A new government study suggests that the graying of the biomedical workforce is driving younger scientists away from academia, but found no evidence of a preference for older applicants in NIH grant funding. The study's authors conclude that other factors, such as changes in academic training and payment, are more likely to be contribu...
Research suggests that certain microbes in the air can be beneficial for human health, reducing allergy rates and improving immune function. By designing buildings with ventilation systems that bring in fresh outdoor air, architects can facilitate exposure to these beneficial microbes.
Scientists analyzed genetic mutations in patient tumors and cancer cell lines to predict which drugs will best fight various cancers. The study found that certain genetic mutations can signal whether cancer cells are sensitive or resistant to different compounds, depending on the type of tissue.
Researchers created super-sniffer mice using transgenic technology to study human odor receptors, which could lead to land mine detection and novel disease sensors. The mice were able to detect a specific odor two orders of magnitude lower than non-super sniffer mice.
A study found that pea plants choose to grow more roots in a pot with variable nutrient levels when the average level is low, accepting more risk. This decision-making ability allows them to adapt and respond to their environment much like humans or other animals.
A study found that at least 351 US businesses are marketing unapproved stem cell procedures, targeting various medical conditions. The businesses are mainly concentrated in California, Florida, and Texas.
Researchers argue that ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt can be reintroduced to modern markets by creating 'farm to fork' supply chains. These varieties offer unique nutritional profiles and taste experiences, making them attractive to consumers seeking healthier ingredients.
A new study reveals that treadmill training releases a protein called cathepsin B, which improves memory recall in mice. The findings support the benefits of regular exercise on cognitive function and suggest that this protein may play a key role in maintaining brain health.
Researchers discovered a cluster of hypothalamic cells that respond only to male smells, driving intruder mice to explore their surroundings. These cells play a crucial role in regulating social behavior, similar to the human brain, and may hold the key to understanding disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Monkeys' selectivity towards social and non-social information increases with age, similar to humans. Aging monkeys show reduced social interaction but remain interested in their social world.
Researchers develop CAR T cell therapy targeting a specific glycopeptide found on cancer cells but not normal cells, showing promise in treating leukemia and pancreatic cancer in mice. The therapy demonstrates improved survival rates and potential for broad applicability to various cancers.
Researchers found that mosquito bites can facilitate viral replication and spread by triggering an inflammatory response in the skin. The study suggests new approaches for combating viruses, including using topical creams to suppress bite inflammation.
A study published in Cell Reports found that mice fed a high-fiber diet had fewer severe peanut allergies than those with an average fiber intake. The researchers discovered that gut bacteria release specific fatty acids in response to fiber intake, which impact allergic responses via changes to the immune system.
In early mammals, rods in the mammalian eye developed from color-detecting cone cells, giving them an edge in low-light conditions. This evolution allowed early mammals to take up a nocturnal lifestyle and survive as predators were dominant during the day.
A new genetic mutation in the CAPN1 gene has been identified as a cause of ataxia in humans and Parson Russell Terrier dogs. Calpain-1, an enzyme involved in brain development, is found to be neuroprotective, preventing excessive neuronal death.
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