Shedding light on rare diseases: open data and model organisms
Why open data from model organisms is essential for rare disease research.
2023
perspectivesscience
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Molecules to Ecosystems: Jo McEntyre on data services
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Jo McEntyre talks about data services, open data and a new era for research assessment.
2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectivesperspectives
Priorities for ocean microbiome research
Science & Technology Microbial communities play essential roles in ocean ecology and planetary health. A recent publication highlights priorities for understanding and protecting ocean microbiomes.
2022
sciencescience-technology
Uncharted territories in the human genome
Science & Technology Scientists identify previously unexplored gene segments to be added to human genome databases.
2022
research-highlightssciencescience-technology
“If you want science to move forward, you have to share it”
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives EMBO Director Fiona Watt discusses preprints, data sharing, and evaluation in light of EMBL’s new Open Science policy
2022
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
EMBL-IAB collaboration on the rise
ConnectionsLab Matters The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between EMBL and the Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB) a year ago has already catalysed new grants for joint research projects related to cancer and infection biology, thereby deepening collaborative activities.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Observing the secret life of molecules inside the cell
Science & Technology EMBL Hamburg’s Kosinski Group, the Beck Laboratory at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, and colleagues at EMBL Heidelberg recorded the nuclear pore complex contracting in living cells. They visualised the movement with an unprecedented level of detail with help of new software called…
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL and Gulbenkian strengthen their scientific collaboration
ConnectionsLab Matters The agreement focuses on reinforcing the collaboration between scientists to strengthen our understanding of the organism in its environment.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Fostering diversity and equality
Lab Matters Showing a continued commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive organisation for conducting leading molecular biology research, EMBL has launched an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy.
2021
lab-matters
Solving molecular puzzles to find the perfect fit
Science & Technology Using cryo-EM and structural biology techniques, EMBL researchers have shown how two proteins of Legionella pneumophila interact. This finding sheds light on a mechanism critical to the infection process and could lead to the development of new drugs to treat pneumonia.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Darwin Tree of Life in 2021: tireless fieldwork and the first beautiful genomes
Science & Technology A look back at some of the 2021 highlights from the Darwin Tree of Life partner institutes.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Artificial intelligence — a scientific game changer in 2021
Science & Technology The systematic application of AI in life sciences as in the AlphaFold algorithm for predicting protein structures has been named '2021 Breakthrough of the Year' by Science magazine.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Denis Duboule to deliver inaugural Kafatos Lecture
EMBL Announcements EMBL alumnus Denis Duboule has been selected as the speaker for the inaugural Kafatos Lecture to take place in October 2022.
2021
alumniembl-announcements
Open science at EMBL: a transparent way of working
Lab Matters EMBL announces the release of its new Open Science Policy, contributing to positive culture change across the life sciences.
2021
lab-matters
Connecting the dots between bacterial genes around the world
Science & Technology Bork Group at EMBL Heidelberg analysed a new global gene database to study how genes emerge and spread across various habitats on our planet. In the future, the group will expand the database and use it for studying microbial gene evolution and dispersal at a finer-grained scale.
2021
sciencescience-technology
A gallery of human RNA polymerases
Science & Technology New structural biology research provides fundamental information critical to understanding enzyme mutations connected to rare diseases and cancers.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Eileen Furlong honoured with Leibniz Prize
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters EMBL Senior Scientist and Head of the Genome Biology Unit is among the researchers honoured for outstanding work by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG).
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Strengthening collaborations in France
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) signed a memorandum of understanding.
2021
connectionslab-matters
The impact of drugs on gut microbes is greater than we thought
Science & Technology Researchers studying a massive cohort of European patients have found that commonly prescribed drugs for cardiometabolic disorders can have long-term effects on the gut microbiome. Such effects can complicate the understanding of how disease affects the microbiome and must be taken into…
2021
sciencescience-technology
How structural biology helps to make RNA vaccines
Science & Technology RNA vaccines, such as the ones for COVID-19, represent a new approach in vaccine technology. Cy Jeffries, faculty staff scientist at EMBL Hamburg, explains the clever technology behind RNA vaccines, and how structural biology contributes to its development. EMBL Hamburg collaborated on several…
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL Imaging Centre launches first open call for users
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters The new EMBL Imaging Centre has announced its first open user call, and new project evaluation process and training opportunities.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Wrangling an octopus-like viral replication machine
Science & Technology EMBL structural biology is part of an international collaboration addressing zoonotic disease caused by Lassa virus.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Welcome: Niccolò Banterle
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Using gene editing and three types of microscopy, one of EMBL’s newest group leaders is deciphering the functions of one of the smallest molecules involved in cell division, motility, and signalling, known as a centriole.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Celebrating Lithuania-EMBL cooperation on life science research
Connections EMBL has taken another step towards strengthening its scientific relationship with Lithuania.
2021
connectionsevents
Welcome: Maria Zimmermann-Kogadeeva
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Maria Zimmermann-Kogadeeva is one of EMBL’s newest group leaders and a computational biologist whose research group applies computational modelling to better understand the metabolism of gut bacteria and their potential to have far-reaching impacts on other organs.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Welcome: Tudor Groza
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Tudor Groza joins EMBL-EBI as our new Phenomics Team Lead. We found out from Tudor exactly what this new role will entail
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
A holistic approach to preserving our health – and our planet’s
Connections The upcoming 22nd EMBL Science & Society Conference will explore the One Health approach, which advocates for greater cross-sectoral collaboration and communication across the human-animal-environment interface.
