The study found that participants were more willing to punish a wrongdoer when they experienced injustice directly, associating with brain activity in the ventral striatum. Participants receiving oxytocin chose less intense punishments, suggesting the hormone's role in maintaining fairness.
Researchers developed a technique to visualize mitophagy, the process by which cells recycle their energy factories, with a new bioimaging technology. The study could provide diagnostic information for degenerative brain diseases.
A new mouse model lacking a gene linked to intellectual disability has difficulty navigating mazes and remembering learned paths, but no changes in social or repetitive behavior were observed. Treating the mice with a compound improved learning and memory deficits by targeting the AMPK-mTORC1 translational pathway.
Research suggests that social media use is correlated with slightly better school grades, particularly when used to discuss school-related topics. However, excessive social media use while studying can lead to poorer performance.
The vampire bat's unique blood-based diet requires specific genetic and microbial adaptations, including enhanced iron assimilation and immunity, to tackle nutritional and non-nutritional challenges posed by blood meals. The findings suggest that the bats' microbiome plays a crucial role in their defense against viral infections.
Researchers develop method to grow tiny brain models from human cells, revealing physical forces behind brain folding and potential links to microcephaly, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
A global genomic study has identified genes that influence complex trait of height in cattle, confirming findings with miniature cattle and ancient DNA. The study's collaborative approach also reveals a high degree of overlap with human and dog genomes, opening up new possibilities for research on traits like temperament and body fatness.
A new theoretical framework explains pattern formation in non-equilibrium systems, where local chemical equilibria are constantly changing. This leads to the emergence of self-organizing patterns and chemical turbulence.
Researchers found hydroxychloroquine no more effective than placebo in relieving moderate to severe hand pain and radiographic osteoarthritis. The study's findings do not support the use of hydroxychloroquine as an alternative for patients with hand osteoarthritis, suggesting that tendon problems may be a major contributor to hand pain.
Researchers sequenced an ancient Taino individual's genome, finding a strong genetic connection to present-day Arawakan speakers from northern South America. The study suggests the Taino people originated from this ancestral population, illuminating early Caribbean peopling and European colonization impacts.
Researchers identified unexpected geophysical signals beneath stable continental interiors of South America and Africa, suggesting recent geologic activity. Cratons, ancient rocks on Earth's surface, may have experienced delamination, a process where the denser lower mantle layer peels away from the buoyant upper layer.
A global precipitation database analysis suggests that approximately 14% of the Earth's surface experiences annual precipitation dependence on the previous year, while 76% does not. This finding provides a framework for assessing long-lasting changes in rainfall by considering natural variability.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz and Japan's Universities of Sapporo and Tokyo discovered a neural structure in cockroach brains that processes olfactory molecules with spatial information. This finding suggests that cockroaches can build an internal map of their olfactory landscape, similar to humans' sense of touch and sight.
Researchers have identified 15 new genes that play a crucial role in shaping our facial features. The discovery was made using a novel approach that analyzed DNA data from large databases of faces. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in forensic analysis and reconstructive surgery, enabling doctors to use DNA to recreate lost faces.
Researchers discovered that individual neurons fight back to maintain signaling between brain regions, slowing disease progression in glaucoma. This finding suggests a potential new therapeutic approach to preserve vision and slow degeneration in age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study suggests that adding fast-reacting silicate rocks to croplands can capture CO2, reduce pests and diseases, and restore soil fertility. This approach doesn't compete for land or increase freshwater demand, offering benefits such as reduced fertilizers and pesticides use.
Research reveals KMT2D plays critical role in skin cell turnover, leading to skin cancer. Disruption of this balance drives cancer and other disorders.
A chamber design separates airborne influenza particles by size, revealing that ferrets transmit the virus via particles ranging from 15 μm to 1.5 μm before fever onset and after infection. This study provides insights into the efficient transmission ranges for influenza in ferrets.
New research reveals that plants originated 100 million years earlier than previously believed, with ancient plant fossils now estimated to be around 320 million years old. This discovery challenges existing models of atmospheric change and highlights the critical role of early plant life in shaping Earth's climate.
