Scientists have created stable qubits using supramolecular chemistry, enabling the connection of individual qubits into structures called two-qubit gates. This approach has potential for creating multi-qubit gates and advancing quantum computing.
Recent studies identify 126 places in human genomes where archaic DNA sequences exist at high frequencies, including regions related to skin and immunity. This inheritance helped humans adapt to new environments as they dispersed throughout the world.
Researchers found that older bonobos have a decline in refractive power, leading to increased grooming distance and potential social challenges. Long-sightedness may hinder their social lives and daily activities, similar to humans.
Researchers found that costly ecological impact assessments failed to protect bats from fatal collisions with spinning blades. The study highlights the challenge of establishing with certainty the effect of major developments before they occur.
Scientists have developed multicolor electron microscopy, enabling up to three colors (green, red, yellow) to be used in an image. The new method has potential applications in biology, distinguishing cellular compartments and tracking proteins.
Researchers found mutations in Ebola virus that increased its ability to infect human cells, potentially contributing to the outbreak's spread. The mutations did not affect the virus's ability to infect other mammalian species, including fruit bats.
The Cell Press has partnered with The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) to publish its four journals, including Molecular Therapy, starting January 2017. This partnership aims to improve the dissemination of research breakthroughs in gene and cell therapies.
Researchers attached data loggers to common swifts to track their flight activity, confirming they spend over 99% of their non-breeding period in the air. The birds likely save energy during the day by soaring on upward currents and ascend at dawn and dusk.
Scientists created an airway-on-a-chip that simulates the effects of smoking on human lungs, revealing changes in gene expression and cilia beat patterns. The technology also showed promise for testing e-cigarettes and identifying potential therapies for COPD.
Psychobiotics examines emerging strategies for planting brain-altering bacteria in the gut to provide mental benefits. Researchers agree that key players, including the nervous system and immune system, are involved in the gut-brian axis.
Researchers explore why human oocytes frequently have abnormal numbers of chromosomes, which can cause genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Studies found that age-related deterioration of chromosome structure contributes to these errors.
Researchers have successfully engineered tobacco plants to manufacture therapeutic levels of artemisinin, a plant-derived compound used to treat malaria. The breakthrough could lead to cost-effective delivery methods, such as freeze-dried lettuce powder, to make the drug more accessible to those in need.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that varying oxygen levels can reset the circadian clock of mice, which could inform how airlines moderate cabin air pressure. The research also suggests potential benefits for humans, including alleviating jetlag and improving air travel comfort.
The study provides a three-dimensional image of cannabinoid receptor 1, which is found to be embedded in the surface of many nerve cells. This discovery could explain how pain medications meant to mimic cannabis use without the 'high' can cause unintended side effects.
Researchers found a genetic mutation responsible for the loss of limb formation instructions in snakes, which are unable to form limbs. By restoring the missing DNA sequence in mice, scientists demonstrated that snakes' inability to form limbs is due to a critical stretch of DNA involved in limb growth.
Research finds that people of African ancestry generally show stronger immune responses than Europeans, who display reduced immune responses due to selective pressure. The discovery suggests that European populations were partly shaped by the introduction of new genetic variants through interbreeding with Neanderthals.
A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.
Researchers propose a new model predicting voter choice that prioritizes identity over policy issues. This approach aims to improve election outcomes predictions by considering how voters' personal identities influence their voting decisions.
Researchers have designed metal-free phosphorescent molecules that glow persistently at room temperature, overcoming challenges of organic compounds emitting light only at low temperatures. The molecules can be tuned to emit different colors and are potentially three times more efficient than fluorescent LEDs.
A recent virtual reality study has found that our perception of space and our bodies plays a crucial role in regulating emotional experience and exploratory behavior. By manipulating sensory input on gait and spatial context, researchers have shown that this interplay can intensify or reduce fear and enhance exploration.
Researchers studied a single-celled amoeba called Capsaspora owczarzaki and found it uses the same protein-regulating tools as multicellular animals to control cell differentiation over time. This suggests that the single-celled ancestor of all animals likely possessed these systems and was more complex than previously thought.
Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds at distances of over three meters, a finding that changes scientists' understanding of the world spiders live in. The spiders' hearing is most sensitive to frequencies associated with the wingbeats of parasitoid wasp enemies, prompting a startle response.
New research reveals that a small change in the naked mole rat's TrkA receptor makes it less sensitive to pain signals, allowing them to survive in crowded underground colonies. This adaptation may help conserve energy and aid in thermoregulation.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that astroglial cells play a crucial role in forming the corpus callosum, a bridge-like structure connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. Without this cellular support, callosal agenesis occurs, affecting 1 in 4,000 people and leading to developmental disorders.
A recent genome study reveals that beer yeasts exhibit a surprisingly high level of genetic diversity, forming multiple groups beyond the main subgroup. The research sheds light on the complex history of beer production, suggesting separate domestication events for beer and wine/sake yeasts.
Researchers found that Giant Ceropegia flowers mimic the scent of honeybees under attack to fool freeloading flies into pollinating them. The study reveals a complex reproductive strategy where plants use alarm pheromones to lure in insects.
