Ever wondered how your cells avoid a cosmic pile-up every time they divide? Turns out, they don’t just move fast—they know exactly when to slam the brakes. Researchers at Duke University have developed a clever new sensor that lets scientists measure the forces acting on motor proteins during cell division—a first. These microscopic engines normally ferry chromosomes around the cell, but one protein in particular, kinesin-14, revealed a surprising career change mid-shift. Early in division, kinesin-14 behaves like a nimble delivery truck—moving fast, detaching quickly, doing laps around the spindle. But later? It turns into an anchor bolt. Instead of generating force, it locks into place and resists massive opposing forces, stabilizing the whole operation so chromosomes don’t go flying...

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