A study published in Cell found that a specific region of the brain's frontal lobe controls vocal pitch, enabling humans to convey meaning through speech and language. By examining neural activity and using brain sensors, researchers identified increased activity in this region when participants altered their voice pitch.
Researchers found that humans can estimate physical formidability from nonverbal vocal cues, including aggressive roars and speech. Listeners accurately judged vocalizers' strength in 88% of trials, with men perceiving themselves as stronger than women in similar situations.
Researchers have created the highest-resolution image yet of the Zika virus, providing a detailed atomic model that enables efficient vaccine and antiviral compound design. The discovery was made possible by the stability of the Zika virus compared to its flavivirus cousins.
Researchers found that Bogong moths rely on the Earth's magnetic field to steer flight during migration, similar to night-migratory birds. The moths use a magnetic sense to determine their migratory direction and align it with celestial or terrestrial landmarks.
Researchers analyzed data from three major brain banks and found that human herpesvirus DNA and RNA were more abundant in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that viruses may be involved in regulating genes associated with increased Alzheimer's risk, and could offer potential new paths for treatment.
Researchers have found a new lineage of giant pandas in ancient DNA from a 22,000-year-old specimen. The findings suggest that the ancient panda separated from present-day pandas 144,000 to 227,000 years ago, indicating a distinct group not found today.
Researchers found a strong negative correlation between pancreatic cell size and lifespan in 24 mammalian species. Animals with larger cells tend to age faster, while smaller cells are associated with longer lifespans.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that the brain values foods high in both fat and carbohydrates more than those containing only one nutrient. This suggests that processed foods, which often combine these nutrients, may hijack our body's natural signals governing food consumption.
Scientists in China develop a hybrid conductive material that can be bent and stretched at will, making it suitable for wearable electronics and implantable devices. The material, called metal-polymer conductor, is non-toxic and has broad applications for diagnosing and treating diseases.
A new study found psychedelics, such as DOI, DMT, and LSD, increase dendritic spines and synapses in neurons, promoting neural plasticity. This effect is similar across species, including humans, and may lead to the development of depression treatments.
Researchers propose a new approach to studying chemobrain, focusing on brain systems and cellular level causes. They aim to develop better diagnostic tools and strategies for patients to mitigate or prevent long-term cognitive difficulties.
Researchers have found that fur seals spend most of their lives in the water and go without REM sleep for days or weeks, suggesting a functional connection between REM sleep and brain cooling. The study provides insight into the mysterious function of REM sleep and its potential role in regulating brain temperature.
Direct air capture technology captures CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it into fresh fuels, reducing carbon footprint of transportation with minimal disruption. The resulting fuels are compatible with existing infrastructure and have ultra-low life cycle carbon intensities.
Researchers found that male bottlenose dolphins retain individual vocal labels in long-term cooperative alliances, enabling them to track complex social relationships. This study provides insight into the role of vocal communication in coordinating social behaviors among these intelligent marine mammals.
A recent study has revealed significant microbiome differences between infants born in rural and urban areas of Nigeria, which begin as early as infancy. The researchers found that rural infants had more diverse microbiomes and higher levels of beneficial bacterial species than their urban counterparts.
A recent study found that virtually all of Madagascar's native predators are highly sensitive to the toxic bufadienolides secreted by invasive Asian toads. This could have a significant impact on the island's already threatened fauna, including iconic species like tenrecs and fossa.
Scientists have developed a method to track biological samples using RFID chips, which can withstand extreme conditions and identify organoids grown from stem cells. This technology has the potential to advance drug testing and transplantation by providing real-time data on organoid health.
Researchers identify NOTCH2NL genes as key to human-specific cortex development and large brain evolution. These genes delay neuron differentiation, resulting in more neurons across development.
Research finds that inefficient breakdown of fats in fat cells predicts later weight gain and metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes. An algorithm based on clinical and blood measures can detect impairments in hormone-stimulated lipolysis, identifying women at high risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Researchers found that banded mongooses inherit their feeding preferences from their escorts, not biological parents, and these learned behaviors last a lifetime. The study also suggests cultural inheritance may play an important role in many animal species, shaping individual diversity.
Researchers analyzed plant fossil record and evolutionary relationships to conclude that global forest collapse led to the survival of only a few ancestral bird lineages. These early survivors adapted to life on the ground, laying the foundation for the diverse range of modern bird species.
A new study reveals that Zika virus was introduced to Mexico earlier than previously thought, with evidence of two annual outbreaks across multiple regions. The research also highlights the need for better data collection to track future epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases.
Research on mice brain structure found substantial molecular differences between male and female mice, particularly in the locus coeruleus region. Female mice have higher abundance of EP3 receptor and elevated levels of Slc6a15 and Lin28b genes associated with major depressive disorder.
A recent study in Current Biology identifies the giant Chinese salamander as having five distinct species, all of which are critically endangered and face imminent extinction. The researchers highlight the importance of genetic assessments and conservation efforts to protect these unique animals.
Researchers found that social isolation in mice upregulates neuropeptide Tac2/NkB, leading to increased aggression and persistent responses to threatening stimuli. The peptide is overproduced in multiple brain regions, causing diverse behavioral changes that persist even after social isolation is reversed.
Researchers used emergency contact information in electronic health records to build family trees, which can be used to study heritability of hundreds of medical conditions. The study found that certain traits, such as high levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, have a significant genetic component.
