Where ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is more than a fairy tale
Better than the original fairy tale, Kendrew awardee Irma Querques’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ story offers potential for new therapeutics.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2025
people-perspectives
When metabolism provides more than fuel
A new study observed the dual roles metabolism plays in fueling growth and signalling during cell development, and looked at how this process might be controlled.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
Finding a clue to the origin of treatment-resistant leukaemia in kids
Scientists identified individual stem cell-like cells responsible for leukaemia relapses in kids and precisely characterised their molecular properties.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
ARISE summer school provides training in research infrastructure management
Through a week-long series of workshops and discussions, ARISE fellows learned about key aspects of research infrastructure management, scientific service provision, and entrepreneurship.
LAB MATTERS2025
lab-matters
In science we trust? Six takeaways from a Science and Society conference
EMBL's latest Science and Society conference brought together researchers, ethicists, communicators, policy professionals, and more to discuss the thorny question of trust in science.
CONNECTIONS2025
connections
Beyond 1000 genomes: going deeper and wider
Ten years after the end of the 1000 Genomes Project, brand new insights emerge from its sample set, providing a more complete view of human genetic variation than ever before.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
sciencescience-technology
CIM and EMBL join forces to study how to curb red tides and anticipate the effects of marine heatwaves
Around 40 researchers will participate in this joint initiative, which will take place at the Toralla Marine Science Station in Vigo, Spain.
LAB MATTERS2025
lab-matters
Every drop counts: a dive into Oceans Day
On this Oceans Day, EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement (SEPE) Team joined forces with the German-American Institute (DAI) to bring the underwater world closer to families in Heidelberg.
LAB MATTERS2025
lab-matters
Parkinson’s disease: gut microbiome reveals environmental chemical footprints
Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative condition causing motor and non-motor symptoms like gut issues (often appearing decades early), is being investigated for its link to the gut microbiome. While previous studies have shown gut microbiome changes in Parkinson's patients, a clear consensus on…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
sciencescience-technology
From Tokyo to Heidelberg: decoding the jellyfish superpower
EMBL scientists are on a quest to investigate the underlying biological processes that enable regeneration in jellyfish, which could also help us understand how wounds heal.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
Leading EMBL’s six sites
As Peer Bork and Ewan Birney take up interim leadership of EMBL, the organisation announces additional changes in site leadership.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2025
embl-announcements
Biology beyond conventional model organisms – a whole new world
Five key takeaways from an EMBL | EMBO symposium that explored the ‘wild frontiers’ of model organisms, from phytoplankton to sea anemones, waterstriders, roundworms, and more.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
Spotlight: Hot waters, shrinking fish
EMBL scientists investigate how zebrafish bodies change when grown at higher temperatures.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
How chromosomes shape up for cell division
EMBL scientists have shown how overlapping loops of DNA stack upon each other in dividing cells to give rise to rod-shaped chromosomes.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
New imaging reveals the secrets of cellular traffic control
Texas A&M University researchers work with experts from EMBL Imaging Centre to uncover how molecules navigate the nuclear pore complex.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
Pushing the limits of ‘custom-made’ microscopy
Another EMBL-engineered advance to Brillouin microscopy has significantly widened the aperture to provide quick 3D imaging in real time of light-sensitive samples.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
A special puppeteer holds the strings to liver cells’ identity
Scientists at EMBL and DKFZ have discovered how cells in the liver maintain their identity and avoid becoming tumour cells.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
A marine worm offers clues about our evolutionary past
The Arendt Group at EMBL Heidelberg focuses on mechanisms of evolution, studying Platynereis dumerilli – evolutionarily ancient marine worms found broadly along European coasts.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2025
science-technology
Common cough syrup ingredient shows promise in treating serious lung disease
EMBL scientists discovered that dextromethorphan, an FDA-approved active ingredient in cough syrups, has potential to treat fibrotic lung disease by containing collagen and other pro-fibrotic molecules capable of forming scars inside the cells.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
A new EMBL microscope hits the road
The Prevedel group at EMBL Heidelberg developed a mobile microscope: miniature in scale, fast in sample imaging, and giant in resolution.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Cute molecules and the scientists who adore them: Veijo Salo
Veijo Salo, postdoc at EMBL Heidelberg, talks about seipin, the cell’s molecular ‘bubble blower’.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
people-perspectives
From snapshots to motion: watching biology in action
With a novel approach, EMBL scientists discovered important interactions between molecular machines, potentially offering new opportunities for drug development.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Sea anemone study shows how animals stay ‘in shape’
Scientists have shown how regenerating sea anemones restore their shape following a major injury, uncovering novel cellular and molecular mechanisms.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Making sense of RNA: five key insights from a recent EMBO | EMBL Symposium
A recent symposium on ‘The complex life of RNA’ brought together scientists from across the world interested in exploring one of the most crucial molecules essential to life.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
The value of a scientific meet-up
Yuvarani Masarapu, a junior bioinformatician and doctoral student at SciLifeLab in Stockholm, spent a week with EMBL collaborators, finding solutions to research challenges and expanding her scientific perspective.
