Cell biology

Contrary to popular belief, bacteria have organelles too. Scientists are now studying them for insights into how complex cells evolved.

Mitochondria are most famous as sources of metabolic energy. But by splitting and combining, they can also release chemical signals to regulate cell activities, including the generation of neurons.

As it becomes clear that the body’s cells have more diverse regenerative capabilities than expected, experts have had to reconsider their approach to stem cell research.

With proteins that reversibly self-assemble into droplets, cells may control their metabolism — and harden themselves against harsh conditions.

Using a new CRISPR-based technique, researchers are examining how the position of DNA within the nucleus affects gene expression and cell function.

Renee Reijo Pera has spent decades uncovering how the timing of embryonic development contributes to health and disease.

The physicist Lisa Manning studies the dynamics of glassy materials to understand embryonic development and disease.

Disease-causing viruses and message-carrying vesicles sit at the ends of a spectrum of membranous particles that cells release.

An unlikely team offers a controversial hypothesis about what enabled animal life to get more complex during the Cambrian explosion.