Behavior of breast cancer cells under oxygen concentration gradients in a microfluidic device.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is known as a chronic hypoxic environment, with spatiotemporal variation in oxygen concentration depending on the distance from blood vessels and the blood supply. In our previous studies, cancer cell behavior was observed under hypoxic conditions with spatial variation of oxygen concentration (oxygen concentration gradients); however, that under oxygen concentration gradients at low oxygen levels found in the TME has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the behavior of breast cancer cells at various oxygen concentration gradients, generated using a microfluidic device with oxygen concentration controllability. The results showed that cell distribution was altered in response to oxygen concentration, and tended to increase in a specific region at around 5% O2. Evaluation of changes in cell numbers due to proliferation, migration, and cell death indicated that proliferation strongly affected cell distribution.

Limiting open science? Three approaches to bottom-up governance of dual-use research of concern.

Governing dual-use research of concern (DURC) in the life sciences has become difficult owing to the diversification of scientific domains, digitalization of potential threats, and the proliferation of actors. This paper proposes three approaches to realize bottom-up governance of DURC from laboratory operation to institutional decision-making levels. First, a technological approach can predict and monitor the dual-use nature of the research target pathogens and their information. Second, an interactive approach is proposed in which diverse stakeholders proactively discuss and examine dual-use issues through research practice. Third, a personnel approach can identify the right persons involved in DURC. These approaches suggest that, going beyond self-governance by researchers, collaborative and networked governance involving diverse actors should become essential. This mode of governance can also be seen in light of the management of research use. Therefore, program design by funding agencies and publication screening by journal publishers continuously contribute to governance at the meso-level. Bottom-up governance may be realized by using an appropriately integrated design of these three approaches at the micro-level, such as dual-use prediction and monitoring, stakeholder dialogue, and background checks. Given that the term 'open science' has been promoted to the research community as part of top-down governance, paying due attention on site to research subjects, research practices, and persons involved in research will provide an opportunity to develop a more socially conscious open science.