2021
connectionsevents
Can data help feed a hungry world?
Science & Technology How genomics, open data, and multidisciplinary science can improve food security.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Addressing the biodiversity crisis with 12,000 reptiles – or one database
Science & Technology An alumnus reflects on the reptile database he started in 1996 while at EMBL. The database helps understand biodiversity issues.
2021
alumniscience-technology
Building a 3D placenta on a chip
Lab MattersScience & Technology A new model could serve as a platform to investigate critical placenta barrier phenomena, including defence against bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Newly-launched Kafatos Lectures to bring groundbreaking science to the public
EMBL Announcements A new life sciences lecture series commemorates the legacy of former EMBL Director General Fotis Kafatos for people around the world.
2021
alumniembl-announcements
EMBL alum takes DNA sequencing to the field
Science & Technology EMBL alum Lara Urban has developed mobile DNA approaches to monitor impacts upon biodiversity in remote areas of New Zealand and elsewhere.
2021
alumniscience-technology
EMBL Imaging Centre welcomes first external user
Lab MattersScience & Technology Correlative microscopy service enables PhD student from Switzerland to study structure and location of proteins cells use to communicate.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
DUO: streamlining access to biomedical datasets
Science & Technology The GA4GH Data Use Ontology (DUO) supports a data authorisation and access framework to streamline consent to use biomedical data
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL experimental services enable European researchers to tackle global societal challenges
Lab MattersScience & Technology Independent impact review finds EMBL experimental services are ‘critical’ for research and endorses EMBL as a world-class service provider for academia and industry.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Making sense of bacterial DNA data
Science & Technology A vast, curated collection of bacterial genomes is now organised, searchable and open to the community.
2021
sciencescience-technology
New horizons for the EIPP
Lab Matters EMBL's PhD and postdoc programmes evolve to the more multidisciplinary way of doing great molecular biology research.
2021
lab-matters
EMBL Hamburg trains future generations of life scientists in using SAXS
Lab MattersScience & Technology Each year, EMBL Hamburg’s Svergun Group offers practical EMBO courses and lecture courses on biological small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The courses provide young scientists an opportunity to gain hands-on experience by measuring their own samples, and by exploring different aspects of SAXS…
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Ken Holmes
People & Perspectives Ken Holmes, outstanding pioneer of structural biology and founder of EMBL´s Hamburg site, died on 2 November 2021 at the age of 87.
2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
More than a gut reaction
Science & Technology What can sponges tell us about the evolution of the brain? Sponges have the genes involved in neuronal function in higher animals. But if sponges don’t have brains, what is the role of these? EMBL scientists imaged the sponge digestive chamber to find out.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Structure of a promiscuous protein will help scientists design better drugs
Science & Technology Scientists at EMBL Hamburg determined the molecular structure of Peptide Transporters 1 and 2. The findings will enable developing drugs that more efficiently pass from the gut to target tissues.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Welcome: Svetlana Dodonova
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Svetlana Dodonova is one of EMBL's newest group leaders, leading a team of researchers who will study how genetic material is organised inside cells using structural biology approaches.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Open data on the rise: the value of EMBL-EBI data resources
Lab MattersScience & Technology Independent study reveals that EMBL-EBI open data resources are critical for the life sciences.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Science for sustainability
ConnectionsLab Matters The engagement of US and European Big Science facilities
2021
connectionslab-matters
Genomic sequencing to strengthen biodiversity
Science & Technology The Darwin Tree of Life project is an unprecedented initiative sequencing 70,000 species
2021
sciencescience-technology
Harnessing the microbiome to improve meat production
Science & Technology International project uses biomolecular data to improve animal feed and make meat production more sustainable
2021
sciencescience-technology
Novel enzymes for a Green Economy
Science & Technology Using metagenomic data to find novel enzymes for plastic degradation and beyond
2021
sciencescience-technology
Life sciences have key role in developing climate change solutions
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL attends COP26 to argue for strategy to involve molecular biology in the Green Recovery
2021
connectionslab-matters
Biophysics analysis made easy with an online tool
Science & Technology EMBL Hamburg’s Sample Preparation and Characterisation (SPC) Facility has released eSPC, an online platform for analysing data from biophysical experiments. The platform enables the scientific community to analyse data from different experiments without the need to travel.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Analysis and sorting with flow cytometry
Lab MattersScience & Technology A technology around since the ‘60s, flow cytometry has increasing applications. New leadership at EMBL’s flow cytometry facilities is looking to ease use, expand training, and encourage more collaboration.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
EMBL reinforces collaboration with Belgian scientific community
Connections EMBL has held a joint workshop with the Belgian Science Policy Office, BELSPO, underlining their long-standing collaboration and commitment to future cooperation.
2021
connectionsevents
BY-COVID – a new EU project for pandemic preparedness
Science & Technology The BY-COVID project aims to make infectious disease data, including COVID-19, openly available to everyone.
2021
sciencescience-technology
CRyPTIC: cataloguing drug resistance mutations in M. tuberculosis
Science & Technology Profiling M. tuberculosis strains from 27 countries to reveal causes of drug resistance.
