Pictured here, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii undergoes cell division. Micronemes, packages of molecules that allow the parasite to invade new cells, are labeled in blue. #WhiteheadWonders
Explore our #WhiteheadStoryArc on infectious disease research: wi.mit.edu/series/conta...
A smooth muscle cell is infected with SARS-CoV-2. By studying different cell types acting together, the Jaenisch lab shows that SARS-CoV-2 affects vascular cells indirectly, by infecting neighboring cells: wi.mit.edu/news/biology... #WhiteheadWonders
Toxoplasma gondii divides by endodyogeny — a process in which two daughters form inside a mother cell, eventually consuming the mother cell. In special cases, as captured in this image, a single cell spawns a multitude of daughters. Credit: Dominic Schwarz. #WhiteheadWonders
Shown here is a fruit fly testis exhibiting high-level expression of Ste, a protein that drives preferential transmission of the X chromosome during male meiosis. A unique "self-limiting" mechanism keeps the Stellate gene in check. wi.mit.edu/news/selfish-gene-unlike-any-other #WhiteheadWonders
Bat cells exhibit elevated expression of antiviral genes, allowing them to quickly neutralize viruses that can be deadly to people — including Ebola and Nipah, among others. In this image, bat stem cells show the expression of SARS-CoV-2 viral protein. Photo credit: Punam Bisht #WhiteheadWonders
Planarians are masters at regeneration, and can even regrow all parts of their nervous system. This planarian "flower" highlights the complex anatomical structures that make up their nervous system.
Credit: Kutay Deniz Atabay and Samuel A. LoCascio #WhiteheadWonders
Did you know astrocytes play a vital role in supporting neurons and brain function? These star-shaped cells not only provide energy but are also key to uncovering genetic risk factors for neurological diseases. Science like this brings us closer to groundbreaking discoveries! #WhiteheadWonders #WIBR
Astrocytes from a healthy individual sprawl out in a typical star-like shape. In the brain, astrocytes provide support and energy for neurons. Studied in a dish, they can help researchers identify genetic risk factors for neurological disease. Credit: Michael D. Gallagher #WhiteheadWonders
Immunofluorescence staining reveals an intricate network of blood vessels found in embryonic mouse lungs. Credit: Miram Meziane #WhiteheadWonders
In regenerating planarians, stem cell fate choice is highly heterogeneous, with adjacent stem cells choosing different fates. Here, a powerful visualization method called MERFISH detects hundreds of different transcripts at a single-cell resolution. Credit to Chan Park. #WhiteheadWonders
A marine nudibranch, sometimes called a sea slug, is stained with an antibody to illuminate its cells' microtubules. Postdoc Luiza de Oliveira Saad studies this species' impressive ability to regenerate tissue. Credit to Luiza de Oliveira Saad. #WhiteheadWonders
