Receptor protein in the brain controls the body’s fat ‘rheostat’
Scientists revealed that a receptor protein in the brain acts as the body’s “energy rheostat,” ensuring that the balance of energy and fat does not drift too far above or below its homeostatic set point. The findings open new doors for developing anti-obesity drugs.
U-M faculty team up to accelerate the response to biothreats
With funding from the U-M College of Engineering's Blue Sky Initiative, a team of researchers is setting out to streamline the process for developing the next generation of antimicrobials.
Researchers uncover potential new role of long-noncoding RNA in obesity and fatty liver disease
Scientists uncover a potential new role for long noncoding RNA in obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Meet the first Michigan Life Sciences Fellows: Program offers mentorship, resources to help launch independent careers
Meet the new MLSF fellows, who are investigating important biological questions related to multiple sclerosis, triple-negative breast cancer, and how complex living architectures form.
A ‘timeless’ tradition: How fly genes get their names
When scientists discover a new phenomenon, they often get to name it. For researchers who study the model system Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit flies, that means participating in a long tradition that is a hallmark of the field’s culture.
Written in the ‘stars’: scientists offer new model of vital cellular process
Researchers shed new light on a fundamental cellular process — the formation of asters, star-shaped microtubule structures within cells that help cells to divide properly.
Sending out a cellular SOS: How cells signal that it's time to migrate
New research reveals the mechanism that one model organism uses to signal to neighboring cells when it’s time to move.
Scientists get hands-on experience with cryo-EM data tools at U-M workshop
Thirty-five academic and industry scientists from across the country got hands-on experience with the latest cryo-electron microscopy image processing tools at a recent workshop led by the LSI.
Life Sciences Symposium explores the broad power of single cell biology
the LSI’s annual Saltiel Life Sciences Symposium will bring pioneers in the field of single cell biology to the University of Michigan to discuss the scientific advances driving the field forward.
‘The epitome of why it’s exciting to be a scientist’: A conversation with David Walt
David Walt, Ph.D., sat down with LSI Director Roger Cone to discuss emerging trends in the life sciences, the importance of broadening access to scientific research opportunities and his advice for aspiring scientists
New LSI faculty member is shedding light on how neurons function
The LSI's newest faculty member will use her protein engineering prowess to develop tools that can advance research across the fields of neuroscience and cell biology.
Mutation that disrupts DNA’s electrical signaling linked to colon cancer
Research collaboration reveals how a mutation in the MUTYH protein prevents it from doing its job repairing damaged DNA — and our DNA can function like an electrical wire, conveying important signals.
Unpacking ‘nature’s chemical toolbox’: U-M research sheds light on rare transformation
Scientists have determined how microscopic marine bacteria build a chemical compound that has important biological activity — using a chemical transformation rarely seen outside of the lab.
Receptor proteins that respond to nicotine may help fat cells burn energy, researchers find
The same proteins that moderate nicotine dependence in the brain may be involved in regulating metabolism.
LSI faculty member Bing Ye receives Klatskin-Sutker Discovery Fund award to study Down syndrome
Researchers at the LSI are creating a legion of fruit flies to advance our understanding of Down syndrome, thanks to funding from the Klatskin-Sutker Discovery Fund.
Scientists discover a role for ‘junk’ DNA
Researchers have determined that so-called 'junk DNA' plays a crucial role in holding the genome together.
LSI to lead four-day cryo-EM workshop
The LSI will lead a four-day cryo-electron microscopy workshop in June to introduce participants to common image processing software packages.
Follow the LSI on LinkedIn
Follow the LSI on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with news and network with current and former members of the LSI community.
Diverse perspectives drive discovery in the Cone lab
Roger Cone is not only the director of the LSI — he is also a distinguished researcher with an active research program that thrives on diverse viewpoints and areas of expertise.
From Liberia to LSI, and back again
A residency at the U-M Life Sciences Institute is helping one visiting scholar from Liberia build research capacity at his university.
LSI welcomes new faculty member
The LSI’s newest faculty member is studying how the brain controls rhythmic breathing — and how these same circuits might be recruited to help fight conditions such as sleep apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Enzyme's structure reveals how nature performs rare molecular transformations
How one type of enzyme allows a microorganism to produce molecules with a wide range of potentially beneficial activities — from fighting insects to killing fungi.
Brain-gut communication in worms demonstrates how organs can work together to regulate lifespan
Cross-talk between tissues actively coordinates aging in a common model organism.
Clues to aging found in stem cells' genomes
Enzyme plays a key role in calories burned both during obesity and dieting
Former LSI Director Alan Saltiel and colleagues a identify a key player in the control of energy expenditure during both obesity and fasting.