CONNECTIONS2024
connections
Microbial load can influence disease associations
Scientists have developed a new machine-learning model to predict microbial load — the density of microbes in our guts — and used it to demonstrate how microbial load plays an important role in disease-microbiome associations.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Welcome: Isabella Graf
Isabella Graf is EMBL’s newest group leader and the first theoretical biophysicist to join the Developmental Biology Unit.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
people-perspectives
Empowering research infrastructure scientists
The ARISE summer school brought together fellows from across EMBL sites who are working on technology projects as part of EMBL’s Career Accelerator for Research Infrastructure Scientists (ARISE) programme.
CONNECTIONS2024
connections
Evaluating the link between chemicals and declining insect populations
Employing a library of more than 1,000 chemicals, EMBL researchers and collaborators investigated how agrochemicals affect insect populations.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
The cellular superhero that protects us against RNA viruses
Scientists have discovered how the antiviral protein TRIM25 finds and binds viral RNA to activate an innate immune response.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Academia meets Industry: merging worlds through science
EMBL’s first Industry Day offered EMBL scientists a unique opportunity to network with several leading life science companies.
CONNECTIONS2024
connections
Inspiring young minds by breaking language barriers
A hands-on workshop offered an excellent opportunity for scientists to connect with children with whom they share a common language.
LAB MATTERS2024
lab-matters
“Structurally” sound
The function of biological molecules is intimately linked to their structure. In the 50 years since EMBL was established, its researchers and engineers have constantly provided leadership in structural biology research and services, resulting in many scientific breakthroughs and novel insights.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Computational protein design and protein structure prediction win Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Creators of AI system AlphaFold receive 2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
sciencescience-technology
Machine learning discoveries honoured with 2024 Nobel Prize for Physics
The prize was awarded to John J. Hopfield, Princeton University, USA, and Geoffrey Hinton, University of Toronto, Canada, for their seminal contributions to the foundational methods that enabled the development of machine learning.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
What we can learn from hungry yeast cells
Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg and University of Virginia revealed a new cellular response to starvation: ribosomes attach to the mitochondrial outer membrane in a very unusual way, via their small subunit. The finding made in yeast might provide insights into how cancer cells survive the harsh…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Silencing in action: how cells ‘repress’ genomic remnants of ancient viruses
Researchers have identified key cellular control sites that regulate gene expression and prevent the activation of ancient viral sequences in the genome.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
New directions for molecular systems biology at EMBL
Julia Mahamid and Nassos Typas reflect on the direction of the Molecular Systems Biology Unit they now lead at EMBL Heidelberg.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
people-perspectives
Follow the cellular road
An AI-enhanced advanced microscopy approach offers promise in better understanding glioblastomas, one of the deadliest brain cancers.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
The forces behind chromosome repulsion and attraction during cell division
EMBL Heidelberg researchers discovered how a protein switches between repelling and gluing chromosomes during cell division. This helps the mother cell to divide the genome equally into two daughter cells and cluster chromosomes inside the daughter nuclei, ensuring a successful cell division.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Merging passion, collaboration, and serendipity
EMBL alumnus Thibaut Brunet, recipient of the 2024 John Kendrew Young Scientist Award, shares his scientific journey – from a childhood passion for nature to the discovery of a new species of choanoflagellate.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
people-perspectives
We are EMBL: Jana Helsen on the Bridging Excellence fellowship, chromosomal evolution, and art
EMBL-Stanford Life Science Alliance fellow Jana Helsen shares how she balanced her life between two laboratories and countries, her latest research paper, and her passion for cover art.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
people-perspectives
Gut microbes implicated in bladder cancer
Study shows that gut bacteria can metabolise carcinogens and cause them to accumulate in distant organs, leading to tumour development.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Celebrating 50 years of infinite curiosity
What makes EMBL unique? Among many things, it’s the infinite curiosity of its community.
LAB MATTERS2024
lab-matters
Minecraft-ing our way into studying cell sorting
A theoretical model involving tiny Minecraft-like cubes can help us understand dynamic biological processes, such as cell sorting in embryos.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
EMBL’s reflection on the future European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10)
EMBL´s position paper outlines the organisation’s views on the importance of science and how it could be best supported in the context of the upcoming European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2024
embl-announcements
Exploring diversity in cell division
New research by EMBL scientists shows how different modes of cell division used by animals and fungi might have evolved to support diverse life cycles.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Toby Gibson: what I’ve learned
Toby Gibson reflects on 38 years at EMBL, the scientific tools he built along the way, and the state of science today.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
people-perspectives
A universal framework for spatial biology
SpatialData is a tool developed by EMBL scientists in cooperation with multiple research institutions to unify and integrate data from different omics technologies in a spatial environment, providing holistic insights into health and disease. Researchers can now freely access and use SpatialData…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
science-technology
Sparking curiosity: the Curiosity microscope
BIOcean5D is an EMBL-coordinated project co-funded by the European Union that unites 31 institutes to address pressing global challenges on marine biodiversity.
