Name: How cells can find their way through the human body
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How cells can find their way through the human body

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August 28, 2020by Bob Yirka , Phys.orgA team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.K. has discovered how cells are able to travel so accurately through the human body. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes a theory they developed to explain cell orienteering and how they tested it using mazes.When the body is injured, such as being poked with a needle, the responds by sending to kill any bacteria that might be trying to enter through the wound. But how do the cells know how to find the wound? Prior research has shown that cells use chemicals in the body known as chemoattractants to navigate short distances. White blood cells can sense and move toward them—but it only works for short distances. In this new effort, the researchers found that cells can use such chemoattractants in a different way to navigate longer and more complicated pathways.The researchers theorized that certain cells navigate by breaking down chemoattractants that are close to them. They then sense the degree to which the chemoattractants are replenished, and most importantly, in which direction. By noting the position of the new chemoattractants, they are able to move toward their desired destination. As an example, a white blood cell working its way to a wound upon finding a fork in the road would choose the path with the most or newest chemoattractants after it breaks them down in both directions.To test their theory, the researchers first created computer models to test its soundness. Doing so convinced them they were on the right track. Next, they etched a host of tiny mazes onto silicon chips, added chemoattractants and then dropped in soil amoebae that are known to navigate. They then watched as the amoebae broke down the chemoattractants they found in their path and then continued on their way in the direction in which new chemoattractants were filling in for the old. They found that the amoebae were very good at finding their way to destinations on relatively simple mazes, but were less skilled in those that were more complicated and had long dead ends. Still, nearly half of those tested managed to find their way through. The researchers suggest the accuracy declines as more time is taken to parse a . Those at the tail end of a group find all the chemoattractants have already been broken down by those ahead of them, and thus have nothing to use as a guide.Explore furtherMore information:Seeing around corners: Cells solve mazes and respond at a distance using attractant breakdown, Science&nbsp; 28 Aug 2020: Vol. 369, Issue 6507, eaay9792 , ,Journal information:© 2020 Science X NetworkCitation:How cells can find their way through the human body (2020, August 28)retrieved 13 September 2022from https://phys.org/news/2020-08-cells-human-body.htmlThis document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, nopart may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.15 hours ago15 hours agoSep 09, 2022Sep 09, 2022Sep 09, 202213 hours ago14 hours ago14 hours ago14 hours agoSep 11, 2022Sep 11, 2022More fromLet us know if there is a problem with our contentE-mail the storyHow cells can find their way through the human bodyThis site uses cookies to assist with navigation, analyse your use of our services, collect data for ads personalisation and provide content from third parties.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand ourand .

August 28, 2020by Bob Yirka , Phys.orgA team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.K. has discovered how cells are able to travel so accurately through the human body. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes a theory they developed to explain cell orienteering and how they tested it using mazes.When the body is injured, such as being poked with a needle, the responds by sending to kill any bacteria that might be trying to enter through the wound. But how do the cells know how to find the wound? Prior research has shown that cells use...

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Bob Yirka

Phys.org is a science, research and technology news aggregator where much of the content is republished directly from press releases and news agencies-in a practice known as churnalism. It also produces some science journalism.

How cells can find their way through the human body

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