Researchers discovered diverse types of inhibitory neurons that filter messages to neighbors, enabling precise control over brain activity. This design principle allows for complex and fine-grained inhibition, potentially leading to novel treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers discovered that injured spinal neurons establish gap junctions to communicate with each other, but not with healthy neighboring cells. This finding suggests a new approach to re-establishing connectivity between neurons and muscle after peripheral nerve damage or spinal cord injury.
A Yale researcher has recalculated the number of near-Earth asteroids, estimating fewer than initially thought, with a smaller potential impact risk. The study found that only 500 to 1,000 such asteroids exist, each carrying a 0.5% chance of colliding with Earth in the next million years.
A team of astronomers led by University of Michigan professor Douglas Richstone discovered three new supermassive black holes in nearby elliptical galaxies. The formation and evolution of galaxies are linked to the presence of massive black holes, which played a crucial role in shaping galaxy development.
A recent study suggests that planetary systems similar to our own are rare in the galaxy, with less than 45% of stars capable of hosting Jupiter-like planets at specific distances. The study's findings were made possible by a new method developed by graduate student B. Scott Gaudi and his team using gravitational lensing anomalies.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have discovered a way to inhibit the enzyme that many bacteria use to infect and damage hosts. This finding could provide a foundation for developing new agents to combat bacterial infections, potentially leading to therapies against cystic fibrosis and other diseases.
A new report from the Center for Advancing Health highlights the importance of incorporating proven behavior change strategies into medical care. Despite recognizing the value of these interventions, managed care plans often fail to offer them to their members due to unclear cost impacts and lack of leverage for purchasing agencies.
The robot population in North America has nearly doubled over the last decade, with robots becoming increasingly important in various applications. The latest edition of the Handbook of Industrial Robotics highlights the evolution of robots and their integration with humans in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
Chronic stress can cause immune system dysfunction, brain cell damage and impaired learning. Long-term alcohol exposure blunts the body's ability to respond to stress, leading to a domino-like effect on hormone release and ultimately damaging the immune system.
A new study links traumatic stress disorder and dementia in WWII veterans, suggesting that painful war memories may trigger violent episodes. Researchers found that veterans who developed dementia showed no signs of PTSD until then, highlighting the need for further research into this phenomenon.
Researchers at UNC-CH successfully created six-molecule water rings, mimicking natural ice structure. This achievement aims to boost knowledge of water's unique properties and hydrogen bonding forces.
A recent study found that alcohol dependence eliminates any protective effect of moderate drinking, intensifying risks associated with heavy drinking. Light and moderate drinkers have lower mortality rates than heavier drinkers and abstainers due to lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have created a virtual 'Loganscape' to test alternative signs for Logan International Airport. The study aims to reduce the time it takes drivers to find their terminal, using modified signs with airline names and letters, and also exploring the effectiveness of alphabetized listings.
A Penn State engineer has developed a computer-based technique that reliably predicts the probable number of accidents due to wet pavement on a particular section of highway. The approach suggests corrective actions to improve safety, focusing resources on eliminating problems where the risk is highest.
A recent study found that an introduced fruit fly, Drosophila subobscura, has evolved a wing size pattern mimicking established populations in Europe within two decades of its introduction to North America. The fly's rapid evolution has significant implications for the dynamics of invasions and native species interactions.