conventional techniques such as the production of germline chimera. In addition, the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques, in combination with 3 sperm factors, should contribute to the protection of endangered species as well as restoration of extinct species.

Mizushima, S., Hiyama, G., Shiba, K., Inaba, K., Dohra, H., Ono, T., Shimada, K., & Sasanami, T. (2014). The birth of quail chicks after intracytoplasmic sperm injection Development, 141 (19), 3799-3806 DOI: 10.1242/dev.111765

(6 votes)

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“In scientific thinking are always present elements of poetry. Science and music requires a thought homogeneous.” ~Albert Einstein.

This year the biannual Zebrafish meeting started out in the best possible fashion, combining music with science. The exceptionally talented organist Dr. Graham Lieschke performed three pieces composed by Bach, and Overture Hall never sounded better! Having a musical background myself, I was enthralled. Not to mention such a beautiful set of pipes deserves to be showcased. It was blissful.

I do hope this is repeated in the future! But getting back to the meeting.

Every two years the Zebrafish community descends upon Madison, WI to discuss the recent advances in the field, new technologies pertinent to our model system, and just catch up with old friends. This year was no different. Being my third Madison meeting, plus one international zebrafish meeting, I have a lot of friends to catch up with. It is especially great seeing grad student friends who are now postdocs, and postdoc friends who have moved on to start their own labs. Some friends I only see at this meeting, as they have moved to other countries.

Here are some of the current and former Vanderbilt folks, catching up between sessions!

One thing that strikes me every time I attend this meeting is the vast array of biological systems that researchers are using zebrafish to study. Originally established as a model to study development, zebrafish are also well adapted for many other areas of study including cancer and growth control, neural degeneration, genetics and genomics, signaling and gene regulation, chemical biology, and behavior. There is never a problem finding something of interest. In fact, I often wanted to be in two places at the same time! Being in the field of neurodevelopment, I had lots of options, from sessions on neural degeneration, regeneration and disease; neural circuits, neurophysiology and behavior; and neural development, just to name a few. While the sessions tended to be organized by subject, the workshops were more technique based that could be utilized by many research areas. These techniques ranged from genome editing and lineage tracing to neural and vascular imaging to maternally controlled development and post embryonic development.

This year we had two Keynote Speakers, Dr. Sarah Tishkoff and Dr. John Postlethwait. Dr. Tishkoff spoke about her work studying human genetic variation in Africa using genome-scale genetic variation analyses conducted across diverse African populations. Also using genome analysis, Dr. Postlethwait uses Teleost fish as a model for understanding vertebrate development and disease by determining the origin of genes and gene families across Teleost species. In addition to these renowned researchers, there were also five plenary sessions running the gamut from imaging, genetics and genomics, to physiology and disease, to morphogenesis and organogenesis.

Each year I most look forward to learning about the latest and coolest technologies emerging in the field, and especially for me, the advances in imaging technologies. Zebrafish are so well suited for imaging studies and I can always count on a session/workshop or two at these meetings discussing the recent advances, complemented by beautiful timelapse movies. Of particular interest to me this year was the Workshop “Emerging Technologies in Neural Circuit Analysis” organized by Filippo del Bene and Marnie Halpren. Here several prominent researchers were invited to speak on new advances using transgenic tools to correlate neural activity to behavior and the some of the challenges that remain. Some of these new tools include optogenetic probes, genetically encoded voltage and calcium indicators, and new and interesting behavioral models. The use of zebrafish for behavioral studies is increasing and Erik Duboué discussed means to quantify the response of zebrafish larva to aversive stimuli. Additionally, Kurt Marsden uses a head-restrained method to map neural circuits activated during the startle response. Two esteemed researchers from Janelia Farm spoke on imaging neural activity; Douglas Kim discussed the optimization of fluorescent probes while Misha Ahrens described his research using calcium indicators to create functional maps of the entire fish brain. Other researchers also use adult zebrafish, including Hitoshi Okamoto who utilizes optogenetics, and has generated a plethora of valuable transgenic lines, and Koichi Kawakami who uses the Gal4-UAS system to genetically dissect the adult brain. Other researchers are studying neural connectivity, including Claire Wyart who studies the spinal cord using Channel Rhodospin and Alex Schier who discussed an immunohistochemical approach to study neural activity. Finally, other exciting techniques involve manipulating the activity of the neural circuit, as discussed by Harold Burgess who uses transgenic tools, and David Prober who uses TRP channels to ablate or activate specific neurons. One element I especially appreciated from this workshop was the extended question and answer time following the presentations.

Another really neat element of this year’s meeting was seeing the use of new technologies leading to great research! Two years ago the relatively new technology of genome editing via TALENs was the “it” topic of the fish meeting. Everyone was either already trying it, or going to. Every poster presenter who used the traditional morpholino approach was asked if they had considered TALENs, and entire workshops and sessions were devoted to discussing the new technology, alternative approaches, and troubleshooting some of the difficulties. This year it was great to see new data based on TALEN induced mutants! Just a wonderful example of the zebrafish community at large embracing and sharing a new technique which leads to the advancement of research across biological disciplines.

