A new study suggests that physical exercise after learning improves memory consolidation, particularly when done in a specific time window. The researchers found that exercising four hours after learning retained the information better two days later than those who exercised immediately or not at all.
Researchers propose that eukaryotic life arose through a gradual transfer of molecular machinery from archaea to bacteria. The discovery of Lokiarchaeum's genome reveals a complex organization, sparking debate about the earliest stages of eukaryogenesis.
A single species of gut bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri, has been identified as a key player in reversing social deficits in mice with autism-like behaviors. The bacteria promotes the production of oxytocin, a hormone crucial for social behavior, and restores synaptic function in reward areas of the brain.
Researchers have created summative world maps of mammal-to-human diseases, revealing understudied patterns and insights into zoonotic disease emergence. The maps show that hotspots of zoonotic diseases don't match hotspots of biodiversity closely, with more zoonotic hosts in the tropics but more zoonotic diseases in temperate regions.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone, increases muscle performance during exercise. Osteocalcin levels naturally decline with age, affecting men and women differently, with the decline occurring about 15-20 years sooner in women.
A team of researchers has successfully grown functional pituitary tissue from human stem cells that can release hormones important for growth, reproductive functions, and stress response. The study's findings hold promise for a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with hypopituitarism.
Recent breakthroughs in creating artificial systems that outplay humans in games are rooted in neural networks inspired by information processing in the brain. The complementary learning systems theory explains how humans and animals learn, highlighting its potential importance as a framework for AI development.
Chem, Cell Press' new physical sciences journal, aims to move the field forward through original research articles, reviews, and front matter. Key findings include transporters with high selectivity for chloride over other ions, stable phosphorous carbene analogs, and strategies for producing chemicals from renewable sources.
A new mouse study suggests that autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may be linked to defects in peripheral nerves, rather than just the brain. The research found that mice with ASD-associated gene mutations exhibited abnormal touch sensitivity and anxiety-like behavior.
A new study reveals that large marine and terrestrial species are in 'double jeopardy' of extinction, with economic value driving risk above a certain threshold. The analysis highlights the importance of considering trade and differences between terrestrial and marine animals when designing effective conservation strategies.
Researchers reconstructed ancient bacterial enzymes and found that they were sophisticated and functional, contrary to the widely-held theory. This discovery suggests that biological evolution progressed rapidly in its early stages, with enzymes becoming fully developed within a 500-million-year period.
A single strain of plague bacteria caused the Black Death in Europe and later led to multiple outbreaks on the continent before spreading to China, triggering a global pandemic. The researchers sequenced ancient DNA from mass graves and compared them to modern strains to reveal a link between the Black Death and modern-day epidemics.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that can directly cause the development of multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease affecting 2 million worldwide. The mutation in NR1H3 gene leads to loss of function of its protein product LXRA, controlling lipid homeostasis and inflammation.
Experts in neuroscience education call for reinvestment in graduate training to prepare students for the challenges of brain science and disease. The paper proposes creating two types of training programs: those that extend traditional neuroscience training and those that engage students with backgrounds in other disciplines.
Researchers found that Zika virus can infect human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels. This infection may allow the virus to cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, posing a risk to fetal development.
Researchers tracked harbour porpoises with tiny computers, revealing they hunt small fish nearly continuously at ultra-high rates, catching up to 550 fish per hour. This success rate of over 90% makes them vulnerable to disturbances, as there's no room for compensation.
Researchers found that whole-brain energy turnover directly predicted current level of awareness and likelihood of recovery within a year. Brain metabolic activity above 42% threshold was associated with signs of awareness or recovered responsiveness.
Harvard researchers have identified a new mechanism for detecting odors in mammals, using 'necklace' neurons that express MS4A proteins to respond to specific smells like nuts and pheromones. This discovery revises the canonical view of how animals probe their chemical environment.
New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.
Researchers found that men with blood cells lacking a Y chromosome are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed over 3,000 men and discovered that those with higher levels of lost Y chromosomes were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that cephalopod populations have consistently increased over the past six decades, with diverse groups exhibiting remarkable long-term trends. The research suggests that cephalopods' rapid growth and adaptability may be key factors behind their proliferation in changing ocean environments.
Researchers developed a code of best practices to reduce disturbance to wildlife from drone use. The guidelines emphasize the need for consultation with experts and adherence to relevant regulations.
Scientists have identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme that allows some bird species to convert yellow pigments into red colors, enhancing color vision and possibly signaling individual quality. The discovery fills a gap in understanding the genetics of red coloration in birds, with implications for future research on evolution and ecology.
Researchers have identified a key protein in Zika virus that blocks the action of interferons in human cells, making humans more susceptible to infection. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and vaccine development by blocking the activity of this protein.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that small amounts of mitochondrial DNA can override the mitochondria in donor cells after nuclear transfer, raising concerns about the therapy's safety and effectiveness. The researchers are now exploring strategies to avoid this carryover and ensure complete mitochondrial DNA replacement.
