Researchers found particular components of dietary fiber that encourage growth and metabolic action of beneficial microbes in the mouse gut. By identifying these compounds, they aim to develop sustainable and affordable dietary fiber sources for next-generation food products.
Researchers discovered that a common type of gut bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, produces high levels of alcohol in the body and can cause liver damage even in non-drinkers. The study found that 60% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had high- and medium-alcohol-producing K. pneumonia in their gut.
Pink sea urchin teeth are specially equipped to sharpen themselves through a controlled chipping mechanism, maintaining their sharp edge. The unique structure of the teeth, consisting of ceramic composites and calcite fibers, allows for this self-sharpening process, which is also relevant for designing synthetic materials.
Scientists are developing novel tissue engineering techniques using everyday materials such as ice, eggshells, and spinach. These biomaterials are more functional, sustainable, and cost-effective than traditional methods.
A new study demonstrates that a mutant live attenuated Ebola virus vaccine protects non-human primates against infection, targeting the immune-evasion function of VP35. The researchers developed a virus with three mutations in the VP35 protein, which plays a critical role in evading host immune responses.
Researchers develop a low-cost thermoelectric generator that harnesses temperature differences to produce renewable electricity at night, when solar power is not available. The device can generate up to 25 milliwatts of energy per square meter and has the potential to be scaled for practical use.
Research reveals that bone-derived hormone osteocalcin plays a critical role in mediating the acute stress response, which is distinct from hormones released by the adrenal glands. Osteocalcin levels rise in response to stress, triggering physiological responses such as increased energy expenditure and heart rate.
Researchers discovered that burying beetle larvae respond to a specific pheromone emitted by their mothers to indicate feeding times. This allows the larvae to efficiently coordinate feeding and avoid unnecessary energy expenditure.
A study on foot painters reveals they have finely tuned toe maps in their brains, which were previously thought to exist only in non-human primates. The findings suggest a critical period for brain plasticity early in life and raise questions about how humans adapt to limb loss or changes.
Researchers sequenced the first genome of an individual from the Harappan civilization, showing that modern people in India are likely descended from this ancient culture. The findings suggest that farming began in South Asia through local hunter-gatherers adopting farming, contradicting previous theories.
A study of institutional 'report cards' found that although a growing number of women are training in the sciences, they are underrepresented in senior roles and face inadequate policies. The researchers suggest that retaining and promoting women scientists is key to achieving gender parity in STEM.
Bacteria can swap DNA through mechanisms similar to sexual selection in animals, and this genetic mixing may have benefits for cell survival and evolution. Researchers suggest that bacterial transformation, a process where cells release and take up DNA, could be governed by sexual selection.
Researchers study patient with stroke-induced color naming impairment to explore how language shapes color perception. The study found that while patients struggled to name specific colors, they could still group colors into categories, suggesting a separate process for categorization.
A study published in Immunity identified a biomarker for predicting malaria infection severity, with increased p53 activation associated with enhanced protection against fever and inflammation. The findings could lead to new strategies for dampening harmful inflammatory responses and identifying at-risk individuals.
Scientists have successfully grown miniature brains from stem cells that exhibit functional neural networks and produce brain waves resembling those of preterm babies. The study marks a significant breakthrough in understanding human brain development and may lead to new insights into diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
Researchers have identified a new gene, ADRB1, that regulates sleep duration, found in individuals requiring significantly less sleep. The gene's variant was shown to alter the receptor's function, leading to shorter sleep periods.
Scientists successfully edited the genes of albino lizards using CRISPR-Cas9, allowing them to study gene regulation and vision development. The technique, which can be applied to other animals, demonstrates a new approach for manipulating reptile genomes.
A clinical trial of alternate-day fasting found health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels. Participants experienced a mean calorie restriction of about 35% and lost an average of 3.5 kg during four weeks.
Researchers discovered a spike in Zika cases among travelers returning from Cuba in 2017, which was not reported locally. The study found that mosquito control measures may have initially mitigated transmission but need to be maintained.
Researchers have developed a new technology that uses DNA for information processing and storage in living cells. The DOMINO system enables the deep interrogation of biology and can execute cascades of DNA writing events in response to biological signals.
A single DNA variant affects the timing of sensory organ development in fruit flies, explaining size trade-offs between eyes and antennae. The study found a conserved genetic mechanism that could apply to sensory organ size variations across animal kingdoms.
A review of adolescent brains across species reveals that impulsiveness is a biological adaptation crucial for brain maturation. The human brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence, including pruning of neural connections and strengthening of white matter tracts, which enables optimal brain function in the adult stage.
Researchers found that migratory songbirds sleep differently depending on their condition, trading off safety for lower energy expenditure. Birds in poor condition sleep with their head tucked in, while those in good condition keep their head facing forward, exposing them to a higher predation risk.
Researchers discover that sticky meshworks of DNA and proteins extruded by neutrophils act as the glue that binds together calcium and cholesterol crystals during gallstone formation. Inhibiting NETs reduces gallstone growth in mice, offering new strategies for treating gallstone disease.