LAB MATTERS2024
lab-matters
Connecting shores and exploring new avenues for collaboration with Malta
During a visit from high-level representatives of EMBL’s member state Malta, the honourable delegation allowed a peek behind the scenes of their scientific and institutional collaborations, and shared their memories and future aspirations for the partnership.
CONNECTIONS2024
connectionsevents
Casting new light on gene regulation in development
New research from EMBL Heidelberg shows how cells in developing embryos undergo a major shift in the way they regulate gene expression as they mature and differentiate.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
sciencescience-technology
We are EMBL: Simone Heber on RNA, bicycling, and Ironman
Simone Heber talks about studying RNA transport, organising the Bike Club at EMBL, and participating in the Ironman World Championship.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
We are EMBL: Renato Alves on Bio-IT and stargazing
Renato Alves talks about his time at EMBL, the Bio-IT project, his wishes for EMBL in its anniversary year, and how a passion for night hikes and stargazing led to the creation of EMBL’s astronomy club.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2024
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ response gets sponges moving
Sponges lack muscles and neurons. Yet, they make coordinated movements. Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg have discovered that sponge movement is controlled by an ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ response that is also present in vertebrate blood vessels. The findings shed light on sponge physiology…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2024
sciencescience-technology
Using artificial intelligence to discover therapeutic antibodies
Former EMBL staff scientist founds a start-up – DenovAI – for broader, faster and cheaper antibody discovery using advanced machine learning and computational biophysics.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
sciencescience-technology
Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger visits EMBL exhibition ‘The World of Molecular Biology’
Representatives from politics, research and the philanthropist community joined the Minister's visit to EMBL exhibition “The World of Molecular Biology” in Heidelberg and welcomed the dialogue between science and society initiated by the exhibition.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2023
connectionslab-matters
ERC Consolidator Grants awarded to two EMBL researchers
Alba Diz-Muñoz and Arnaud Krebs from EMBL Heidelberg have received grants to work on projects that aim, respectively, to understand the cellular mechanics that control cell division and investigate the regulatory networks that govern transcription factor function.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2023
embl-announcementslab-matters
How AI shapes the life sciences: an interview with Oliver Stegle
EMBL scientist Oliver Stegle explains how AI-based tools have the potential to transform our ability to better understand the complexity of life and how these tools will shape the future of life science exploration.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
EMBL’s southern hemisphere connection
Ian Smith, Chair of EMBL Australia´s Council, chats about the synergies between the organisations, opportunities for collaboration, and ideas for exciting new programmes arising out of a recent visit to EMBL Heidelberg.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2023
connectionslab-matters
Spotlight: Creating an artificial uterus
EMBL researchers have created an engineered uterus that allows a closer look at a mouse embryo’s development and its interactions with the uterine environment.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
picture-of-the-weeksciencescience-technology
EMBL scientists receive prestigious ERC Synergy Grants
Jan Kosinski, Julia Mahamid, and Georg Zeller have received grants to enable ambitious projects aimed at mapping the cellular protein synthesis machinery in context and understanding complex host-microbiome interactions, respectively.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2023
embl-announcementsscience
We are EMBL: Victoria Yan on open science and how it has transformed the way we do research
Victoria Yan, Open Science & Research Information Specialist, talks about the importance of open science, the challenges she has faced in her career, and what she enjoys about working at EMBL
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
We are EMBL: Zuzana Koskova on her experience as a PhD student at EMBL Heidelberg
Zuzana Koskova is a PhD student from Slovakia who, at the age of 19, left her country to pursue her career in biological sciences in Germany. In this interview, she talks about her interests, career aspirations, and recent participation at the Info Day held in Bratislava, where she had the…
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
EMBL receives German AI prize
EMBL receives the German AI prize awarded for outstanding services to the research and development as well as application and commercialisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in life science research.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2023
embl-announcementsscience
We are EMBL: Thomas Haize on sampling along the coast of Europe
Thomas Haize talks about his passion for the ocean, what TREC means to him, a day in the field, and the captivating beauty of underwater photography.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Global guidelines to improve the quality of microscopy images in scientific publications
A working group of researchers from the QUAREP-LiMi initiative has developed global guidelines to improve the quality of microscopy data and images published in scientific publications.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
sciencescience-technology
ERC starting grants for two EMBL Heidelberg researchers
Jordi van Gestel and Maria Zimmermann-Kogadeeva each receive 1.5 million EUR funding for research projects on microbial predators and the gut microbiome respectively
