A recent review explores why animals favor one side of the brain, highlighting perceptual specialization, motor specialization, and parallel processing. The research also sheds light on environmental influences and genetic aspects of asymmetrical development, potentially providing insight into brain conditions in humans.
Researchers have identified a frog peptide, urumin, that can destroy many strains of human flu and protect mice against infection. The peptide targets the hemagglutinin protein on the virus, destabilizing it and killing it.
Researchers in China have developed a battery prototype that captures atmospheric nitrogen to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to existing lithium-nitrogen batteries. The battery's energy output is brief but comparable to other lithium-metal batteries, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.
Researchers discovered that young European eels detect subtle differences in the earth's magnetic field, helping them swim towards the Gulf Stream, a conveyor belt transporting them to Europe. The findings reveal that juvenile eels use their magnetic map sense to increase their chances of catching a free ride to their destination.
A mouse study reveals that gut microbes play a crucial role in age-associated inflammation and premature death. Imbalances in the gut microbiome lead to leaky intestines and trigger inflammation. Researchers hope to develop drugs or probiotics to restore gut barrier function and reduce age-related inflammation.
A study on fruit flies found that a gene called THADA plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy storage, which may have relevance to human obesity and cold tolerance. The researchers observed that THADA knockout flies were more sensitive to cold and had slower metabolisms, leading to obesity.
A study reveals that Bifidobacterium longum has adapted to the infant gut by producing an enzyme called LnbX, which enables growth on a sugar abundant in human milk. This adaptation suggests a possible evolutionary route for the breast milk-driven symbiosis between gut microbes and humans.
A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.
Researchers found that cephalopods use RNA editing extensively, with over half of their transcribed genes being edited. This process has profoundly constrained the evolution of the cephalopod genome.
A collaborative effort analyzed iPS cells to understand how individual mutations contribute to polygenetic diseases, revealing that smaller collections of cells can produce results and identifying small changes in gene expression with dramatic effects on cells. The study also found that some effects manifest before cell differentiation.
As people age, they experience a decline in deep sleep, which is crucial for memory and cognition. This shift can start as early as the mid-thirties and becomes more pronounced with age.
Researchers have discovered Europe's first cave fish, a loach species, in a hard-to-reach underground water system in Southern Germany. The discovery reveals that adaptation to subterranean habitats can occur rapidly, with the loach evolving within just a few thousand years.
A clinical trial found that brain and lung cancer patients can safely receive high doses of vitamin C, which increases sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. The study also showed that altered iron metabolism in cancer cells leads to increased death caused by vitamin C.
Researchers found that fang blenny venom contains a neuropeptide, lipase, and opioid peptide, which cause a sudden drop in blood pressure in predators. This leads to disorientation and can help the fish escape. The venom's unique components have also inspired mimicry among other fish.
Researchers studied how Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus tracks down prey using high-resolution video microscopy. The study found that the bacterial predator uses hydrodynamic flow fields generated by its own swimming movements and those of its prey to bring them in close proximity, increasing the chances of a successful attack.
A peptide targeting senescent cells has shown evidence of improving healthspan in naturally-aged mice and mice genetically engineered to rapidly age. The approach reverses age-related loss of fur, poor kidney function, and frailty by blocking the ability of a protein implicated in senescence.
Researchers found that kea parrots can transmit playfulness through their vocalizations, inducing play in other birds. The findings suggest an emotionally contagious effect, similar to human laughter.
Researchers found that preterm babies' brain responses to gentle touch are reduced compared to full-term infants. Positive touch experiences in the NICU enhance brain response to touch, while painful procedures can affect sensory development.
Scientists discovered that tardigrades' unique protein-based mechanism protects them from desiccation by forming glass-like solids, which can also safeguard other biological materials. This breakthrough has potential uses in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, particularly in drought-resistant crops and medication storage.
Researchers have successfully rejuvenated old gut stem cells by restoring Wnt signaling, suggesting a potential pathway to target for clinicians. This breakthrough offers new insights into the role of Wnt proteins in controlling stem cell growth and pluripotency in the gut later in life.
Researchers discovered that robber flies employ a constant bearing angle strategy and 'lock on' to their prey at a distance, allowing them to capture small targets. The flies' eyes have been found to have a high spatial resolution, enabling them to detect prey items up to 100 body lengths away.
This study reveals that rove beetles have evolved into army ant parasites multiple times, mimicking the ants' behavior and pheromone chemistry to gain acceptance. The discovery challenges Gould's hypothesis of convergent evolution, suggesting a predictable path for the interaction between these organisms.
After 40 days of daily training using a strategic memory improvement technique, individuals with typical memory skills more than doubled their memory capacity. Brain scans showed altered brain functions and similar connectivity patterns as those of world champion memory athletes. Four months later, recall performance remained high.
A mouse study found that suppressed immunity during pregnancy creates a window of opportunity for the H1N1 influenza virus to infect and mutate into more virulent strains. The researchers believe that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe flu infections due to their dampened immune system.
A study found that exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training, increases mitochondrial capacity and improves insulin sensitivity in both young and older adults. This suggests that exercise may help stave off old age by rejuvenating key organelles responsible for energy production and muscle growth.
