BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Imaging lactation in action – how calcium ions fire-up cells to discharge milk

05 December 2020

Milk Make

For many, breastfeeding is one of the first, fundamental experiences of life, providing both essential nourishment and a lasting emotional and molecular bond between mother and child. However, failed lactation is common in new mothers, who struggle to successfully breastfeed. This can cause stress and impact on healthy feeding for the child, but there is limited understanding of some of the molecular mechanisms behind healthy lactation and related conditions. A new study has visualised contractions in the milk-producing mammary gland of mice, and revealed how specialised lining cells pulse to contractions driven by calcium (pictured in various experiments at different scales). Physical changes result from calcium ions firing through molecular pathways, meaning cells deform to discharge milk. Visualising how these calcium-driven bursts impact lactation develops our understanding of one of life’s most fundamental processes, which is the first step in developing new techniques to overcome the problems many mothers face.

Written by Anthony Lewis

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.