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Cell Press


Attention's place in the human cognitive architecture

Attention plays a critical role in structuring the internal world, prioritizing relevant thoughts and emotions for goal-oriented processing. The integrated theory proposes that attention is a cascade of effects beginning with stimulus detection, suppressing competing stimuli, and resetting upon completion.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 7, 2015

Can exercise be replaced with a pill?

Several laboratories are developing exercise pills targeting skeletal muscle performance, aiming to improve strength and energy use. However, the benefits of exercise extend beyond muscular improvements, and it's unrealistic to expect pills to fully substitute physical exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateOct 2, 2015

Molecular switch keeps the circadian clock running on time

Researchers discovered a molecular switch that balances the activity of two key proteins in the circadian clock, PER2 and CK1. This finding provides insights into familial advanced sleep phase disorder (FASP) and may lead to new treatment strategies using drugs that inhibit these proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 1, 2015

Are the blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome?

Researchers have found that snakes share similar genetic patterns with mammals and birds in their limbs and genitalia, suggesting a common ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic elements may play a crucial role in phallus development and genital shape variation among species.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 1, 2015

Eight big questions in cancer research

The article explores eight big questions in cancer research, including the role of genetic mutations, tumor microenvironments, and epigenetics. Researchers discuss the importance of targeted treatments, prevention, and screening, as well as the potential for precision medicine to improve cancer outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateSep 29, 2015

Root microbiome engineering improves plant growth

Researchers have found that artificially selected microbiomes can improve plant growth in genetically identical plants. This method of root microbiome engineering uses bacteria from the roots of large plants and transfers them to other plants, leading to improved growth over time.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2015

In the dark polar winter, the animals aren't sleeping

Researchers discovered a world of biological activity beneath the Arctic's polar night, with diverse species reproducing and thriving in the darkness. The findings raise questions about how marine species adapt to the changing climate and highlight the importance of this period for ecosystem reproduction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Mobile app records our erratic eating habits

A mobile app collected data from over 150 participants, showing that a majority of people eat for 15 hours or longer. The study aimed to test whether reducing daily food intake duration impacts health and found that time-restricted feeding can lead to weight loss and improved energy levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 24, 2015

The life and times of domesticated cheese-making fungi

Researchers have identified crucial metabolic genes that enable cheese-making fungi to thrive on cheese, while also raising concerns about food safety. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these fungi and their ability to adapt to domesticated environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Digestible batteries needed to power electronic pills

Researchers are exploring how minerals from a healthy diet can be used in bioelectronics to create ingestible devices that power electronic pills. The goal is to reduce the amount of expensive medications needed for each patient, making them more cost-effective.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateSep 21, 2015

As polar ice melts, seabed life is working against climate change

A recent study reveals that life on the seafloor in Antarctica is acting as an important carbon sink, absorbing nearly 2.9 ? 106 tons of carbon per year. This discovery suggests a new and unexpected way to combat climate change, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 50,000 hectares of tropical rainforest.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 2015

Selectively logged Amazon forests play important role in climate

Researchers found that sustainably logged tropical Amazonian forests can recover their carbon stocks within a cutting cycle of 20 to 30 years. The study suggests that the time to recover initial carbon stocks depends almost exclusively on logging intensity, providing useful insights for forest managers and policy makers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 2015

Sponge cells build skeletons with pole-and-beam structure

Researchers discovered that sponges construct their skeletons through a complex process involving dynamic transport and cementation of spicules. The findings reveal a fundamentally new mechanism of forming animal body shape and may inspire interdisciplinary studies in fields like bioengineering and architecture.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Not all organs age alike

Researchers used integrated 'omics' approaches to analyze changes in proteins across different organs in young and old rats. They found that aging affects organs in strikingly different ways, with specific protein patterns related to the organ's unique cellular properties or function. The study suggests that aging is an organ-specific ...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateSep 17, 2015

Apes know a good thriller when they see one

Researchers found that great apes can remember and anticipate memorable events from a single viewing of a movie, using anticipatory looks to track impending events. The study used eye-tracking technology to test the apes' ability to recall and anticipate events in two different films.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Can DNA evidence fill gaps in our history books?

Researchers used DNA to reconstruct past events that brought European populations together, shedding light on the lives of 'regular people.' The study found evidence of multiple migrations, including from Central Asia to Europe and from West Africa to the Mediterranean.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Uniquely human brain region enables punishment decisions

A recent study revealed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) integrates information about a suspect's blameworthiness and harm to others, enabling humans to decide on appropriate punishment levels. The DLPFC is specialized for integrating multiple streams of information to select responses.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 16, 2015

Immune cells may help fight against obesity

A new study found that mice lacking certain immune cells gained excess weight and developed metabolic abnormalities even on a standard diet. Removing these cells prevented weight gain and metabolic issues. The study indicates that immune cells may help control fat tissue's energy storage and reduce inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 15, 2015

When it comes to touch, to give is to receive

A study found that participants consistently rated the skin of another person as being softer than their own, even if it wasn't. This phenomenon, known as the social softness illusion, may exist to ensure humans build social bonds through touch.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 10, 2015

You'd have to be smart to walk this lazy... and people are

A study published in Current Biology found that people subconsciously change their walking patterns to expend the least amount of energy possible. By wearing robotic exoskeletons and altering resistance levels, researchers showed that participants adapt their step frequency to converge on a new energetic optimum within minutes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 10, 2015

Could more intensive farming practices benefit tropical birds?

A study in the Chocó-Andes of Colombia found that intensive farming practices lead to a loss of more than 650 million years of evolutionary history in bird species. Land-sparing approaches, which protect larger blocks of natural habitat, are recommended as a more effective way to preserve biodiversity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 3, 2015

Brazilian wasp venom kills cancer cells by opening them up

Researchers found that Brazilian wasp venom's MP1 toxin selectively kills cancer cells by interacting with abnormally distributed lipids on their surface. The peptide creates gaping holes, allowing critical molecules to escape and potentially leading to new anticancer drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 1, 2015

Body fat hormone leptin influences runner's high

A new study has found that the satiety hormone leptin plays a crucial role in the 'runner's high' feeling, with mice running longer distances on a wheel due to reduced leptin signaling. The research also suggests that people with lower fat-adjusted leptin levels may be more inclined to exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 1, 2015

We've all got a blind spot, but it can be shrunk

Scientists have found that training can effectively reduce the size of the human blind spot, improving vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration. The researchers trained participants on a direction-discrimination task for 20 consecutive weekdays, resulting in a 10% reduction in functional blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

Data backs limits on deep-sea fishing by depth

Researchers found a clear transition in catches at depths of 600 to 800 meters, with significant increases in biodiversity and discarded biomass. The study suggests that a depth limit at around 600 meters could have specific conservation benefits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2015

Is neuroticism fueled by overthinking?

A new theory proposes that neuroticism is driven by high activity in the brain's self-generated thought centers, which can lead to both creative breakthroughs and negative emotions. The study suggests that overthinking may be a key factor in experiencing intense negative emotions even when there is no apparent threat.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 27, 2015

Gut microbes linked to major autoimmune eye disease

Research finds gut microbes produce a molecule mimicking retinal protein, activating T cells responsible for autoimmune uveitis. The study offers a novel mechanism explaining how tissue-specific autoimmune diseases can arise from responses to gut microbes at a distal site in the body.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 18, 2015