Connect with us

Published

on

Apr 12 2024 Kyoto University

Mother Nature is an artist, but her craft of creating animal faces requires more than a paintbrush and palette. Such highly complex shapes originate from their respective transient neural crest cells. 

These embryonic pluripotent cells within the facial primordium-;the early development form-;may be necessary for forming proper facial structures. However, analyzing the molecular mechanisms in such early stages of development poses many technical challenges.

Now, a group of Kyoto University researchers have produced neural crest cell-rich aggregates from human pluripotent stem cells and developed a method to differentiate them in cell populations with a branchial arch-like gene expression pattern.  After the cell populations differentiate into precursors of maxillary and mandibular cells in response to external signaling factors, these populations spontaneously form patterns of the facial primordium."

Yusuke Seto of KyotoU's Institute for Medical and Biological Research

This cartilage-like structure, reminiscent of Meckel's cartilage, is formed locally within the aggregates.

"We aim to establish a model for studying early facial development by using the properties of human pluripotent stem cells to generate in vitro tissue resembling the bronchial arch of the primordial face," adds Ryoma Ogihara, also of the Institute. Related StoriesSpace travel alters human vascular cell function, study findsResearch explores the health benefits of resistant starch in plant-based dietsFeeling lonely? It may affect how your brain reacts to food, new research suggests

Researchers are examining the various developmental processes that cause interspecific and individual differences in facial structure to explain conditions such as craniofacial disorders.

"Using our in vitro model could help us better understand and control signal integration during the fate determination of the branchial arch and cartilage formation in the face and elsewhere. We hope our technology can contribute to the development of cellular materials for new regenerative medicine," adds Mototsugu Eiraku, also of the Institute. Source:

Kyoto UniversityJournal reference:

Seto, Y., et al. (2024). In vitro induction of patterned branchial arch-like aggregate from human pluripotent stem cells. Nature Communications. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45285-0.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Comedian and actor Russell Brand bailed after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault

Published

on

By

Comedian and actor Russell Brand bailed after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand has been granted bail after appearing in court charged with sexual offences including rape.

During the brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the 49-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, also confirming to the judge that he understood his bail conditions.

Pic: Reuters
Image:
Russell Brand outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Pic: Reuters

Brand, who has been living in the US, was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape – as well as two counts of sexual assault – in connection with incidents involving four separate women between 1999 and 2005.

The allegations were first made in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023.

Rusell Brand
Image:
The comedian and actor did not say anything as he entered the court

The comedian, actor and author has denied the accusations and said he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity”.

Appearing before Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring, Brand stood to confirm his name and address. He then sat down while the charges were read to the court.

Russell Brand surrounded by media as he arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Brand surrounded by media. Pic: Reuters

Brand is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area. She alleges that after meeting Brand at a theatrical performance and chatting to him later in her hotel room, she returned from the toilet to find he’d removed some of his clothes. She claims he asked her to take photos of him, and then raped her.

The court also heard of another of Brand’s alleged victims, who has accused him of indecently assaulting her in 2001 by “grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a male toilet” at a TV station.

Brand is accused of the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman he met in 2004 in London. He is accused of grabbing her breasts before allegedly pulling her into a toilet.

The final complainant is a radio worker who has accused Brand of sexually assaulting her between 2004 and 2005 by “kissing” and “grabbing” her breasts and buttocks.

Russell Brand leaves court.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Brand leaves court. Pic: Reuters

The judge referred the case up to the Crown Court – informally known as the Old Bailey.

Brand was asked to supply both his US and UK addresses to the court.

When asked if he understood his bail conditions, he replied, “Yes”.

The case was adjourned and Brand, of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, was told he must appear at the Old Bailey on 30 May.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Daughter of Sir David Amess praises ‘swift action’ of counter-terror police’s Kneecap investigation

Published

on

By

Daughter of Sir David Amess praises 'swift action' of counter-terror police's Kneecap investigation

The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess has praised “swift action taken by law enforcement” after counter-terror police confirmed they are investigating claims the band Kneecap called for people to kill their MPs.

The Metropolitan Police revealed on Thursday that its Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit has found “there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences” in connection to two videos of the rap group.

The first, believed to be from a Kneecap gig at London’s Kentish Town Forum in November 2024, allegedly shows one member of the band shouting: “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.

The second, thought to be from a separate concert in November 2023, reportedly sees another say: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

Sir David, Conservative MP for Southend-on-Sea, was murdered by Ali Harbi Ali at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2021.

It was the second murder of a British MP in less than 10 years, following the murder of Labour’s Jo Cox by Thomas Mair in 2016.

