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Cell Press


'Sherlock' and the case of narrative perception

The study found that brain activity in regions called the default mode network represent a kind of higher-level processing, building up representations of what's happening in the world around us. Participants who had previously watched the 'Sherlock' episode could anticipate events and recall them in the same order, suggesting that chu...

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 2, 2017

Crops that kill pests by shutting off their genes

Researchers are developing crops that use RNA interference to block protein translation in target pests, providing a subtle yet effective method of pest control. The technology has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides and address environmental and human toxicity concerns.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJul 27, 2017

Mapping behavior in the fruit fly brain

A team of researchers has created behavior anatomy maps in fruit flies to understand how specific brain circuits generate aggression, wing extension, or grooming behaviors. The data will help neurobiologists assign behaviors to neurons and study brain circuits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2017

Mice lacking a sense of smell stay thin

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

Watch cancer spread in a mouse

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Simple method measures how long bacteria can wait out antibiotics

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 20, 2017

Developing fetuses react to face-like shapes from the womb

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 8, 2017

Brain imaging reveals neural roots of caring

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 8, 2017

Is white or whole wheat bread 'healthier?' Depends on the person

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 6, 2017

Delayed meal times reset body clocks

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Deep brain stimulation without implants

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 1, 2017

Prenatal stress predisposes female mice to binge eating

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 30, 2017