> Investigators at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich say that nonneuronal cells called NG2 glia could be used to replace the neuronal cells lost in a traumatic brain injury. "Our study is the first to demonstrates unambiguously the conversion of a specific subtype of glia, the so-called NG2 glia, into induced neurons in living animals," says senior study author Benedikt Berninger of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. "The findings pave the way for future studies aimed at harnessing the potential of these cells for brain repair." Release
> A new study at MD Anderson concludes that the protein kinase or enzyme known as PKM2 has proven to control cell division, potentially providing a molecular basis for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Release
> A Portland State University biology professor has been working to identify the structure of an unusual virus that only infects microbes found in hot springs. The research is intended to help inform investigators working on the structure of the fast-mutating HIV virus, and may help assist in identifying new therapies for HIV. Story