Researchers develop safe approach to produce stable vascular endothelial cells from human amniotic cells, opening door to treating diverse vascular disorders. The new cell-based strategy has promise in mice and may benefit millions of patients worldwide.
A new study found that newborn rats' whisker twitches are linked to bursts of brain activity, suggesting a crucial role in developing sensorimotor systems. The discovery sheds light on the importance of involuntary movements during sleep in infant brain development.
Researchers discovered two distinct mechanisms for voluntary forgetting of unwanted memories: suppressing memories and substituting them with more desirable ones. This study may lead to improved treatments for disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how abnormal red blood cells disrupt circulation in sickle cell disease. The study found that hemoglobin abnormalities play a crucial role in occluding vessels, highlighting potential targets for new treatment strategies.
Researchers found a large number of previously undescribed viruses in the gastrointestinal tract of monkeys with SIV-induced AIDS, suggesting these viruses may contribute to disease progression. The presence of RNA viruses alongside DNA viruses offers new insights into the complex interplay between microorganisms and disease.
New study finds that blocking leukotriene B4 production reduces allergic skin inflammation in mice with eczema. Neutrophil recruitment to the skin is essential for the disease's development.
A new study reveals that astringent wines and teas can counter the slippery sensation of fatty foods, promoting balance in meal consumption. This opposition between astringent and fat sensations may help maintain dietary diversity.
Researchers have discovered a way to generate new human neurons from pericytes, a type of adult cell in the brain. This breakthrough has strong potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that newborn mice depend on the specific blend of scents emitted by their mothers, which is distinct from earlier studies in rabbits. This discovery suggests that innate behaviors like suckling may involve learning rather than hardwired instincts.
A study of noble Korean males found castrated eunuchs lived 14-19 years longer than other men. The incidence of centenarians among Korean eunuchs is 130 times greater than in developed countries, offering clues to life extension.
A new study tracked brain growth in human and chimpanzee fetuses, finding that human brains begin to show remarkable differences after 22 weeks of gestation. The findings suggest a faster rate of brain growth in humans compared to chimpanzees.
A recent brain study found that rats overeat chocolates due to an opium-like chemical in the brain, leading to increased desire and impulse to consume rewards. This discovery provides insight into human binge-eating tendencies and addiction.
Neural activity in response to basic sensory information may be unreliable in individuals with autism, leading to a range of behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests that autism could result from fundamental defects in general neural processing.
Two new studies have identified novel genes and patterns of mutations involved in lung cancer, with significant differences found between smokers and non-smokers. These findings could lead to targeted therapies to improve survival rates and outcomes for lung cancer patients.
Researchers have identified genes that can be used to select low-cadmium accumulating crop varieties, offering a potential solution to reducing toxic levels in food. By understanding the mechanisms of Cd uptake in plants, scientists aim to develop targeted breeding strategies for crops like rice, wheat, and potatoes.
A preclinical study found that a mTOR inhibitor can protect normal stem cells from radiation-induced damage, preventing debilitating conditions like mucositis. The study suggests a promising approach for preventing and treating cancer patients' quality-of-life issues with radiation therapy.
Researchers propose a novel vaccine strategy using lipidated-promiscuous-peptide vaccines to overcome limitations of existing BCG vaccine, which fails to prevent disease in adults, especially in endemic regions. This new approach has shown promise in animal models and is being tested in human clinical trials.
Recent studies suggest genes play a significant role in shaping political preferences and traits. Twin studies have implicated several genes in influencing political issues such as the death penalty, unemployment, and abortion, with future research holding promise for deeper insights into genetic influences on politics.
New study reveals that genetic variations in DNA methylation patterns contribute to human susceptibility to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found hundreds of genes with distinct methylation profiles, many linked to specific human diseases.
Researchers found that rats with brain lesions developed schizophrenia-like symptoms if not trained, but those who received early cognitive training as adolescents showed no signs of the disorder. The study suggests that experience and learning can overcome neural disabilities, paving the way for new treatments for mental disorders.
Researchers have discovered a compound that reversibly infertile men without affecting their sex drive, using the small molecule to target fertility proteins. The new form of birth control works by reducing sperm count and motility, making it an effective and novel strategy for male contraception.
Researchers used MRI to scan brains of 885 people and identified 231 biomarkers that capture age differences well, surpassing previous biological measures. The findings suggest a 'developmental clock' in the brain, tightly controlling certain anatomical aspects of development.
Researchers found that immune cells called dendritic cells protect against multiple sclerosis by reducing T cell responsiveness and increasing PD-1 receptor expression. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for the disease.
Recent advances in paleogenetics provide new insights into human evolution in Europe, showing that cultural and demographic events have shaped genetic variation among modern-day populations. The study reveals a more diverse range of mechanisms influencing genetic diversity than previously thought.