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2023
embl-announcementslab-matters
We are EMBL: Therese Welander on enabling science
Therese Welander talks about her inspiration, and supporting science by solving problems and overcoming challenges.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
A glimpse into the hexasome: 40 years on
Research from the Eustermann group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals how the packaging of DNA into hexasomes impacts the function of enzymes involved in gene regulation.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
sciencescience-technology
The power of cell sorting: understanding heart disease, phase separation, plankton, and more
EMBL researchers use a new cell sorting technology to gain new insights into cellular function in health and disease, as well as for other innovative applications.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
sciencescience-technology
EMBL scientists elected to EMBO Membership
Three EMBL group leaders and six EMBL alumni were recognised for their contributions to the life sciences.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2023
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Bringing research on disordered proteins to order
A third of all known proteins are either completely or partially unstructured. EMBL scientists contributed to a new set of guidelines – Minimum Information About a Disorder Experiment (MIADE) – that will help researchers share data on unstructured proteins in a more useful way and will enable…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
sciencescience-technology
Baden-Württemberg’s new Minister of Science, Research, and the Arts visits EMBL
During a visit to the Heidelberg EMBL campus, Minister Petra Olschowski learned about EMBL´s current research programme, its scientific operations and local collaborations, and explored its Imaging Centre and World of Molecular Biology exhibition.
CONNECTIONS2023
connectionsevents
IMAGINE-ing next-generation technology to help biologists
EMBL researchers and collaborators have begun an impactful innovation-development journey, thanks to a European Commission ‘IMAGINE’ grant.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2023
connectionslab-matters
The World of Molecular Biology is open
EMBL´s new permanent exhibition ‘The World of Molecular Biology’ in Heidelberg is now open for registration. The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey of scales, from genomes to ecosystems, and introduces key imaging technologies.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2023
embl-announcementslab-matters
EMBL welcomes Estonia as full member
The Baltic nation of Estonia has become a full member of EMBL, joining the organisation as its 28th member state.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2023
embl-announcementslab-matters
AI helps scientists decipher cellular structures
New artificial intelligence tool adds speed and detailed cellular information to analysis of cryo-electron tomography to aid researchers’ understanding of inner cell workings.
2023
science
EMBL partners with UNESCO to drive progress on shared goals
New agreement with UN organisation will enable cooperation in the fields of open science, capacity building, and talent development
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2023
connectionslab-matters
BIOcean5D targets marine biodiversity
EMBL hosts inaugural meeting for major interdisciplinary project designed to boost understanding of ocean life
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2023
connectionslab-matters
Step-by-step guide to nuclear pore complex assembly
EMBL Heidelberg researchers and their collaborators reveal how the nuclear pore complex, one of the biggest molecular machines in eukaryotic cells, is assembled one protein at a time.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2023
sciencescience-technology
Spotlight: Establishing a colour palette for antibiotic resistance
To identify which drugs disrupt bacterial envelope integrity, the Typas group uses a molecule called chlorophenyl red-β-D-galactopyranoside.
LAB MATTERSSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
lab-matterspicture-of-the-weekscience-technology
EMBL builds on links with Malta
EMBL deepens scientific collaboration, opening the door for greater engagement and opportunities for Malta’s life science community
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
EMBL deepens ties with Croatia
Visit of delegation from the Ruđer Bošković Institute to EMBL Heidelberg marks a new chapter in scientific and institutional cooperation
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
Leading research institutions launch Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim
Leading scientific research facilities launch the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim. The research alliance aims to build the Rhine-Neckar region into an internationally leading biomedical-technological cluster focusing on life sciences, the health economy, and medical technology.
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
The EMBL Connection
EMBL's Partnership Conference highlights the value of its networks, bringing researchers together to build new scientific connections.
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
Life Science Alliance starts new chapter
Dieter Schwarz Foundation renews 3-year funding to EMBL for the EMBL | Stanford Life Science Alliance, a unique international collaboration bringing together researchers from the two leading institutions to develop transformative technologies and accelerate biomedical research.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2022
connectionslab-matters
Three EMBL scientists elected as EMBO Members
Cornelius Gross, Miki Ebisuya and Nassos Typas join EMBO, the prestigious organisation for the life sciences.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2022
embl-announcementslab-matters
The EMBL Imaging Centre: making it happen
Creating a cutting-edge facility for the global life science community doesn't happen overnight. We spoke to some of those who worked to turn this dream into a reality.
