Researchers at the University of Montreal found that a liver protein plays a crucial role in pregnancy and the human menstrual cycle. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that mice genetically engineered to lack the protein had defective placentas and failed pregnancies.
Researchers found that fine emotional learning tasks produce greater learning specificity in mice, improving pitch discrimination abilities. The study established a link between emotions and perception of the world, with effects mediated by brain regions including the amygdala and auditory cortex.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified two genetically-defined groups of nerve cells in the spinal cord that control limb alternation at different speeds of locomotion. The study found that these cell populations are essential for normal gait, and their removal disrupts the animals' ability to walk.
A major step forward in understanding plant gene regulation has been made with the creation of a genomic map that localizes regulatory regions in plant genomes. This map will help scientists identify key genomic regions controlling traits important to farmers.
A team from UNIGE developed a biotechnology that enables the direct observation of 'clock genes' in mice for several months. This allows researchers to study molecular mechanisms that regulate internal clocks and their impact on various biological functions.
A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute identified a family of tiny RNA molecules that work as powerful regulators of the immune response in mammals. These RNA molecules enable the differentiation of T cells into follicular helper T cells, which assist B cells in producing antibodies.
A recent study found that lack of ventilation, gas cooking fuel, dampness, new furniture, and certain flooring materials are associated with an increased risk of pneumonia among children in modern apartments. The research also suggests that family allergies and non-parental childcare can contribute to the development of pneumonia.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a diamond catalyst that efficiently converts nitrogen to ammonia under ambient conditions. The new technique, which uses synthetic industrial diamond, reduces energy consumption by up to 2% compared to traditional methods.
Cancer originates from a default genetic 'safe mode', where cells revert to an ancient programming, leading to uncontrolled proliferation. The theory suggests that cancer-causing genes are reactivated in adulthood due to triggers like chemicals or radiation, adding weight to the radical new idea.
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that tobacco control measures can prevent 7.4 million premature deaths by 2050. The measures, known as MPOWER, are evidence-based and have been implemented in 41 countries with significant success.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a matchbox-sized device that can test for bacterial presence in just a couple of minutes. This method uses nano-levers and lasers to detect metabolic activity, allowing for fast and accurate diagnosis of effective antibiotic treatment.
A new tree-ring record reveals El Niño was unusually active in the late 20th century, suggesting a response to global warming. This finding has implications for climate models and predictions of future ENSO activity.
Chemists discovered that quantum tunnelling enables alcohol reactions in space to occur vigorously at minus 210 degrees Celsius, 50 times faster than at room temperature. The phenomenon allows for the creation of methoxy radicals under extreme cold conditions, shedding light on complex molecule formation in interstellar space.
The World Health Organization's new guidelines call for immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-infected children under five years of age. DNDi and Cipla are expediting the development of urgently needed 4-in-1 ARVs adapted for babies and toddlers with HIV, to be delivered by 2015.