Researchers discovered that female stink bugs change the color of their eggs depending on the surrounding light environment. The darker-colored eggs, which are not darkened by melanin but a previously unknown pigment, offer protection against UV radiation when laid on top of leaves.
A new mouse model has provided early causal evidence that weekly alternating light-dark cycles may hasten certain health risks, including breast cancer development and weight gain. The study found that mice with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer developed tumors 8 weeks earlier when exposed to the alternative light-dark cycles.
Researchers created miniature brains from patient skin cells to study autism, finding altered gene expression networks and an imbalance in neuron type. Suppressing a key gene corrected this bias, suggesting possible clinical interventions.
Researchers found that human screams occupy a reserved chunk of the auditory spectrum and activate a range of acoustic information. Screams have a property called roughness, which refers to how fast a sound changes in loudness, making them more terrifying.
A computational model suggests that generosity and selfishness can be both fast and effortless, depending on the person and context. The model indicates that people are happier when mistaken generosity doesn't happen, highlighting the importance of focusing on others' thoughts and experiences.
Researchers developed a method to optically control microtubule inhibitor drugs with high spatial precision, allowing for targeted treatment of cancer cells. The technique uses blue light to switch on and off the drugs, eliminating systemic side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers at MIT successfully engineered Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to express genes on demand, allowing for precise control over its functions in the mouse gut microbiome. This breakthrough has significant implications for tackling health-related problems and may lead to the development of new therapeutic applications.
Researchers found that carnivorous pitcher plants rely on special structures to reflect bats' ultrasonic calls back to them, making it easier for bats to find their plant partners. The bats respond better to these sounds and choose the plants as the best places to roost.
Researchers identified enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) that enhances energy metabolism during exercise. Carnitine supplementation improved exercise tolerance in healthy mice, but its effects on humans are unclear.
Researchers found that plant-derived tick repellents activate a sensory protein on mite front legs, influencing their survival. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary plasticity of TRP channels in parasite-host interactions.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a unique sniffing pattern when exposed to pleasant or unpleasant odors, allowing for accurate classification with high accuracy. The study suggests that olfactory tests could be used as an early indicator of ASD, potentially leading to more effective intervention.
Researchers recorded individual neuron activity in patients to understand episodic memory creation. They found that neurons signal new contextual associations between people and places with dramatic changes after a single trial.
New research reveals that smooth muscle cells surrounding brain blood vessels regulate blood flow in response to neuronal activity. The study contradicts previous theories on pericytes' role in blood vessel formation and function.
A single mutation in the H3N2 virus helped it evade the immune system's defenses, making last year's flu vaccine less effective. Researchers have identified this mutation as a key factor in the mismatch between the vaccine strain and circulating strains.
Researchers found that songbirds rely on patterns in much the same way as people do when learning to recognize and categorize speech sounds. By training starlings to differentiate between complex auditory patterns, the study showed that birds can learn to categorize motifs into meaningful categories.
Researchers developed a calorie-restricted diet that mimics fasting to promote regeneration and extend lifespan in mice. A human pilot study found similar benefits, with decreased risk factors for aging-related diseases.
Researchers found that young children prefer to return lost items to their rightful owners and prevent a third party from taking what doesn't belong to them. This suggests that a concern for others is a core component of a sense of justice, likely central to human cooperation.
Wild kangaroos show a consistent preference for using their left hands for actions like grooming and picking leaves. The finding expands our understanding of handedness in animals and may offer insights into neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers found that reactivating a single gene turned colorectal cancer cells back into normal tissue within days, stopping tumor growth and eliminating signs of cancer. The study provides proof of principle for developing effective cancer treatments by targeting specific tumor suppressor genes.
A drug already FDA-approved for osteoporosis has been found to stimulate the production of cells controlling insulin balance in diabetic mice. This could lead to a potential new treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that mutations in one copy of the AIRE gene can cause symptoms of a rare autoimmune disorder, paving the way for specific diagnostic and treatment strategies. Dominant AIRE mutations are also more common than previously thought, occurring in at least 1 in 1,000 individuals.
Researchers have discovered that spider and centipede venom originated from an insulin-like hormone, with similar molecular shapes between the toxins and the hormone. This finding has potential applications in developing new pharmaceuticals and bioinsecticides, as well as solving agricultural and medical problems.
Researchers have discovered that infants with superior perception skills are more likely to develop autism symptoms later in life. The study found that enhanced visual searching ability at 9 months old predicted more emergent autism symptoms at 15 months and 2 years of age.
Harvard researchers argue that mobile devices could revolutionize healthcare by linking app data to electronic health records. This integration could reduce costs and advance precision medicine, but current electronic health record systems lack standardized interfaces for accessing genomic data.
A nearly intact skull of a new horned dinosaur species, Regaliceratops peterhewsi, has been discovered in Alberta, Canada. The specimen features a crown-like frill with large pentagonal plates and a central spike, challenging current classification of horned dinosaurs.