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
Official opening of the EMBL Imaging Centre
Representatives from politics, industry and academia attended the inauguration ceremony at EMBL Heidelberg
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2022
embl-announcementsevents
The new heroics of RNA in cell differentiation
EMBL research with Enolase 1 (ENO1) points to a possible new way to understand RNA’s leading role in how cells develop.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
EMBL enhances collaboration with scientists and research institutes in Croatia
Two days of events with institutes in the country add a new chapter to successful scientific collaboration
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
2022 EMBL Alumni Awards Winners announced
Two former EMBL staff members have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to research in the fields of brain evolution and cancer.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2022
alumniembl-announcements
Welcome: Pascale Cossart
Pascale Cossart, one of the world’s foremost authorities on the biology of Listeria, brings four decades of expertise in intracellular bacterial parasitism to EMBL as a visiting scientist.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2022
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Shaping up the genome for cell division
Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which a family of DNA motor proteins packages loosely arranged strands of DNA into compact individual chromosomes during cell division.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
EMBL and SciLifeLab foster new connections
Joint workshop brings researchers together on site and virtually to discuss broad range of planetary biology topics.
CONNECTIONS2022
connectionsevents
Royal Society honour for Eileen Furlong
EMBL’s Head of Genome Biology announced as Fellow of the Royal Society for her exceptional contributions to science.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2022
embl-announcementslab-matters
Flip-flop genome
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg found that inversions in the human genome are more common than previously thought, which impacts our understanding of certain genetic diseases.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
Enabling imaging across scales
EMBL’s first Imaging Centre Symposium will occur onsite at EMBL and include tours of the new Imaging Centre on 31 May, introducing participants to the facility and its staff and featuring talks on the rapid developments in imaging technologies that have led to notable biological and medical…
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2022
embl-announcementsevents
Anne Ephrussi elected member of the US National Academy of Sciences
The honour recognises distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2022
embl-announcementslab-matters
“If you want science to move forward, you have to share it”
EMBO Director Fiona Watt discusses preprints, data sharing, and evaluation in light of EMBL’s new Open Science policy
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2022
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Matthias Hentze receives Centenary Award
EMBL Heidelberg’s Matthias Hentze receives the Biochemical Society’s Centenary Award for his discoveries in RNA biology.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2022
embl-announcementslab-matters
From liquid to solid to drive development
Condensates are membraneless organelles that control specific functions within a cell. Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg have shown how the physical state of condensates can influence biological function.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
Judith Zaugg from EMBL Heidelberg receives ERC Consolidator Grant
Judith Zaugg, Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg, has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant of €2 million funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. Over the next five years, the grant will enable her group to study cellular interactions in the human bone…
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2022
embl-announcementslab-matters
An international study proposes stool analysis for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A molecular signature of 27 microorganisms in stool defines the high-risk population for the most common pancreatic cancer and could be used for early detection of the disease.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
Understanding genomes, piece by piece
Genomes are made up of thousands of individual pieces – genes – which are expressed at different levels. Researchers at EMBL have shed light on how the placement of a gene affects its expression, as well as that of its neighbours.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
A 3D culture model to study embryo growth
A recent study by EMBL researchers proposes a new method to grow early embryos in the laboratory. With a 3D culture set-up, scientists can closely monitor the changes embryos undergo around the time of implantation.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
‘The World of Molecular Biology’ exhibition
The new permanent ‘The World of Molecular Biology’ exhibition will open in mid-2023 at EMBL’s headquarters in Heidelberg. It will encourage people to actively engage with science and its relevance for everyday life.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2022
embl-announcementslab-matters
Converging lenses on embryo development
Researchers from the Furlong group at EMBL have come up with a way to observe the development of fruit-fly embryos simultaneously at the genetic and cellular levels, generating a high-resolution and integrated view of how different cell lineages form.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
Welcome: Michael Dorrity
Michael Dorrity, one of EMBL’s newest group leaders, is studying how the environment influences early life stages in zebrafish.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2022
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Learning from Deep Learning: the inspirational story behind AlphaFold
DeepMind visits EMBL Heidelberg to discuss current and future implications of Artificial Intelligence for life science research.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2022
sciencescience-technology
Open science at EMBL: a transparent way of working
EMBL announces the release of its new Open Science Policy, contributing to positive culture change across the life sciences.
LAB MATTERS2021
lab-matters
Eileen Furlong honoured with Leibniz Prize
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).
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
The impact of drugs on gut microbes is greater than we thought
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…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
EMBL Imaging Centre welcomes first external user
Correlative microscopy service enables PhD student from Switzerland to study structure and location of proteins cells use to communicate.
