interesting research topics in cell biology

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Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

• Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
• Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
• Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
• Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

• Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
• Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
• Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
• Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
• Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

• Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
• Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
• Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
• Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
• Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

• Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
• Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
• Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

• Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
• Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
• Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
• Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
• Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

• Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
• Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
• Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
• Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
• Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
• Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
• Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
• Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
• Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

• 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
• Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
• Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

• Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
• Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
• Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
• Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
• Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

• Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
• Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
• Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
• Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

• Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
• Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
• Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
• The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
• Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
• Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
• Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
• Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
• Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

• Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
• Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
• Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
• Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

• Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
• Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
• Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
• Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
• Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

• The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
• Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
• Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
• Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
• Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

• Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
• Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
• Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
• Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
• Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

• Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
• Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
• Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

• Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
• Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
• Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
• Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
• Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
• Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
• Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

• Generate potential topics. 
• Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
•  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
• Narrow down and refine your research query. 
• Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics

August 21, 2023

In need of the perfect biology research topics—ideas that can both showcase your intellect and fuel your academic success? Lost in the boundless landscape of possible biology topics to research? And afraid you’ll never get a chance to begin writing your paper, let alone finish writing? Whether you’re a budding biologist hoping for a challenge or a novice seeking easy biology research topics to wade into, this blog offers curated and comprehensible options.

And if you’re a high school or transfer student looking for opportunities to immerse yourself in biology, consider learning more about research opportunities for high school students , top summer programs for high school students , best colleges for studying biomedical engineering , and best colleges for studying biology .

What is biology?

Well, biology explores the web of life that envelops our planet, from the teeny-tiny microbes to the big complex ecosystems. Biology investigates the molecular processes that define existence, deciphers the interplay of genes, and examines all the dynamic ways organisms interact with their environments. And through biology, you can gain not only knowledge, but a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. Pretty cool!

There are lots and lots of sub-disciplines within biology, branching out in all directions. Throughout this list, we won’t follow all of those branches, but we will follow many. And while none of these branches are truly simple or easy, some might be easier than others. Now we’ll take a look at a few various biology research topics and example questions that could pique your curiosity.

Climate change and ecosystems

The first of our potentially easy biology research topics: climate change and ecosystems. Investigate how ecosystems respond and adapt to the changing climate. And learn about shifts in species distributions , phenology , and ecological interactions .

1) How are different ecosystems responding to temperature changes and altered precipitation patterns?2) What are the implications of shifts in species distributions for ecosystem stability and functioning?

2) Or how does phenology change in response to climate shifts? And how do those changes impact species interactions?

3) Which underlying genetic and physiological mechanisms enable certain species to adapt to changing climate conditions?

4) And how do changing climate conditions affect species’ abilities to interact and form mutualistic relationships within ecosystems?

Microbiome and human health

Intrigued by the relationship between the gut and the rest of the body? Study the complex microbiome . You could learn how gut microbes influence digestion, immunity, and even mental health.

5) How do specific gut microbial communities impact nutrient absorption?

6) What are the connections between the gut microbiome, immune system development, and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases?

7) What ethical considerations need to be addressed when developing personalized microbiome-based therapies? And how can these therapies be safely and equitably integrated into clinical practice?

8) Or how do variations in the gut microbiome contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression?

9) How do changes in diet and lifestyle affect the composition and function of the gut microbiome? And what are the subsequent health implications?

Urban biodiversity conservation

Next, here’s another one of the potentially easy biology research topics. Examine the challenges and strategies for conserving biodiversity in urban environments. Consider the impact of urbanization on native species and ecosystem services. Then investigate the decline of pollinators and its implications for food security or ecosystem health.

10) How does urbanization influence the abundance and diversity of native plant and animal species in cities?

11) Or what are effective strategies for creating and maintaining green spaces that support urban biodiversity and ecosystem services?

12) How do different urban design and planning approaches impact the distribution of wildlife species and their interactions?

13) What are the best practices for engaging urban communities in biodiversity conservation efforts?

14) And how can urban agriculture and rooftop gardens contribute to urban biodiversity conservation while also addressing food security challenges?

Bioengineering

Are you a problem solver at heart? Then try approaching the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine. Delve into the field of synthetic biology , where researchers engineer biological systems to create novel organisms with useful applications.

15) How can synthetic biology be harnessed to develop new, sustainable sources of biofuels from engineered microorganisms?

16) And what ethical considerations arise when creating genetically modified organisms for bioremediation purposes?

17) Can synthetic biology techniques be used to design plants that are more efficient at withdrawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

18) How can bioengineering create organisms capable of producing valuable pharmaceutical compounds in a controlled and sustainable manner?

19) But what are the potential risks and benefits of using engineered organisms for large-scale environmental cleanup projects?

Neurobiology

Interested in learning more about what makes creatures tick? Then this might be one of your favorite biology topics to research. Explore the neural mechanisms that underlie complex behaviors in animals and humans. Shed light on topics like decision-making, social interactions, and addiction. And investigate how brain plasticity and neurogenesis help the brain adapt to learning, injury, and aging.

20) How does the brain’s reward circuitry influence decision-making processes in situations involving risk and reward?

21) What neural mechanisms underlie empathy and social interactions in both humans and animals?

22) Or how do changes in neural plasticity contribute to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases?

23) Can insights from neurobiology inform the development of more effective treatments for addiction and substance abuse?

24) What are the neural correlates of learning and memory? And how can our understanding of these processes be applied to educational strategies?

Plant epigenomics

While this might not be one of the easy biology research topics, it will appeal to plant enthusiasts. Explore how epigenetic modifications in plants affect their ability to respond and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

25) How do epigenetic modifications influence the expression of stress-related genes in plants exposed to temperature fluctuations?

26) Or what role do epigenetic changes play in plants’ abilities to acclimate to changing levels of air pollution?

27) Can certain epigenetic modifications be used as indicators of a plant’s adaptability to new environments?

28) How do epigenetic modifications contribute to the transgenerational inheritance of traits related to stress resistance?

29) And can targeted manipulation of epigenetic marks enhance crop plants’ ability to withstand changing environmental conditions?

Conservation genomics

Motivated to save the planet? Conservation genomics stands at the forefront of modern biology, merging the power of genetics with the urgent need to protect Earth’s biodiversity. Study genetic diversity, population dynamics, and how endangered species adapt in response to environmental changes.

30) How does genetic diversity within endangered species influence their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions?

31) What genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility of certain populations to diseases, and how can this knowledge inform conservation strategies?

32) How can genomic data be used to inform captive breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species?

33) And what are the genomic signatures of adaptation in response to human-induced environmental changes, such as habitat fragmentation and pollution?

34) Or how can genomics help identify “hotspots” of biodiversity that are particularly important for conservation efforts?

Zoonotic disease transmission

And here’s one of the biology research topics that’s been on all our minds in recent years. Investigate the factors contributing to the transmission of zoonotic diseases , like COVID-19. Then posit strategies for prevention and early detection.

35) What are the ecological and genetic factors that facilitate the spillover of zoonotic pathogens from animals to humans?

36) Or how do changes in land use, deforestation, and urbanization impact the risk of zoonotic disease emergence?

37) Can early detection and surveillance systems be developed to predict and mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases?

38) How do social and cultural factors influence human behaviors that contribute to zoonotic disease transmission?

39) And can strategies be implemented to improve global pandemic preparedness?

Bioinformatics

Are you a data fanatic? Bioinformatics involves developing computational tools and techniques to analyze and interpret large biological datasets. This enables advancements in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. So delve into the world of bioinformatics to learn how large-scale genomic and molecular data are revolutionizing biological research.

40) How can machine learning algorithms predict the function of genes based on their DNA sequences?

41) And what computational methods can identify potential drug targets by analyzing protein-protein interactions in large biological datasets?

42) Can bioinformatics tools be used to identify potential disease-causing mutations in human genomes and guide personalized medicine approaches?

43) What are the challenges and opportunities in analyzing “omics” data (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics) to uncover novel biological insights?

44) Or how can bioinformatics contribute to our understanding of microbial diversity, evolution, and interactions within ecosystems?

Regenerative medicine

While definitely not one of the easy biology research topics, regenerative medicine will appeal to those interested in healthcare. Research innovative approaches to stimulate tissue and organ regeneration, using stem cells, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. And while you’re at it, discover the next potential medical breakthrough.

45) How can stem cells be directed to differentiate into specific cell types for tissue regeneration, and what factors influence this process?

46) Or what are the potential applications of 3D bioprinting in creating functional tissues and organs for transplantation?

47) How can bioengineered scaffolds enhance tissue regeneration and integration with host tissues?

48) What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of stem cells and regenerative therapies in medical treatments?

49) And can regenerative medicine approaches be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders and restore brain function?

Biology Research Topics – Final thoughts

So as you take your next steps, try not to feel overwhelmed. And instead, appreciate the vast realm of possibilities that biology research topics offer. Because the array of biology topics to research is as diverse as the ecosystems it seeks to understand. And no matter if you’re only looking for easy biology research topics, or you’re itching to unravel the mysteries of plant-microbe interactions, your exploration will continue to deepen what we know of the world around us.

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200+ Unique And Interesting Biology Research Topics For Students In 2023

Are you curious about the fascinating world of biology and its many research possibilities? Well, you are in the right place! In this blog, we will explore biology research topics, exploring what biology is, what constitutes a good research topic, and how to go about selecting the perfect one for your academic journey.

So, what exactly is biology? Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. It includes everything from the tiniest cells to the largest ecosystems, making it a diverse and exciting field of study.

Stay tuned to learn more about biology research topics as we present over 200 intriguing research ideas for students, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right one. In addition, we will also share resources to make your quest for the perfect topic a breeze. Let’s embark on this scientific journey together!

If you are having trouble with any kind of assignment or task, do not worry—we can give you the best microbiology assignment help at a value price. Additionally, you may look at nursing project ideas .

What Is Biology?

Table of Contents

Biology is the study of living things, like animals, plants, and even tiny organisms too small to see. It helps us understand how these living things work and how they interact with each other and their environment. Biologists, or scientists who study biology, explore topics like how animals breathe, how plants grow, and how our bodies function. By learning about biology, we can better care for the Earth and all its living creatures.

What Is A Good Biology Research Topic?

A good biology research topic is a question or problem in the field of biology that scientists want to investigate and learn more about. It should be interesting and important, like studying how a new medicine can treat a disease or how animals adapt to changing environments. The topic should also be specific and clear, so researchers can focus on finding answers. Additionally, it’s helpful if the topic hasn’t been studied extensively before, so the research can contribute new knowledge to the field of biology and help us better understand the natural world.

Tips For Choosing A Biology Research Topics

Here are some tips for choosing a biology research topics:

1. Choose What Interests You

When picking a biology research topic, go for something that you personally find fascinating and enjoyable. When you’re genuinely curious about it, you’ll be more motivated to study and learn.

2. Select a Significant Topic

Look for a subject in biology that has real-world importance. Think about whether your research can address practical issues, like finding cures for diseases or understanding environmental problems. Research that can make a positive impact is usually a good choice.

3. Check If It’s Doable

Consider if you have the necessary tools and time to carry out your research. It’s essential to pick a topic that you can actually study with the resources available to you.

4. Add Your Unique Perspective

Try to find a fresh or different angle for your research. While you can build upon existing knowledge, bringing something new or unique to the table can make your research more exciting and valuable.

5. Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from your teachers or experienced researchers. They can provide you with valuable insights and help you make a smart decision when choosing your research topic in biology.

