The multicellular model organism Volvox, showing individual somatic cells (isolated magenta circles distributed over the entire surface), daughter spheroids (a few larger clusters of magenta circles), and compartments around each somatic cell (green).

Glowing algae reveal the geometry of life

Researchers have captured the first clear view of the hidden architecture that helps shape a simple multicellular organism, showing how cells work together to build complex life forms.

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Colonies of choannaflagellates

How single-celled organisms navigate to oxygen

A team of researchers has discovered that tiny clusters of single-celled organisms that inhabit the world’s oceans and lakes, are capable of navigating their way to oxygen.  Writing in e-Life scientists at the University of Cambridge describe how choanaflagellates, the closest relatives of animals, form small colonies that can sense a large range of concentrations of oxygen in the water. The research offers clues as to how these organisms evolved into multi-cellular ones.

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Adult Volvox spheroid containing multiple embryos

Upside down and inside out

Researchers have captured the first 3D video of a living algal embryo turning itself inside out, from a sphere to a mushroom shape and back again. The results could help unravel the mechanical processes at work during a similar process in animals, which has been called the “most important time in your life.”

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Soap film singularity

A new twist on soap films

Soap films with complex shapes shed light on the formation of mathematical singularities, which occur in a broad range of fields.

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