LAB MATTERSSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Ken Holmes
Ken Holmes, outstanding pioneer of structural biology and founder of EMBL´s Hamburg site, died on 2 November 2021 at the age of 87.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
More than a gut reaction
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.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
Tackling the collateral damage from antibiotics
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…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
A cellular atlas of an entire worm
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.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
New microscopy technique makes deep in vivo brain imaging possible
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.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
Celebrating Hungary-EMBL collaborations for life sciences research
EMBL and Hungarian research institutes will collaborate to address urgent biological and environmental challenges.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2021
connectionslab-matters
German Cross of Merit for former EMBL Director General
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.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2021
alumniembl-announcements
Common medications accumulate in gut bacteria
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.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Service Platform supports research on protein transport
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.
LAB MATTERSSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
lab-mattersscience-technology
Edith Heard elected to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
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.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
A black redstart visits
Mehdi Khadraoui, a former member of the EMBL Communications team, took this close-up of a black redstart.
LAB MATTERS2021
lab-matters
EMBL Director General welcomes new EMBO Director
EMBL Director General Edith Heard has warmly welcomed Fiona Watt, who will become the new director of EMBO.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
EMBL Alumni Awards 2021
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.
PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
alumnipeople-perspectives
New insights into Salmonella’s survival strategies
Research in the Typas group uncovers new details of the strategies Salmonella uses to survive in infected cells.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
New life science Imaging Centre preparing for user access
The EMBL Imaging Centre is preparing for external user access, after an on-time and on-budget build and handover to the science team.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2021
connectionslab-matters
Illuminating protein complexes in cells
EMBL group leaders Julia Mahamid, Anna Kreshuk & Jonas Ries awarded Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant to advance what we see inside cells.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
The power of community
EMBL Director Matthias Hentze describes the Environmental Research Initiative: a community effort to solve global environmental challenges.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Nuclear twins
Captured by EMBL postdoc Arina Rybina, these ‘nuclear twins’ are two daughter nuclei straight after division of a HeLa cell.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
Artificial intelligence makes great microscopes better than ever
EMBL scientists have combined artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with two cutting-edge microscopy techniques.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
SARS-CoV-2 curtails immune response in the gut
EMBL scientists, together with collaborators from Heidelberg University, have provided further evidence of the gut’s role in COVID-19.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
Morning sun
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.
LAB MATTERS2021
lab-matterspicture-of-the-week
Wolfgang Huber becomes ISCB Fellow
The contribution of EMBL Group Leader and Senior Scientist Wolfgang Huber has been recognised by the International Society for Computational Biology
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2021
embl-announcementslab-matters
The European Climate Pact: EMBL plays its part
EMBL's Environmental Officer Brendan Rouse explains more about his role as a European Climate Pact Ambassador.
LAB MATTERS2021
lab-matters
Welcome: Sinem Saka
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.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Protein sequences provide clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells
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.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2021
sciencescience-technology
Welcome: Nicoletta Petridou
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.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Welcome: Olivier Duss
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.
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2021
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
EMBL becomes newest Instruct Centre
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.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2021
connectionslab-matters
EMBL and the European Commission refresh longstanding collaboration
December has seen the start of a new chapter in the collaboration that has for years marked the relationship between the European Commission (EC) and EMBL.
CONNECTIONS2020
connectionsevents
Heating proteins to understand how genes work
A new paper from EMBL’s Savitski team and Typas group describes their work on E. coli and how it brings a greater understanding of the way genes function and interact.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Scratching the surface on cell differentiation
Scientists in the Diz-Muñoz group at EMBL Heidelberg are working to build understanding of the role that mechanical properties play in affecting cell behaviour – a young and rapidly developing field of study. They have developed and successfully used a highly specialised technique to manipulate…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
A loopy baseline
Studying cancers means also knowing what healthy cells look like. In this case, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from healthy bone marrow are a bit ‘loopy’.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
EOSC: shaping Europe’s digital future
EMBL’s Rupert Lück is engaged in developing the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC): the infrastructure that will support the future of data sharing and analysis in Europe.
CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS2020
connectionslab-matters
Boosting the life sciences through alumni networks
EMBL’s network of alumni plays a vital role in advancing the life sciences globally. EMBL provides research, services, and infrastructure that help former staff to do this effectively. For several years EMBL has been discovering more avenues to help the life sciences across Europe. A key part of…
CONNECTIONS2020
connectionsevents
Dinosaurs, dodos, and the future of life on Earth
EMBL’s 21st Science and Society Conference will address scientific and societal responses to mass extinctions. Ahead of his keynote speech, renowned palaeontologist Mike Benton explains how looking into the deep past can give us vital insights into the future of life on Earth.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
eventsscience-technology
Achieving personalised therapeutics
A decadal roadmap points the way to cell-based medicine for Europe
LAB MATTERSSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
lab-mattersscience-technology
Nuclear pores in their natural context
Scientists from the Beck group have studied the 3D structure of nuclear pores in budding yeast. They show how the architecture of the nuclear pore complex differs inside cells compared to its form observed in vitro studies.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Welcome: Simone Mattei
The new team leader offering services in electron microscopy discusses his hopes and plans for the forthcoming EMBL Imaging Centre
LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES2020
lab-matterspeople-perspectives
Predicting how gene expression varies
Discoveries at EMBL will help researchers to interpret one of the most common types of experiments in genomics and medical studies.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Visualising the cell’s molecular machinery in action
A new approach that allows researchers to see molecular machinery at work inside cells has offered a deeper understanding of how bacteria produce proteins and a unique glimpse into how they respond to antibiotics.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Understanding chromosome organisation
EMBL scientists and collaborators help reveal the process by which enormous quantities of DNA are folded into cells.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
A tool to improve cancer research
EMBL scientists have created a new, realistic 3D testbed that could help achieve the goal of stopping cancers before they start by studying cancer cells as they first form.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Changes in senior roles at EMBL
Three changes in senior staff positions have been confirmed at EMBL today. Jessica Vamathevan becomes Head of Strategy, Jan Korbel becomes Head of Data Science for EMBL Heidelberg, and Nassos Typas becomes Senior Scientist.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2020
embl-announcementslab-matters
Two EMBL scientists become EMBO Members
This year, EMBO elected 63 new members, including Alexander Aulehla, Group Leader and Senior Scientist at EMBL Heidelberg, and Paul Flicek, Associate Director of EMBL-EBI Services, Senior Scientist, Group and Team Leader at EMBL-EBI.
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS2020
embl-announcementslab-matters
From stem cells to neurons
Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg have investigated stem cells and how they differentiate to become neurons. Their approach included an assessment of the complex interplay of molecules during the differentiation process and generated fundamental new insights into the role of a protein called Sox2 in…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 behaves in the gut
Scientists at EMBL and Heidelberg University Hospital are studying how the novel coronavirus behaves in the gut to try to better understand its epidemiology and prevent its spread. To do this, they are combining advanced imaging and sequencing technologies to study coronavirus in human intestinal…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
The hunt for neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Scientists hope that a legacy of the novel coronavirus in recovered COVID-19 patients – antibodies in their blood – could lead to drugs to treat others. The Merten group at EMBL Heidelberg has pivoted its microfluidics platform to support the search for neutralising antibodies that could…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Taking a closer look at infected cells to better understand COVID-19
EMBL electron microscopy specialists collaborate with researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital to understand the changes occurring in cell structures upon SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Supporting international research on the structure of the coronavirus
EMBL Heidelberg reopens the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Service Platform to support coronavirus structural biology research.
CONNECTIONS2020
connectionsscience
Helping to scale up coronavirus testing
Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg are contributing their expertise in a community effort to develop large-scale testing methods for coronavirus. Their goal is to increase the capacity and speed of testing, which is crucial for containing the pandemic.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
sciencescience-technology
Springtime in Heidelberg
The iconic ATC – celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year – reflects the blue sky, the clouds and the rays of the Sun.
LAB MATTERS2020
lab-matterspicture-of-the-week
Wrapped in purple
The medaka shown in this Picture of the Week was captured by Eva Hasel, a postdoc in the Leptin group at EMBL Heidelberg.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2020
picture-of-the-weekscience-technology
A tRNA modifier at work
Using cryo-EM, scientists have determined the structure of a large protein complex called Elongator.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2019
sciencescience-technology
More effective insulin thanks to first 3D image
New study reveals how to make therapeutic insulins more effective than they currently are
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2018
sciencescience-technology
Pol III enzyme grips DNA and begins reading fast
EMBL researchers uncover how a key enzyme that helps cells make new proteins starts its work
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2018
sciencescience-technology
Jacques Dubochet awarded Nobel Prize for chemistry
EMBL alumnus recognised for cryo-electron microscopy work
EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS2017
embl-announcementsscience
True Love
How transcription factors interact to create a heart
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2016
sciencescience-technology
Pol III: Completing the family album
CryoEM solves 3D atomic structure of largest and most elusive RNA polymerase.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2015
sciencescience-technology
Oskar’s structure revealed
3D structure of Oskar protein gives first molecular insight into how it functions.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2015
sciencescience-technology
Small code change, big effect
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, have developed a new method which enables researchers to label any protein of their choice with any of a wide variety of previously available compounds, in living cells, by introducing a single reactive…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2011
sciencescience-technology
Suggesting genes’ friends, facebook-style
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), both in Heidelberg, Germany, have developed a new method that uncovers the combined effects of genes. Published online today in Nature Methods, it helps understand how different genes can…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2011
