Researchers found that particular bonobo males have a strong advantage over others when it comes to fathering offspring, with one male fathering over 60% of the next generation. This finding challenges previous assumptions about female choice and social dynamics in bonobos.
Researchers discovered that sea spiders use gut peristalsis to move blood and oxygen throughout their bodies, not hearts. This unique system allows for efficient gas transport and highlights the diversity of solutions in animal physiology.
Researchers found that fertile females suffered more aggression from males than pregnant and lactating females did. Males used long-term sexual intimidation by repeatedly attacking and chasing females before ovulation to monopolize sexual access.
Researchers found that mice lacking a sense of smell lose an average of 16% body weight, with most weight loss coming from fat. The team discovered a link between the loss of smell and increased burning of brown fat, which helps with weight regulation.
Scientists in Japan develop a method to image cancer at the single-cell level, revealing cancerous colonies in detail. The technique allows researchers to track cancer cells as they multiply and metastasize, providing insight into metastatic pathways.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that high glycogen levels actually impair endurance muscle performance in mice. Glycogenin-deficient mice underperformed normal mice despite having higher glycogen levels, suggesting a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism in slow-twitch muscles.
Researchers analyzed ancient and modern mitochondrial genomes in the South Caucasus, finding genetic continuity for at least 8,000 years. The study suggests that documented cultural shifts in the region had little genetic impact on the local female population.
Researchers analyzed Y chromosomes of over 50 horses and found that nearly all modern breeds trace back to Oriental stallions introduced to Europe over the last 700 years. This study reveals the impact of strong selection on males and breeding schemes driven by Oriental ancestors.
A newly discovered ancient whale species offers insights into the evolution of filter feeding in whales. Researchers found that this transitional species used its large molars for filter feeding, suggesting a key step in the development of baleen.
Researchers developed a genetic engineering approach to produce anthocyanin-rich purple endosperm in rice, offering potential health benefits against cancers and cardiovascular disease. The resulting purple rice holds promise as a biofortified food source.
Research suggests uterine fluid informs the fetus of its mother's world, affecting embryonic development and long-term health. Studies have shown that maternal environmental exposures can leave epigenetic tags on fetal DNA.
Neurologists and neurotraumatologists review the science of concussions and outline areas where neuroscience and clinical research can help create consensus. They emphasize the importance of diagnosis in treatment and suggest using animal models to discover better treatment plans.
A new method, MDK99, measures bacterial tolerance to antibiotics, allowing clinicians to effectively treat antimicrobial-tolerant strains. This metric can also estimate the duration of antibiotic treatments and provide insights into the prevalence of tolerance, ultimately reducing treatment failure and resistance.
Researchers develop a class of small molecules that penetrate and darken human skin samples in the laboratory. The drug generates protective tans in red-haired mice, which are more susceptible to skin cancer via UV radiation.
Researchers found that fetuses at 34 weeks gestation turn their heads to look at face-like images, indicating a possible instinctual preference for faces. This discovery suggests that babies' preference for faces begins in the womb and does not require learning or experience after birth.
A synthetic sensor array, resembling an artificial tongue, can detect closely related whisky samples as distinct. The device identifies key qualities such as malt status, age, and country of origin, making it a valuable tool for spotting counterfeits.
Researchers found that extinct early whales had hearing similar to terrestrial animals, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery suggests a more complex evolutionary history for whales, with hearing specialization emerging later.
A study using brain scans found that feelings of empathy involve distinct brain activity patterns, with empathic care overlapping with value and reward systems and empathic distress linked to mirroring systems. The researchers discovered consistent patterns across individuals, predicting emotions based on brain activity.
A recent study found that different people react differently to white and whole wheat bread, with half responding better to processed flour and the other half to sourdough. The researchers developed an algorithm to predict individual responses, pointing towards a new paradigm in nutrition based on personal microbiomes.
Researchers developed a stem cell-based therapy to generate skin grafts for myelomeningocele defects before birth. The treatment successfully covered large defects and protected the spinal cord, but had some drawbacks, including decreased birth weight and body length.
Researchers found that coral-feeding fish have fleshy, slime-covered lips that help them survive by feeding primarily on coral mucus. The unique adaptation allows the fish to seal their mouths over small areas and increase suction-feeding efficiency.
Researchers found that delayed meal times significantly affect blood sugar levels, with later meals causing a delay of over 5 hours in internal rhythms. The study suggests that timed meals could be beneficial for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.
MIT researchers create temporally interfering (TI) stimulation, a new technique that stimulates neurons in the brain without implants. This method uses low-frequency electrical signals to target specific areas of the brain, offering new possibilities for brain research and potential treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease.
The omentum, a layer of fat over intestines, liver, and stomach, has immune functions and secretes hormones related to obesity. It also plays a role in cancer development, serving as a breeding ground for aggressive tumors.
Scientists have discovered a simple code for facial identity in the primate brain, allowing them to reconstruct faces from neural activity. By analyzing electrical signals from specific nerve cells, researchers can create a multidimensional face space and decode additional faces.