David Amess
Image:
Sir David Amess. Pic: PA

Jo Cox shooting
Image:
Jo Cox. Pic: PA

Read more
Why are Kneecap controversial?
Murdered MP’s daughter ‘happy to meet’ rappers

More on Sir David Amess

Previously the Met said it was assessing whether the two clips of the Irish language trio met the threshold for an investigation.

Katie Amess said in response to their decision on Thursday to pursue an investigation: “Kneecap’s rhetoric is not only abhorrent but poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of elected officials and the democratic institutions they represent.

“The glorification and incitement of violence have no place in our society and must be unequivocally condemned.

“I commend the swift action taken by law enforcement agencies in addressing this and urge a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of any criminal activity.”

She added that musicians “must be held accountable” for rhetoric that “incites violence and hatred” and that cultural venues should “not be exploited to propagate messages of hate”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Kneecap comments ‘dangerous and heartbreaking’

In a statement posted on Instagram, the group – made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – addressed the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, saying: “We never intended to cause you hurt.”

But Ms Amess accused them of “gaslighting”, saying their comments were “absurd” and “not an apology”.

Sir David and Katie Amess
Image:
Katie Amess with her MP father Sir David Amess

Dozens of artists come out in support

Since the controversy emerged amid a backlash over their performance at US festival Coachella, in which they displayed the message “Free Israel. Free Palestine”, more than 40 artists have come out to support them.

Paul Weller, Primal Scream and DJ Annie Mac are among the music stars to have signed an open letter claiming there has been a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately de-platform” the band.

Kneecap had their concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall cancelled on Wednesday.

In its statement on Thursday, the Met Police confirmed: “Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.

“The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time.”

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kneecap row: Paul Weller and Primal Scream lead musicians in signing open letter in support of rap trio

Published

on

By

Kneecap row: Paul Weller and Primal Scream lead musicians in signing open letter in support of rap trio

Paul Weller, Primal Scream and DJ Annie Mac are among the music stars who have signed a letter in support of rap group Kneecap.

The politically-charged Belfast trio, who are no strangers to controversy, have faced criticism in recent weeks following a performance at US festival Coachella in which they displayed the message “F*** Israel. Free Palestine”.

Then came the emergence of footage, taken from a gig at London’s Kentish Town Forum last November, which appeared to show one member of the group shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.

Video also emerged from a November 2023 gig, appearing to show one member of the group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for Kneecap to face prosecution over the two videos, while Glastonbury Festival is now facing pressure to drop them from this year’s line-up.

A handful of the group’s gigs have been cancelled, including one that was set to take place at Cornwall’s Eden Project.

In an open letter, the group’s record label, Heavenly Recordings, said there had been a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform” the group.

More than 40 music acts have now signed the letter.

Paul Weller poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film 'Blitz' and the opening gala of the London Film Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
Image:
Former The Jam frontman Paul Weller is one of the artists to have given Kneecap their backing. Pic: AP

It reads: “As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.

“In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.”

It also accuses politicians of “strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band” while ignoring a “genocide” in Gaza.

“Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story,” it says. “And the silence, acquiescence and support of those crimes against humanity by the elected British Government is the real story.

“Solidarity with all artists with the moral courage to speak out against Israeli war crimes, and the ongoing persecution and slaughter of the Palestinian people.”

Read more:
Why are Kneecap controversial?

The full list of signatories

Annie Mac, Beoga, Bicep, Biig Piig, Blindboy Boatclub, Bob Vylan, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Delivery, Dexys, English Teacher, Enter Shikari, Fontaines D.C., Gemma Dunleavy, Gurriers, Idles, Iona Zajac, Jelani Blackman and John Francis Flynn.

Joshua Idehen, Katy J Pearson, Kojaque, Lankum, Lisa O’Neill, Lowkey, Massive Attack, Martyn Ware, Paul Weller, Peter Perrett, Poor Creature, Primal Scream and Pulp.

Roisin El Cherif, Shirley Manson, Sleaford Mods, Soft Play, The Mary Wallopers, The Pogues, Thin Lizzy and Toddla T.

Instagram accounts belonging to other acts, including Mercury Prize nominees Yard Act, have commented on post featuring the statement, asking to be added.

Elsewhere, trip hop collective Massive Attack put out their own statement supporting Kneecap.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Kneecap comments ‘dangerous and heartbreaking’

It comes as the Metropolitan Police is assessing the “kill MPs” video clip, along with the 2024 video in which a band member appeared to say “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the group – made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – addressed the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, saying: “We never intended to cause you hurt.”

Read more:
Kneecap remarks ‘dangerous’ says Sir David Amess’s daughter

Kneecap said they “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual”.

“Kneecap’s message has always been – and remains – one of love, inclusion, and hope,” the post added.

Continue Reading

Trending