Researchers have found that human irisin circulates in the blood at nanogram levels and increases during exercise. The discovery resolves a long-standing controversy over irisin's existence, with alternative start codons explaining its production in skeletal muscle cells.
Researchers discovered ants can detect subtle hydrocarbon components in body odor, allowing them to recognize individuals and distinguish between castes. This remarkable ability enables social insects to maintain complex colonies.
A study by Kevin Hall found that restricting dietary fat leads to greater body fat loss than carb restriction, even though a low-carb diet increases fat burning. The research used controlled feeding studies and measured participants' food intake over two 2-week periods.
Researchers found that bears' heart rates increase significantly when exposed to unmanned aerial vehicles, a sign of acute stress. Despite the calm behavior observed in encounters with UAVs, the physiological response is notable, with one bear's heart rate increasing by up to 400 percent.
A new cancer drug candidate, MCB-613, stimulates proteins crucial for tumor growth, causing cell stress and death. It efficiently kills human cancer cells while sparing normal cells, showing promise as a treatment for a range of cancers.
A study reveals that thymus atrophy may stem from a decline in its ability to protect against DNA damage from free radicals. Common dietary antioxidants may slow thymus atrophy and represent a promising treatment strategy for protecting older adults from infections.
Researchers have identified two species of Brazilian frogs that are venomous, using their heads as a weapon to deliver toxic secretions. The discovery sheds light on the biology of amphibians and their interactions with predators in the wild.
Researchers in China have independently transformed skin cells from humans and mice into neurons using chemical cocktails. The studies show that the reprogrammed cells exhibit similar gene expression and neuronal activity as those generated through traditional methods.
A study published in Neuron found that stress can alter brain connections to impair self-control, particularly when faced with tempting food choices. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced moderate stress were more likely to choose unhealthy options, and their brains showed altered patterns of connectivity.
A new study found that bariatric surgeries alter the gut microbiome in ways that last for at least a decade, leading to sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health. The changes are specific to the surgery and not just a reflection of weight loss alone.
The 'golden jackals' of East Africa and Eurasia are two separate species, with the latter being a new species, African golden wolf, that has a distribution across North and East Africa. Genetic data shows they have been evolving independently for at least a million years.
Researchers discover a single molecule, C/EBPa, can transform a B cell into a macrophage by 'short-circuiting' gene expression. This process involves the convergence of two DNA enhancer pathways, allowing for unnatural transdifferentiation. The findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation can decrease unconscious influences motivating smokers to smoke, reducing craving rates by 60% in a 2-week study. Integrative body-mind training also decreases stress hormone cortisol levels and increases immune reactivity.
Researchers have recreated the evolutionary lineage of AAVs to reconstruct an ancient viral particle that is highly effective at delivering gene therapies. The approach could lead to designing a new class of genetic drugs that are safer and more potent than those currently available.
Researchers develop novel imaging technology to visualize brain's intricate structures, including neurons and blood vessels. The breakthrough enables scientists to study neurological disorders and understand how brain development shapes individual identity.
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.