Researchers found that Miracinonyx trumani preyed almost exclusively on fish, challenging the long-held assumption that it was a fast-running prey-chaser like modern cheetahs. The species shared a common ancestor with modern cheetahs about 4.7 million years ago, but diverged from a common ancestor with pumas about 2.6 million years ago.
Researchers establish that live probiotic and inactivated postbiotic treatments improve coral health under thermal stress. The treatments, which involve beneficial bacteria, improve coral resilience and promote specific metabolic and microbiome changes.
A recent study suggests that cerebral palsy (CP) may be a collection of symptoms that can occur in various conditions, rather than a single disease with genetic causes. The research found that only 89 of 515 genes previously linked to CP have a statistically significant association with the condition.
A clinical trial found that a ketogenic diet significantly improves metabolic health in people with obesity, with 50% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for prediabetes. The diet also showed the greatest improvements in liver health and insulin sensitivity.
Researchers develop a polymer nanogel system called Nano-ERASER that uses antibodies to degrade targeted proteins, inducing neuron regeneration and restoring neural circuits in human brain organoids and mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study provides a critical step in regenerative neuroscience, offering a roadmap for a potential cure.
Researchers analyzed the make-up of oral microbes to detect signals associated with gastric and colorectal cancer, finding distinct signatures in patients with cancer. The study's findings could lead to the development of new, less-invasive screening tests for gastrointestinal cancers.
A study found that supercentenarians, people who live to 110 and beyond, have a higher proportion of cancer-killing immune cells called CD4 CTLs. This expansion may help the immune system adapt to age-related challenges, contributing to exceptional longevity.
Scientists struggle to define fungal age due to the complex life cycle of fungi, which can live for hundreds to thousands of years. Leveraging new technologies like 'fungi-on-a-chip' and genetic tracking may provide unprecedented insights into fungal longevity.
A study published in iScience found that female Cope's gray treefrogs prefer males with longer calls, but can become overwhelmed by too many options, selecting only 25% of target calls. This phenomenon, known as choice overload, may impact the evolution of species.
A recent study revealed that dogs process smiles in a unique brain region and can distinguish between negative facial expressions, including anger, sadness, and fear. This ability allows researchers to understand the adaptations that have developed in dogs to support their social and emotional understanding of humans.
Researchers developed a method for generating personality assessment questionnaires with ChatGPT from any source text, including the DSM-5 and an astrology textbook. The generated questionnaires showed high internal consistency within personality clusters and could predict life outcomes like depression, anxiety, and well-being at level...
Researchers found that treating women with Lactobacillus gasseri supplements or postbiotics improved fertility among those over 35. The study showed higher endometrial abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria in pregnant women, suggesting a beneficial effect on uterine health.
A study found that pumas change deer behavior, reducing the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions by 67%. Deer alter their use of space and time where pumas are present, overlapping less with roads.
A recent review suggests that consuming less protein could have greater health benefits and potentially extend lifespan. The review highlights the role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in slowing aging by improving metabolism, reducing cellular damage, and preserving healthy cell function.
Researchers have developed a lightweight receiver that captures energy from laser beams and converts it into electricity, enabling wireless charging of drones in mid-air. The technology uses a perovskite laser cell-thermoelectric tandem device to generate power, overcoming the challenge of battery life for long-duration missions.
Researchers developed an artery-on-a-chip platform to predict ischemic stroke risk by replicating a patient's specific vascular structure and blood flow dynamics. The tool, called a 'physical twin,' reveals that three-dimensional vascular shape and local flow disturbances matter more than simple narrowing in predicting stroke risk.
Researchers developed a handheld breath detector that measures acetone levels with laboratory-level accuracy in 90 seconds. The device tracks changes in fat metabolism during various scenarios, including exercise and fasting, providing insights for clinicians to personalize treatments.
Social animals exhibit a range of pre-war preparations, including environmental cues and memories of past events. These behaviors can impact socio-cognitive evolution, population dynamics, and community structures. Preemptive behavior is widespread in social species, depending on the current threat level.
Researchers have found that stimulating a nerve in the external ear may help to ease inflammation in the lungs of mice. The study suggests a novel device could be developed to target inflammatory pathways and treat diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found that psychological stress speeds up aging-like changes in hematopoietic stem cells by altering the intestinal microbiota and reducing spermidine levels. Chronic stress impacts the balance of gut microbes, leading to immune dysfunction and bone marrow defects.
Researchers discovered that bilingual brains store concepts in a mental map spanning both languages, allowing for smooth language switching while keeping them distinct. The brain organizes individual words within each language and connects equivalent meanings across languages using a semantic map.
Researchers have identified two distinct brain networks for laughter: one associated with spontaneous, uncontrollable laughter and another with voluntary, timed laughter. The spontaneous network involves emotional regulation and motor control, while the voluntary network is linked to motor control of laughing and smiling.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to determine chicken egg sex, assess quality, and detect fertilization using light-based optical spectroscopy. The technique could curb the practice of killing billions of male chicks at birth, reducing animal suffering and promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Scientists have created a practical way to make ultra-black coatings that meet automotive standards, using a composite of carbon black pigment and carbon nanotubes. The resulting color is a deep jet black with excellent long-term stability, opening the door for high-end car models in darker hues.