Biology Research Topics For College Students

1. Investigating the role of genetic mutations in cancer development.

2. Analyzing the impact of climate changes on wildlife populations.

3. Studying the ecology of invasive species in urban environments.

4. Investigating the microbiome of the human gut and its relationship to health.

5. Analyzing the genetic diversity of endangered species for conservation.

6. Studying the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

7. Investigating the ecological consequences of deforestation.

8. Analyzing the behavior and communication of social insects like ants and bees.

9. Studying the physiology of extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

10. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of cell division and mitosis.

Plant Biology Research Topics For College Students

11. Studying the impact of different fertilizers on crop yields and soil health.

12. Analyzing the genetics of plant resistance to pests and diseases.

13. Investigating the role of plant hormones in growth and development.

14. Studying the adaptation of plants to drought conditions.

15. Analyzing the ecological interactions between plants and pollinators.

16. Investigating the use of biotechnology to enhance crop traits.

17. Studying the genetics of plant breeding for improved varieties.

18. Analyzing the physiology of photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants.

19. Investigating the effects of soil microbiota on plant health.

20. Studying the evolution of plant species in response to changing environments.

Biotechnology Research Topics For College Students

21. Investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for genome editing.

22. Analyzing the production of biofuels from microorganisms.

23. Studying the application of biotechnology in medicine, such as gene therapy.

24. Investigating the use of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

25. Analyzing the role of biotechnology in food production, including GMOs.

26. Studying the development of biopharmaceuticals and monoclonal antibodies.

27. Investigating the use of bioremediation to clean up polluted environments.

28. Studying the potential of synthetic biology for creating novel organisms.

29. Analyzing the ethical and social implications of biotechnological advancements.

30. Investigating the use of biotechnology in forensic science, such as DNA analysis.

Molecular Biology Research Topics For Undergraduates

31. Studying the structure and function of DNA and RNA molecules.

32. Analyzing the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

33. Investigating the mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.

34. Studying the role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation.

35. Analyzing the molecular basis of genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis.

36. Investigating the epigenetic modifications that control gene activity.

37. Studying the molecular mechanisms of protein folding and misfolding.

38. Analyzing the molecular pathways involved in cancer progression.

39. Investigating the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases.

40. Studying the use of molecular markers in genetic diversity analysis.

Life Science Research Topics For High School Students

41. Investigating the effects of different diets on human health.

42. Analyzing the impact of exercise on cardiovascular fitness.

43. Studying the genetics of inherited traits and diseases.

44. Investigating the ecological interactions in a local ecosystem.

45. Analyzing the diversity of microorganisms in soil or water samples.

46. Studying the anatomy and physiology of a specific organ or system.

47. Investigating the life cycle of a local plant or animal species.

48. Studying the effects of environmental pollutants on aquatic organisms.

49. Analyzing the behavior of a specific animal species in its habitat.

50. Investigating the process of photosynthesis in plants.

Biology Research Topics For Grade 12

51. Investigating the genetic basis of a specific inherited disorder.

52. Analyzing the impact of climate change on a local ecosystem.

53.Studying the biodiversity of a particular rainforest region.

54. Investigating the physiological adaptations of animals to extreme temperatures.

55. Analyzing the effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

56. Studying the life history and conservation status of an endangered species.

57. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of a specific disease.

58. Studying the ecological interactions within a coral reef ecosystem.

59. Analyzing the genetics of plant hybridization and speciation.

60. Investigating the behavior and communication of a particular bird species.

Marine Biology Research Topics

61. Studying the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs.

62. Analyzing the migration patterns of marine mammals.

63. Investigating the physiology of deep-sea creatures under high pressure.

64. Studying the ecology of phytoplankton and their role in the marine food web.

65. Analyzing the behavior of different species of sharks.

66. Investigating the conservation of sea turtle populations.

67. Studying the biodiversity of deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities.

68. Analyzing the effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems.

69. Investigating the adaptation of marine organisms to extreme cold in polar regions.

70. Studying the bioluminescence and communication in marine organisms.

AP Biology Research Topics

71. Investigating the role of specific enzymes in cellular metabolism.

72. Analyzing the genetic variation within a population.

73. Studying the mechanisms of hormonal regulation in animals.

74. Investigating the principles of Mendelian genetics through trait analysis.

75. Analyzing the ecological succession in a local ecosystem.

76. Studying the physiology of the human circulatory system.

77. Investigating the molecular biology of a specific virus.

78. Studying the principles of natural selection through evolutionary simulations.

79. Analyzing the genetic diversity of a plant species in different habitats.

80. Investigating the effects of different environmental factors on plant growth.

Cell Biology Research Topics

81. Investigating the role of mitochondria in cellular energy production.

82. Analyzing the mechanisms of cell division and mitosis.

83. Studying the function of cell membrane proteins in signal transduction.

84. Investigating the cellular processes involved in apoptosis (cell death).

85. Analyzing the role of endoplasmic reticulum in protein synthesis and folding.

86. Studying the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and cell motility.

87. Investigating the regulation of cell cycle checkpoints.

88. Analyzing the structure and function of cellular organelles.

89. Studying the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.

90. Investigating the impact of cellular stress on cell health and function.

Human Biology Research Topics

91. Analyzing the genetic basis of inherited diseases in humans.

92. Investigating the physiological responses to exercise and physical activity.

93. Studying the hormonal regulation of the human reproductive system.

94. Analyzing the impact of nutrition on human health and metabolism.

95. Investigating the role of the immune system in disease prevention.

96. Studying the genetics of human evolution and migration.

97. Analyzing the neural mechanisms underlying human cognition and behavior.

98. Investigating the molecular basis of aging and age-related diseases.

99. Studying the impact of environmental toxins on human health.

100. Analyzing the genetics of organ transplantation and tissue compatibility.

Molecular Biology Research Topics

101. Investigating the role of microRNAs in gene regulation.

102. Analyzing the molecular basis of genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis.

103. Studying the epigenetic modifications that control gene expression.

104. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of RNA splicing.

105. Analyzing the role of telomeres in cellular aging.

106. Studying the molecular pathways involved in cancer metastasis.

107. Investigating the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases.

108. Studying the molecular interactions in protein-protein networks.

109. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage and repair.

110. Investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing.

Animal Biology Research Topics

111. Studying the behavior and communication of social insects like ants.

112. Analyzing the physiology of hibernation in mammals.

113. Investigating the ecological interactions in a predator-prey relationship.

114. Studying the adaptations of animals to extreme environments.

115. Analyzing the genetics of inherited traits in animal populations.

116. Investigating the impact of climate change on animal migration patterns.

117. Studying the diversity of marine life in coral reef ecosystems.

118. Analyzing the physiology of flight in birds and bats.

119. Investigating the molecular basis of animal coloration and camouflage.

120. Studying the behavior and conservation of endangered species.

• Neuroscience Research Topics
• Mental Health Research Topics

Plant Biology Research Topics

121. Investigating the role of plant hormones in growth and development.

122. Analyzing the genetics of plant resistance to pests and diseases.

123. Climate change and plant phenology are being examined.

124. Investigating the ecology of mycorrhizal fungi and their symbiosis with plants.

125. Investigating plant photosynthesis and carbon fixing.

126. Molecular analysis of plant stress responses.

127. Investigating the adaptation of plants to drought conditions.

128. Studying the role of plants in phytoremediation of polluted environments.

129. Analyzing the genetics of plant hybridization and speciation.

130. Investigating the molecular basis of plant-microbe interactions.

Environmental Biology Research Topics

131. Analyzing the effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

132. Investigating the biodiversity of a particular ecosystem.

133. Studying the ecological consequences of deforestation.

134. Analyzing the impact of climate change on wildlife populations.

135. Investigating the use of bioremediation to clean up polluted sites.

136. Studying the environmental factors influencing species distribution.

137. Analyzing the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife.

138. Investigating the ecology of invasive species in new environments.

139. Studying the conservation of endangered species and habitats.

140. Analyzing the interactions between humans and urban ecosystems.

Chemical Biology Research Topics

141. Investigating the design and synthesis of new drug compounds.

142. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of enzyme catalysis.

143.Studying the role of small molecules in cellular signaling pathways.

144. Investigating the development of chemical probes for biological research.

145. Studying the chemistry of protein-ligand interactions.

146. Analyzing the use of chemical biology in cancer therapy.

147. Investigating the synthesis of bioactive natural products.

148. Studying the role of chemical compounds in microbial interactions.

149. Analyzing the chemistry of DNA-protein interactions.

150. Investigating the chemical basis of drug resistance in pathogens.

Medical Biology Research Topics

151. Investigating the genetic basis of specific diseases like diabetes.

152. Analyzing the mechanisms of drug resistance in bacteria.

153. Studying the molecular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.

154. Investigating the development of personalized medicine approaches.

155. Studying the role of inflammation in chronic diseases.

156. Analyzing the genetics of rare diseases and genetic syndromes.

157. Investigating the molecular basis of viral infections and vaccines.

158. Studying the mechanisms of organ transplantation and rejection.

159. Analyzing the molecular diagnostics of cancer.

160. Investigating the biology of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

161. Studying the evolution of human ancestors and early hominids.

162. The genetic variety of species and between species is being looked at.

163. Investigating the role of sexual selection in animal evolution.

164. Studying the co-evolutionary relationships between parasites and hosts.

165. Analyzing the evolutionary adaptations of extremophiles.

166. Investigating the evolution of developmental processes (evo-devo).

167. Studying the biogeography and distribution of species.

168. Analyzing the evolution of mimicry in animals and plants.

169. Investigating the genetics of speciation and hybridization.

170. Studying the evolutionary history of domesticated plants and animals.

Cellular Biology Research Topics

171. Investigating the role of autophagy in cellular homeostasis.

172. Analyzing the mechanisms of cellular transport and trafficking.

173. Studying the regulation of cell adhesion & migration.

174. Investigating the cellular responses to DNA damage.

175. Analyzing the dynamics of cellular membrane structures.

176. Studying the role of cellular organelles in lipid metabolism.

177. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell communication.

178. Studying the physiology of cellular respiration and energy production.

179. Analyzing the cellular mechanisms of viral entry and replication.

180. Investigating the role of cellular senescence in aging and disease.

Good Biology Research Topics Related To Brain Injuries

181. Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury.

182. Investigating the role of neuroinflammation in brain injury recovery.

183. Studying the impact of concussions on long-term brain health.

184. Analyzing the use of neuroimaging in diagnosing brain injuries.

185. Investigating the development of neuroprotective therapies.

186. Studying the genetics of susceptibility to brain injuries.

187. Analyzing the cognitive and behavioral effects of brain trauma.

188. Investigating the role of rehabilitation in brain injury recovery.

189. Studying the cellular and molecular changes in axonal injury.

190. Looking into how stem cell therapy might be used to help brain injuries.

Biology Quantitative Research Topics

191. Investigating the mathematical modeling of population dynamics.

192. Analyzing the statistical methods for biodiversity assessment.

193. Studying the use of bioinformatics in genomics research.

194. Investigating the quantitative analysis of gene expression data.

195. Studying the mathematical modeling of enzyme kinetics.

196. Analyzing the statistical approaches for epidemiological studies.

197. Investigating the use of computational tools in phylogenetics.

198. Studying the mathematical modeling of ecological systems.

199. Analyzing the quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions.

200. Investigating the statistical methods for analyzing genetic variation.

Importance Of Choosing The Right Biology Research Topics

Here are some importance of choosing the right biology research topics: 

1. Relevance to Your Interests and Goals

Choosing the right biology research topic is important because it should align with your interests and goals. Studying something you’re passionate about keeps you motivated and dedicated to your research.

2. Contribution to Scientific Knowledge

Your research should contribute something valuable to the world of science. Picking the right topic means you have the chance to discover something new or solve a problem, advancing our understanding of the natural world.

