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JCS snapshot: A ULK1–MTFR1L feedback loop links mitochondrial fission, mitophagy and apoptosis

Posted by FocalPlane, on 22 July 2026

In our latest JCS snapshot we hear from Riccardo Babic, Leon Lucya and Christoph Reiter, who, together with Claudine Kraft and team, identified a ULK1–MTFR1L feedback loop that links mitochondrial fission, mitophagy and apoptosis.

Pearling and directed trafficking as determinants of mitochondrial genome organization and network architecture

Posted by FocalPlane, on 21 July 2026

In this highlight, we hear from Juan C. Landoni, who discusses his recent work uncovering how mitochondria distribute their genome through pearling (Landoni et al. 2026, Science), and the key role of mitochondrial trafficking in maintaining new material dissemination and network architecture (Winter, Landoni et al. 2026, JCB).

Featured image with Manomay Pawar

Posted by FocalPlane, on 20 July 2026

Our featured image, acquired by Manomay Pawar, depicts MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells treated with drug Bemcentinib (R428), a small molecule inhibitor of AXL (a receptor tyrosine kinase) and labelled with phalloidin (actin;green), anti-Paxillin antibody to mark focal adhesions (magenta) and DAPI (DNA;yellow). The white coloured puncta represent colocalisation of paxillin with the ends

Microscopy preprints: applications in biology

Posted by FocalPlane, on 15 July 2026

Here is a curated selection of preprints published recently. In this post, we share preprints that use microscopy tools to answer questions in biology.

Imaging spotlight: VLab4Mic

Posted by FocalPlane, on 7 July 2026

In this preprint highlight, Damián Martínez, Bruno M. Saraiva, Mario Del Rosario, Ricardo Henriques introduce VLab4Mic, an open-source simulation platform that allows researchers to optimise microscopy experiments before performing them.

Journal of Cell Science Special Issue: Cell Biology of the Nucleus

Posted by FocalPlane, on 6 July 2026

Journal of Cell Science’s special issue on the cell biology of the nucleus is now complete. In their Editorial, Megan King and Abby Buchwalter discuss the themes of the special issue, including the connections between the nucleus and cytoskeleton, nuclear mechanics, nuclear lipids, the nuclear pore complex and nuclear transport, the nuclear lamina, chromatin and

Featured image with Joan Roncero Carol

Posted by FocalPlane, on 3 July 2026

Our featured image, acquired by Joan Roncero Carol, shows two mouse preimplantation blastocysts at E4.5 showing immunofluorescence staining against LAMP1 to visualize lysosomal distribution at this developmental stage, together with phalloidin staining to clearly outline cell membranes.

Living Architectures

Posted by FocalPlane, on 30 June 2026

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Musée d’Orsay, the CytoMorpho laboratory was invited to create a performance based on a series of experiments conducted for the occasion. The images produced for this show were real. There were no digital simulations or generative artificial intelligence. They were series of true photographs taken with microscopes.

Registration is open for NeuroBioUK 2026

Posted by Alison Twelvetrees, on 29 June 2026

We are pleased to announce that registration for the fourth edition of NeuroBioUK is open! The symposium will take place at the National STEM Learning Centre in York on the 11th September, 2026. The early bird registration deadline is the 17th of July (£35) and late registration deadline is the 26th of August (£50).

Microscopy preprints – new tools and techniques in imaging

Posted by FocalPlane, on 26 June 2026

Here is a curated selection of the latest preprints on new tools and techniques in imaging. Let us know if we are missing any recent preprints that are on your reading list!

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Microscopy-related articles from our journals

Toggle-Untoggle – a cell segmentation tool with an interactive user verification interface J Cell Sci 2025 138: jcs264154
The ratio of Wnt signaling activity to Sox2 transcription factor levels predicts neuromesodermal fate potential Development 2025 152: dev204661
The short isoform of Tango1 is dispensable for zebrafish survival but is required for skeletal patterning and integrity Biology Open 2025 14: bio062117

Microscopy-related preprint highlights

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