A three-year study in Cameroon reveals that hornbills disperse seeds of nearly a quarter of tropical trees, playing a major role in forest regeneration. The birds' large range and seed dispersal abilities make them vital agents of biodiversity.
A gene knockout mouse study by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Yale researchers establishes the role of Caspase-9 in a specific biochemical pathway resulting in neuronal cell death. This finding suggests that blocking Caspase-9 may be a viable strategy for treating acute and chronic age-related neurological diseases.
Researchers discovered that female paper wasps sit and wait for opportunities to adopt orphaned nests or hijack others, a risky behavior with high reproductive benefits. Adopting the most mature nests allows these queens to produce workers quickly, increasing colony survival.
Researchers have discovered a molecular circuit breaker that prevents uncontrolled cell growth, which could increase the effectiveness of conventional anti-cancer therapy. The protein ARF works as a fuse or circuit breaker, monitoring cell signals and preventing over-stimulation.
A new questionnaire developed by UCSF researchers helps healthcare providers identify patients at risk of contracting HIV, and patients are willing to disclose risky behavior even when their doctor will see the results. The tool aims to increase aggressive prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, a leading cause of death among young adults.