3. Availability of Resources

Consider the resources you have or can access. If you pick a topic that demands resources you don’t have, your research may hit a dead end. Choosing wisely means you can work efficiently.

4. Feasibility and Manageability

A good research topic should be manageable within your time frame and capabilities. If it’s too broad or complex, you might get overwhelmed. Picking the right topic ensures your research is doable.

5. Real-World Impact

Think about how your research might benefit the real world. Biology often has implications for health, the environment, or society. Choosing a topic with practical applications can make your work meaningful and potentially change lives.

Resources For Finding Biology Research Topics

There are numerous resources for finding biology research topics:

1. Online Databases

Look on websites like PubMed and Google Scholar. They have lots of biology articles. Type words about what you like to find topics.

2. Academic Journals

Check biology magazines. They talk about new research. You can find ideas and see what’s important.

3. University Websites

Colleges show what their teachers study. Find teachers who like what you like. Ask them about ideas for your own study.

4. Science News and Magazines

Read science news. They tell you about new things in biology. It helps you think of research ideas.

5. Join Biology Forums and Communities

Talk to other people who like biology online. You can ask for ideas and find friends to help you. Use websites like ResearchGate and Reddit for this.

Conclusion 

Biology Research Topics offer exciting opportunities for exploration and learning. We’ve explained what biology is and stressed the importance of picking a good research topic. Our tips and extensive list of over 200 biology research topics provide valuable guidance for students.

Selecting the right topic is more than just getting good grades; it’s about making meaningful contributions to our understanding of life. We’ve also shared resources to help you discover even more topics. So, embrace the world of biology research, embark on a journey of discovery, and be part of the ongoing effort to unravel the mysteries of the natural world.

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Collection  06 March 2024

Cell & Molecular Biology Top 100 of 2023

This collection highlights the most downloaded* cell and molecular biology research papers published by Scientific Reports in 2023. Featuring authors from around the world, these papers highlight valuable research from an international community.

You can also view the journal's overall Top 100 or the Top 100 within various subject areas . *Data obtained from SN Insights, which is based on Digital Science’s Dimensions.

Modulating heart rate oscillation affects plasma amyloid beta and tau levels in younger and older adults

• Jungwon Min
• Jeremy Rouanet
• Mara Mather

Fetal bovine serum, an important factor affecting the reproducibility of cell experiments

• Changqing Sun

Crystal structure of the CoV-Y domain of SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3

• Yulia Pustovalova

Enhanced presynaptic mitochondrial energy production is required for memory formation

• Erica L. Underwood
• John B. Redell
• Pramod K. Dash

Tozorakimab (MEDI3506): an anti-IL-33 antibody that inhibits IL-33 signalling via ST2 and RAGE/EGFR to reduce inflammation and epithelial dysfunction

• Elizabeth England
• D. Gareth Rees
• E. Suzanne Cohen

RNA-binding proteins that lack canonical RNA-binding domains are rarely sequence-specific

• Debashish Ray
• Kaitlin U. Laverty
• Timothy R. Hughes

CRISPR imaging reveals chromatin fluctuation at the centromere region related to cellular senescence

• Hideaki Takata
• Yumena Masuda
• Nobuko Ohmido

Integrated multi-omics analysis of Alzheimer’s disease shows molecular signatures associated with disease progression and potential therapeutic targets

• Pradeep Kodam
• R. Sai Swaroop
• Ramakrishna Vadrevu

Rejuvenating effects of young extracellular vesicles in aged rats and in cellular models of human senescence

• Lilian Grigorian Shamagian
• Russell G. Rogers
• Eduardo Marbán

Direct cell extraction of membrane proteins for structure–function analysis

• Ieva Drulyte
• Aspen Rene Gutgsell
• Robin Löving

Proximal Molecular Probe Transfer (PROMPT), a new approach for identifying sites of protein/nucleic acid interaction in cells by correlated light and electron microscopy

• Guillaume A. Castillon
• Sebastien Phan
• Mark H. Ellisman

Spatial subcellular organelle networks in single cells

• Mythreye Venkatesan
• Nicholas Zhang
• Ahmet F. Coskun

Food protein-derived amyloids do not accelerate amyloid β aggregation

• M. Mahafuzur Rahman
• Rodrigo Sanches Pires
• Christofer Lendel

Single-cell-led drug repurposing for Alzheimer’s disease

• Silvia Parolo
• Federica Mariotti
• Enrico Domenici

Effects of a monoclonal antibody against (pro)renin receptor on gliomagenesis

• Takeshi Fujimori
• Yuki Shibayama
• Keisuke Miyake

Stem cells-derived exosomes alleviate neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s pathogenesis by ameliorating neuroinflamation, and regulating the associated molecular pathways

• Muhammad Imran Khan
• Eun Sun Jeong
• Jong Deog Kim

A hybrid in silico/in-cell controller for microbial bioprocesses with process-model mismatch

• Tomoki Ohkubo
• Katsuyuki Kunida

Mitochondrial impairment but not peripheral inflammation predicts greater Gulf War illness severity

• Beatrice A. Golomb
• Roel Sanchez Baez
• Hemal H. Patel

Natural and engineered mediators of desiccation tolerance stabilize Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII in a dry state

• Maxwell H. Packebush
• Silvia Sanchez-Martinez
• Thomas C. Boothby

Cryo-EM structure of a catalytic amyloid fibril

• Thomas Heerde
• Akanksha Bansal
• Marcus Fändrich

Computational analysis of the sequence-structure relation in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using protein contact networks

• Pietro Hiram Guzzi
• Luisa di Paola
• Pierangelo Veltri

Activation of L-lactate oxidase by the formation of enzyme assemblies through liquid–liquid phase separation

• Tsutomu Mikawa

DNA hypomethylation characterizes genes encoding tissue-dominant functional proteins in liver and skeletal muscle

• Hideki Maehara
• Toshiya Kokaji
• Shinya Kuroda

Alleviation of arthritis through prevention of neutrophil extracellular traps by an orally available inhibitor of protein arginine deiminase 4

• Chandru Gajendran
• Shoichi Fukui
• Dhanalakshmi Sivanandhan

Variability of fluorescence intensity distribution measured by flow cytometry is influenced by cell size and cell cycle progression

• Zuzana Kahounová
• Karel Souček

CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screen leads to the discovery of L-Moses, a KAT2B inhibitor that attenuates Tunicamycin-mediated neuronal cell death

• Sofia Pavlou
• Stefanie Foskolou
• Emmanouil Metzakopian

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) reveals spatial-metabolic changes in 3D breast cancer spheroids

• Kavon Karrobi
• Darren Roblyer

Induction of psoriasis- and atopic dermatitis-like phenotypes in 3D skin equivalents with a fibroblast-derived matrix

• Bianka Morgner
• Jörg Tittelbach
• Cornelia Wiegand

Effects of imeglimin on mitochondrial function, AMPK activity, and gene expression in hepatocytes

• Kaori Hozumi
• Kenji Sugawara
• Wataru Ogawa

Correlation analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation index with semen parameters and the effect of sperm DFI on outcomes of ART

• KangSheng Liu
• XiaoDong Mao

A highly sensitive NanoLuc-based protease biosensor for detecting apoptosis and SARS-CoV-2 infection

• Masashi Arakawa
• Akiho Yoshida
• Eiji Morita

Different electrostatic forces drive the binding kinetics of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV Envelope proteins with the PDZ2 domain of ZO1

• Valeria Pennacchietti
• Angelo Toto

Intermittent fasting activates macrophage migration inhibitory factor and alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

• Yaoshan Dun

Chronic exposure to warm temperature causes low sperm abundance and quality in Drosophila melanogaster

• Ana Caroline P. Gandara
• Daniela Drummond-Barbosa

Intercorrelated variability in blood and hemodynamic biomarkers reveals physiological network in hemodialysis patients

• Yuichi Nakazato
• Masahiro Shimoyama
• Hiromi Shimoyama

Drug cytotoxicity screening using human intestinal organoids propagated with extensive cost-reduction strategies

• Yu Takahashi
• Ryuichiro Sato

The evaluation of tumorigenicity and characterization of colonies in a soft agar colony formation assay using polymerase chain reaction

• Daichi Nakamura

Targeting fibrotic signaling pathways by EGCG as a therapeutic strategy for uterine fibroids

• Md Soriful Islam
• Maclaine Parish
• James H. Segars

Mechanical stimuli activate gene expression via a cell envelope stress sensing pathway

• Christine E. Harper
• Wenyao Zhang
• Christopher J. Hernandez

Indolethylamine N -methyltransferase (INMT) is not essential for endogenous tryptamine-dependent methylation activity in rats

• Nicolas G. Glynos
• Lily Carter
• Jimo Borjigin

Resistance training restores skeletal muscle atrophy and satellite cell content in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease

• Masoud Rahmati
• Mohammad Shariatzadeh Joneydi

The identification of metabolites from gut microbiota in NAFLD via network pharmacology

• Ki-Kwang Oh
• Haripriya Gupta

Heat denaturation enables multicolor X10-STED microscopy

• Kim Ann Saal
• Ali H. Shaib
• Silvio O. Rizzoli

Glutamine synthetase (GS) knockout (KO) using CRISPR/Cpf1 diversely enhances selection efficiency of CHO cells expressing therapeutic antibodies

• Witsanu Srila
• Martina Baumann
• Montarop Yamabhai

Simplifying the detection and monitoring of protein glycosylation during in vitro glycoengineering

• Matthew J. Saunders
• Robert J. Woods
• Loretta Yang

Polyunsaturated fatty acids-rich dietary lipid prevents high fat diet-induced obesity in mice

• Yuri Haneishi
• Yuma Furuya
• Junki Miyamoto

Immature and mature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells exhibit distinct intracellular mechanical properties

• Antoine Leblanc-Hotte
• Cindy Audiger
• Sylvie Lesage

Design of an artificial phage-display library based on a new scaffold improved for average stability of the randomized proteins

• M. Valerio-Lepiniec

IL-6/ERK signaling pathway participates in type I IFN-programmed, unconventional M2-like macrophage polarization

• Jianghuai Liu

Induction of primordial germ cell-like cells from common marmoset embryonic stem cells by inhibition of WNT and retinoic acid signaling

• Mayumi Shono
• Keiko Kishimoto
• Katsuhiko Hayashi

β-Aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA) is a novel regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory function in human podocytes

• Irena Audzeyenka
• Maria Szrejder
• Agnieszka Piwkowska

In silico and in vitro studies confirm Ondansetron as a novel acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor

• Asma Gholami
• Dariush Minai-Tehrani
• Leif A. Eriksson

FUS regulates a subset of snoRNA expression and modulates the level of rRNA modifications

• Kishor Gawade
• Patrycja Plewka
• Katarzyna D. Raczynska

Rapid clonal identification of biallelic CRISPR/Cas9 knock-ins using SNEAK PEEC

• Sameer Singh
• Anoosha Banerjee
• Sebastian Klinge

PepCNN deep learning tool for predicting peptide binding residues in proteins using sequence, structural, and language model features

• Abel Chandra
• Alok Sharma
• Abdul Sattar

Characterisation of a cyclic peptide that binds to the RAS binding domain of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110α

• Mohamed Ismail
• Stephen R. Martin
• Julian Downward

Purified complement C3b triggers phagocytosis and activation of human neutrophils via complement receptor 1

• Elena Boero
• Ronald D. Gorham Jr.
• Suzan H. M. Rooijakkers

Structural characterisation of hemagglutinin from seven Influenza A H1N1 strains reveal diversity in the C05 antibody recognition site

