Conducting the mitotic symphony

Conducting the symphony: a qualitative study of facilitation in problem-based learning tutorials.

CONTEXT Tutors in problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials have a complex role to play in facilitating students' learning. This includes providing support for students' acquisition of content knowledge and skills in critical thinking, coaching of group processes and modelling of reflective practice. Few studies which investigate the key role of tutors in the PBL tutorial process are qualitative i...

MicroRNAs as new maestro conducting the expanding symphony orchestra of regenerative and reparative medicine.

The human genome encodes 1,048 microRNAs (miRNAs). These miRNAs regulate virtually all biological processes. Leaving ignominy on the significance miRNAs behind we are approaching a new era in tissue repair where an ever expanding orchestra of events that enable tissue repair and regeneration seems to be conducted by miRNAs as the maestro. microRNAs are emerging as molecular rheostats that fine-...

Imaging the Neural Symphony

Since the start of the new millennium, a method called two-photon microscopy has allowed scientists to peer farther into the brain than ever before. Our author, one of the pioneers in the development of this new technology, writes that "directly observing the dynamics of neural networks in an intact brain has become one of the holy grails of brain research." His article describes the advances t...

The Symphony of Gene Regulation

Unraveling the score of the enhancer symphony.

O ne of the most fascinating and daunting challenges of contemporary developmental biology is to fully classify diverse cell types on the basis of a quantifiable genetic profile. Although compiling an inventory of such identifying features seems feasible for some specific cell types (e.g., those of the hematopoietic system), a robust and universal platform has yet to emerge. Indeed, in most cas...