Researchers found that female mice are unable to detect male pheromones until they enter the ovulation cycle, where hormones such as progesterone decrease and allow them to sense potential partners. This study highlights the nose's role in making important decisions about behavior influenced by hormonal signals.
A study reveals that Obg plays a crucial role in bacterial persistence, allowing certain cells to survive antibiotics. The researchers' findings suggest that targeting the novel persistence pathway could lead to more effective treatment strategies for bacterial infections.
A special issue of Cell Stem Cell highlights the biology of aging and sex differences in stem cell behavior. Research suggests that estrogen may play a role in increasing lifespan in females, while testosterone may have different effects on males. Scientists are also exploring ways to model late-onset conditions using stem cells.
Researchers found genetic variations affecting stress response and brain function correlate with increased risk of major depression and schizophrenia. The study also highlights the importance of GABA signaling in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
A study found that about 3% of critically endangered smalltooth sawfish are products of virgin births, with no genetic diversity loss. Researchers hope this discovery may help save the species from extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss.
A new study finds that genetic differences between American eels that feed in freshwater and brackish environments explain their decline. The research identifies 99 genes associated with growth rate, heart development, and smell, highlighting the importance of genetics in determining eel survival.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe finds a causal link between bacterial infection and gallbladder cancer, suggesting that controlling typhoid fever could reduce the risk of this type of cancer. The researchers propose that prevention through proper treatment with antibiotics, vaccination programs, or better sanitary conditions c...
A new study reveals that Egypt was the major gateway out of Africa, with migrants following a northern route. The analysis of 225 genomic sequences from Ethiopians and Egyptians provides crucial insights into early human evolution.
Researchers argue that adding genes from wild cousins can strengthen crops without losing natural traits, benefiting organic farmers. Precise genetic engineering could make 'rewilded' crops compatible with organic agriculture values.
A new study found that a low protein, high carbohydrate diet can provide similar benefits to calorie restriction in mice. The researchers compared three diets varying in protein-to-carbohydrate ratio and found that the low protein, high carbohydrate diet delivered better metabolic outcomes.
Researchers found that fruit flies can learn to connect different scents with sugar rewards depending on the hour. The insects' ability to tell time remained as long as events were separated by at least four hours.
Researchers developed an algorithm called KeyGenes that uses gene expression to predict the future identity of human fetal stem cells. The platform integrates data from both human fetal and adult tissue, allowing for more accurate differentiation protocols.
Researchers found a 35,000-year-old wolf bone in Siberia that reveals the most recent common ancestor of modern wolves and dogs. The discovery sheds light on the early origins of dog domestication, with implications for our understanding of human-wolf relationships.
A new study finds that measles virus has rigid surface proteins that can't tolerate mutations, making it less prone to evolution than the flu virus. This difference in protein stability may explain why measles only requires a two-dose vaccine during childhood for lifelong immunity.
A recent study found that the thunder god vine extract reduces food intake by up to 80% and causes a 45% decrease in body weight in obese mice. The compound Celastrol enhances leptin action, a hormone signaling fullness to the brain, improving ER function and sensitivity.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has raised doubts about the age-reversal properties of GDF-11, a molecule previously linked to anti-aging effects. The research found that GDF-11 actually worsened muscle regeneration in older animals, contradicting previous findings.
Researchers discovered jumping spiders use 'spectral filtering' to see in three color channels, like humans. Their principal eyes detect red, green, and UV light, with a filter converting some green-sensitive cells to see red.
Scientists Bevil Conway and his team found impressive individual differences in color perception, with people falling into three main camps. The survey also revealed that perception differed by age and sex, suggesting the influence of light on visual systems. These findings shed light on how different brains interpret colors.
Researchers studied flies' response to shadows, finding that they display persistent defensive behavior, generalizable across contexts. The study suggests that flies may help understand the fundamental neurochemistry of fear and emotions.
A Swedish study of 98 infants found that C-section babies had a less similar gut microbiome to their mothers compared to vaginal births. The researchers also discovered that cessation of breastfeeding led to a shift in the infant's gut bacteria, with certain species more commonly seen in adults emerging.
Researchers grew 22 organoids from tumor tissue of 20 patients with colorectal cancer and found they closely replicate key properties of the original tumors. These cultures can be used to predict drug sensitivity and pave the way for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers discovered that rorqual whale nerves can double in length without damage, supporting their extreme lunge feeding mechanism. This discovery highlights the importance of flexible nervous systems in accommodating body deformation.
Researchers studied wild bearded capuchin monkeys cracking nuts using stone hammers and found they modulate strikes based on the condition of the nutshell. This sophisticated ability suggests a cognitive accomplishment.
The study, which followed four individuals for a year after they were treated with embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, observed no serious side effects related to the therapy. The researchers reported positive results in visual acuity improvements among patients.
A team of Belgian philosophers and plant biotechnologists explores the widespread anti-GMO sentiment, attributing it to cognitive processes and emotional representations. They argue that the public should form opinions on GMOs on a case-by-case basis, rather than focusing on the technology itself.