2021
sciencescience-technology
The human genome, data sharing, and drug discovery: a career profile with Ian Dunham
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Ian Dunham walks us through his career so far including working on the human genome project, seeing his work on the cover of Nature and his current role as Director of Open Targets.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Characterising protein phosphosite function at scale
Science & Technology Researchers develop a new high-throughput approach to assess the functional significance of protein phosphosites.
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL DG joins National Academy of Medicine
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters Professor Edith Heard is among new members elected to US National Academy of Medicine
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
How herpes seizes proteins’ means of production
Science & Technology The Graham and Crump groups at the University of Cambridge and the Svergun Group at EMBL Hamburg have discovered a mechanism by which the herpes simplex virus takes control of the molecular machinery of human cells. Their work reveals how a dedicated viral protein hijacks key host proteins, forcing…
2021
sciencescience-technology
Genomic tracking of the COVID-19 pandemic in England
Science & Technology Largest in-depth analysis of genomic data tracks the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in England.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Tackling the collateral damage from antibiotics
Science & Technology Researchers from EMBL’s Typas group and collaborators have analysed the effects of 144 antibiotics on the wellbeing of gut microbes. The study improves our understanding of antibiotics’ side effects and suggests a new approach to mitigating the adverse effects of antibiotics therapy on gut…
2021
sciencescience-technology
When ‘good’ cells go ‘bad’
Science & Technology If researchers can identify specifically when good cells go bad, they can potentially understand disease better.
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL and Ifremer cooperate to advance ocean sciences
ConnectionsLab Matters The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding to support scientific cooperation in the exploration of coastal and oceanic ecosystems.
2021
connectionslab-matters
EMBL welcomes young scientists
Lab Matters This autumn, students begin their PhD in research groups across EMBL’s six sites.
2021
lab-matters
Six Ways to Protect the Planet Against Pandemics*
Science & Technology EMBL will host a conference to look at the state of the pandemic, lessons learned, and ways to improve pandemic preparedness. Here’s a sneak peek into what promises to be another interesting and informative EMBL conference.
2021
eventsscience-technology
From creating new antimicrobials to combating Alzheimer’s disease
Science & Technology Structural biology provides insights into the diverse functions of fibrous protein in humans, amphibians, and bacteria.
2021
sciencescience-technology
A cellular atlas of an entire worm
Science & Technology EMBL scientists and colleagues have developed an interactive atlas of the entire marine worm Platynereis dumerilii in its larval stage. The PlatyBrowser resource combines high-resolution gene expression data with volume electron microscopy images.
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL strengthens links with Estonia
ConnectionsLab Matters A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between EMBL and the University of Tartu, a leading centre of research and training. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between EMBL and the life science research community in Estonia.
2021
connectionslab-matters
New microscopy technique makes deep in vivo brain imaging possible
Science & Technology Scientists in EMBL’s Prevedel Group have developed a pioneering microscopy technique that allows researchers to observe cells hidden within opaque tissues, such as live neurons embedded deep in the brain.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Transferable skills
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives In the lab, Diënty Hazenbrink works with microbes that live in our guts. In her free time, she enjoys wildlife photography. A shared set of skills facilitates both activities.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Celebrating Hungary-EMBL collaborations for life sciences research
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and Hungarian research institutes will collaborate to address urgent biological and environmental challenges.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Proteins, art and seeing the world through a new lens
Lab Matters Hundreds of school children explore the beauty of proteins through art
2021
lab-matters
The secret life of baby octopuses
Science & Technology Some of the most amazing creatures live in the deep blue sea. The Mesoscopic Imaging Facility (MIF) at EMBL Barcelona was recently involved in studying one unique feature of the octopus: the ephemeral structures on the surface of their skin called Kölliker’s organs.
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL and Helmholtz Health join forces
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and Helmholtz Association have signed a memorandum of understanding. The expanded collaboration of both institutions will focus on research related to health.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Organoids and machine learning: image analysis software developed during lockdown
Science & Technology MOrgAna is an open source, user-friendly, modular software that is able to analyse organoids with machine learning.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Vision unveiled: new roles for the retina in visual processing
Science & Technology EMBL scientists have found evidence of an unexpected role for retinal cells in pre-processing visual information; their results provide potential opportunity for future prosthetic visual aids.
2021
research-highlightssciencescience-technology
3D-Beacons Network: protein structure data, all in one place
Connections 3D-Beacons Network acts as a one-stop shop for protein structures by combining and standardising data from several providers.
2021
connectionsscience
Charting a multi-omic universe
Science & Technology A research collaboration used machine learning to map tumour molecular make-up, potentially paving way to more customised cancer treatment.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Artificial neural networks revolutionise biological image analysis
Science & Technology Packaged for simple installation and free use, the novel method DECODE enables researchers to reduce imaging times and increase localisation density in single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM).
2021
sciencescience-technology
German Cross of Merit for former EMBL Director General
EMBL Announcements Former EMBL Director General Professor Iain Mattaj was awarded the German Cross of Merit (‘Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland’) at a ceremony held at EMBL Heidelberg on 9 September 2021.
2021
alumniembl-announcements
New horizons for virtual learning
Lab Matters EMBL's science education department makes the latest scientific research more accessible for teachers and students.