Research links nucleolus to age-related pathways, finding that enlarged nucleoli correlate with shorter lifespans and reduced insulin signaling. A small nucleolus may extend lifespan by balancing cellular renewal and repair.
A new study estimates Bitcoin's minimum current energy usage at 2.55 gigawatts, with predictions suggesting it could consume up to 7.7 gigawatts by the end of 2018. The network's growing electricity demand raises concerns about its sustainability and impact on climate goals.
A high-fiber diet increases survival in influenza-infected mice by setting the immune system at a healthy level of responsiveness. It also boosts antiviral immunity by activating T cells, mediated by changes in gut bacteria composition.
A team of researchers proposes a hypothesis on how REM and non-REM sleep might help us solve problems. Non-REM sleep helps organize information into useful categories, while REM sleep enables the discovery of unexpected connections.
A recent clinical study found that most parents-to-be want access to information from preconception carrier screening, including genetic variants associated with common disorders. However, the interpretation of these variants remains a significant challenge due to limited knowledge about their effects on health.
A 34-million-year-old whale skull from Antarctica reveals early whales didn't have baleen, but instead used teeth to bite large prey. The discovery provides a rare window into the earliest phase of filter feeding evolution.
Researchers successfully convert mature skin cells into immature muscle cells using a simple approach, promoting muscle regeneration in injured mice. The induced myogenic progenitor cells (iMPCs) engrafted in damaged tissue and contributed to sustained muscle regeneration.
Researchers have developed an in vitro model of urethral mucosa to visualize the HIV transmission process. The study reveals that infected T cells target epithelial cells above macrophages, leading to viral production and shedding via transcytosis. Macrophages then capture and store the virus, posing a challenge for treatment efforts.
Researchers have found that seismology equipment can be used to detect and classify elephant behaviors, such as panic running, through ground vibrations. This technology has the potential to develop a new kind of alarm system to catch and deter poachers.
Researchers have developed a powerful 3D lithium ion battery with an area footprint smaller than 0.09 square centimeters, achieving an energy density of 5.2 milli-watt-hours per square centimeter. This design uses a conformal electrolyte and semiconductor processing to overcome previous limitations in 3D battery technology.
A new study published in Neuron reveals that common genetic variants are the primary drivers of migraine risk, with a greater burden of variants linked to earlier onset and more severe symptoms. The research also found that rare Mendelian genes play a smaller role in shaping the genetic landscape of migraines.
Two independent studies found that mistletoe lacks key components of the cellular machinery to convert glucose into ATP. This loss is associated with a remodeled respiratory chain and reduced ATP generation by mitochondria.
Researchers identified a lipid that circulates in the blood after exercise and exposure to cold, which may help reduce triglyceride levels and improve cardiovascular health. The lipid, called 12,13-diHOME, is produced by brown fat and promotes the uptake of fatty acids into working muscles during exercise.
Researchers studied the teeth of carnivorous dinosaurs and found that different species used varying biting strategies to capture and consume their prey. The study reveals that some dinosaurs, like Dromaeosaurus, were adapted for handling struggling prey or processing bone, while others, like Troodon, preferred softer fare.
Researchers argue that garlic's unique flavor comes from sulfur compounds, which are biologically active within mammalian cells. However, the complexity of preparing garlic affects which sulfur compounds are consumed, leading to inconsistent results in human intervention studies.
Researchers identified age-related differences in breast tissue that contribute to increased risk of developing breast cancer in older women. The study found that accumulation of multipotent progenitor cells leads to defective luminal cells, which may be related to the increased susceptibility to breast cancer with age.
Researchers in China have engineered a Chinese shrub to produce high levels of artemisinin, a potent antimalarial compound. The study's findings provide new insights into the metabolic pathway involved in artemisinin biosynthesis and offer a potential solution to address global malaria-related deaths.
Researchers recommend integrating smart-sensor-controlled air cleaning technologies with plants to optimize indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and passively absorb pollutants, making them a potential solution for reducing indoor pollution and saving energy.
Researchers generated hypothalamic-like neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells of super-obese and normal-weight individuals. These brain cells responded differently to hunger hormones and obesity-related genes. The study provides a platform for modeling complex polygenic diseases like obesity.
Researchers used optogenetic tools to activate neurons linked to ejaculation in male fruit flies, revealing a rewarding experience. The study suggests that the brain processes ejaculation as a natural reward, influencing motivation and addiction risk.
A study published in Cell found that the Bajau people of Southeast Asia, who spend their lives at sea, have larger spleens than non-divers due to genetic adaptation. The research suggests that this adaptation is a rare example of natural selection in modern humans and could provide insights into managing acute hypoxia.
Researchers discovered that sweet potatoes originated over 800,000 years ago in the Americas, challenging the long-held theory of pre-Columbian contacts between Polynesia and the American continent. The findings suggest that humans did not introduce sweet potatoes to Polynesia but rather allowed them to cross the ocean naturally.
Researchers found that male hummingbirds twist half their tails to aim sound at females, minimizing the Doppler shift effect. This strategic acoustic control allows males to convey speed and agility without revealing their true velocity.
A common version of the FGF21 gene is associated with lower total body fat despite increasing carbohydrate intake, according to a new study. The gene variant also redistributes fat to the upper body, where it may cause harm.