• Seyed Mohammad Ghafoori
• Gayle F. Petersen
• Jade K. Forwood

Neuronal glutathione loss leads to neurodegeneration involving gasdermin activation

• Shoko Hashimoto
• Yukio Matsuba
• Takaomi C. Saido

Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals the molecular interplay between circadian clocks and cancer pathogenesis

• Andy Pérez-Villa
• Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
• Andrés López-Cortés

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) alleviates the poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory response in human primary cell cultures

• Hitomi Sano
• Anton Kratz
• Ayako Yachie

TMS-EEG perturbation biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease patients classification

• Alexandra-Maria Tăuƫan
• Elias P. Casula
• Emiliano Santarnecchi

Initiation and modulation of Tau protein phase separation by the drug suramin

• Prabhu Rajaiah Prince
• Janine Hochmair
• Christian Betzel

Development of a novel air–liquid interface airway tissue equivalent model for in vitro respiratory modeling studies

• Timothy Leach
• Sean V. Murphy

Establishment of quantitative and consistent in vitro skeletal muscle pathological models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 using patient-derived iPSCs

• Tatsuya Jonouchi
• Hidetoshi Sakurai

Once a week consumption of Western diet over twelve weeks promotes sustained insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fat liver disease in C57BL/6 J mice

• Thainá Magalhães Demaria
• Leticia Diniz Crepaldi
• Mauro Sola-Penna

Efficient production of recombinant proteins in suspension CHO cells culture using the Tol2 transposon system coupled with cycloheximide resistance selection

• Keina Yamaguchi
• Koichi Kawakami

Collagen constitutes about 12% in females and 17% in males of the total protein in mice

• Katharina Tarnutzer
• Devanarayanan Siva Sankar
• Collin Y. Ewald

A randomized, open-label clinical trial in mild cognitive impairment with EGb 761 examining blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress

• Xavier Morató
• Marta Marquié
• Mercè Boada

Butyrate limits human natural killer cell effector function

• Vanessa Zaiatz-Bittencourt
• Fiona Jones
• Elizabeth J. Ryan

Apoptotic gene loss in Cnidaria is associated with transition to parasitism

• Alexander M. Neverov
• Alexander Y. Panchin
• Yuri V. Panchin

A non-catalytic N-terminus domain of WRN prevents mitotic telomere deprotection

• Diana Romero-Zamora
• Makoto T. Hayashi

Structural insights into the bi-specific cross-over dual variable antibody architecture by cryo-EM

• David Fernandez-Martinez
• Mark D. Tully
• Eaazhisai Kandiah

A highly efficient scheme for library preparation from single-stranded DNA

• Fumihito Miura
• Hideaki Kanzawa-Kiriyama
• Takashi Ito

Integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the mechanisms underlying naringenin treatment of chronic wounds

• Chunyan Liu
• Yibing Wang

Substrate stiffness controls proinflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts

• Watcharaphol Tiskratok
• Masahiro Yamada
• Hiroshi Egusa

Gut inflammation associated with age and Alzheimer’s disease pathology: a human cohort study

• Margo B. Heston
• Kendra L. Hanslik
• Tyler K. Ulland

Human PNPase causes RNA stabilization and accumulation of R-loops in the Escherichia coli model system

• Federica A. Falchi
• Francesca Forti
• Federica Briani

Coenzyme A binding sites induce proximal acylation across protein families

• Chris Carrico
• Andrew Cruz
• Eric Verdin

Modeling and affinity maturation of an anti-CD20 nanobody: a comprehensive in-silico investigation

• Alireza Poustforoosh
• Sanaz Faramarz
• Hassan Hashemipour

A multidimensional ODE-based model of Alzheimer’s disease progression

• Matías Nicolás Bossa
• Hichem Sahli

Inner mitochondrial membrane protein Prohibitin 1 mediates Nix-induced, Parkin-independent mitophagy

• Kibrom M. Alula
• Yaritza Delgado-Deida
• Arianne L. Theiss

Ceramide releases exosomes with a specific miRNA signature for cell differentiation

• Federico Fiorani
• Rossana Domenis
• Elisabetta Albi

The spatial distribution of GPCR and Gβγ activity across a cell dictates PIP3 dynamics

• Dhanushan Wijayaratna
• Kasun Ratnayake
• Ajith Karunarathne

Establishment of a 96-well transwell system using primary human gut organoids to capture multiple quantitative pathway readouts

• Charles W. Wright
• Sina Mohammadi

HA-tag CD63 is a novel conditional transgenic approach to track extracellular vesicle interactions with sperm and their transfer at conception

• Christopher P. Morgan
• Victoria E. Meadows
• Tracy L. Bale

Development of a three-dimensional organoid model to explore early retinal phenotypes associated with Alzheimer’s disease

• Sailee S. Lavekar
• Jade Harkin
• Jason S. Meyer

Determining the structure of the bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NaChBac embedded in liposomes by cryo electron tomography and subtomogram averaging

• Shih-Ying Scott Chang
• Patricia M. Dijkman
• Misha Kudryashev

Mechanism of rotenone binding to respiratory complex I depends on ligand flexibility

• Caroline S. Pereira
• Murilo H. Teixeira
• Guilherme M. Arantes

Modelling ligand depletion for simultaneous affinity and binding site quantification on cells and tissue

• Judith Weber
• Klara Djurberg
• Sina Bondza

Extracellular vesicles are dynamic regulators of maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy

• Hannah C. Zierden
• Ruth Marx-Rattner

Modulation of transcription factor dynamics allows versatile information transmission

• Alejandro Colman-Lerner
• Silvina Ponce Dawson

Meta-analysis of NAD(P)(H) quantification results exhibits variability across mammalian tissues

• Dassine Azouaoui
• Michael René Choinière
• Keir J. Menzies

Cryo-EM structure of SKP1-SKP2-CKS1 in complex with CDK2-cyclin A-p27KIP1

• Rhianna J. Rowland
• Richard Heath
• Marco Salamina

Multimodal perturbation analyses of cyclin-dependent kinases reveal a network of synthetic lethalities associated with cell-cycle regulation and transcriptional regulation

• Brenton P. Munson
• Trey Ideker

A simple method to make, trap and deform a vesicle in a gel

• Pierre Tapie
• Alexis M. Prevost
• Elie Wandersman

Heat shock protein A2 is a novel extracellular vesicle-associated protein

• Damian Robert Sojka
• Agata Abramowicz
• Dorota Scieglinska

Modulation of tau tubulin kinases (TTBK1 and TTBK2) impacts ciliogenesis

• Frances M. Bashore
• Ariana B. Marquez
• Alison D. Axtman

Increasing the melting temperature of VHH with the in silico free energy score

• Yusuke Tomimoto
• Rika Yamazaki
• Hiroki Shirai

Oxidative stress induces mitochondrial iron overload and ferroptotic cell death

• Xiaoyun Guo
• Qinghang Liu

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Cancer Biology

Focus areas.

The mission of the Department of Cancer Biology is to identify and understand the causes of cancer, to develop innovative approaches to reduce cancer incidence, to create and test novel and more effective therapies, and to translate these findings into clinical care for the benefit of patients.

Research in our department is highly collaborative and is potentiated through close interactions with other basic science departments and translated through clinical collaborations.

Our faculty members are aligned into eight research focus areas that address cancer development, progression and treatment.

Cancer disparities

While cancer affects everyone, certain groups have higher rates of cancer cases, deaths and health complications. These differences can be associated with genetics, sex, racial and ethnic populations, socioeconomic status, or specific geographic areas. Studying the factors that lead to cancer disparities leads to more-effective prevention and treatment approaches for the affected populations.

• Read more about the cancer disparities focus area .

Cancer stem cells

The stem cell theory of cancer proposes that among the many different types of cells within a cancer, there exists a subpopulation of cells called cancer stem cells that multiply indefinitely, are resistant to chemotherapy, and are thought to be responsible for relapse after therapy. Cancer stem cells also give rise to highly metastatic cells that spread to other organs and tissues within the body. A deeper understanding of cancer stem cells is leading to better implementation of existing anti-cancer therapies and identification of new approaches that target the cancer stem cells specifically.

• Read more about the cancer stem cells focus area .

Cancer systems biology

Cancer is a complex disease with many molecular, genetic and cellular causes. Considering these causes as a system of interactions can lead to a better understanding of the processes involved in the development of cancer and response to therapies. Cancer systems biology integrates advanced experimental models, insights from genome sequencing and other large-scale data projects, and computational models to create unified models of cancer behavior.

• Read more about the cancer systems biology focus area .

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and carcinogenesis

Cancer initiates from genetic alterations, including mutations, deletions and copy number gains, that function to activate cancer-promoting pathways or to block processes that normally inhibit cancer development. Through better understanding of pro- and anti-cancer signaling processes and how they become dysregulated in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, our team can improve biological tools for clinicians and devise molecularly targeted therapies to intervene.

• Read more about the oncogenic gene dysregulation and carcinogenesis focus area .

Precision cancer medicine and translational therapeutics

Cancers develop and respond to therapies differently from one patient to the next. A better understanding of the specific processes driving cancer growth and spread in an individual patient allows for tailored therapeutic strategies that are more effective with minimal side effects. Profiling the mutations and abnormalities that drive a tumor, in combination with development of experimental models that assess the specific responses of cancer cells to therapeutics that target those abnormalities, has dramatically improved outcomes in many cancer types.

• Read more about the precision cancer medicine and translational therapeutics focus area .

Tumor immunology and immunotherapy

Therapeutic strategies that stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells can lead to long-lasting tumor regression and minimize relapse. Integrated efforts of laboratory researchers and clinicians are leading to improved knowledge of how the immune system interacts with cancer cells and how immune processes can be intentionally manipulated for therapeutic effect.

• Read more about the tumor immunology and immunotherapy focus area .

Tumor invasion and metastasis

A fundamental property of malignant tumor cells is the ability to invade surrounding tissues and to metastasize to other organs. These abilities underlie the majority of cancer-associated deaths. While invasion and metastasis are often thought of as the final stages of tumor development, recent studies have shown that tumor spread can occur even at early stages of tumor development, sometimes even before the primary tumor has been identified. Development of therapies targeting invasion and metastasis has the promise to significantly reduce cancer mortality.

• Read more about the tumor invasion and metastasis focus area .

Tumor microenvironment

Tumors require complex interactions with surrounding blood vessels, immune cells, supportive tissue structures and cell types that are distinct to the tumor site in order to grow, become invasive and metastasize. Tumors influence their microenvironment by releasing soluble signals that lead to degradation and remodeling of the tissue structures that constrain their growth. Targeting the interactions of tumors with the microenvironment is an important and developing area of study.

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212 Unique Biology Research Topics For Students And Researchers

Every student studying something related to biology — botany, marine, animal, medicine, molecular or physical biology, is in an interesting field. It’s a subject that explores how animate and inanimate objects relate to themselves. The field unveils the past, the present, and what lies in the future of the relationship between the living and nonliving things.

This is precisely why you need custom and quality biology topics for your college and university essay or project. It’ll make it easy to brainstorm, research, and get to writing straight away. Before the deep dive, what is biology?

What Is Biology?

Everyone knows it’s the scientific study of life, but beyond that, biology facilitates the comprehension of living and nonliving things. It’s a branch that explores their anatomy, behavior, distribution, morphology, and physiology.

For example, it understands how genes are classified and constituted into generations. It encompasses various branches, including botany, medicine, genetics, ecology, marine biology, zoology, and molecular biology.