A Portland State University study published in Water Resources Research found that involving residents in local water policies is key to building healthy and resilient city water systems. The research bridged the gap between residents' concerns about costs and water shortages and water managers' concerns about aging infrastructure, res...
Despite centuries of assumption, a systematic literature review reveals no evidence that water birds transfer fish eggs into isolated bodies of water. The majority of experts surveyed found the theory plausible, but empirical evidence is lacking.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that four viruses can produce insulin-like hormones that bind to human insulin receptors and stimulate cellular signaling. This finding opens up a new field of study in microbial endocrinology, potentially revealing biological mechanisms behind diabetes, autoimmune disease, and cancer.
Researchers have developed a water-soluble warped nanographene molecule that induces cell death when exposed to blue laser light, showing promise for fluorescent cell imaging and possibly eradication of cancer cells. The molecule exhibits green fluorescence under ultraviolet or blue light and has low cytotoxicity.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri has identified 286 genes associated with autism, including 193 new genes not found in previous studies. This breakthrough could lead to the development of screening tools and interventions for young children and improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers found that the offspring of elderly mouse-fathers had a shorter lifespan and featured exacerbation of histopathological and molecular aging traits. Epigenetic changes in paternal sperm and offspring were also observed, suggesting intergenerational influences on aging processes.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed ultra-small magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) down to a single-digit nanometer scale, achieving sufficient retention properties and fast switching speed. The new MTJ design utilizes shape anisotropy, enabling high thermal stability factors and current-induced magnetization switching.
Researchers at Stanford University are using the vibrational Stark effect to measure an enzyme's electric field as it evolves into antibiotic-resistant form. They aim to understand the correlation between electric field changes and antibiotic resistance, with potential implications for developing new antibiotics.
Researchers at Florida State University have developed a new strategy for synthesizing olympicene, a highly versatile molecule with potential applications in nanoscale materials. The breakthrough, published in Angewandte Chemie, enables the production of structurally precise carbon-rich nanostructures.
A team of engineers at UC San Diego used data mining and computational tools to discover a new phosphor material that is inexpensive, easy to make, and produces high-quality white LEDs. The new material, dubbed SLAO, has better color quality than many commercial LEDs and can be manufactured using industrial methods.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify the chirality of molecules by exciting electrons into twisting motion using short laser pulses. The technique is highly sensitive, detecting right-handed and left-handed molecules with a signal 1000 times stronger than traditional methods.
A European study reveals that 80% of popular Android health apps fail to meet security standards, putting users' sensitive data at risk. The research found serious security problems in how applications handle user data, including unauthorized data sharing and insecure data transfers.
A new study suggests that cells can be engineered to overcome evolutionary pressure and stably produce high levels of valuable chemicals by rewiring production cells to slow down growth when they lose production. This allows productive cells to maintain their function even in large-scale fermentations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new phase-transition cubic GaN material that doubles ultraviolet emission efficiency. The material's polarization-free nature enables improved performance in energy conversion devices, such as lighting systems.
A new online game aims to provide general immunity against fake news by simulating the techniques and motivations behind its spread. Players engage with fake news sites, Twitter bots, and conspiracy theories to build their critical thinking skills.
The Real-Time Captcha approach uses a randomly-selected question within a Captcha image, requiring users to respond quickly and making it difficult for machine learning programs to spoof legitimate users. The technique combines face recognition with Captcha, strengthening biometric authentication.
A new study reveals that global grazing lands have increased year-to-year precipitation variability, constraining livestock support and food security. Regions with high variability support lower livestock densities and are already marginal for crops.
A study published in European Respiratory Journal found that moderate and severe COPD exacerbations accelerate physical activity decline. Researchers recommend promoting interventions to increase physical activity after an exacerbation to improve outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new test that can detect damage to proteins in blood plasma, which may indicate autism spectrum disorders. The test has shown promise in distinguishing between children with ASD and healthy controls.
Cyanobacterial clock proteins were found to dictate their function through internal motions, providing important mechanistic insights into biological timekeeping. This discovery has implications for understanding circadian clocks in eukaryotic organisms, such as animals and humans.
