A study in mice found that past obesity leads to lasting epigenetic changes in innate immunity and neuroinflammation, predisposing individuals to age-related diseases like macular degeneration. These persistent changes persist even after weight loss and metabolic normalcy.
Tiny immobile cilia in a cluster of cells called the left-right organizer convert biomechanical forces into calcium signals that trigger left-right asymmetrical development programs. This mechanism is evolutionarily conserved and plays a crucial role in breaking bilateral symmetry during embryogenesis.
Researchers project that glaciers will lose 26-41% of their mass by 2100, even under optimistic scenarios. This means that up to half of the planet's glaciers could be lost, contributing significantly to sea-level rise and hydrological changes.
The study finds China's YTT program successfully recruits and nurtures top-caliber scientists, who outperform peers in publications due to increased team size and funding. The findings suggest policy adjustments are needed to support young scientists.
Glassfrogs temporarily store red blood cells in their liver while sleeping, increasing transparency by two- to threefold. This adaptation could provide new insights into blood flow and the development of cardiovascular drugs.
Most universities lag behind industry in using data generated by their institutions to inform key decisions. Common challenges include a lack of staff expertise in data management and tension among stakeholders regarding data access and control.
Researchers present a new 'ionocaloric' refrigeration system that leverages phase transitions to drive reversible cooling cycles, offering a promising alternative to traditional hydrofluorocarbon-based systems. The system shows high efficiency and potential environmental benefits.
Researchers discovered that distinct layer-specific neuronal circuits in the primary motor cortex modulate both sensory and emotional components of chronic pain in mice. Activation of specific pathways suppressed sensory hypersensitivity to pain and reduced negative emotional and behavioral components.
Researchers have unveiled the mechanism behind monkeypox virus genome replication using cryo-microscopy. The findings could guide the development of antiviral drugs and may aid in preventing future outbreaks.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed thousands of new galaxies more distant and ancient than previously documented, with data hinting at potential life-supporting abilities of exoplanets. The telescope's capabilities have also shed light on planetary atmospheres, providing valuable insights into the universe's past.
Researchers develop synthetic gene circuits to activate anti-tumor functions on demand, allowing for long-term systemic tumor eradication. These advancements enable precise control over CAR T cell function, targeting tumors locally while minimizing toxicity issues.
Prolonged geographic separation in ecologically similar environments drives new species emergence. Most species evolve under similar selective pressures and divergent ecological adaptation is a minor force during allopatric divergence.
Fauci emphasizes the importance of pushing back against false information and promoting scientific communication as a process. He plans to use his experience to support two initiatives going forward.
A recent guidance framework highlights substantial gaps in biosecurity policies for dual-use research of concern and work proposing to enhance pandemic pathogens. Experts suggest expanding pathogen governance and making risk assessments publicly available.
A genomic evaluation reveals human-driven genetic mutations that made waterhemp herbicide-resistant and widespread. The plant thrived under agricultural intensification, competing with crops like soy and corn.
AlphaCode demonstrates impressive code-generation abilities, solving complex programming tasks with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It achieves an overall average ranking within the top 54.3% of human participants on Codeforces' problems, showcasing its potential to revolutionize programming productivity.
A Phase 1 clinical trial presents promising results for a broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) HIV vaccine, inducing bnAb-precursor responses in 26 of 27 vaccine recipients. The germline-targeting immunogen was safe and feasible, supporting the concept of germline targeting for HIV prevention.
Researchers introduce a novel method allowing an AI to master Stratego, a complex imperfect information game. The developed AI agent, DeepNash, achieves human expert-level performance without using traditional search methods.
A new multivalent mRNA vaccine candidate has shown promising results in mice and ferrets, producing high levels of cross-reactive antibodies and offering protection against various influenza strains. The approach differs from previous universal flu vaccines by including antigens specific to each subtype.
A global survey found that grazing has positive effects on ecosystem services in cold sites with high plant species diversity but negative effects in warmer sites. Promoting diverse grazing systems could limit some of these negative effects and increase soil carbon storage.
A global study of human water requirements found that water turnover varies with factors like age, climate, and body composition. The research developed an equation to predict individual water usage, with higher rates in younger adults and those with lower human development indices.
CICERO AI agent excelled in online Diplomacy game, analyzing human goals and intentions to make aligned yet competitive moves. In speed games against humans, CICERO scored more than double the average score, passing as a human player 82 times without arousing suspicion.
Global climate investments are needed to meet ambitious goals, but many barriers hinder progress. The authors identify 'fair-share' regional contributions that better describe the direction of financial flows needed equitably.
A genetic inactivation study found that FMRP mediates immune evasion in mouse tumors by repressing T cell recruitment. Inactive FMRP resulted in reduced tumor growth and increased susceptibility to T cell attack.
Researchers re-evaluated Hippo signaling's role in organ development and found it does not instruct normal organ growth, contradicting previous findings. However, the study identified several Hippo pathway genes required for overgrowth, suggesting its role in activating abnormal genetic programs.