Here are what some of these mean:

Botany: This study of plants examines their structure, physiology, ecology, economic importance, and distribution, among others. It also deals with their biochemical processes, properties, and social interactions between plants. It extends to how plants are vital for human life, survival, and growth and how they play a significant role in stabilizing environmental health. Zoology: Zoology studies animal behavior, brain, structure, physiology, class, and distribution. It’s the general study of the lives of both living and extinct animals. It explains animal classification, the animal kingdom, evolution, habitat, embryology, and life span. Physiology: Physiology deals with the daily functions of the human body: How it works and the factors that make it work. It examines molecular behavior, the chemistry and physics behind locomotion, and how the cells in the living organisms’ body function. It helps understand how humans and animals get sick and what can be done to alleviate pain. Microbiology: Dealing with microorganisms, it examined how viruses, algae, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and slime molds become parts of human life. They’re regarded as microbes, which play substantial roles in the human biochemical processes, including climate change, biodegradation, biodeterioration, food spoilage, biotech, and epidemiology. Marine Biology: This is the scientific study of organs in the sea. It understands their family classification, how they survive, and what makes wild marine animals different from domesticated and consumable ones. It also explores their interaction with the environment through several processes. The marine biologist studies marines in their natural environment, collects data on their characteristics, human impact on their living, and how they relate with themselves.

Now that you know all these, here are some custom biology topics to research for your university or college essay and paper.

Controversial Biology Topics

There are many controversial subjects in every field, and biology isn’t exempt from controversy. If you’d like to create an original essay through diverse opinions, here are biology topics for you:

• What are your thoughts on the post-Roe V Wade world?
• How can the post-Roe V Wade policy affect developing countries looking up to America for their laws?
• Abortion and feminism: discuss
• Does saving life justify cloning?
• Explain the principle of abortion in medical practice
• The effects of cloning in medicine
• How does genetics contribute to obesity?
• Explain why a parent could have Hepatitis B virus and only one of five offspring have the virus
• Is homosexuality really in the gene?
• How does depression correlate with genetics?
• Additives and how they affect the genes
• Examine how genetic mutations work
• Discuss the grounds that you could prove for legalizing human cloning
• Which is more immoral: Human or animal cloning?
• How is nanotechnology different from biotechnology?
• Discuss the manifestation of nanotechnology in science
• Explain three instances where public opinion has held back scientific inventions
• How does transgenic crop work?
• Would you say genetically modified food is safe for consumption?
• Explain why sexual abuse leads to trauma.

Biology Research Paper Topics

You’d need to write an extensive paper on biology one day. This could be when you’re in your final year in college or the university or submitting to a competition. You’d need Biology topics to research for brainstorming, and here are 30 of them:

• Stem cells and tissue formation processes
• Why are there different congenital disabilities?
• Mixtures in anticancer drugs?
• What are the complexities of existing HIV drugs?
• What is the contribution of chemotherapy to cancer?
• Examine the chemotherapy process and why it doesn’t work for some patients.
• Explain the origin of developmental diseases
• How do germs affect the cells?
• What are the consequences of the sun on the white person’s and black person’s skin?
• Why are some diseases treatable through drugs while some are not?
• Scientific lessons learned from COVID-19 and ideas to tackle the next virus
• If animals are carriers of the virus, what should be done to them?
• Examine five animals in extinction and what led to it
• Discuss the subject of endangered species and why people should care
• Is a plant-based diet sustainable for human health?
• Account for the consequence of living on Mars on human health
• Discuss the inconveniences involved in space travel
• How does space flight contribute to environmental disasters
• Discuss the emergence of leukemia
• Explain how the immune systems in humans work
• Evaluate the factors that weaken the immunological system
• What would you consider the deadliest virus?
• Autoimmune: what is it, origin and consequences
• Immune disorder: origin and how it affects the body
• Does stress affect the ability to have sex?
• Contribution of vaccine to eradicating disease: Discuss
• What are the complexities in taking the Hepatitis B vaccine while being positive?
• Allergies: why do humans have them?
• DNA modification: how does it work?
• Explain the misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Interesting Biology Topics

Biology doesn’t have to be boring. Different aspects of biology could be fun to explore, especially if you’ve had a flair for the study since your elementary school classes.

You can either write an essay or paper with the following interesting biology research topics:

• Human emotions and conflicts with their intellectual intelligence
• Emotions: Its influence on art and music and how the perception of art influences the world
• The consequences of marijuana and alcohol on teenagers
• Compare and contrast how alcohol affects teenagers and adults
• Discuss the contributions of neuroscience to the subject of emotional pain
• Explain how the brain process speech
• Discuss the factors that cause autism
• Explain what is meant when people say humans are animals
• Why do scientists say humans are pessimists?
• Factors contributing to the dopamine levels human experience
• How does isolation affect the human brain?
• What factors contribute to instinctive responses?
• Noise pollution: how it affects living organisms
• Fire ecology: The contributions of plants to fire outbreak
• Explain the science behind how hot temperature, soil, and dry grass start a fire
• Microbes: what do you understand by bioremediation?
• Explain urban ecology and the challenges it pokes to solve
• Discuss how excessive internet usage affects the human memory
• Evaluate how conservation biology contributes to the extinction prevention efforts
• Discuss the role of satellites and drones in understanding the natural world
• Why do we need space travel and studies?
• Explain the limitations of limnology studies
• What are infectious-disease-causing agents all about?
• Discuss what epigenetics studies encompass
• Why is cancer research essential to the world?
• Discuss climate change: Governments are not interested, and there is no alternative
• How is behavioral science studies a core part of the understanding of the world?
• Discuss the issues with genetic engineering and why it’s a challenge
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the arguments for a plant-based diet
• Create a survey amongst students of biology asking why they chose to study the course.

Biology Research Topics For College Students

If you find any of the above beyond your intellectual and Research capacity, here are some topics you can handle. You can use these for your essays, projects, quizzes, or competitions.

These custom yet popular biology research topics will examine famous personalities and other discourse in biology:

• Effects of the human hormone on the mind
• Why do men get erect even when they’re absentminded?
• How does women’s arousal work?
• How can melatonin be valuable for therapy?
• Risky behavior: Hormones responsible for the risk
• Stem and cloning: what is the latest research on the subject?
• Hormones: changes in pregnancy
• Why do pregnant women have an appetite for random and remote things?
• The role of physical activities in hormone development
• Examine the benefits and threats of transgenic crops
• The fight against COVID-19: assess current successes
• The fight against smallpox: assess current successes
• The fight against HIV: history, trends, and present research
• Discuss the future of prosthetic appliances
• Examine the research and the future of mind-controlled limbs
• What does cosmetic surgery mean, and why is it needed?
• Analyze the meaning and process of vascular surgery
• Discuss the debate around changes in genital organs for males and females in transgender bodies
• How do donors and organ transplants work?
• Account for the work of Dr. Malcom E Miller
• Discuss the contribution of Charles Darwin to human evolution
• Explain the trends in biomedicine
• Discuss the functions of x-rays in botany
• Assess the most efficient systems for wildlife preservation
• Examine how poverty contributes to climate hazards
• Discuss the process involved in plant metabolism
• The transformation of energy into a living thing: discuss
• Prevention for sexually transmitted disease: What are the misconceptions?
• Analyze how the human body reacts to poison
• Russian Poisoning: What are the lessons scientists must learn?
• COVID-19: Discuss the efforts by two or three governments to prevent the spread
• Discuss the contributions of Pfizer during the pandemic.

Marine Biology Research Topics

This subject explains orgasms in the sea, how they survive, and their interaction with their environment. If you have a flair for this field, the following Biology research topics may interest you:

• Discuss what quantitative ecology through modeling means
• Smallest diatoms and marine logistics: discuss
• How is the shark studied?
• Acidification of seas: Causes and consequences
• Discuss the concept of the immortality of Jellyfishes
• Discuss the differences between seawater and freshwater in marine study
• Account for some of the oldest marine species
• Discuss the evolution of the deep sea
• Explain whales’ communication techniques
• What does plankton ecology encompass?
• The importance of coral reefs to seawater
• Challenges that encompass geological oceanography
• How tourism affects natural animal habitat
• Discuss some instances of the domestication of wild marine animals
• Coastal zone: pros and cons of living in such areas
• How do sharks perceive enemies?
• Analyze why some animals can live in water but can’t live on land
• Explain how plants survive in the sea
• Compare and contrast the different two species of animals in the water
• How can marine energy be generated, stored, and used?

Molecular Biology Research Topics

Focusing on the construct of cells and analysis of their composition, it understands the alteration and maintenance of cellular processes. If you’d like to focus on molecular biology, here are 15 good biology research topics for you:

• Ethical considerations in molecular genetics
• Discuss the structure and component of the gene
• Examine the restrictions in DNA
• What are the peculiarities in modern nucleic acid analysis
• What goes into the Pharmaceutical production of drugs
• Evaluate the building blocks of life
• Discuss the systems of RNA translation to protein
• PCR: How DNA is tested and analyzed
• Why is prion disease so dangerous?
• Compare and contrast recessive genes vs. dominant genes
• Can there be damage to the human DNA, and can it be repaired?
• Constraints in the research of microarray data analysis
• Protein purification: How it evolves
• Objectives of nucleic acid
• Explain the structure of a prion.

Biology Research Topics For High School

Your teachers and professors will be awed if you create impeccable essays for your next report. You need to secure the best grades as you move closer to graduation, and brainstorming any of these popular biology research topics will help:

• Identify the most endangered species
• The challenges to animal extinction
• What are the things everyone should know about sea life?
• Discuss the history of genetics
• Explain the biological theory of Charles Darwin
• How did the lockdown affect social interaction?
• Why do some people refuse the vaccine?
• Origin of genetics
• What is animal hunting, and why is it fashionable
• Explain the evolution of a virus
• Role of lockdown in preventing deaths and illnesses
• Invasive species: What does it mean?
• Endangered animals: How do they survive in the face of their hazards?
• Lockdown and their role in reducing coronavirus transmission
• Vaccine distribution: Ideas for global distribution
• Why can viruses become less virulent?
• Discuss the evolution of the world
• Explain the evolution of the planet
• Explain what Elon Musk means when he says life on Mars is possible
• What does herd immunity mean?
• Flu: why is there a low incidence in 2020?
• Relationship between archaeology and biology
• Antiviral drug: What it means
• Factors leading to the evolution of humans
• Give instances of what natural selection means
• What is considered the dead branches of evolution
• Whale hunting: What it means and the present trends
• Who is Stephen Jay, and what is his role in paleontology?
• Origin of diseases: why must humans fall sick?
• Why are humans called higher animals?

Human Biology Research Topics

Human biology understands humans and their relationship between themselves and their environment. It also studies how the body works and the impediments to health. Here are some easy biology research topics to explore on the subject:

• How do gut bacteria affect the brain?
• What are the ethical concerns around organ transplants?
• The consequence of alcohol on the liver
• The consequences of extreme salt on the human body
• Why do humans need to deworm regularly?
• The relationship between obesity and genetics
• Genetically modified foods: Why are they needed?
• How sun exposure affects human skin
• Latest trends: Depression is hereditary
• Influence of music on the human brain
• What are the stages of lung cancer
• Forensic DNA: latest trends
• How visual consumptions affect how humans think
• What is the process that leads to pregnancy?
• Explain the role of nanotechnology in HIV research
•  Discuss any experiment with stem cells you know about
• Explain how humans consume food
• Discuss the process of metabolism as well as its criticality to human health
• Explore the consistent challenges technology poses to human health
• Explain the process of body decay to a skeleton.