2021
eventslab-matters
Common medications accumulate in gut bacteria
Science & Technology A new collaborative study led by EMBL group leaders Kiran Patil, Nassos Typas, and Peer Bork has found that common medications accumulate in human gut bacteria. This process reduces drug effectiveness and affects the metabolism of common gut microbes, thereby altering the gut microbiome.
2021
sciencescience-technology
A flip book for biological systems
Science & Technology In the Mesoscopic Imaging Facility (MIF) at EMBL Barcelona, researchers study the details of biological systems in the context of organs, body parts, or entire organisms. This image shows OPTiSPIM1, one of the custom light-sheet microscope setups available at the facility.
2021
sciencescience-technology
The Spatial Mouse Atlas: new insights into cell fate
Science & Technology Researchers have combined spatial gene expression information with single-cell genomics data to create a high-resolution atlas of mouse organogenesis.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Service Platform supports research on protein transport
Lab MattersScience & Technology Giulia Zanetti from the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB) in London explains how the collaboration with the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Service Platform enabled her group to reveal the structure of protein transport complexes.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Welcome: Liz Duke
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives The new team leader at EMBL Hamburg talks about her plans to establish biological X-ray imaging and high-throughput tomography.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Inspiring the next generation of life scientists
Lab Matters EMBL launches new mentoring opportunity, linking Master’s students with postdoctoral researchers.
2021
lab-matters
Edith Heard elected to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters EMBL Director General Edith Heard has been elected a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Her admission to the ‘Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine’ section recognises her outstanding professional contributions to science.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
MASSIF-1 beamline in Grenoble supports COVID-19 drug discovery
Lab MattersScience & Technology MASSIF-1, run jointly by EMBL Grenoble and the ESRF, is a beamline for macromolecular crystallography. It is used by the research community to study the 3D structure of proteins, which is important for drug development.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Supporting EMBL and fundamental research
People & Perspectives EMBL alumnus Angus Lamond reflects on the process of translating the importance of fundamental research – to EMBL and wider society.
2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
All heart
Science & Technology A community of scientists is looking at the estimated three billion heart muscle cells in a human heart to better understand heart disease.
2021
alumniscience-technology
Peer Bork honoured with Novozymes Prize and ISCB Senior Scientist Award
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Distinctions recognise Peer’s development and sharing of bioinformatics tools as well as his significant contributions to bioinformatics research, education, and services.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
What lies beneath: the building blocks of life
Science & Technology Analysis of more than 2 million images has boosted understanding of ocean microbes, shedding light on the distribution of nitrogen-fixers at a global level
2021
sciencescience-technology
Studying coronavirus proteins using small-angle X-ray scattering at European XFEL
Science & Technology A collaboration led by EMBL Hamburg’s Svergun Group used small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at the European XFEL to obtain data on samples containing coronavirus spike proteins and antibodies that bind them.
2021
sciencescience-technology
DeepMind and EMBL release the most complete database of predicted 3D structures of human proteins
Science & Technology Partners use AlphaFold, the AI system recognised last year as a solution to the protein structure prediction problem, to release more than 350,000 protein structure predictions including the entire human proteome to the scientific community.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Accessible 3D protein models to accelerate scientific discovery
Science & Technology DeepMind and EMBL-EBI to make millions of protein structure predictions freely available to the scientific community.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Great expectations – the potential impacts of AlphaFold DB
Science & Technology A discussion of the applications that AlphaFold DB may enable and the possible impact of the resource on science and society.
2021
sciencescience-technology
The PROTACtable genome – a new route to drug discovery
Science & Technology Researchers establish a framework for identifying new drugs capable of exploiting a cell’s own machinery.
2021
sciencescience-technology
A black redstart visits
Lab Matters Mehdi Khadraoui, a former member of the EMBL Communications team, took this close-up of a black redstart.
2021
lab-matters
EMBL Director General welcomes new EMBO Director
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters EMBL Director General Edith Heard has warmly welcomed Fiona Watt, who will become the new director of EMBO.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
EMBL Alumni Awards 2021
People & Perspectives EMBL alumni Ilaria Piazza and Ken Holmes have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, and will receive their awards as part of the celebrations for EMBL World Alumni Day.
2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
A model of cooperation for transporting mRNA
Science & Technology EMBL scientists generate a high-resolution crystal structure of the Kinesin-1/aTm1 transport complex in the fruit fly.
2021
sciencescience-technology
From antibodies to nanoplastics
Science & Technology EMBL’s Melissa Graewert and colleagues are taking a structural biologist’s approach to better understanding nanoplastic particles.
2021
sciencescience-technology
A hidden medal
People & Perspectives We all like a story about rediscovering treasures, right? Well, that’s just what happened recently at EMBL Grenoble!
2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
New insights into Salmonella’s survival strategies
Science & Technology Research in the Typas group uncovers new details of the strategies Salmonella uses to survive in infected cells.