As it’s become the tradition, the last night of the meeting involves dinner on the waterfront Memorial Union Terrace with live music from Terrace After Dark, the past two meetings this has been Natty Nation. The waterfront area is perfectly setup to not only mingle with other conference attendees, but also get a local flavor with plenty of outdoor seating and an awesome view of the sunset over the water.

These festivities were followed by DJ Mike Carlson for a conference party, where everyone from PIs to graduate students can get their groove on. Overall, it’s just a great time to hang out with fellow researchers, enjoy the view, and just have some fun, as it has been for many many years. Although the next US zebrafish meeting is slated to occur in Orlando with a joint GSA model system meeting and I do not know the locational fate after that, I do know that Madison will always have a warm spot in the zebrafish community’s heart.

(2 votes)

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The Wythe Lab at Baylor College of Medicine favors a cross disciplinary approach to solving key problems in cardiovascular development. Rather than wed ourselves to a singular model system or technique, we attack biological questions from multiple fronts, using gold standard genetic models-such as the mouse, cutting edge imaging techniques, genome-wide analyses, and classical biochemistry.

We have funding and are actively recruiting for people to pursue projects in multiple areas (again, from multiple angles), but are currently seeking expertise in developmental biology (zebrafish or mouse), molecular profiling methods (particularly genomics and proteomics), bioinformatics, and imaging. Our efforts center around the goal of elucidating the key transcriptional and molecular nodes that establish and maintain a functional cardiovascular system.

Baylor College of Medicine (an equal opportunity employer) is located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. The TMC is a world-class research environment, consisting of more than 40 non-profit institutions, with one of the highest densities of clinical, translational, and basic science research facilities in the world.

Please visit http://www.wythelab.com/ for more information:

If you are passionate about biology, motivated to kick butt in the lab, and interested in joining our group, please send a CV, a cover letter explaining your interest in the work of the lab and how you would fit into the group, as well as a list of three to five references and their contact information all as a single, combined PDF if possible) to joshua.wytheATbcm.edu.

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Here is October’s round-up of some of the interesting content that we spotted around the internet:

News & Research:

– Bananas, Jesus on toast and polar bear disguises- some of the 2014 IgNobel Prizes! And since then the real Nobel Prizes have also been announced, with two prizes for Biology. The prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to the discovery of the positioning system of the brain, and the Prize in Chemistry to the developers of super-resolution microscopy.

– ‘Sometimes, the brightest stars in science decide to leave’- on life outside the lab, in Nature News & Comment.

– A patient is for the first time implanted with iPS cells, in Japan- here and here.

– Nature launched a new website devoted to science software, apps and online tools.

– ‘The man who grew eyes’- a feature article on Yoshiki Sasai’s research in Mosaic.

– A movie based on the Woo Suk Hwang cloning scandal has been a success in the Korean box office.

– Can you explain your research using an infographic? The Society of Biology is running a competition! The deadline is the 5th of November.

– And you can vote for who you think should be the Stem Cell Person of the Year 2014 until the 22nd of October!

Weird & Wonderful:

– Crocket is an unusual way to determine authorship order in a paper!

– Ever wanted to 3D print a frog dissection model? One of the several models available at the NIH 3D print Exchange website!

– Explaining how science works… using cookies!

– Cute DNA plush toys… with magnets for hydrogen bonds!

– And follow the ups and downs of life in the lab with the Lego Academics twitter account!

Peer 1: Brilliant! Accept with no changes; Peer 2: Groundbreaking! Accept with no changes; Peer 3: Reject. pic.twitter.com/KbLPuT24vu

— Lego Academics (@LegoAcademics) August 12, 2014

Beautiful & Interesting images:

– Chromosome sweets

– The winners of the FASEB BioArt image competition have been announced

– Beautiful chicken embryo

Chicken embryo RT @Powerfulpixs via @embryoproject pic.twitter.com/2rokc3L0DT

— the Node (@the_Node) September 3, 2014

Videos worth watching:

– A great animation video on the New York Times illustrates the discoveries of van Leeuwenhoek and the beauty of the microbial world.

– See the winners of the Stem Cell Video contest launched by the Knoepfler lab blog

– And we spotted this great video on chick development:

 Keep up with this and other content, including all Node posts and deadlines of coming meetings and jobs, by following the Node on Twitter

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Last Friday we came across the blog of the Sauka-Spengler lab in Oxford, and noticed that their PCR machines are called Kit and Kat. This made us think- who else gives pet names to their lab equipment? We asked the twittersphere for suggestions, and collated them in the storify below. How about your lab? Share the fun names of your lab equipment by leaving a comment!

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