A newly discovered protozoan parasite, Tritrichomonas musculis, has been found to protect mice from intestinal bacterial infections by activating the inflammasome in gut epithelial cells. This discovery highlights the importance of considering non-bacterial microorganisms in studying the microbiome.
New research suggests that teenagers' sensitivity to reward is an evolutionary adaptation to learn from their environment. The study found that adolescents outperformed adults in a picture-based game requiring learning from positive and negative reinforcement cues.
Researchers identify two gut bacteria that activate cancer-fighting T cell immune responses, enhancing the effects of cyclophosphamide. These microbial-driven immune responses predicted longer progression-free survival in advanced lung and ovarian cancer patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy.
Researchers found that vitamin D influences inflammatory signals controlling blood stem cell formation and multiplication. Vitamin D exposure led to an increase in blood stem cells, while deficiency resulted in fewer cells being formed.
Researchers found that a specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum AH1206 can establish itself in the human gut and remain there for up to 6 months. The study suggests that individualized features of the resident microbiome play a crucial role in the persistence of this strain, enabling personalized probiotic treatments.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus infects cranial neural crest cells, which form the bones of the skull, without killing them. Instead, it causes these cells to produce signaling molecules promoting new neural cell formation, potentially leading to smaller-than-average skulls and disproportionate facial features.
Researchers develop a portable biological factory platform that can produce pharmaceuticals, specialized therapies, and experimental biomolecules using freeze-dried molecular components. The technology is applied in various fields, including vaccine production and designer antibody development.
Researchers discover that inflammatory signaling in bone marrow tumor environment drives malignancy and predicts leukemia development. The study reveals that mesenchymal stem cells under stress release inflammatory molecules causing DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, increasing leukemia risk.
A 200-million-year-old reptile named Drepanosaurus has been found to have unusually shaped forelimb bones with a massive hooked claw. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of four-footed animals and challenges current understanding of tetrapod limb evolution.
Recent studies suggest that our environment, including lifestyle choices and living conditions, plays a significant role in shaping our unique immune systems. The review highlights the importance of understanding how environmental influences can be harnessed to improve human health.
A recent study published in Neuron found that hunger is a strong motivational force that can curb rival drives states like thirst, anxiety, and social needs. In the presence of food, activated neurons mimic the state of hunger, suppressing competing systems and guiding motivated behavior.
Researchers propose using bacteria and archaea to monitor stored CO2 and convert it into useful products, such as ethanol and acetate. This approach could enable the detection of potential CO2 leaks and contribute to making large-scale capture and storage of CO2 feasible.
A recent study found that genomic imprinting, a process silencing one set of parental genes, can be regulated in adult tissues. The researchers observed variation in epigenetic marks between cell types, indicating a need for fine-tuned gene expression in different tissues throughout development and adulthood.
Researchers found nearly all common obesity-related genes lack properties that suggest an evolutionary advantage, contradicting the 'thrifty gene' hypothesis. The study's results suggest a more complex evolution of human health and disease.
Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries in mice, finding that the cells produced GABA, reduced neuropathic pain and bladder dysfunction, and improved voiding ability. The study suggests a new approach for treating chronic pain and bladder issues in spinal cord injury patients.
A newly described species of extinct reptile from the Triassic period in Texas had a strikingly dome-shaped head, similar to that of dinosaurs. The study found internal partitions or zones in the skull, which were similar to those of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs.
Researchers found that midshipman fish rely on a light-driven internal clock and the hormone melatonin to determine when to sing. The study shows that melatonin acts directly on the vocal circuitry in the midshipman's brain, causing them to hum at night.
Researchers reconstructed the color pattern of Psittacosaurus, a well-preserved dinosaur species. The findings suggest that it likely lived in a forest environment with diffuse light, and its countershading camouflage was effective against predators.
Scientists in Japan have successfully demonstrated the transplantation of stem cell-derived retinal cells generated from immunologically matched donor animals without the need for harmful immunosuppressants. MHC-mismatched grafts produced tissue damage and signs of immune rejection, while matched grafts survived without immunosuppression.
Researchers find that lifting the ivory ban will not address the issue of elephant poaching, as the demand for ivory is too great. They recommend managing demand effectively and promoting alternative sources of income for communities living with elephants.
Biomedical researchers need to replicate results in multiple animal models and report negative data to ensure reproducibility. Experts propose strategies such as holding public discussions, developing accountability metrics, and improving methods reporting.
A new study published in Cell found that providing nutrients to mice with viral infections can help them survive, while those with bacterial infections die when fed. The researchers discovered that the brain's metabolic needs differ depending on the type of infection, which may have implications for designing clinical trials.
Catastrophic declines in wilderness areas have occurred globally over the last two decades, with almost 10% of the world's land area lost. The Amazon and Central Africa have been severely impacted, highlighting the need for international policies to protect remaining wilderness.
A team of researchers found that marital bonds and cooperative activities play a crucial role in passing down plant knowledge among the BaYaka Pygmies. They discovered that certain plants were used to detect and punish cheaters, highlighting the social significance of plant use.