2021
sciencescience-technology
New life science Imaging Centre preparing for user access
ConnectionsLab Matters The EMBL Imaging Centre is preparing for external user access, after an on-time and on-budget build and handover to the science team.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Welcome: Sarah Dyer
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives EMBL welcomes Sarah Dyer, the new Non-Vertebrate Genomics Team Leader at EMBL-EBI.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
New head for EMBL’s Developmental Biology Unit
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters Dr Alexander Aulehla has been appointed the new Head of EMBL’s Developmental Biology Unit, and will take up the role starting in July 2021.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
EMBL welcomes appointment of Maria Leptin as new President of the ERC
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters EMBL Director General Edith Heard has warmly welcomed the appointment of Professor Maria Leptin as the next President of the European Research Council (ERC)
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Planetary egg cells
As evocative as a constellation of planets, these egg cells within a mouse ovary are at different stages of maturity.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience
Structural biology reveals new opportunities to combat tuberculosis
Science & Technology EMBL Hamburg’s Wilmanns and Kosinski groups have determined the detailed structure of a bacterial protein complex critical for tuberculosis infection.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Starlet sea anemone
Science & Technology EMBL PhD student Anniek Stokkermans captured this side view of a Nematostella vectensis larva during this transition, using instrumentation in the Advanced Light Microscopy Facility at EMBL Heidelberg.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Welcome: Anna Erzberger
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Anna Erzberger, one of EMBL’s newest group leaders, will provide unique perspective as a theoretical biological physicist.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
After the Lecture: Cultivating the information ecosystem
People & Perspectives At an EMBL Science & Society lecture, science journalist Kai Kupferschmidt advocated for accurate, clear and contextual science communication.
2021
eventspeople-perspectives
Food safety, antibiotics, and a shrinking planet
People & Perspectives After work in antimicrobial resistance, EMBL postdoc Laura Carroll is using machine learning for next-gen antibiotic development.
2021
people-perspectivesscience
Illuminating protein complexes in cells
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives EMBL group leaders Julia Mahamid, Anna Kreshuk & Jonas Ries awarded Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant to advance what we see inside cells.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
How our gut microbiome changes over time
Science & Technology Researchers investigate how external factors can influence the persistence of microbe species in the human gut
2021
sciencescience-technology
Twinkle, twinkle, little nuclear pore complex
Science & Technology As perfect as a summer night sky, these nuclear pores help calibrate a customised super-resolution microscope in EMBL’s Ries group.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Visualising RNA structures using R2DT
Science & Technology New software enables scientists to visualise RNA secondary structures using the world’s largest RNA structure dataset.
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL scientists elected as EMBO Members
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters John Marioni, Alex Bateman, and Takashi Hiiragi have been elected to EMBO Membership.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
EMBL external research community survey
Lab Matters EMBL is conducting an Impact Assessment of our experimental services to understand the value these services have for our external user community. If you have accessed EMBL experimental services at one or more of our facilities to support the conduct of your research, we would like to hear from you.
2021
lab-matters
Dream team
Science & Technology At EMBL, we have many dream teams – groups of individuals who support each other, innovate, and work together. One of those dream teams bridges two core facilities at EMBL Rome.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Molecular biology stepping up to solve environmental challenges
Lab Matters EMBL’s EU Green Week event showcased various ways molecular biology research can help solve environmental challenges.
2021
lab-matters
The power of community
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives EMBL Director Matthias Hentze describes the Environmental Research Initiative: a community effort to solve global environmental challenges.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Living laboratories
Science & Technology Under the innovative Planetary Biology research theme, EMBL scientists aim to understand life in the context of its environment.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Joining forces to solve global challenges
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and the Swedish Science for Life Laboratory sign agreement to advance science together.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Nuclear twins
Science & Technology Captured by EMBL postdoc Arina Rybina, these ‘nuclear twins’ are two daughter nuclei straight after division of a HeLa cell.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in England
Science & Technology The largest in-depth analysis of genomic surveillance data mapping out the dynamics of 62 lineages of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Barriers against malaria
Science & Technology The Bernabeu Group aims to increase our knowledge of cerebral malaria, using in vitro engineered networks of human blood vessels and brain cells.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
EMBL scientists support malaria research
Science & Technology EMBL scientists support research on malaria by providing freely available data resources and using innovative experimental approaches. Our Course and Conference Office facilitates the exchange of knowledge in the field by hosting the annual BioMalPar conference.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Just the gist: Big data and pandemics in seven key points
Connections EMBL’s most recent Science and Society seminar explored how best to harness big data to address multi-faceted issues of a pandemic.
2021
connectionsevents
Michael Zimmermann receives FEBS Anniversary Prize
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters The Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie has awarded a FEBS Anniversary Prize to Michael Zimmermann for his gut microbiome research.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Cellular fireball or immune cells?
Science & Technology The EMBL Picture of the Week features a series of Jurkat T cells during different stages of the activation process.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
How can we prepare for future pandemics?
Connections Leading international experts gathered to showcase progress in the fight against COVID-19 and share lessons for the future.
2021
connectionsevents
Reshaping the cell membrane with molecular pegs
Science & Technology Researchers at EMBL Hamburg reveal how peg-like proteins clasp and reshape the cell membrane
2021
sciencescience-technology
Shaping the future of structural biology and X-ray imaging at EMBL Hamburg
Science & Technology A workshop run by EMBL Hamburg explored opportunities for structural biology at the future, upgraded PETRA IV synchrotron.
2021
eventsscience-technology
EMBL and Inserm to join forces
ConnectionsLab Matters A memorandum of understanding has been signed between EMBL and Inserm to strengthen their scientific cooperation.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Artificial intelligence makes great microscopes better than ever
Science & Technology EMBL scientists have combined artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with two cutting-edge microscopy techniques.
