Human organoids: a new dimension in cell biology.

Organoids derived from stem cells or tissues in culture can develop into structures that resemble the in vivo anatomy and physiology of intact organs. Human organoid cultures provide the potential to study human development and model disease processes with the same scrutiny and depth of analysis customary for research with nonhuman model organisms. Resembling the complexity of the actual tissue or organ, patient-derived human organoid studies may accelerate medical research, creating new opportunities for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, generating knowledge and tools for preclinical studies, including drug development and testing.

Disgusting microbes: The effect of disgust on perceptions of risks related to modifying microbiomes.

Research on perceived risks of scientific issues has largely overlooked the influence of disgust as a predictor. Here, we examine the impact of disgust on perceived risks of modifying microbiomes using a 2 (emotion) × 2 (focus) experiment embedded in an online survey. We find evidence of moderated mediation where individuals exposed to an article about microbiome research and therapies with explicit references to disgusting stimuli perceived greater risk through a mediating variable, elicited disgust.

The Minorities Affairs Committee of the American Society for Cell Biology-Fostering the Professional Development of Scientists from Underrepresented Minority Backgrounds.

As part of its mission, the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) works to increase diversity in the scientific workforce, in part through the work of its Minorities Affairs Committee. It is for this reason that the ASCB was happy to welcome the special September 2016 issue of () focused on broadening participation. As a response to this special issue, we update our ASCB community and readership on the society's efforts to broaden participation of underrepresented minorities in the biological sciences.

Scientists: Engage the Public!

Scientists must communicate about science with public audiences to promote an understanding of complex issues that we face in our technologically advanced society. Some scientists may be concerned about a social stigma or "Sagan effect" associated with participating in public communication. Recent research in the social sciences indicates that public communication by scientists is not a niche activity but is widely done and can be beneficial to a scientist's career.

Dexamethasone signaling is required to establish the postmitotic state of adipocyte development.

The clonal expansion phase of 3T3-L1 adipose conversion is a distinct mitotic period during which the initiation of differentiation occurs concomitant with a discrete set of mitotic divisions. During clonal expansion, a cocktail of adipogenic hormones, including the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, induced 3T3-L1 cells to progress from postconfluent adipoblasts to postmitotic adipocytes. It is reported here that expression of the growth arrest-associated gene 2 (gas2) discriminated reversible, postconfluent growth arrest from irreversible, postmitotic growth arrest.

Differential expression of gas and gadd genes at distinct growth arrest points during adipocyte development.

The characterization of growth arrest-associated genes has revealed that cells actively suppress mitotic growth in response to extracellular signals. Mouse 3T3-L1 cells growth arrest at multiple distinct points during terminal differentiation to adipocytes. We examined the expression of growth arrest-specific (gas) and growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible (gadd) genes as a function of 3T3-L1 growth arrest and adipocyte development.

Analysis of the gene family encoding the Entamoeba histolytica galactose-specific adhesin 170-kDa subunit.

The 170-kDa or heavy subunit of the galactose binding adhesin of Entamoeba histolytica is seminal in target cell binding and lysis. To determine the existence and complexity of the 170-kDa subunit gene family, hgl, an amebic genomic library in lambda phage was hybridized with DNA fragments from the 5' or 3' ends of hgl1. Termini from three distinct heavy subunit genes were identified including hgl1, hgl2, and a third, unreported gene designated hgl3.

Using volunteer visitors in home care.

A visiting nurse association used a critical job analysis of the nurse care manager's position to create a home visitor role for volunteers. The process for planning, designing, and implementing a Volunteer Visitor Program is described as a strategy for extending care and services to the growing number of frail elderly. This program has resulted in more effective and efficient use of the nurse care manager while containing costs for the agency and the client.

Developing a quality assurance program through teamwork.

Clinic nurses and nursing faculty members collaborated to develop a quality assurance program appropriate to three different clinic sites. The nurse consultants maintained a supportive, rather than a leadership, role while guiding the three groups of clinic nurses through the change process structured around the familiar structure, process, outcome framework. Regularly scheduled meetings and the cooperative distribution and accomplishment of clearly defined tasks not only have produced an excellent standardized nursing quality assurance program but also forged a dynamic nursing team.