A mouse study reveals that antibiotics can kill off gut bacteria and stop new brain cell growth in the hippocampus. However, probiotics and exercise have been shown to improve memory and neurogenesis by balancing the communication between the brain, immune system, and gut.
A team of researchers from Google DeepMind and the University of Oxford used a navigational game to decode human brain's decision-making processes. They found that brain activity increases with the number of line changes between participants and their destinations, rather than individual stations.
Researchers discovered a eukaryote that lacks mitochondria and uses a cytosolic sulfur mobilization system to function. The organism, Monocercomonoides, is related to human pathogens and lives in low-oxygen environments.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a genetic variant of the melatonin receptor gene, MTNR1B, may predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes by increasing sensitivity to insulin-inhibiting effects of melatonin. This increased sensitivity can lead to lower insulin secretion and higher blood sugar levels.
Researchers have established mouse models of Zika virus transmission from a pregnant mouse to her fetus, demonstrating viral invasion and damage to the placenta. The studies reveal that Zika virus can cause congenital problems, including fetal death, by breaching the placental barrier.
Researchers in China report that fetal mice infected with the Asian Zika virus strain display characteristic features of microcephaly. The study found that neural progenitor cells were initially infected, followed by neurons, and that almost all cell death occurred in neurons, not progenitor cells.
A genome-wide association analysis of over 1,000 UK twins found that some parts of the microbiome are inherited through genes. The study identified more than a dozen microbes with known links to health that are heritable.
Researchers discovered that high-pressure environments in solid tumors, fueled by hyaluronic acid, hinder drug delivery. Treatment with an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid can restore vessel expansion and improve treatment outcomes for drug-resistant cancers.
Researchers have developed a nanoblade that can slice through cell membranes to insert mitochondria, with successful transfer rates of up to 2%. This technology holds promise for studying mitochondrial diseases and advancing fields like infectious diseases research.
Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiome communication with the immune system, impairing immune function. New approaches aim to restore balance by targeting infectious bacteria or modifying the microbiota, such as using bacteriocins, CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing, or fecal material transplants
Researchers found that Zika virus activates the innate immune receptor TLR3, which leads to cell death in neural stem cells. However, inhibiting TLR3 helps infected cells survive and function normally.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a rapid and portable test for Zika virus that can detect the virus in serum or saliva samples at lower concentrations than previously possible. The test has the potential to improve upon key limitations of currently available options and enable mass monitoring of outbreaks.
Researchers tested young infants' imitation of facial and hand gestures, finding no evidence of innate ability to copy adults. Babies may learn to imitate through observation of others mimicking them.
A recent study found that human skin microbial communities remain highly stable over time, retaining unique signatures and resisting external perturbations. However, stability varied across individuals and sites, with oily areas showing more consistent bacterial and fungal communities.
A new study reveals that breast milk immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies play a critical role in helping newborn mice tolerate beneficial gut microbes. This finding challenges previous research suggesting IgA antibodies are primarily responsible for teaching the neonatal immune system to tolerate gut microbes.
Researchers found that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are less able to transmit Zika virus, with fewer viral particles in their bodies and saliva. The approach is a sustainable control agent, piloted to combat Dengue virus transmission and potentially helping tackle the Zika epidemic.
A study found that human responses and statistical calculations align in making decisions, indicating an objective calculation of confidence. The model suggests that the brain produces feelings of confidence inform decisions like computers pull patterns from data.
A study found that Labrador retrievers with a genetic variation in the POMC gene are more likely to be obese and food-motivated. The deletion affects dogs' ability to produce neuropeptides, leading to increased hunger and food begging behavior.
Researchers discovered that macrophages can grab and repair broken blood vessel ends in zebrafish brains, suggesting a potential natural repair mechanism for microbleeds. This process, observed over three hours, involved adhesion molecules and mechanical traction forces.
Infants' attention to objects is extended when parents play with them, and this effect can lead to stronger skills in sustained attention and concentration. Joint play between parents and children plays a crucial role in developing these skills.
Researchers found a gene, MC1R, that influences how old people look to others. Carrying specific MC1R variants can make individuals appear almost 2 years older for their age, regardless of age, sex, skin color, or sun damage.
A new study finds that climate change will disproportionately affect African antelopes with the smallest geographic ranges, exacerbating their already high risk of extinction. The researchers predict a significant decline in suitable habitat for these species, particularly those adapted to cooler and drier climates.
Researchers identified two genes associated with twinning, including one linked to higher levels of FSH that may lead to multiple eggs being released at once. The findings have implications for infertility treatments and may help predict how women respond to fertility treatments.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells spread by sliding around other cells blocking their escape route out of the original tumor. The study identified molecular pathways that regulate cell-sliding behavior and showed that increased levels of E-cadherin can diminish this behavior.
Researchers found that Asiatic black bears disperse wild cherry tree seeds toward mountaintops, helping the species cope with projected temperature rises. The study suggests that seed dispersal direction can be asymmetric and highlights the importance of considering seed dispersal limitations in predicting future plant distributions.