A new study suggests that cross-trait assortative mating may be the underlying cause of observed genetic correlations between human traits, rather than widespread pleiotropy. The findings have significant implications for understanding the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and other complex conditions.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has awarded nearly $20 million to launch three initiatives aiming to increase representation in STEMM fields. A five-year research initiative will provide professional development support to scholarship recipients from low-income backgrounds, while another project aims to i...
Researchers develop acoustic assembly method to create stretchable conductive circuits using liquid metal particles. The approach overcomes manufacturing challenges in GaLM-polymer composites, enabling universal assembly in various polymer matrices.
A new study argues that India's expanding energy sector needs to balance climate change, air pollution, and social inequality. The analysis found that current policies are insufficient to cut emissions or reduce air quality inequities nationwide.
Research reveals sub-hourly rainfall extremes are becoming more intense due to climate change, causing flash floods and landslides. In the Sydney area, extreme rainfall events have risen by at least 20% per decade, highlighting the need for effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Researcher William Thompson's winning essay explores how social interactions shape human cognitive algorithms, shedding light on the evolutionary process of cognition. His studies show that accumulated generational knowledge is essential for adapting to new situations.
Ocean biodiversity is declining, with shark populations on the rise in danger despite successful conservation efforts for tunas and billfishes. Effective management has allowed tuna and billfish to recover over the past decade, but sharks remain undermanaged.
The 2022 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognized stories exploring the behavior of small animals at the edge of the visible world and others dealing with world-changing forces of climate change. Winners included journalists in India, China, Australia, South Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom.
A new study by prize winner Ann Kennedy reveals that a small population of neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) exhibit persistent activity when mice engage in aggressive behavior. This scalable and persistent activity is thought to be a mechanism for setting an animal's motivational state.
A new study found that Arctic wildfires burned nearly 4.7 million hectares in 2019 and 2020, accounting for 44% of total burned area in the region over almost 40 years. The study suggests an exponential relationship between fire and temperature, with potential consequences for global warming and climate feedback loops.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has identified NGC 1068 as a source of high-energy neutrinos. The newly discovered properties of this source differ from previously known blazars, suggesting multiple populations of sources may contribute to the observed cosmic neutrino background.
A new study presents a closed-loop gene therapy approach that targets only overactive neurons, reducing spontaneous seizures in mice. The approach uses the Fos gene to control the Kcna1 gene, promoting reduced neuronal excitability and offering a persistent antiepileptic effect.
A new study reveals that mammal diversity declined over time, with faster evolutionary rates among social, aquatic, and herbivorous species. Using skull shapes of 322 living and extinct mammals, researchers found that the rate of change tapered off after a peak around the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.
A new small-molecule compound regulates serotonergic neurons and has been shown to have a fast-acting antidepressant effect in mice. The findings provide a promising avenue for developing new therapeutics for MDD and other difficult-to-treat mood disorders.
Researchers have discovered that two seismic events detected by NASA's InSight lander were caused by meteor impacts, sending surface waves across the planet. These collisions provide valuable information about Mars' interior structure, with one study finding a denser crust than previously inferred.
A new study reveals that gut microbiota from patients with inflammatory bowel disease produce genotoxic metabolites called indolimines, which may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. The study identified a previously unknown family of DNA-damaging compounds produced by the CRC-associated gut microbe Morganella morganii.
Researchers found that mice fed high-fat diets during the active phase of their daily circadian cycle burned more calories, protecting them from diet-induced obesity. The enhanced thermogenesis depends on the circadian clock of adipocytes and a futile creatine cycle.
The world's largest fully protected marine protected area, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides spillover benefits for migratory species like bigeye and yellowfin tuna. Research reveals the protections of these regions also affect populations outside their borders.
A new study found that black-coated wolves are less likely to die during a canine distemper virus outbreak than gray-coated wolves. However, black wolves have lower reproductive success compared to grey wolves in areas without the disease.
A new study reveals that ancient regulatory genetic elements play a crucial role in creating butterfly wing patterns. Deeply conserved non-coding DNA sequences underlie the evolution of phenotypic traits across thousands of closely related species.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the structure of mouse TRPM8 channels, revealing the molecular mechanism for activation by cooling agonists and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). This discovery has implications for neuroinflammatory diseases and pain management.
Researchers introduced DIANA, a noninvasive neuroimaging method for direct imaging of neuronal activity in living mice. This approach overcomes the limitations of BOLD-fMRI by providing millisecond precision and detection of rapid sequential propagation of neuronal activity across neural pathways.
Researchers develop two-stage approach converting mixed plastic waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of bioplastics suitable for medical materials. The hybrid process combines metal ion-promoted oxidation and bioconversion via genetically modified soil bacterium, enabling efficient recycling of commonly used plastics.
Recent advancements in pig-to-human transplants have demonstrated potential as a solution to the dire transplant organ shortage, with over 100,000 people awaiting transplants. Further research is needed to address challenges such as navigating ethical concerns and reducing organ rejection, but trials should continue in humans.
Researchers discovered a cellular decision-making mechanism in dormant bacterial spores that operates even in physiologically inactive cells. The spores can sense harsh environmental conditions and release dormancy when conditions become favorable, triggered by an electrochemical-state switching mechanism similar to neurons.