Researchers suggest that reaching an 80% reduction in building CO2 emissions by 2050 requires highly energy-efficient technologies, new operational approaches, and electrification of fossil fuel-based systems. The study identifies two promising avenues for reducing emissions: energy-saving retrofits and smart software optimization.
Researchers have uncovered the oldest fossil forest in Asia, spanning 250,000 square meters and featuring lycopsid trees with branchless trunks. The discovery provides insights into the early evolution of plants and their adaptability to coastal environments.
Researchers found that severe marine heatwaves lead to immediate coral mortality and rapid decay, not just bleaching. This phenomenon is distinct from coral bleaching and will likely become more frequent as temperatures rise.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown family of small-molecule metabolites responsible for the bright green color in sharks' skin, which may also aid in identifying other sharks and fighting microbial infections. The discovery opens new questions about the potential functions of biofluorescence in shark biology.
MIT researchers quantify cost targets for energy storage to enable solar and wind power with storage to reach competitiveness with other on-demand energy sources. The study finds that energy storage costs need to fall below $20/kWh to achieve cost-competitive baseload power over a twenty-year period.
Researchers estimate that it would take approximately 50 million years to recover the number of bird species lost since humans first colonized New Zealand. The conservation initiatives currently underway in New Zealand may prevent millions of years of evolution from further loss.
Researchers found that turtle embryos can move around to find optimal temperatures, influencing their own sex determination. This behavior may help turtles buffer the effects of climate change by producing a balanced sex ratio.
The study found that orthopedic, inflammatory, and pain conditions are the main types of medical conditions treated with stem cells at direct-to-consumer stem cell clinics in the Southwest. The researchers also identified differences in the degree to which listed expertise matches the medical conditions treated with stem cells.
Researchers have developed a new approach to purging water sources of microplastics using tiny coil-shaped carbon-based magnets, known as magnetic nanosprings. These stable catalysts can remove a significant fraction of microplastics in just eight hours and are also magnetic, making them easy to collect for repeated use.
Researchers discovered a tree stump that remained alive due to grafting with nearby trees, exchanging water and resources. This finding suggests a reevaluation of trees as individuals towards understanding forest ecosystems as superorganisms.
Researchers have identified the genetic basis of pufferfish spines, which share developmental pathways with other vertebrates. The study reveals that the spines evolved as a unique adaptation for protection during inflation.
New human artificial chromosomes (HACs) have been developed to overcome the limitations of previous versions by removing repetitive elements and utilizing epigenetic markers. These advancements enable more thorough studies of chromosome function and open doors to complex synthetic biological systems.
New evidence suggests that laugh tracks increase the perceived funniness of corny 'dad jokes'. The study found that spontaneous laughter has a greater effect on humor ratings than posed laughter, and this effect holds true for both neurotypical and autistic individuals.
Researchers analyzed 25,000 tourist photographs to estimate population densities of five top predators in northern Botswana. The study found that tourist-contributed data can accomplish similar goals as traditional surveying approaches at a lower cost.
A recent review explores how artificial intelligence can improve the success of clinical trials. AI-based models can help with trial design, patient recruitment, and monitoring adherence, potentially boosting success rates by up to 30%.
Researchers have discovered a bird foot from 99 million years ago preserved in amber that had a hyper-elongated third toe, measuring 9.8 millimeters, which is 41 percent longer than its second toe and 20 percent longer than its lower leg bone. The bird, named Elektorornis chenguangi, likely used its toes to hook food out of tree trunks.
Researchers are developing materials inspired by mussel threads that can remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens from wastewater. These innovations could help mitigate environmental damage after oil spills.
Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.
Experts like Lincoln Taiz conclude that plants don't possess the threshold brain structure for consciousness. They argue that plants' responses to stimuli are genetically encoded and not indicative of intentional choice or learning.
Researchers found that combining aerobic exercise and resistance training preserves muscle mass in obese older adults. The study showed increased muscle protein synthesis and improved muscle quality compared to control groups.
Researchers found that gut microbes stimulate antiviral signals in non-immune lung cells to protect against the flu virus during early stages of infection. Enhanced baseline type I interferon signaling reduced flu virus replication and weight loss in mice.
Scientists have created functional neural networks derived from cerebral organoids, which can mimic the development of the human brain. The study provides a new tool for understanding brain function and may lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery, modeling neuropsychiatric disorders, and regenerative medicine.
Researchers found ancient crocodile relatives had complex teeth indicating herbivory, appearing three to six times in the dataset. The findings suggest a veggie diet arose at least three times and possibly six times in the distant cousins of modern crocodiles shortly after mass extinctions.
Researchers analyzed data from four years of Q&A sessions at academic conferences and found that men asked most questions, even in a majority-woman audience. The study suggests that public discussion and policy changes focused on gender equity can make a significant difference.
Researchers found that the region covered by the Belt and Road Initiative has significant solar energy potential, capable of meeting up to 41 times current electricity demand. The study suggests a possible solution to reduce BRI countries' need for fossil fuels, achieving emission reduction goals set by the Paris Agreement.
Researchers developed a mouse model that recapitulates Parkinson's disease's progression, showing how misfolded protein α-synuclein spreads from the gut to the brain. The study supports Braak's hypothesis and suggests potential therapeutic targets.