Cell Biology Research Topics

There are many evolutionary biology research paper topics formed not by the nomenclature but for what they stand for. Cell biology is one of the most complex branches of the field.

It examines minor units and the living organisms that make them up. The focus is on the relationship between the cytoplasm, membrane, and parts of the cell. Here are some topics to explore for your scientific dissertation writing :

• How does chromatin engage in the alterations of gene expression?
• What are the usual cell infections, and why does the body have immunity defections?
• Identify and account for the heritage of Robert Brown in his core career focus
• Explain the structure of the animal cell and why It’s what it is
• Identify the cells in the human body as well as their functions
• Explain a scenario and justify the context of animals photosynthesizing like plants
• Why do bacteria invade the body, and how do they do it?
• Why are mitochondria considered the powerhouse of the cell
• Use the molecular analysis tool to explain multicellular organisms
• Examine how the White blood cells fight disease
• What do you understand about the role of cell biology in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
• What are the latest research methods in cell biology?
• Identify the characteristics of viruses and why they threaten human existence.
• Discuss the differences between DNA and RNA
• What part of the body is responsible for human functionality for as long as the individual wants?

Get Biology Research Help As Soon As Possible

Creating the best essays or papers is easier now that you have custom biology research topics. However, you may still need support writing your paper beyond these topic ideas. After all, the first stage of writing like experts is brainstorming ideas and researching which is most feasible to write about.

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Stanford Medicine first to try out novel tumor-targeting radiation therapy machine

New technology combines radiotherapy with real-time detection of cancer cells to target moving tumors or multiple metastases. Stanford Medicine is the first to research the technology in the clinic.

August 24, 2023 - By Krista Conger

Stanford Medicine physicians are testing a machine that targets radiation based on real-time feedback from cancer cells. RefleXion

Radiation therapy is a key component of care for many types of cancers. But some tumors can be more difficult than others to treat. Cancers in the lungs, for example, move with each breath, while tumors that have metastasized to many places in the body can require repeated radiation sessions.

Earlier this week, Stanford Medicine launched a new method of delivering radiation that uses signals from cancer-targeting molecules called tracers to target tumors in real time. It is the first time the new approach, known as biology-guided radiation therapy or SCINTIX TM , has been used in a clinic.

“This is the first radiation treatment machine in the world to combine radiotherapy with PET [positron emission tomography] technology,” said Michael Gensheimer , MD, clinical associate professor of radiation oncology. “It targets the cancer directly in areas where it is most active, tracking its movement and adjusting the radiation delivery several times a second.”

Although more real-world testing needs to be done, the goal is that the technology will eventually make radiation treatment faster and more precise, improving patient comfort, minimizing side effects and killing cancer cells more efficiently.

The machine, X1, was developed at Hayward, California-based RefleXion Medical in collaboration with clinicians and medical physicists at Stanford Medicine. In February, the Food and Drug Administration approved the platform for the treatment of certain tumors in the lungs and bone, based on a clinical trial at Stanford Medicine that simulated treatment delivery to patients.

“In addition to the clinical implementation and feedback leading to the first FDA-cleared treatment, the medical physics team worked tirelessly to validate the accurate delivery of the first treatment and ensure that the new technique was working as promised,” said professor of radiation oncology Billy Loo , MD, PhD. “It took a great team effort between physicians, the medical physics and dosimetry team led by Drs. Murat Surucu, Nataliya Kovalchuk and Bin Han, nurses, coordinators, and clinic staff to bring this milestone to fruition.”

A novel approach to radiation

“It is basically a new way to deliver radiation therapy,” said Lucas Vitzthum , MD, clinical assistant professor of radiation oncology. “We are excited to develop the technology and evaluate whether and how it might benefit our patients.”

Vitzthum is heading a clinical trial to assess the effect of the technology on clinical outcomes and quality-of-life measures for patients, as well as any possible adverse side effects.

The real-time feedback sets the technology apart from the way radiation is delivered now. Currently, cancers are mapped in the body using small molecules called PET tracers. These tracers are given to the patient intravenously. One part of the tracer is designed to bind to cancer cells; the other emits a signal that can be detected outside the body. A PET machine detects where in the body the signals, and therefore the cancer cells, are located. PET scans are then used to plan which areas of the body to irradiate.

“Standard radiation therapy treatment plans are generally tailored to static 3D representations of the tumor and normal anatomy taken days to weeks before treatment,” Vitzthum said, noting that anatomy can shift over time. “In contrast, the PET-guided radiation therapy machine is a closed-loop system — continuously detecting PET signals in real time during radiation treatment. This has the potential to help us precisely target the radiation and spare healthy cells.”

If the promise is realized, biology-guided radiation therapy may be a boon to patients with tough-to-treat cancers. Vitzthum notes that it will be important to compare this technology with existing treatment approaches using prospective randomized controlled trials.

“I once had a patient with early-stage lung cancer whose breathing was very irregular, making it difficult to effectively irradiate the tumor even with long treatment sessions,” Gensheimer recalled. “We ended up implanting metal markers into the tumor to allow us to safely deliver treatment. But this was an invasive approach that required IV sedation. Our hope is that this technology will help us better treat patients like this one less invasively.”

Biology-guided radiation therapy may also assist patients with advanced disease who currently have fewer treatment options.

“We plan to use this technology to explore the role of radiation in metastatic disease,” Vitzthum said. “It may eventually be possible to treat multiple tumors in the body simultaneously.”

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

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Psychiatry’s new frontiers

Bringing cell biology into classroom: tips to culture and observe skeletal muscle cells in high school and college

• Open access
• Published: 14 May 2024

Cite this article

You have full access to this open access article

• Ryoichi Matsuda   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4204-6715 1 &
• Fumiko Okiharu 1  

4 Altmetric

Watching living cells through a microscope is much more exciting than seeing pictures of cells in high school and college textbooks. However, bringing cell cultures into the classroom is challenging for biology teachers since culturing cells requires sophisticated and expensive instruments such as a CO 2 incubator and an inverted phase-contrast microscope. Here, we describe easy and affordable methods to culture and observe skeletal muscle cells using the L-15 culture medium, tissue culture flask, standard dry incubator, standard upright microscope, and modified Smartphone microscope. Watching natural living cells in a “Do-It-Yourself (DIY)” way may inspire more students’ interest in cell biology.

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Introduction

Skeletal muscle cells are one of the best research subjects on cell growth and differentiation. Cell biologists have been fascinated by its dynamic changes in morphology and biochemistry during muscle cell differentiation. Okazaki and Holtzer ( 1965 , 1966 ) pioneered the immunofluorescent antibody technique to study muscle myosin expression at the early phase of skeletal muscle cell differentiation. Later, one of Holtzer’s students, Weintraub, and his colleagues (1987) discovered the muscle-specific transcription factor, Myo D, and elucidated the molecular cascade of muscle cell differentiation (Davis et al . 1987 ). Skeletal muscle cells may also be appropriate for studying cell differentiation in high school and college since their morphological and biochemical changes are evident, and it takes a few days to see the main part of muscle cell differentiation in culture. However, bringing cell cultures into the classroom is challenging for biology teachers since culturing cells requires specialized and expensive instruments such as a CO 2 incubator and an inverted phase-contrast microscope. Due to these technical reasons, biology teachers avoid cell cultures in high school and college. Therefore, students learn about cells mostly from textbooks and Internet sources without any experience of watching actual living cells. Under these conditions, “Study nature, not books (Louis Agassiz)” has never been fulfilled in Cell Biology educational sites.

To overcome these difficulties, developing accessible and affordable methods to culture and observe natural living cells in the current school environment would be preferable.

The main points of the present study are as follows:

To avoid using a CO 2 incubator, we switched the culture medium from Eagle’s minimum essential medium (MEM) to Leibovitz’s L-15 medium, which does not need the CO 2 gas.

By culturing cells in culture flasks, not in culture dishes, we could see cultured muscle cells under a standard upright microscope by flipping over the flask upside-down.

Alternatively, we could observe cells using a lens taken from the laser pickup head of a used/broken compact disk (CD) player, attaching the CD lens to a “Simple Camera”–installed Smartphone—and illuminating the cells with a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp with a pinhole disk, we could focus on cultured cells at the single-cell level. We named this method “the inverted Smartphone microscopy.” Therefore, we can culture and watch natural living cells in high schools and colleges. Using these methods mentioned here, it became possible for students to culture, watch, and take pictures/movies of living cells without using expensive instruments. Watching actual living cells may inspire many students’ interests in cell biology.

Materials and methods

Muscle cell culture.

We used plastic culture flasks (25 cm 2 /Tissue Culture Flask with double seal cap, code no. 3100–025, IWAKI, Japan) to replace culture dishes for muscle cell culture. The bottom surface of the flasks was coated with autoclaved 1% porcine skin gelatin solution (G1890, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO) to enhance cell adhesion to the surface (Matsuda et al . 1987 , Sato et al . 2002 ). Instead of using Eagle’s MEM, we used Leibovitz’s L-15 culture medium (cat no. 128–06075, Fujifilm, Japan, Leibovitz 1963 ). The L-15 medium supplemented with 10% horse serum (H1270, Sigma-Aldrich), 4% chicken embryo extract (cat no. 2850145, M.P. Biomedicals, Solon, OH) according to Shimada et al . ( 1967 ) and Yaffe ( 1968 ), and long-lasting vitamin C, l -ascorbic acid 2-phosphate at a final concentration to 0.2 mM (cat no. 66170–10-3, Fujifilm, Japan), according to Takamizawa et al . ( 2004 ), and a mixture of antibiotics (cat no. 168–23191, Fujifilm, Tokyo) at 0.5%. We used 0.5% antibiotics mixture instead of 1% to reduce the side effects of streptomycin (Moss et al . 1985 ). The L-15 medium contained phosphates, free amino acids, and sodium bicarbonate to keep the pH neutral without CO 2 . Using the L-15 culture medium in a culture flask, we could culture cells in the standard dry incubator for over 2 weeks at 37 °C without any medium change.

We dissected a pair of breast muscles, M. Pectoralis major , from 11-day chick embryos. We washed the muscle tissue in a Petri dish in calcium- and magnesium-free phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, cat no.166–23555, Fujifilm, Japan). We transferred the muscle tissue to a dry Petri dish, scissored it to make small pieces, and poured them into a 15-mL culture tube filled with PBS. We placed the tube in a rack and waited for several minutes until the tissue pieces sank to the bottom. Then, we discarded the supernatant and added 4 mL of culture medium. Muscle cells were released by repeated pipetting through a 270-mm-long Pasteur pipette mechanically, according to Hagiwara et al . ( 1985 ). We took special care to avoid air bubble formation. In this way, cell dissociation procedures became more manageable and quicker than classic trypsinization. Since we skipped the filtration of cell suspension, muscle tissue clamps remained occasionally in the cell suspension. However, contamination of tissue clamps, or explants, gave another opportunity to watch cells migrate outward from the tissue clamp. We could start cell culture by adding two to four drops of the cell suspension into one culture flask with 12 mL of culture medium. A pair of breast muscles was enough to prepare more than 20 culture flasks.

Settings of inverted and standard upright microscopes for observation

We used an inverted phase-contrast microscope, Nikon TMD, as a control. The flask's spout turned upwards on the inverted microscope stage, as shown in Fig.  1 a  and b . To watch the cells under the standard upright microscope (Olympus G.K., Tokyo, Japan), we flipped the flask upside down and placed it on the microscope stage to keep the distance between cells and the objective lens at a minimum (Fig. 1 c , d ). In this case, the spout of a flask on the stage turned downwards. We adjusted adequate lighting by changing the aperture of the condenser lens, the angle of the reflection mirror of the microscope, and the lamp’s voltage. We used a Nikon D5100 digital camera with an ISO 1600 setting to take photographs.