2021
sciencescience-technology
After the lecture: Zehra Sayers
People & Perspectives Zehra Sayers explains what makes the SESAME synchrotron special, why we should not fear failure, and why curiosity is her biggest driver.
2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
EMBL and Tara Ocean Foundation sail forward with formalised cooperation
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters The EMBL-Tara Ocean Foundation collaboration will expand opportunities to jointly explore molecular connections between ocean and humankind.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
EMBL provides key infrastructure for COVID-19 drug screening project
Science & Technology EMBL Hamburg’s integrated structural biology facility has contributed to the success of a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 study
2021
sciencescience-technology
Piecing together the best reference genome
Science & Technology Researchers reveal the best technology for assembling reference genomes.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Uniting strengths to expand research
ConnectionsLab Matters The European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the Italian Institute of Technology have signed an agreement to expand the scope of their collaboration to include areas of mutual interest and in the context of EMBL’s 2022-2026 Programme “Molecules to Ecosystems”.
2021
connectionslab-matters
EMBL Director General elected to US National Academy of Sciences
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters EMBL Director General Edith Heard has been elected into the US National Academy of Sciences, recognising her contributions to research.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
SARS-CoV-2 curtails immune response in the gut
Science & Technology EMBL scientists, together with collaborators from Heidelberg University, have provided further evidence of the gut’s role in COVID-19.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Painting liver cells
Science & Technology A page from a biologist’s colouring book? EMBL’s new interior wall design? Not quite – a bunch of liver cells, grown in the lab so that scientists can learn about fatty liver disease, or steatosis.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
EMBL DG joins WHO Science Council
ConnectionsLab Matters Edith Heard has been appointed to a new World Health Organization advisory council.
2021
connectionslab-matters
EMBL strengthens collaborations in the French academic landscape
ConnectionsLab Matters A memorandum of understanding has been signed between EMBL, Collège de France, and the Institute of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS).
2021
connectionslab-matters
Different immune responses identified in patients with COVID-19
Science & Technology Researchers identify differences in immune response in asymptomatic COVID-19 cases compared to those with severe symptoms
2021
sciencescience-technology
Team Science: building diversity and inclusion in research
Lab Matters In a talk on 29 April, Professor Jeanette Woolard will share her experience of creating a more positive research culture
2021
lab-matters
Combating emerging infectious diseases: lessons from COVID-19
Connections EMBL and Portugal are bringing together leading scientists to highlight the role of fundamental research in tackling infectious diseases.
2021
connectionsevents
Variations on a spike
Science & Technology What does coronavirus’s spike protein look like in 3D? EMBL scientists and colleagues used cryo-electron tomography and molecular dynamics simulations to find out.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Using metagenomic techniques to explore lichens
Science & Technology Researchers have used a metagenomics approach to piece together the genomes of yeasts found in wild lichens.
2021
sciencescience-technology
The value of open data for Latin American science
Connections Scientists from the CABANA project explore how open data is benefiting global research efforts.
2021
connectionsscience
Structural biology at EMBL: driving technology development
Lab MattersScience & Technology Florent Cipriani, who recently retired as Head of the Instrumentation Team after a long career at EMBL Grenoble, is one of the pioneers of instrumentation development in this field.
2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Morning sun
Lab Matters Throwback to June 2014: While EMBL Heidelberg’s main entrance is still in the dark, the well-known EMBL logo is already lit by the morning sun.
2021
lab-matterspicture-of-the-week
Repurposing drugs to manage COVID-19 progression
Science & Technology Researchers use large-scale human genetic studies to identify drug targets important for managing COVID-19 in its early stages
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL Hamburg lights the way to folding next-level origami
Science & Technology Using EMBL Hamburg’s world-class structural biology infrastructure, researchers advance the folding of protein ‘origami’ designed in the lab.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Linking genetics and age-related diseases
Science & Technology Researchers have used human medical and genetic data from UK Biobank to investigate the genetics of age-related diseases
2021
sciencescience-technology
Welcome: Matthew Hartley
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives The challenges and opportunities when setting up a global archive for bioimages
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
From molecules to ecosystems: EMBL and IAB sign memorandum of understanding
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters This MoU formalises a 15-year collaboration between the two institutes and strengthens Grenoble as a European research centre in the life sciences.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
New perspectives for treating psychiatric disorders
Science & Technology Scientists have determined the structure of Glycine Transporter 1. The finding could open new avenues for developing therapeutics for psychiatric disorders
2021
sciencescience-technology
A multifunctional mouth
Science & Technology This image of a young Nematostella vectensis polyp shows two of the characteristic tentacles as well as the gaping mouth of the animal.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Welcome: Ana Boskovic
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives The new group leader at EMBL Rome will study how embryos can inherit non-genetic information from their parents that causes stable and heritable effects
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Droplet beauty
Science & Technology Scientists at EMBL Hamburg use droplets of protein solution to grow protein crystals. By exposing the crystals to X-rays, they are able to determine the protein’s molecular structure.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Green coffee at EMBL
Lab Matters The cafeteria at EMBL Heidelberg now offers espresso and cappuccino with a more intense flavour and which are produced in a ‘green’ way.