sciencescience-technology
European Commission and EMBL renew cooperation
In a Memorandum of Understanding signed today, the European Commission (EC) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) formalise their desire to maintain and further develop their cooperation. “I am delighted to sign the renewed and strengthened Memorandum of Understanding between the…
LAB MATTERS2011
lab-matters
Intelligent microscopy
The sight of a researcher sitting at a microscope for hours, painstakingly searching for the right cells, may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to new software created by scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. Presented today in Nature Methods, the…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2011
sciencescience-technology
Digital Embryo gains wings
The scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, who ‘fathered’ the Digital Embryo have now given it wings, creating the Fly Digital Embryo. In work published today in Nature Methods, they were able to capture fruit fly development on film, and were the…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2010
sciencescience-technology
A life-changing partnership
Researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, and the Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology Freiburg have identified a novel protein complex that regulates around 4000 genes in the fruit fly Drosophila and likely plays an important role in mammals, too.…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2010
sciencescience-technology
Tags on, tags off
During embryonic development, proteins called Polycomb group complexes turn genes off when and where their activity must not be present, preventing specialised tissues and organs from forming in the wrong places. They also play an important role in processes like stem cell differentiation and…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2010
sciencescience-technology
Movies for the human genome
Name a human gene, and you’ll find a movie online showing you what happens to cells when it is switched off. This is the resource that researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, and their collaborators in the Mitocheck consortium are making freely…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2010
sciencescience-technology
New training and conference centre for the life sciences at EMBL in Heidelberg
Today, the German Minister for Education and Research, Annette Schavan, officially opens the new training and conference centre for the life sciences on the campus of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg. “This new centre in Heidelberg will form a central European…
LAB MATTERS2010
lab-matters
Membrane-coat proteins: bacteria have them too
Although they are present almost everywhere, on land and sea, a group of related bacteria in the superphylum Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae, or PVC, have remained in relative obscurity ever since they were first described about a decade ago. Scientists at the European Molecular Biology…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2010
sciencescience-technology
The Battle of the Sexes
Is it a boy or a girl? Expecting parents may be accustomed to this question, but contrary to what they may think, the answer doesn’t depend solely on their child’s sex chromosomes. Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany and the Medical Research…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Putting the squeeze on sperm DNA
In the quest for speed, olympic swimmers shave themselves or squeeze into high-tech super-suits. In the body, sperm are the only cells that swim and, as speed is crucial to fertility, have developed their own ways to become exceptionally streamlined. Scientists at the European Molecular Biology…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Raising the alarm when DNA goes bad
Our genome is constantly under attack from things like UV light and toxins, which can damage or even break DNA strands and ultimately lead to cancer and other diseases. Scientists have known for a long time that when DNA is damaged, a key enzyme sets off a cellular ‘alarm bell’ to alert the…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Scientists open doors to diagnosis of emphysema
Chronic inflammatory lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema are a major global health problem, and the fourth leading cause of death and disability in developed countries, with smoking accounting for 90% of the risk for developing them. Work by scientists at the European Molecular…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Scientists identify cholesterol-regulating genes
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the University of Heidelberg, Germany, have come a step closer to understanding how cholesterol levels are regulated. In a study published today in the journal Cell Metabolism, the researchers identified 20 genes that are involved…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Uncovering how cells cover gaps
Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, came a step closer to understanding how cells close gaps not only during embryonic development but also during wound healing. Their study, published this week in the journal Cell, uncovers a fundamental…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
New electron microscopy images reveal the assembly of HIV
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the University Clinic Heidelberg, Germany, have produced a three-dimensional reconstruction of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which shows the structure of the immature form of the virus at unprecedented detail. Immature HIV is…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
New EMBL service makes web browsing efficient for biologists
The life sciences are scaling up and produce huge amounts of data and new literature at an amazing pace. The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) now offers a new free service to help researchers, teachers and students keep up-to-date with scientific literature on the web, especially when…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Sugarcoating fruit fly development
Proteins are the executive agents that carry out all processes in a cell. Their activity is controlled and modified with the help of small chemical tags that can be dynamically added to and removed from the protein. 25 years after its first discovery, researchers at the European Molecular Biology…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
New study reveals the protein that makes phosphate chains in yeast
It can be found in all life forms, and serves a multitude of purposes, from energy storage to stress response to bone calcification. This molecular jack-of-all trades is polyphosphate, a long chain of phosphate molecules. Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Picture Release
‘Useless fish with big eyes’. This is what Medaka, the name of the Japanese killifish in the pictures, means in Japan where it originally comes from. While its eyes are undeniably big, the fish has proven remarkably useful for scientists. It is a simple model organism, amenable to…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
Re-write the textbooks: transcription is bidirectional
Genes that contain instructions for making proteins make up less than 2% of the human genome. Yet, for unknown reasons, most of our genome is transcribed into RNA. The same is true for many other organisms that are easier to study than humans. Researchers in the groups of Lars Steinmetz at the…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY2009
sciencescience-technology
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