Researchers propose using CRISPR technology to domesticate sustainable and nutritious crops like wild legumes, quinoa, and amaranth. This approach aims to create 'biologically inspired organisms' by deleting existing genes instead of introducing new ones.
Researchers used systems biology approaches to study the emergence of life and found that a few simple compounds could support a phosphate-free metabolism. This discovery challenges the current understanding of life's origin and suggests that an early self-sustaining metabolic network predated the emergence of nucleic acids.
Researchers developed a minimally invasive tool to measure muscle impairment using fiber-optic technology. The technique accurately assesses muscle properties, enabling personalized treatment plans for patients with movement disorders.
Researchers discovered that weakly adherent cancer cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues compared to strongly adherent cells. This finding suggests that adhesion strength may serve as a general marker of metastatic cells.
Researchers found Zika virus alters host cell cytoskeletal architecture to build replication factories, potentially targeting with existing chemotherapy drugs. This study suggests a new approach to treating Zika-related disorders like microcephaly and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA sequences still influence human gene expression, contributing to traits such as height and susceptibility to schizophrenia or lupus. The study used the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project dataset and analyzed RNA sequences in 52 different tissues.
A new study suggests that a fasting-mimicking diet can reprogram pancreas cells in diabetic mice, enabling them to produce insulin and repair themselves. The researchers found that the diet triggered developmental reprogramming in the pancreas, rebuilding damaged areas and restoring function.
Research reveals that individual neurons or specific types of neurons can silence genes from one parent or the other, particularly during brain development. As the brain matures, these differences tend to decrease, but some genes continue to exhibit differential expression in adult brains.
Researchers found that itch and mild pain signals can be transmitted through the same spinal cord neurons, with GRP neurons acting as a 'braking system' to mitigate intense pain. In mice without these neurons, pain responses were increased and scratching behaviors were altered.
The study found that Central Africa's forest elephant population has dropped by over 80% in a decade, mainly due to illegal poaching. The researchers emphasize the need to reduce demand for ivory and recognize forest elephants as a distinct species to save them from extinction.
Researchers have successfully protected mice against Zika by injecting synthetic messenger RNA that encodes for virus proteins into the animals. The vaccine triggers an immune response and prevents viral replication in 95% of the mice.
Researchers have discovered that whale nerves utilize two levels of waviness to package their highly extensible nerves, reducing strain when stretched or bent. This unique structure enables the nerves to recoil without sustaining damage during feeding lunges.
Researchers found that the brain prepares both possible movements before making a decision, allowing for quick switching between plans. This 'backup plan' helps individuals react faster to changing situations, such as dodging an opponent's block in hockey.
Recent studies found that tumors exploit neuronal signals to grow and thrive. Researchers aim to develop targeted therapies by interrupting specific molecular pathways co-opted by tumor cells. This growing understanding sheds light on cancer pathology observations.
Scientists have developed artificial pollinators using tiny drones coated with a sticky gel, which can pick up pollen from one flower and deposit it onto another. The innovation uses horse hairs to mimic the fuzzy exterior of a bee, allowing the drones to effectively collect and transfer pollen.
African penguins are getting stuck in the wrong part of the sea due to fishing and climate change, leading to reduced food supply and higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest that translocating chicks to safe areas or implementing spatial fishing closures could help protect the endangered species.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a way to confer electricity-generating ability on non-electrogenic bacteria by feeding them synthetic iron-containing molecules. This technique has potential applications for sustainable electricity generation and wastewater treatment.
Researchers have discovered that genetic changes in African Salmonella strains allow them to hijack immune cells and spread throughout the body. This enables the bacteria to cause systemic diseases like bloodstream infections and meningitis, which are often fatal.
A study published in Cell Reports found that hydras have a network of tough protein fibers called the cytoskeleton, which acts as structural memory and guides cell alignment. This allows the hydra to regrow lost body parts with remarkable accuracy.
A study found that 39 populations of sharks meet biological sustainability criteria, accounting for 9% of the global catch. The researchers offer five recommendations to achieve sustainable shark fisheries, including protection of low-productivity species and international cooperation.
A weekend camping trip can reset people's internal clocks rapidly, regardless of season, by increasing daytime exposure to sunlight and reducing nighttime electrical lighting. This helps to shift melatonin levels and improves sleeping patterns.
Researchers found synthetic marijuana compounds are chemically distinct from marijuana, activate different receptors, and pose health risks. Studies reported acute and long-term adverse effects, including seizures, psychosis, dependence, and death.
Research suggests that cannabinoids in medical marijuana could alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms and cravings. A specific compound, cannabidiol, shows promise in reducing anxiety related to cravings and restoring neurobiological damage.
A study found that when a bacteria reduces its virulence by blocking loss of appetite, it increases mouse survival and helps the pathogen spread. Salmonella Typhimurium, a natural intestinal pathogen in mice, uses this strategy to replicate and transmit to other hosts.
Researchers at Salk Institute successfully created human/pig chimeras, offering insights into early human development and potential applications for drug testing. The achievement marks an important step towards growing functional tissues and organs for regenerative medicine.