For years, researchers and patients have hoped that embryonic stem cells (ESCs)—capable of forming nearly any cell type in the body—could provide insight into numerous diseases perhaps even be used to treat them. Yet progress has been hampered by the inability to transfer research and tools from mouse ESC studies to their human counterparts, in part because human ESCs are “primed” and slightly less plastic than the mouse cells.

Janelia researchers speed process with new computational method.

Salk scientists identify gene that fights metastasis of a common lung cancer.

Study to form part of a “Science behind the World Cup” special feature.

Intensity of glow indicates level of genetic match; potentially useful for identifying microbes, harmful agents, and more.

Researchers at the Wayne State University School of Medicine are among more than 250 scientists in 114 labs in more than 20 countries and regions to publish a series of coordinated papers, including landmark papers in Nature and ten other journals, revealing a definitive list of human cell states that has the potential to serve as an essential resource for regenerative medicine.

Rice University technique able to analyze conformations of complex molecular machines

Images to light up Times Square, New York; celebrating science, art and discovery.

Researchers have made important discoveries regarding the behavior of a synthetic molecular oscillator, which could help create artificial cells

How researchers can capture ultrasharp images of multiple cell components at once, and why that’s important.

The University of Chicago’s Institute for Molecular Engineering will offer its first undergraduate course in the autumn 2014 quarter as part of a newly available minor in molecular engineering. The institute will continuously develop new courses and plans to propose a full bachelor’s degree program in the 2014–2015 academic year.

Combined capabilities provide scientists with access to new and existing immortalized cell lines for use in broad research applications and clinical markets.