2021
lab-matterspicture-of-the-week
Coronavirus vaccine uses EMBL’s earliest virus research
Science & Technology EMBL alumnus Kai Simons did early work with Semliki Forest virus membranes, which is now central to a COVID-19 vaccine.
2021
alumniscience-technology
Italian Spring
Lab Matters EMBL’s site in Monterotondo has recently been blessed with blue skies and sunshine, leading to trees blooming early on campus.
2021
lab-matterspicture-of-the-week
VAAM Research Award for Nassos Typas
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters Nassos Typas has received the German VAAM Research Award.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
From mRNA researcher to BioNTech manager
People & Perspectives EMBL alumnus Pawel Masiewicz has transferred skills and experience gained at EMBL to oversee starting materials for mRNA vaccine development.
2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
Wolfgang Huber becomes ISCB Fellow
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters The contribution of EMBL Group Leader and Senior Scientist Wolfgang Huber has been recognised by the International Society for Computational Biology
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Touch of springtime in Grenoble
Lab Matters This photo shows the European Photon and Neutron (EPN) science campus where EMBL Grenoble is located. A delightful spring breeze in the air melts the last remaining patches of snow in the mountains.
2021
lab-matterspicture-of-the-week
After the lecture: Tracey Brown
Lab Matters Tracey Brown from Sense about Science shares her thoughts on the need to empower women to share and access scientific information.
2021
lab-matters
EMBL prepares women postdocs for leadership
Lab Matters Members of EMBL’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee explain how EMBL is choosing to challenge through its LEAP mentoring programme.
2021
lab-matters
Induced pluripotent stem cells reveal causes of disease
Science & Technology Scientists in the Stegle group and colleagues have studied induced pluripotent stem cells from around 1,000 donors to identify correlations between individual genetic variants and altered gene expression. They linked more than 4,000 of the genetic variants responsible for altered expression…
2021
sciencescience-technology
Pfam releases structures for every protein family
Science & Technology Thousands of new protein structure models, prected using deep learning, now available to explore
2021
sciencescience-technology
From crisis to recovery: achieving an equal future in a post-COVID-19 world
Lab Matters EMBL invites Simon Gallow, an advocate at UN Women UK, to give a talk marking International Women’s Day.
2021
lab-matters
New avenues for eradicating cancer
Science & Technology A new method has the potential to boost international research efforts to find drugs that eradicate cancer at its source.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Sleeping beauty
Science & Technology Like caterpillars turning into beautiful butterflies, fruit fly larvae have to go through metamorphosis to finish their development. However, despite the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster being one of the best studied model organisms in biology, comparatively little attention has been given to this…
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Bridging Excellence: a unique transatlantic opportunity for postdocs
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters Applications are now open for the Life Science Alliance’s Bridging Excellence Fellowships, enabling postdocs to carry out collaborative projects at EMBL and Stanford University.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
The European Climate Pact: EMBL plays its part
Lab Matters EMBL's Environmental Officer Brendan Rouse explains more about his role as a European Climate Pact Ambassador.
2021
lab-matters
Welcome: Sinem Saka
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives As one of EMBL’s newest group leaders, Sinem Saka will combine multiple technologies, such as microscopy and single-cell omics, to solve biological puzzles.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Human genomes provide new reference for global genetic diversity
Science & Technology A collaboration including EMBL scientists has created the most diverse set of reference human genomes ever assembled.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Reflecting on allyship as women in science
Lab Matters Being a woman in science takes allies, not just great science. Here, EMBL’s L’Oréal–UNESCO Fellows talk about support networks.
2021
lab-matters
Seeing through a cell
Science & Technology Liang Xue used cryo-electron tomography to capture this detailed image of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae cell.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Feldberg Prize for Anne Ephrussi
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters Anne Ephrussi has been awarded the German Feldberg Prize 2022 in recognition of her outstanding research.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
SPC Facility in Hamburg supports a new pan-European consortium
ConnectionsLab Matters The Sample Preparation and Characterisation (SPC) Facility at EMBL Hamburg is one of the founding members of the Molecular-Scale Biophysics Research Infrastructure (MOSBRI). Within this new European initiative, the SPC Facility will offer services related to membrane proteins, protein complexes,…
2021
connectionslab-matters
Welcome to EMBL: Gautam Dey
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives Gautam Dey is fascinated by the evolutionary origins of the nucleus, and is looking forward to making the most of EMBL's infrastructure.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
The thousands of viruses living in your gut
Science & Technology Scientists identify more than 140 000 virus species in the human gut; more than half have never been seen before
2021
sciencescience-technology
Allyship and support: an interview with Janet Thornton
Lab Matters Professor Dame Janet Thornton discusses work–life balance, the support she has received during her career, and how organisations can help staff during the COVID-19 pandemic
2021
lab-matters
A new piece of the HIV infection puzzle explored
Science & Technology Researchers from EMBL and Heidelberg University Hospital combine high-resolution imaging to observe the infection process in cell nuclei, opening the door for new therapeutics.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Finding coronavirus’s helper proteins
Science & Technology A team of EMBL scientists and colleagues have analysed how the novel coronavirus affects proteins in human cells. They identified several human proteins as potential drug targets to prevent viral replication.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Cellular modern art
Science & Technology This week's Picture of the Week, which could also be a masterpiece of modern art, shows the enzyme RNA polymerase III, an assembly of 17 individual proteins combined into this complex structure.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Understanding Earth’s oceans together
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and EMBRC have signed a memorandum of understanding for increased scientific collaboration.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Coding between the vines
Lab Matters EMBL Teen Maria-Theresa Licka shares how female scientists guided & inspired her to develop an app to ID vine disease.