Researchers found that cohabiting individuals shared significantly more oral and gut strains than those living in different households. On average, cohabitors shared 19% of their gut microbiome and 26% of their oral microbiome strains with each other.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe suggests that GLP-1 analogs may alleviate depression in mice by modulating the gut microbiome. The researchers found that a specific microbe strain, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, played a key role in this process.
Scientists discovered a new way cells fight infection, using a method called antibody-directed xenophagy (ADX), which can digest bacteria and viruses inside infected cells. ADX is triggered by a protein called TRIM21, which flags invading pathogens for destruction.
Researchers discovered a fast protective mechanism in cells that forms a ring-like structure around the nucleus to prevent DNA damage and cell death. This 'actin ring' protects the nucleus by confining and stabilizing it, making it less likely to rupture.
Researchers find popular sodium-ion battery matches performance parameters and production quality of Tesla's lithium-ion batteries. Tweaking the Hina battery to charge more effectively at low temperatures could provide a cost-effective alternative for future electric vehicle batteries.
Researchers highlight the promise of using human monoclonal antibodies to treat patients more effectively and tackle antimicrobial resistance. mAbs can be designed to target only the disease-causing bacteria, thereby protecting the microbiome.
Scientists have developed a laser-driven engine that can transfer large amounts of data over long distances, enabling high-speed communication in 6G networks. The innovation uses white light to move information and has the potential to support 'intelligent' 6G networks with space-air-ground integration.
A study reveals that medical exposure can rapidly change the human microbiome, with gut microbes shifting toward patterns more commonly seen in urban populations. The research found a decline in microbial diversity and a shift towards bacterial groups more common in industrialized societies.
Researchers designed contact lenses with electrodes to deliver mild electrical signals to the brain, reducing behavioral and physiological signs of depression. The treatment showed comparable improvements to Prozac in mice.
Researchers engineered E. coli microbes to produce the UV-protective compound gadusol, increasing yield by nearly 93 times and showing promise in antioxidant tests. The compound may become an attractive ingredient for sunscreens and skin-care products, offering a greener alternative to traditional ingredients.
Researchers found that genome duplications during major environmental upheavals helped plants survive mass extinctions and extreme conditions. The study suggests that polyploidy, or having multiple sets of chromosomes, can be beneficial for plants in stressful environments.
Researchers have designed copper cold plates with optimized fins that deliver up to 32% better cooling performance, reducing pressure drop by up to 68%. This technology could lead to significant energy savings in data centers, where it is estimated to contribute only around 1.1% of total energy usage.
Researchers predict that increased production will pose supply problems for certain raw materials like neodymium-praseodymium and carbon fibers. To mitigate these risks, they recommend piggybacking off existing capacity from industries like electric vehicles and designing robots with recyclable materials.
Researchers have developed a non-toxic, stretchy hemp-derived thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size. The material has a high glass transition temperature, making it suitable for producing transparent plastic films, coatings, and other common materials currently made from petroleum-based materials.
Computer scientist Micheal Lones warns that using generative AI in machine learning increases the risk of malicious cyberattacks, data leaks, and bias against underrepresented groups. He advises developers to manually evaluate LLM-generated code and outputs to mitigate these risks.
A study shows how a kea parrot with a missing upper beak uses innovative fighting techniques to dominate his group and gain social status. He achieves this through 'beak jousting,' which proves more effective than other methods, leading to improved health benefits and social recognition.
A new genetic study found that Indigenous populations in Malaysia have well-preserved olfactory receptor genes, suggesting a strong evolutionary pressure to maintain them. The study suggests that the human sense of smell has played a bigger role in shaping evolution than previously thought, adapting alongside major cultural changes.
A study found that epigenetic changes present at birth can impact an infant's gut microbiome development during their first year. The researchers also identified specific epigenetic changes and gut microbes associated with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Scientists used CAR-T cell therapy to treat a patient with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The treatment achieved lasting remission without additional treatment for over a year.
A new study suggests that electric vehicles can serve as a vast network of mobile batteries, storing excess energy and feeding it back into the grid when demand surges. This approach could ease grid strain, cut emissions, and create revenue, but only if paired with timely grid upgrades.
Researchers identify the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as the brain region associated with moral inconsistency. Studies show that individuals with less vmPFC activity are more likely to be morally inconsistent, indicating a failure to integrate moral knowledge into daily behavior.
A genetic mutation found in high-altitude animals may help regenerate myelin sheath and repair nerve damage in conditions like MS and cerebral paralysis. The mutation increases production of a metabolite that promotes myelin production and maturation.
A study of 19,000 corporate employees found that women rely on complex social networks to reach director-level positions, while men's success is more determined by current employment. Women who advance to high-level positions are also more likely to be connected to other female leaders, acting as bridges to bring in more women.
AI chatbots are homogenizing human expression and thought, reducing collective wisdom and adaptability, researchers argue. Incorporating real-world diversity into LLM training sets can help preserve human cognitive diversity and improve chatbots' reasoning abilities.
A new study reveals that tanycytes, specialized brain cells, play a key role in clearing the toxic tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that maintaining tanycyte health could be a way to slow disease progression.
Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.