Stem cell study identifies enzyme with potential for cancer treatment

Research on how stem cells develop and differentiate in fruit flies has implications for human health

Stem cell study identifies enzyme with potential for cancer treatmentScientists have found a new mechanism responsible for regulating stem cells in fruit flies, with possible implications for cancer therapies. The study, published by University of Alberta biologists, identifies an inhibition mechanism of an enzyme called Myt1 kinase, which manages how stem cells develop and differentiate during organ development in fruit flies. “In addition to…

Dinosaur fossil fingers reveal new species

U of A alumnus leads study uncovering a new species of oviraptorid

Dinosaur fossil fingers reveal new speciesA collection of three fossilized bird-like dinosaurs with surprising fingers has resulted in the discovery of an entirely new species by a team led by a University of Alberta alumnus. “This study focuses on a spectacular fossil – a block of three bird-like dinosaurs preserved together,” said Greg Funston, lead author of the study. Funston completed…

‘Superdeep’ diamonds shed light on Earth’s inner workings

U of A researcher leads study revealing new insights into Earth’s carbon cycle

‘Superdeep’ diamonds shed light on Earth’s inner workings  In a new study led by a University of Alberta PhD student, researchers used diamonds as breadcrumbs to provide insight into some of Earth’s deepest geologic mechanisms. “Geologists have recently come to the realization that some of the largest, most valuable diamonds are from the deepest portions of our planet,” said Margo Regier, a PhD…

Animal grazing reducing biodiversity around the world

Study of unprecedented scale shows less variety of herbivores and pollinators in grazed areas worldwide

Animal grazing reducing biodiversity around the worldLivestock grazing is reducing the biodiversity of herbivores and pollinators worldwide, according to a new study led by University of Alberta researchers that examined the impact of grazing on a larger scale than ever before. “We looked at the effects of livestock grazing on every continent except Antarctica and what it means for biodiversity,” said Alessandro…

Astronomers capture rare cosmic ‘Jekyll and Hyde’

International team shares new image of stars switching between two alter egos

The strange behaviour of a duo of stars in a dense cluster called Terzan 5 located 19,000 light-years from Earth has caught the eye of an international team of astronomers. “We observed an exotic stellar binary system using both X-rays and radio waves,” said University of Alberta astrophysicist Craig Heinke. “Only 10 years ago, we knew…