A major discovery by scientists from the Faculty of Science: A long-standing mystery has been solved

Novi listIndependentCenterNov 1

Researchers from the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb, specifically Shane A. Fiorenza and Nenad Pavin, published findings in Nature Communications explaining how cells regulate the length of the mitotic spindle. This structure is critical for the correct distribution of chromosomes during cell division. The study combined theoretical modeling in Zagreb with experimental work at the University of Geneva to resolve previous contradictions in scientific literature regarding microtubule movement. The new theoretical model demonstrates that apparent opposing outcomes arise from the coordination of processes at both ends of the microtubules. The research builds upon Pavin’s prior international recognition and his role in the ERC Synergy project ANEUPLOIDY, which investigates causes of chromosome misdistribution. The work was supported by European, Croatian, and Swiss funding bodies.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific biological discovery using neutral, factual language and cites academic publications and institutional press releases without any political framing or ideological slant.

tportalIndependentCenterNov 1

Researchers from the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, have resolved a longstanding scientific puzzle regarding how cells control the length of the mitotic spindle during cell division. By combining theoretical modeling in Zagreb with experimental work in Geneva, the team explained previously contradictory results concerning the relationship between microtubule movement speed and spindle length. The new theoretical model demonstrates that these seemingly opposite outcomes arise from the coordination of processes at both ends of the microtubules. This research builds upon the internationally recognized work of researcher Pavin, who leads the ERC Synergy project ANEUPLOIDY, the first such grant awarded to researchers and institutions in Croatia. The project, valued at ten million euros, involves international teams investigating the causes of chromosome missegregation in healthy and diseased tissues. The findings were published in open access in October 2026 with support from European, Croatian, and Swiss funding bodies.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific biological discovery using neutral, factual language derived from university press materials, focusing entirely on scientific methodology and results without any political framing or commentary.