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Words matter: How to reduce gender bias with word choice

A commentary in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests using gender-neutral terms to minimize gender bias, while a 'gender-marking' approach can highlight women's success in male-dominated fields. However, this latter approach may reinforce negative stereotypes if used thoughtlessly.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 10, 2022

Scientists craft living human skin for robots

Researchers have developed a method to create living human skin on robots, providing a realistic texture and self-healing properties. The skin is made up of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, which conform to the robot's surface and can even repair wounds with the help of a collagen bandage.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Noisy jackdaw birds reach “consensus” before taking off

Researchers found that noisy jackdaws use a 'democratic' decision-making process to coordinate their daily takeoffs, relying on the intensity of calls to achieve consensus. The findings suggest that changes in calling intensity serve as a reliable source of information for synchronization.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

CRISPR now possible in cockroaches

Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene editing in cockroaches, achieving efficiency rates of up to 22% and over 50% in the red flour beetle. The technique, named DIPA-CRISPR, allows for efficient and accessible gene editing without requiring expensive equipment or skilled laboratory personnel.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

High-resolution genomes reveal nuanced origins of the first farmers

A new study suggests that the world's first farmers did not originate from a single group but from the mixing of two groups of hunter-gatherers. The research team used deep sequencing to analyze ancient DNA and found evidence of population divergence, expansions, and admixture dates, providing a more detailed understanding of the demog...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

These bats deter predators by buzzing like hornets

Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Lunar soil has the potential to generate oxygen and fuel

Researchers have discovered that lunar soil can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, paving the way for sustainable space exploration. The team proposes an 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis' strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water and produce desired products.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Not all dietary fibers are equal

Researchers investigated two common soluble fibers, arabinoxylan and long-chain inulin, on human physiology. They found that AX reduced LDL cholesterol, while LCI decreased inflammation markers and increased beneficial gut microbes, but high doses of inulin caused negative effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Humans run at the most energy-efficient speed, regardless of distance

Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Bacteria genes gave ancient plants traits to colonize land

Researchers found that hundreds of bacteria genes were integrated into ancient plants, granting them desirable traits for land colonization. The study suggests horizontal gene transfer played a significant role in land-plant evolution, allowing plants to adapt rapidly to new environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2022

The impacts from using genetic testing to track down relatives

Researchers surveyed over 26,000 genetic genealogy participants about their experiences discovering previously unknown relatives. Most reported learning the identity of at least one relative, with some finding close family ties and others experiencing life-changing discoveries.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Gene editing now possible in ticks

Researchers successfully edited the genomes of black-legged ticks using CRISPR-Cas9, overcoming technical challenges and advancing tick genetic research. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding tick-pathogen-host interactions and developing new approaches to tick-borne disease control.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Treatment keeps alcoholic monkeys from drinking as much

Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Gene mutation that makes dogs small existed in ancient wolves

Researchers discovered a genetic mutation associated with small body size in dogs that also occurred in ancient wolves over 50,000 years ago. This finding presents a new evolutionary narrative and challenges the long-held theory that humans domesticated large wolves to create small companions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2022

Research in mice identifies neurons that control locomotion

In a study published in Cell, researchers report that ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons (VSCTs) are both necessary and sufficient for regulating locomotor behavior in mice. Activation of VSCTs induces locomotion, while suppression halts it, demonstrating their crucial role in controlling this essential behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022