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center aims to design advanced biofuels, such as isobutanol, that can replace gasoline without engine modification. The center is also developing new methods to extract valuable products from plant biomass, including gamma valerolactone and aromatics.
A new study from Aarhus University found a correlation between nitrate in drinking water and an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer, even at low concentrations. The study followed 2.7 million Danes over 33 years and showed that those with high nitrate exposure had a 15% greater risk of colorectal cancer.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have uncovered the architecture of the spindle pole body in yeast, shedding light on its function and potential connections to human centrosomes. The study reveals that the Spc110 protein plays a crucial role in the SPB's structure and may provide a binding surface for its architecture.
Researchers used mutant bacteria to study how changes in membrane proteins impact cellular processes, finding that phospholipid environment can control protein structure and function. This discovery provides a new way to understand cellular regulation and integration of chemical reactions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered how Ras protein binding to cell membranes impact the signaling pathways that cause cancer's uncontrolled growth. The study found that KRas4b binds more tightly to the cell membrane, but it needs to attach on the correct side.
Bees soar with web traffic algorithms, but ants and slime mold flop. Nature's design inspirations are valuable, but not always practical. Classic algorithms still outperform nature-inspired methods in static problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem.
A groundbreaking new wearable device is being presented at the AAAS annual meeting, which uses stretchable electronics to monitor patients' swallowing ability, heart function, muscle activity, and quality of sleep. The sensor aids in aphasia diagnosis and treatment, providing a 'game-changer' for stroke recovery outcomes measurement.
A new study reveals that animal traffickers are smuggling pangolins out of Central Africa, primarily for their meat and scales, due to high international demand. The price of giant pangolin scales has risen over 45 times the rate of inflation between 2002 and 2014, driving up local costs.
Researchers believe asteroids can reveal what molecules originally existed in our solar system, helping scientists reconstruct the pathway that led to life on Earth. The study of asteroid and meteorite samples provides strong evidence that certain compounds were present before life formed.
A four-year study published in Science found that sleep leads to a 20% decrease in synapse size, allowing for more growth and learning the next day. The discovery supports the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, suggesting that sleep is essential for brain plasticity.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultrathin, highly elastic skin display that can show moving electrocardiogram waveforms recorded by a breathable on-skin electrode sensor. The device aims to enhance information accessibility for people with difficulty operating existing devices.
A Penn State research group used genetic and genealogical studies to develop a curriculum that connects students with their heritage, increasing interest in science among minorities. The program showed promising results, empowering middle school students to explore science through personalized genetics and genealogy.
Researchers used portable instruments and a robust database of alloy 'fingerprints' to analyze 39 bronzes cast between 1905 and 1959. They traced five bronzes to Emile Robecchi's foundry in WWII Paris, revealing varying alloy compositions during the Nazi occupation.
Middle school students who used personalized DNA and genealogy learned as much as their peers who used case studies. The curriculum encouraged students to explore their personal histories and cultures, fostering engagement with science and promoting understanding of complex topics like race and genetics.
Using non-invasive portable imaging techniques, researchers uncovered hidden images connected to other works by Picasso and a landscape likely by another Barcelona painter underneath 'La Miséreuse accroupie'. The study revealed major compositional changes made by Picasso as he worked toward his final vision.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that babies who suffered a perinatal stroke regained language function in the opposite side of their brain. The research, led by Elissa L. Newport, PhD, discovered that teenagers and young adults used the right sides of their brains for language after a left-brain injury.
Penn State professor Conrad Tucker is using social media data to predict catastrophic events and identify fake news. His project aims to create algorithms that increase the reliability of publicly available sources.
A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.
Researchers explore alternative reuse of wind turbine blades in architectural structures to reduce non-biodegradable waste. The project aims to provide valuable information on wind energy and best practices for industry and communities.
Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.
A study has identified a key genetic pathway in the legume Lotus japonicus that regulates nodulation in response to nitrogen levels in the soil. The researchers found a gene called NRSYM1 that, when mutated, causes the legume to continue forming new nodules even when nitrate is present in the soil.