Most historical research on immunity has focused on the dedicated cells of our immune system, but, ever since the first single-celled organisms evolved, cells have had to defend themselves against infection. Thus we have a more ancient form of cellular immunity, termed xenophagy, that allows cells throughout our body to capture bacteria that have invaded […]
How detection of an invading Salmonella bacterium leads to formation of autophagosomes
LMB 365 – Day 67
On day 67 of #LMB365 we celebrate International Women’s Day and the start of British Science Week with an image featuring some of the women working in science across the LMB.
LMB 365 – Day 66
This image for day 66 of #LMB365 shows a C57BL/6 mouse egg being fertilised by sperm from a genetically modified mouse, during an IVF (in vitro fertilisation). The spermatozoa bind to the outer membrane of the egg, often causing the egg to rotate as they attempt to penetrate it. This is sometimes known as the “fertilisation dance”. The LMB shares genetically modified mouse strains with other research establishments in the UK and around the world. In order to minimise the transportation of live mice, and limit any potential stress caused to the animals, cryopreserved sperm is often shared between establishments, rather than live mice. This is an example of 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). The LMB is committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.
LMB 365 – Day 65
On day 65 of #LMB365 the LMB joins Freda in ‘Getting behind the Daffodil’ during March to raise funds for the Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal because behind every daffodil, there is a story. Find out how much we raise at the end of the month…
LMB 365 – Day 64
Day 64 of #LMB365 shows a transparent nematode worm C. elegans (and eggs), with red and green fluorescence marking different tissues in the body, including neurons in the head (middle of image). The fluorescent markers indicate where signalling molecules acting via a particular neuropeptide (red) or dopamine (green) are expressed. Fluorescent tools like these help researchers to dissect which neurons make up circuits in the brain that control the animal’s behaviour. This was one of the winners in the 2018 Image Competition.
LMB 365 – Day 63
Even the flooring used in the LMB’s atrium has a scientific story to tell about geology and evolutionary biology as it is littered with beautiful fossils. This ammonite for day 63 of #LMB365 was spotted by our Head of Health & safety outside her office. The floor is made from Jura limestone tiles, 600mm x 1000mm x 30mm thick from a quarry in Bavaria.