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.
Brain-region-specific organoids were used to model Zika virus exposure, showing the virus prefers to infect neural stem cells and causing cell death. The technology has potential as a preclinical testing ground for therapies against Zika.
The Channel Island fox population has been found to have a surprising absence of genetic variation, with one population on San Nicolas Island showing an order of magnitude lower variation than any other known species. This near-absence of genetic variation poses a puzzle as to how the foxes have managed to thrive despite it.
A new study in Cell Reports found that macaques have a third set of neurons in their sensory cortex that respond optimally to curved motion. This discovery provides insights into how animals navigate through three-dimensional spaces and could have implications for human balance and movement.
A recent study found that HIV infection can lead to an average age acceleration of 4.9 years due to epigenetic changes, increasing the risk of mortality by 19%. The researchers suggest that early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices may help mitigate these risks.
Researchers found that bird-like dinosaurs with toothless beaks were able to survive on seeds after the meteor impact, while those with teeth went extinct abruptly. The study suggests that dietary adaptations played a crucial role in the survival of modern birds.
Researchers discovered that when people sleep in an unfamiliar place, one hemisphere of the brain stays more awake to keep watch. This phenomenon is related to the difficulty a person experiences in falling asleep and can be reduced by bringing familiar comforts.
Researchers found that an age-related decline in a brain circuit impairs mice's ability to adjust to environmental changes, causing interference between old and new learning. This decline leads to motivation problems and potentially cognitive decline and dementia.
A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.
Researchers warn that even mild chronic cold stress is skewing results in studies of cancer, inflammation, and other fields. The National Research Council recommends a temperature range of 20-26 degrees C for mouse housing.
A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests that our visual perception may be limited to the 'big picture', capturing details but not specifics. This challenge to the notion of rich visual experience highlights the complexities of consciousness and perception.
Breast milk plays a crucial role in shaping the infant's immune system and gut microbiome by favoring the colonization of specific bacterial groups. After one month, breast milk composition transitions to support infant growth with increased fat and nutrients.
A recent study analyzing 40 Zika virus strains identifies significant changes in amino acid and nucleotide sequences, diverging between Asian and African lineages. The data suggests the strains evolved from a common ancestor, with human isolates more closely related to the French Polynesia/2013 strain.
Researchers created a mathematical model that reproduces the animals' internal calculations, revealing the existence of a 'separatrix angle' that changes throughout the day. The model predicts real-life behaviors in flight simulators and provides insights into monarch navigation.
A recent study has found that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patient skin cells may contain faulty mitochondrial DNA mutations, which could undermine their therapeutic value. Screening and checking for mitochondrial DNA mutations is crucial to ensure the quality of iPS cell lines intended for therapeutic use.
A study in mice reveals changes in ultrasonic vocalizations consistent with stuttering in humans, suggesting a potential understanding and treatment for millions affected. The findings provide an experimentally tractable animal model for aspects of stuttering research.
A new study using fMRI images has found that LSD causes regions of the brain involved in higher cognition to become heavily over-connected, leading to a sense of ego dissolution. This phenomenon is also seen in certain psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Scientists have discovered a nuclear receptor protein, estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ), that enables the maturation of human beta cells in vitro. This breakthrough overcomes a major challenge in diabetes research and holds promise for creating functional insulin-producing cells at will.
Cancer researchers used single-cell phosphoproteomics to study glioblastoma and found that tumors adapt and resist therapies in as little as 48 hours. The approach could lead to personalized treatment with better combination therapies for this deadly brain cancer.
Researchers at the University of Alberta advocate for increasing dietary fiber intake to regain lost microbial biodiversity. A recent study found that mice fed a Western diet with low fiber transferred lower beneficial microbial species to future generations, indicating extinctions had occurred in just a few generations.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw spiders can snap their chelicerae shut at incredible speeds, outperforming even the fastest muscles. This high-speed predatory behavior has evolved multiple times within the Mecysmaucheniid family of spiders.
A recent study reveals that single mutations can inhibit HIV-1 replication using CRISPR/Cas9, but some also lead to unexpected resistance. Targeting multiple viral DNA regions may be necessary for the antiviral aspect of CRISPR/Cas9 to be effective.
Researchers analyzed a complete Neanderthal Y chromosome, revealing differences with modern human Y chromosomes that may have discouraged interbreeding. The findings suggest that genetic incompatibilities, such as those affecting male-specific antigens, played a role in the divergence of humans and Neanderthals.
Human placental trophoblasts resistant to Zika virus proliferation and release an antiviral molecule called type III interferon to stop viral replication. Mouse models show high virus levels in brain, spinal cord, and testes after inoculation through skin.
A study of over 6,000 mothers and newborns found that maternal smoking during pregnancy chemically modifies a fetus' DNA, mirroring patterns seen in adult smokers. The research identified new development-related genes affected by smoking, suggesting a potential explanation for the link between smoking and health complications in children.
A new study reveals that different mosquito species can affect the evolution of viruses like West Nile. The southern house mosquito appears to be a key driver of West Nile divergence and is more likely to transmit virus variants with greater fitness in avian hosts.
Researchers have discovered that fossilized snakeskin can retain evidence of skin color from multiple pigments and structural colors, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient animal colors. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the evolution and function of color in animals.
Scientists create miniature retinal organoids that mimic the structure of real retinas, offering new perspectives on retina growth, injury, and repair. The protocol increases yield by up to 4-fold compared to previous methods, enabling researchers to study retinal disease mechanisms and develop therapies for age-related blindness.
The study found that the AXL surface receptor is highly abundant on human neural stem cells, but not on neurons in the developing brain. This discovery suggests that the Zika virus may be able to hijack this receptor to infect vulnerable cells, leading to devastating cases of microcephaly and eye lesions.
A new study maps Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestry in modern humans, revealing previously unknown interbreeding events, especially in South Asians and Oceania populations. The research suggests that Denisovan genes may be linked to a more subtle sense of smell and high-altitude adaptations.
A new study reveals that yeast strains in coffee and cacao beans exhibit greater diversity than those in wine production. The findings suggest that these differences may impact the characteristics of chocolate and coffee from various regions.
Researchers found that flies exhibit anxiety-like behaviors in response to heat stress, solitary confinement, and Valium treatment. The study identifies several new genes related to anxiety behavior in flies, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of anxiety.
Researchers have developed a system called Skinbow that labels individual skin cells in zebrafish with different colors, allowing for real-time tracking of cell populations. This technology enables the study of skin regeneration and cellular behavior in high resolution, providing insights into the dynamics of wound healing.
Researchers analyzed old tourist photos to reconstruct the rise and fall of common guillemot populations on Stora Karlsö. The study found a significant increase in population size, with numbers more than five times bigger than in the early 20th century.
Researchers identified uropathogenic E. coli as the E. coli type most strongly linked to pre-term infant mortality from necrotizing enterocolitis. The study suggests that early identification of this bacteria could help physicians make informed care decisions for vulnerable infants.
Researchers have discovered that a specific type of bread mold, Neurospora crassa, can transform manganese into a mineral composite with favorable electrochemical properties. This process has the potential to create more sustainable electrochemical materials for use in rechargeable batteries.