Setting up of inverted phase-contrast and non-phase-contrast upright microscopes for observation. ( a ) A culture flask placed on the stage of an inverted phase-contrast microscope. ( b ) Enlargement of the flask on the stage. Note the flask’s spout turned upward. ( c ) A flask flipped upside down and placed on the stage of a standard non-phase-contrast upright microscope. ( d ) Enlargement of the flask on the stage. Note the flask’s spout turned downward. The condenser lens aperture set the minimum.

Makings of “the inverted Smartphone microscope” with a CD lens

We used a Smartphone as an alternative microscope since the penetration rate of Smartphones is much higher than that of standard microscopes in high school and college environments. According to Yoshino ( 2022 ), we utilized a single lens of a laser pickup head of a used/broken CD player to increase the magnification (Fig.  2 a ). Laser pickup heads are also available from online stores. We attached the CD single lens at the center of the Smartphone selfie lens with a small piece of Scotch double-sided tape (blue arrow in Fig.  2 b ). We installed “Simple Camera” software on a Smartphone to add an electronic zoom function to the selfie camera. We could observe cultured cells at the single-cell-level cell level with Simple Camera magnification at 10 × .

Makings of an “inverted smartphone microscope.” ( a ) The Lazer pickup head appears in a CD player. A blue arrow indicates the CD lens. ( b ) We attached the CD lens to the top of the selfie lens of the Smartphone, Apple iPhone 11Pro. The CD lens frame was attached close to the smartphone selfie lens with a small piece of double-sided tape. Simple Camera software was pre-installed on the Smartphone before its use.

We prepared a Smartphone microscope stage with an aluminum plate, 30 mm × 100 mm × 0.5 mm in thickness, with one hole of 20 mm in diameter at the edge of the plate shown in Fig.  3 . We used the hole as an observation window. We attached the aluminum plate to a laboratory jack with duct tape (Fig.  3 a ). The light-emitting diode (LED) lamp (black arrow in Fig.  3 b ) illuminated the cells. We adjusted the distance between the culture flask and the CD lens with the laboratory jack to bring cells into focus.

Setting the focus of the inverted Smartphone microscope using a laboratory jack. ( a ) We made an aluminum plate with a hole of 20 mm in diameter ( yellow arrow ) at the edge and attached it to a laboratory jack with duct tape. We used the hole as an observation window of the cell. The size was indicated in mm. ( b ) We placed a culture flask on the aluminum plate and inserted the Smartphone underneath the hole. An LED lamp (indicated with a black arrow ) with a black plastic disk of a 1.5-mm pinhole was attached to the lamp aperture (marked with a red arrow ), illuminating the CD lens’ area from above. The lab jack brought the flask into focus.

Alternatively, we used the barrel of a standard microscope to get the cells in focus instead of a laboratory lack. We prepared a horizontal U-shaped aluminum plate, 30 mm × 180 mm × 0.5 mm, with two holes of 20 mm in diameter at both ends of the plate (yellow arrows in Fig.  4 a , b ). We used the hole in the lower plate as an observation window and the hole in the upper plate to attach the microscope barrel with a tarry cap (green arrow in Fig.  4 a ). We placed the culture flask on the horizontal bottom plate. And we adjusted the distance between the cells and the CD lens (blue arrow in Fig.  4 b ) with the focusing device of the upright microscope to bring cells into focus.

An alternative way of setting the “inverted Smartphone microscope’ and the standard microscopic barrel. ( a ) An aluminum plate, 30 mm × 200 mm × 0.5 mm thick with two 20-mm holes in diameter at both edges, was bent to form a horizontal U-shape ( yellow arrow ). We removed the objective lens from the standard upright microscope before use. We attached the upper hole to the microscope barrel with a tarry cap ( green arrow ). We used the lower hole as the observation window. ( b ) The culture flask was placed on a horizontal U-shape aluminum plate’s lower plate. We inserted the Smartphone with a CD lens underneath the lower hole of the U-shaped plate. A black plastic disk with a 1.5-mm pinhole in diameter was attached to the aperture of the LED lamp ( red arrow ). The LED light illuminated the area of the CD lens ( blue arrow ) from above the culture flask. The focusing devise of the upright microscope brought the cells into the focus of the Smartphone selfie camera.

Illumination of cells with LED lamp through a pinhole

We illuminated the cells with an LED lamp of 2000 lumens with or without a pinhole disk (red arrows in Figs.  3 b and 4 b ). The diameter of the pinhole was 1.5 mm. We also used an inverted phase-contrast microscope with a Nikon D5100 digital camera to compare the image quality.

Results and discussions

Culture flask as a replacement for culture dish.

The L-15 medium could avoid using a CO 2 incubator and keep the medium pH neutral under a standard atmosphere (Leibovitz 1963 ). Repeated pipetting muscle tissue pieces to release single cells mechanically was easier than classic trypsinization. We could watch the significant processes of myogenesis, including striated myofibril formation and spontaneous contractions within 7 d in culture. The cells’ adherence to the flask’s bottom surface was strong enough to endure the vibrations during transportation. Therefore, students could take the flask and continue watching cells at home.

Pinhole illumination improved sharpened images

We observed 1-day cultured cells with the “inverted Smartphone microscope.” We compared the effect of pinhole illumination (Fig.  5 c ). As a control, we observed the same areas of cells with an inverted phase-contrast microscope, Nikon TMD (Fig.  5 a ). As a result, the pinhole illumination improved the contrast and sharpness of the images. The cell images were clear enough to distinguish unfused myoblasts (indicated with arrows in Fig.  5 c ) and aligned myoblasts (marked with asterisks in Fig.  5 c ) at the early phase of myotube formation. Bar indicated 100 µm.

Effect of pinhole illumination on the microscopic images. ( a ) One-day cultured chicken breast muscle cells observed under the inverted phase-contrast microscope, Nikon TMD. We took the photograph with a Nikon D5100 digital camera at ISO1600 setting. The bar indicates 100 µm. ( b ) The same area shown in Fig.  6 a was observed with an inverted Smartphone microscope illuminated by an LED lamp without the pinhole disk. “Simple Camera” software-installed Smartphone, Apple 11Pro, was used. We took the photograph with the smartphone selfie camera. ( c ) We observed cells in the same area shown in Fig.  6 a and b  under an inverted Smartphone microscope illuminated with the LED lamp through a pinhole disk. We obtained a higher contrast image with pinhole illumination (Fig.  6 c ) than without the pinhole (Fig.  6 b ). Mononucleated myoblasts were indicated with arrows, and the early phase of fused myotubes was marked with asterisks . We took the photograph with the Smartphone selfie camera.

Muscle cells observed under a standard upright microscope

On 2 days in culture, unfused myoblasts (indicated with asterisks in Fig.  6 a , b , c ) and premature myotubes (marked with arrows in Fig.  6 a , b ) were observed under an inverted phase-contrast microscope (Fig.  6 a ) and a standard upright microscope (Fig.  6 b ). Cells in the same areas of Fig.  6 a and b were observed under the inverted Smartphone microscope (Fig.  6 c ). Although the image obtained with the inverted phase-contrast microscope was slightly better, the images obtained with the latter two microscopes were good enough to see the muscle cell differentiation at a single-cell level. We could obtain cell images sufficient to study cell biology with these three distinct microscopies.

Observation of muscle cells cultured for 2 d under three microscopies. We observed cells cultured for two d under three distinct microscopies. ( a ) The cells observed under the inverted phase-contrast microscope. We saw spindle-shaped unfused single myoblasts marked with arrows and fused multinucleated myotubes marked with asterisks . ( b ) The flask flipped over, upside-down, and was placed on the stage. We observed cells in the same area shown in Fig.  6 a under the conventional microscope without phase-contrast optics. ( c ) The cells in the same area in Fig.  6 b were observed under the inverted smartphone microscope. Cells in the culture flask illuminated with an LED lamp through a pinhole were shown. Simple Camera software-installed Smartphone, Apple 11Pro, was used. The bar indicates 100 µm.

Myotubes observed with three microscopies

We compared photographs of muscle cells cultured for 6 d under three microscopies.

Images obtained from an inverted phase-contrast microscope (Fig.  7 a ), a standard upright microscope (Fig.  7 b ), and an inverted Smartphone microscope (Fig.  7 c ) were shown. A large myotube (circles in Fig.  7 a , b , c) and surrounding fibroblasts (asterisks in Fig.  7 a, b , c ) were visible.

Observation of muscle cells cultured for 6 d under three distinct microscopes. ( a ) Muscle cells were cultured for 6 d and observed under an inverted phase-contrast microscope. We observed multinucleated myotubes (Indicated with a circle ) and surrounding single cells (Indicated with an arrow ). ( b ) The flask flipped over and upside down, and cells in the same area in ( a ) were observed under a standard upright microscope. We saw multinucleated myotubes and surrounding single cells. ( c ) Cells in the same area shown in ( b ) were observed under the inverted Smartphone microscope. Simple Camera software-installed smartphone, Apple 11Pro, was used. We took the photograph with the smartphone selfie camera. The bar indicates 100 µm.

By staining cells with Giemsa’s Azur eosin methylene blue, nuclei in the myotube were visible under the three microscopies. Images obtained from an inverted phase-contrast microscope (Fig.  8 a ), a standard upright microscope (Fig.  8 b ), and an inverted Smartphone microscope (Fig.  8 c ) were shown. Circle indicated myotube, and asterisks indicated fibroblast areas.

Giemsa’s Azur eosin methylene blue–stained muscle cells cultured for 6 d under three distinct microscopies. ( a ) After staining, we observed the same areas of cells shown in Fig.  7 under an inverted phase-contrast microscope. ( b ) After staining, we flipped the flask over upside-down. We observed the same area of cells in Fig.  7 under a standard upright microscope. ( c ) After staining, we observed the same area of the cells shown in Fig.  7 under the inverted smartphone microscope. We used a Simple Camera software-installed smartphone, Apple 11Pro, Bar=100 µm.

Observation of skeletal muscle explant prepared and photographed by high school students

Even after scissoring and pipetting muscle tissue pieces repeatedly, the remaining cell clamps or muscle explants were inevitable in muscle cell suspension. Therefore, we could occasionally observe the fate of muscle explants unexpectedly. During a public cell culture course, high school students cultured muscle cells in a flask for 2 d, and the same students took photographs under the inverted Smartphone microscope (Fig.  9 ). Myoblasts migrated radially from the explant (white circle in Fig.  9 ), and some aligned to form myotubes (white arrows in Fig.  9 ). This photograph indicated that high school students could culture and observe muscle cells using the methods described here. For students, obtaining natural living cell images in the DIY way was much better for studying cell biology than just looking at pictures in printed textbooks.

Observation of muscle explant culture, prepared and photographed under the inverted smartphone microscope by high school students. A muscle explant culture was prepared and cultured for 2 d and photographed by high school students through the inverted smartphone microscope. Cells migrated out radially from a muscle explant (the right side of the field, a dark area) and formed early myotubes indicated with white arrows . We used a Simple Camera software-installed smartphone, an Apple iPhone 13mini, to take photographs of the cells, Bar=100 µm.

Video recording of spontaneous contraction in 21-day cultured skeletal muscle cells

We could observe spontaneous contractions of myotubes cultured for 21 days on the flipped flask under a standard upright microscope. A high school science teacher took a video of these contracting muscle cells and uploaded a YouTube video at https://youtu.be/V5LqHvXn8ME .

