#SymmetryBreaking in sea urchins. Early D/V axis in #SeaUrchin embryo depends on inhibin-like TGF-β Panda, but how? Study shows that Panda sequesters TGF-β type II receptor ACVRII, promoting (rather than antagonizing) Nodal signaling #PLOSBiology https://plos.io/4cDs7On
Maternal TGF-β ligand Panda breaks the radial symmetry of the sea urchin embryo by antagonizing the Nodal type II receptor ACVRII

The establishment of the dorsal-ventral axis during early development of the sea urchin embryo is dependent on the antagonistic activity of the inhibin-like TFG-β Panda, which opposes Nodal signaling through an unknown mechanism. This study shows that, in Paracentrotus lividus, Panda sequesters the TGF-β type II receptor ACVRII promoting, rather than antagonizing, Nodal signaling.

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Atoms in a crystal form a regular lattice, in which they can move over small distances from their equilibrium positions. Such phonon excitations are represented by quantum states. A superposition of phonon states defines a so-called phonon wavepacket, which is connected with collective coherent oscillations of the atoms in the crystal.

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Lee Smolin - Why Do We Search for Symmetry?

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