Biochemical and genetic tests have revealed that a liver protein called NTCP is a functional receptor for hepatitis B and D viruses, which should lead to an improved understanding of the infections caused by these viruses and assist the development of new intervention strategies.

Mice with a mutation that disrupts the release of growth hormone show greatly increased lifespan, which can be further increased by caloric restriction.

Cells from the human pancreatic duct can be grown in culture and triggered to become insulin-producing cells, which could potentially be transplanted into patients with diabetes.

The molecular mechanisms by which midbrain dopamine neurons acquire the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA for synaptic release are revealed.

In the liver, microRNAs exert widespread functions in the modulation of phases and amplitudes of clock-controlled gene expression, but their influence on the core clock is remarkably mild.

Flow cytometric isolation and fate mapping shows that neurosphere-initiating cells are highly mitotically active and persist only transiently in vivo, and are distinct from quiescent, long-lived neural stem cells.

Erastin and sorafenib inhibit system x_c^- and induce ER stress, suggesting these may be useful tools for probing the functions of system x_c^- and its role in inducing ER stress and ferroptosis.

Serum amyloid A proteins bind retinol with nanomolar affinity, and do so by forming oligomers that create a hydrophobic pocket that shields retinol from the aqueous environment.

Drosophila ZIP13 (Slc39a13), a presumed zinc importer, is responsible for iron delivery to the secretory pathway.