Technical concerns of embryonic chicken muscle cell culture

You may need to obtain authorization for the use of chick embryos at school. We should reduce the number of fertilized eggs used for cell culture. It was enough to obtain breast muscle cells from one chicken embryo for over 20 flasks. It may help to reduce the number of fertilized eggs used for cell culture experiments.

Instructors should explain to students how to terminate embryos and cultures safely.

We cooled down the eggs in a refrigerator for 10 min before dissection to perform cold anesthesia. After finishing the cell culture experiment, we immersed flasks in a 50-times diluted Chlorox/sodium hypochlorite solution for at least 10 min. Then the Chlorox was drained into the sink with enough running water. We should not pour cultures directly down the drain or toilet.

Alternatively, we found that dissociated cells could survive in a culture tube at 20 °C for over 1 w. Longer shelf lives of cells may provide teachers enough flexibility to conduct cell culture experiments in school.

Aseptic procedures in the dissection of embryonic muscles and in preparation of the L-15 culture medium may be the technical bottlenecks in this cell culture experiment. Asking for support in providing dissociated cells and preparing the culture medium from experienced researchers or educational material suppliers may also be helpful.

In our public cell culture course in the winter, we asked students to dissect chick embryos and dissociate cells without using the sterile box; we did not face contamination problems. However, when students performed dissection and cell dissociation in the summer without using the sterile box, we encountered significant bacterial and fungi contaminations due to higher levels of air-borne microorganisms in the summer than in the winter. Even in the winter, quick dissection and dissociation procedures were essential to avoid bacterial contamination.

Impacts of cell observation in high school and college students

With the L-15 medium and air-tight culture flasks, living cells can grow and differentiate in a conventional incubator. We could observe the cells at the single-cell level under a standard upright microscope when we flipped the culture flask upside down. We could also observe cultured cells lens under an inverted Smartphone microscope.

With these tips, culturing cells, watching cells, and taking pictures or videos of living cells in Biology class/laboratory courses in high school and college became more accessible and affordable. The images’ quality was high and almost equivalent to classic inverted phase-contrast microscopes. Students may challenge experiments on changing culture temperatures, light wavelength, frequency of vibrations, adding fungi and bacteria, adding cooking ingredients or chemicals to the media, changing the angle of culture flasks in the incubator, etc. Students can do the DIY experiments in the classroom and at home. This way, “Study nature, not books (Louis Agassiz)” can become a reality in Cell Biology classes.

Conclusions

In the present study, we introduced easy and affordable methods to culture embryonic chicken skeletal muscle cells by using a standard dry incubator instead of a CO 2 incubator and observing them under a standard upright microscope instead of an inverted phase-contrast microscope. We also used the laser pickup lens from a compact disk (CD) player and attached it to the Smartphone’s selfie camera to increase magnification power and resolution. The proposed inverted smartphone microscope allowed us to observe living cells at the single-cell level. It is far more critical for students to watch living cells in a “Do-It-Yourself (DIY)” way than just simply looking at pictures of cells in textbooks.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dobson, Henry J. R., for his indispensable suggestions while preparing the manuscript. We are also grateful to Iwasaki, I., and Hirata, K., students at Keio Senior High School in Yokohama, Japan, for allowing us to use the photograph of muscle explant culture. We also thank Ms. Nishina, M., a science teacher at Matsuyama High School, Higashi Matsuyama at Saitama, Japan, for sharing her exciting video of spontaneously contracting skeletal muscle cells taken under a school-type standard upright microscope. Lastly, we sincerely thank Tsuzuki I. and Nagayama K. for introducing us to smartphone microscopy. We have authorization no. N23002 from the Animal Experiment Committee at the Tokyo University of Science for using chick embryos.

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Ryoichi Matsuda & Fumiko Okiharu

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Ryoichi Matsuda: conceptualization, methodology, investigation, visualization, writing. Fumiko Okiharu: conceptualization, project administration. Both authors read the manuscript.

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Matsuda, R., Okiharu, F. Bringing cell biology into classroom: tips to culture and observe skeletal muscle cells in high school and college. In Vitro Cell.Dev.Biol.-Animal (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11626-024-00906-2

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11626-024-00906-2

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New gene delivery vehicle shows promise for human brain gene therapy

In an important step toward more effective gene therapies for brain diseases, researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have engineered a gene-delivery vehicle that uses a human protein to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver a disease-relevant gene to the brain in mice expressing the human protein. Because the vehicle binds to a well-studied protein in the blood-brain barrier, the scientists say it has a good chance at working in patients.

Gene therapy could potentially treat a range of severe genetic brain disorders, which currently have no cures and few treatment options. But FDA-approved forms of the most commonly used vehicle for packaging and delivering these therapies to target cells, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), aren't able to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier at high levels and deliver therapeutic cargo. The enormous challenge of getting therapies past this barrier -- a highly selective membrane separating the blood from the brain -- has stymied the development of safer and more effective gene therapies for brain diseases for decades.

Now researchers in the lab of Ben Deverman, an institute scientist and senior director of vector engineering at the Broad, have engineered the first published AAV that targets a human protein to reach the brain in humanized mice. The AAV binds to the human transferrin receptor, which is highly expressed in the blood-brain barrier in humans. In a new study published in Science , the team showed that their AAV, when injected into the bloodstream in mice expressing a humanized transferrin receptor, crossed into the brain at much higher levels than the AAV that is used in an FDA-approved gene therapy for the central nervous system, AAV9. It also reached a large fraction of important types of brain cells, including neurons and astrocytes. The researchers then showed that their AAV could deliver copies of the GBA1 gene, which has been linked to Gaucher's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson's disease, to a large fraction of cells throughout the brain.

The scientists add that their new AAV could be a better option for treating neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in a single gene such as Rett syndrome or SHANK3 deficiency; lysosomal storage diseases like GBA1 deficiency; and neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, prion disease, Friedreich's ataxia, and single-gene forms of ALS and Parkinson's disease.

"Since we came to the Broad we've been focused on the mission of enabling gene therapies for the central nervous system," said Deverman, senior author on the study. "If this AAV does what we think it will in humans based on our mouse studies, it will be so much more effective than current options."

"These AAVs have the potential to change a lot of patients' lives," said Ken Chan, a co-first author on the paper and group leader from Deverman's group who has been working on solving gene delivery to the central nervous system for nearly a decade.

Mechanism first

For years, researchers developed AAVs for specific applications by preparing massive AAV libraries and testing them in animals to identify top candidates. But even when this approach succeeds, the candidates often don't work in other species, and the approach doesn't provide information about how the AAVs reach their targets. This can make it difficult to translate a gene therapy using these AAVs from animals to humans.

To find a delivery vehicle with a greater chance of reaching the brain in people, Deverman's team switched to a different approach. They used a method they published last year, which involves screening a library of AAVs in a test tube for ones that bind to a specific human protein. Then they test the most promising candidates in cells and mice that have been modified to express the protein.

As their target, the researchers chose human transferrin receptor, which has long been the target of antibody-based therapies that aim to reach the brain. Several of these therapies have shown evidence of reaching the brain in humans.

The team's screening technique identified an AAV called BI-hTFR1 that binds human transferrin receptor, enters human brain cells, and bypasses a human cell model of the blood-brain barrier.

"We've learned a lot from in vivo screens but it has been tough finding AAVs that worked this well across species," added Qin Huang, a co-first author on the study and a senior research scientist in Deverman's lab who helped develop the screening method to find AAVs that bind specific protein targets. "Finding one that works using a human receptor is a big step forward."

Beyond the dish

To test the AAVs in animals, the researchers used mice in which the mouse gene that encodes the transferrin receptor was replaced with its human equivalent. The team injected the AAVs into the bloodstream of adult mice and found dramatically higher levels of the AAVs in the brain and spinal cord compared to mice without the human transferrin receptor gene, indicating that the receptor was actively ferrying the AAVs across the blood-brain barrier.

The AAVs also showed 40-50 times higher accumulation in brain tissue than AAV9, which is part of an FDA-approved therapy for spinal muscular atrophy in infants but is relatively inefficient at delivering cargo to the adult brain. The new AAVs reached up to 71 percent of neurons and 92 percent of astrocytes in different regions of the brain.

In work led by research scientist Jason Wu, Deverman's team also used the AAVs to deliver healthy copies of the human GBA1 gene, which is mutated in several neurological conditions. The new AAVs delivered 30 times more copies of the GBA1 gene than AAV9 in mice and were delivered throughout the brain.

The team said that the new AAVs are ideal for gene therapy because they target a human protein and have similar production and purification yields as AAV9 using scalable manufacturing methods. A biotech company co-founded by Deverman, Apertura Gene Therapy, is already developing new therapies using the AAVs to target the central nervous system.

With more development, the scientists think it's possible to improve the gene-delivery efficiency of their AAVs to the central nervous system, decrease their accumulation in the liver, and avoid inactivation by antibodies in some patients.

Sonia Vallabh and Eric Minikel, two researchers at the Broad who are developing treatments for prion disease, are excited by the potential of the AAVs to deliver brain therapies in humans.

"When we think about gene therapy for a whole-brain disease like prion disease, you need really systemic delivery and broad biodistribution in order to achieve anything," said Minikel. "Naturally occurring AAVs just aren't going to get you anywhere. This engineered capsid opens up a world of possibilities."

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Materials provided by Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard . Original written by Allessandra DiCorato. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Qin Huang, Ken Y. Chan, Jason Wu, Nuria R. Botticello-Romero, Qingxia Zheng, Shan Lou, Casey Keyes, Alexander Svanbergsson, Jencilin Johnston, Allan Mills, Chin-Yen Lin, Pamela P. Brauer, Gabrielle Clouse, Simon Pacouret, John W. Harvey, Thomas Beddow, Jenna K. Hurley, Isabelle G. Tobey, Megan Powell, Albert T. Chen, Andrew J. Barry, Fatma-Elzahraa Eid, Yujia A. Chan, Benjamin E. Deverman. An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human transferrin receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery . Science , 2024; DOI: 10.1126/science.adm8386

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Stem Cell Engineering and Biology Program Hosts First Symposium

In April, the Training Undergraduates in Stem Cell Engineering and Biology (TUSCEB) program marked a significant milestone toward its mission of fostering excellence in stem cell engineering and biology education by hosting its first symposium.

“As the cornerstone of our TUSCEB program, this symposium highlighted the specialized stem cell training and biological research activities of our trainees,” said program Co-Director Professor Kara McCloskey .

TUSCEB is a collaborative effort between UC Merced’s School of Natural Sciences and School of Engineering .

The program’s first cohort of scholars showcased their research projects through engaging poster presentations. This platform served as a demonstration of their hard work and dedication and facilitated meaningful interactions with peers, faculty members, industry professionals and community members.

The symposium also offered a comprehensive educational experience through a series of foundational talks — from an insightful exploration into the world of stem cells to a detailed overview of the TUSCEB program by McCloskey and Co-Director Professor Jennifer Manilay .

Attendees were enriched with knowledge crucial for navigating the complex landscape of stem cell engineering and biology. The highlight of the event was a talk on medical ethics by guest speaker philosophy Professor Hanna Gunn, whose expertise shed light on ethical considerations in the pursuit of groundbreaking scientific endeavors.

“Our TUSCEB Symposium was not only a showcase of academic achievements, but a testament to our unwavering dedication toward shaping the next generation of leaders in regenerative medicine,” Manilay said.

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