2021
lab-matters
Protein sequences provide clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells
Science & Technology Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg have identified sequences in human proteins that might be used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. They have discovered that the virus might hijack certain cellular processes, and they discuss potentially relevant drugs for treating COVID-19.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Opinion: Allyship and Women in Science
Lab Matters Roshni Mooneeram discusses what Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is to her, and what the meaning of allyship is.
2021
lab-matters
Purity, beauty, and perfection
Science & Technology The regular structures of crystals are a source of inspiration and fascination to us humans. While the crystals in this picture were not grown in nature, but instead by Petra Drncova from EMBL Grenoble, they share the same attributes as those found in nature.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
A better look at a human RNA polymerase
Science & Technology New EMBL research shows where & to what degree a component of cellular machinery known as RNA Pol III is mutated and becomes problematic.
2021
sciencescience-technology
At the core of the Integrator complex
Science & Technology A new paper from the Galej group at EMBL Grenoble describes the structure of key parts of the Integrator complex, involved in gene expression.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Show your support for open COVID-19 data
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters Open letter galvanises life science community in support of open COVID-19 data
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Insights into the new B.1.1.7 coronavirus lineage
Science & Technology A new lineage of coronavirus was first identified in the UK, but why is it spreading much more rapidly within the population?
2021
sciencescience-technology
The central dogma of molecular biology
Science & Technology This colourful image shows biological information flow in action: It’s a supramolecular assembly of DNA, RNA and proteins, observed directly inside a bacterial cell while turning genetic information into protein.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Strengthening collaborations in Italy
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and CNR have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen scientific cooperation. The agreement will foster collaborative projects and integrate them within the European and global scientific landscape.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Issue #51 of Science in School now available
EMBL AnnouncementsLab Matters The latest issue of Science in School highlights the eight members of EIROforum.
2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
Welcome: Nicoletta Petridou
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives New group leader Nicoletta Petridou explains her fascination with the complexity of early embryo development, and how the interdisciplinary nature of EMBL will aid her research.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Mirror, mirror
Science & Technology Scientists at EMBL Hamburg use specially designed mirrors to reflect and focus X-ray beams onto tiny crystals made of proteins or other biological molecules.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage
Science & Technology A note on the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7, which has first been described in the U.K. and has spread to 57 countries. The note summarises epidemiological information about the spread of B.1.1.7 in the U.K. collated and in part conducted by researchers from EMBL-EBI.
2021
sciencescience-technology
DKFZ and EMBL intensify cooperation
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL and the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg are increasing their already existing collaborations with a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Monitoring dangerous bacteria in freshwater
Science & Technology Freshwater sports can cause waterborne infections, but real-time DNA sequencing could help.
2021
sciencescience-technology
Cell under attack
Science & Technology It’s almost a year since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic, affecting all our lives. While the virus continues its grip on the world, scientists are understanding it better and better, increasing our knowledge about it and opening up new ways to fight it.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
EMBL courses and conferences: learning lessons and looking ahead
Lab Matters EMBL has a packed schedule of courses and conferences for 2021, ready to go ahead virtually, regardless of limitations on physical gatherings
2021
eventslab-matters
Welcome: Timo Zimmermann
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives The EMBL Imaging Centre is scheduled to open in 2021 with Timo Zimmermann as Team Leader for advanced light microscopy technology development and service provision.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Welcome: Olivier Duss
Lab MattersPeople & Perspectives One of EMBL’s newest group leaders, Olivier Duss, will explore how RNA folds into functional structures and how it works with proteins to control a diverse range of activities in the cell.
2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Toadlet peptide transforms into a deadly weapon against bacteria
Science & Technology Researchers at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and EMBL Hamburg, in collaboration with scientists in Israel and Spain, have discovered remarkable molecular properties of an antimicrobial peptide from the skin of the Australian toadlet. The discovery could inspire the development of…
2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL becomes newest Instruct Centre
ConnectionsLab Matters EMBL’s sites in Grenoble, Hamburg, and Heidelberg form the newest Instruct Centre. The new centre offers users access to a broad range of state-of-the-art facilities.
2021
connectionslab-matters
Homage to a vital tool
Science & Technology Structural biologists want to study proteins at the atomic level. The device shown in this Picture of the Week is essential for this.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Opinion: Scientific disagreements aren’t new to COVID
People & Perspectives Understanding why disagreement is good for COVID science. EMBL Deputy Director General Ewan Birney offers tips for sorting through the discourse.
2021
people-perspectivesscience
It’s like a party in your brain
Science & Technology Fluorescent dyes light up a cellular community of neurons and brain immune cells (microglia), which were derived from stem cells.
2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
In kefir, microbial teamwork makes the dream work
Science & Technology Researchers discovered the dominant species of bacteria in kefir grains cannot endure without other species that help the 'team' survive.
2021
sciencescience-technology
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