A study found that stressed mouse mothers gave birth to pups exhibiting binge-eating-like behavior, which was reversed by a balanced diet. The researchers identified an epigenetic signature in the embryo's brain and suggest non-invasive dietary interventions may prevent binge eating.
Researchers mapped brain network changes underlying improved executive function in youth, finding a modular yet globally integrated network structure. This architecture supports specialized processing and reduces interference between brain systems.
Researchers found that marmosets' vocal calls developed rapidly when given contingent feedback, mirroring human infant language development. This discovery establishes causality between parental responses and vocal learning in nonhuman primates.
Researchers found significant ancestry from Western hunter-gatherers and Anatolian farmers in ancient Roman genomes, suggesting multiple admixture events. The study reveals a nuanced and complex relationship between hunter-gatherers and farmers in the Danube basin.
A study found that China's wild geese are confined to degraded natural wetlands, unable to take advantage of neighboring farmland or rice paddies. Human activities such as hunting and agriculture have reduced the quality and extent of their habitats.
Researchers identified two genes that contribute to extreme branching in tomatoes, but found a way to use these genes to create improved plants with increased fruit yields. The study's findings could have implications for other crops in the same genus as tomatoes.
Research confirms unprecedented ecological change across Antarctic Peninsula, with increased biological activity and rapid growth rates in moss banks. The findings suggest that terrestrial ecosystems of the Peninsula will experience rapid change with future warming.
Researchers in China have made a breakthrough in developing a new approach to treat premature ovarian failure using female germline stem cells. The study found that mice with transplanted egg-making stem cells produced healthy pups without genetic malfunctions, opening up avenues for investigating human oogenesis in vitro.
A mutation in an immune system gene rapidly rose in frequency in Southeast Asia approximately 50,000 years ago, likely conferring protection against leprosy. The HLA-B*46:01 protein binds to molecules derived from the bacterium that causes leprosy, presenting foreign molecules to the immune system and destroying infected cells.
Researchers found that distractions detract from the experience of beauty, but sensuous pleasures can also be beautiful. Participants rated their experience of each object on a four-point beauty scale and reported personal meaning behind certain experiences.
University of California, San Diego researchers found that phytoplankton and bacteria in the water affect sea spray aerosol's atmospheric-changing properties. This influences cloud formation and climate change.
Researchers have discovered a 36.4-million-year-old whale fossil that suggests baleen whales' ancestors were toothy suction feeders, diverging from their hunting lifestyle to filter-feed tiny marine animals. The study also reveals that whales likely lost hind limbs more recently than previously estimated.
Researchers have successfully resurrected a four-billion-year-old protein in modern E. coli bacteria, protecting it from viruses. This breakthrough could lead to the development of crop-resistant plants, as the ancient protein can't be hijacked by phages.
Researchers have identified a link between certain static images and gamma oscillations that occur when viewing black and white bar patterns, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. By adjusting image parameters, such as contrast and bar width, these images can be reduced to minimize the risk of seizures.
Researchers have created detailed atlases of immune cells surrounding human tumors, revealing unique profiles that can estimate cancer prognosis and identify potential targets for early immunotherapy. The findings have the potential to inspire new precision immunotherapy clinical trials.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a liver hormone called FGF21 may play a role in determining who has a sweet tooth. The researchers discovered two variants of the FGF21 gene associated with increased intake of sweets and candies.
Researchers found that brain glucose levels play a crucial role in 'hitting the wall,' and training can help preserve glucose as an energy source for the brain. A small molecule drug also stimulated PPARδ, increasing fat oxidation and preventing hypoglycemia in mice.
The tea tree genome contains diverse genes that produce antioxidants and caffeine, contributing to its rich flavors. Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome, which is four times larger than the coffee plant genome and contains multiple copies of disease-resistant genes.
Brain-to-brain synchrony was more pronounced in students who were more engaged during class, reflecting their liking for the teacher and peers. This phenomenon may support synchronized behavior in human interactions, such as conversations or group activities.
A study reveals that cognitive stimulation and social interactions increase lifespan in mice with colon tumors through a wound repair response. Environmental enrichment also reduces inflammation, improves tumor vasculature, and promotes immune cell activity to defend against cancer.
The study maps the evolution of dog breeds using gene sequences from 161 modern breeds, uncovering evidence of ancient canine migration across the Bering land bridge. The research also sheds light on the origins of various breeds, including herding dogs and hairless breeds.
Researchers have found a way for a caterpillar to break down polyethylene, a common type of plastic. The larvae of the Galleria mellonella moth can digest and chemically transform polyethylene into ethylene glycol, offering a potential solution to managing plastic waste.
Researchers have developed tools to visualize and control bacterial activity in the gut, opening up new possibilities for therapeutic delivery. These tools enable precise control of bacterial gene activity in specific locations within the gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers found that brain regions for missing body parts are repurposed in congenital one-handers, suggesting a new understanding of brain organization based on function rather than body part. This discovery reveals remarkable brain plasticity and holds potential for developing prosthetic limbs.
Researchers discovered that macrophages aggregate around cardiac cells to facilitate electrical conduction, helping the heart beat in rhythm. This finding suggests a new role for immune cells in electrophysiology and may lead to new therapeutics for heart disease.