A new mouse model has reproduced key cognitive and behavioral symptoms of myotonic dystrophy, a disease marked by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. The study reveals that molecular missteps disrupt brain function, causing toxic RNAs to produce incorrect proteins in the brain.
Human HLA genes are evolving rapidly, improving disease-fighting abilities but complicating organ transplant matching. The vast number of variants makes it unlikely to identify a perfect match through worldwide searches.
A new study has found a significant increase in rare de novo genetic mutations in individuals with testicular cancer, suggesting these mutations may be indicative of conditions that result in reduced fertility. The researchers propose that the paradigm of a de novo germline disease etiology may be less applicable to late-onset cancers.
Research suggests that pregnant women's gut microbes become less diverse and healthier bacteria decrease in abundance over time, promoting energy storage and supporting fetal growth. These changes can have negative consequences outside of pregnancy, leading to conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Researchers develop a technology that tricks the neuromuscular machinery into producing smooth eye movements, allowing individuals with nearly complete limb paralysis to write in cursive. This breakthrough has significant implications for people with ALS and other conditions affecting eye movement control.
Scientists have successfully controlled monkey behavior using optogenetics by activating specific brain cells with blue light. This breakthrough could lead to the development of therapeutic treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and depression.
A new compound, JD5037, targets cannabinoid receptors and increases sensitivity to leptin, reducing obesity and improving metabolic health. The findings have implications for the development of new treatments for obesity in humans.
A study of 15 African hunter-gatherer genomes reveals over 13 million DNA variations, shedding light on human adaptation to specific pathogens and environmental factors. The research also identifies candidate genes for short stature in Pygmies and ancient interbreeding between modern Africans and another hominin lineage.
A new biomarker, pyridoxal kinase (PDXK), has been identified as a predictor of response to chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. PDXK expression levels are associated with survival rates and treatment outcomes.
A new gene therapy approach successfully treats genetic hearing loss in mice by delivering the VGLUT3 gene to inner ear cells. This breakthrough offers a promising potential treatment for individuals born deaf, with improved hearing lasting up to 1.5 years in adult mice.
Researchers use GPS-enabled backpacks to study flocking sheep and a herding dog, confirming the selfish herd theory by tracking individual animal movements. The findings show that under threat, sheep move towards the center of the flock while the rest moves away from the danger.
A study found that bats eavesdrop on fly sex sounds to earn two flies for one, increasing the risk of being attacked and eaten. This demonstrates that increased conspicuousness during mating is a significant cost.
Researchers have developed a new technology that allows for an individualized map of the DNA within a single sperm cell, providing insights into genetic diversity and potential applications in reproductive disorders. This technology could also be used to characterize differences in cancer cells taken from patients.
Researchers found that males with ant-eating traits have ornament shapes resembling ants, attracting female bites that develop a search image for the food. Sensory drive promotes differences among populations based on species in the community.
Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.
Researchers found that domesticated fungi, used to brew sake and soy sauce, have undergone extensive metabolic remodeling. This process led to the suppression of toxins and the evolution into 'cell factories' for enzymes and metabolites.
A study published in Neuron found that a brain region involved in empathy, the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), is linked to individual differences in altruism. The size and activation of this region predict an individual's setpoint for altruistic behavior.
Researchers have found that blocking a fundamental process deep within cancer cells can selectively kill them and spare normal cells. This discovery reveals that accelerated reading of ribosomal genes is responsible for causing abnormal nucleoli and is necessary for the survival of cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that bevacizumab can lead to invasive tumors in brain cancer patients, but found a new treatment strategy by targeting both VEGF and MET. This approach may improve survival rates for drug-resistant patients, offering hope for a more effective treatment.
A diabetes drug called metformin has been found to promote the growth of new brain cells and enhance spatial memory formation. The study's lead author suggests that the widely used medication may also offer cognitive benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease, independent of its effects on blood sugar control.
Researchers mapped gut-brain signaling after protein-rich meals to limit food intake. Peptides from digested proteins block opioid receptors, suppressing hunger and glucose release in the intestine.
Dietary restriction in flies prolongs life by enhancing fat metabolism and increasing physical activity, critical for extending lifespan. Blocking fat synthesis negates the effect of dietary restriction.
Recent annual citation reports confirm Cell Press's position as a leading publisher of highly cited research and reviews. The flagship journal Cell has increased its impact factor by 9% since 2005, maintaining its status as the premier research journal in its field.
Researchers have developed a real-time brain-scanning speller that allows people with paralysis to engage in unscripted conversations. The technology uses fMRI and mental tasks to encode thoughts letter-by-letter, enabling back-and-forth communication.
A pioneering study finds genetic changes that explain why one person has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and another does not. The research identifies potential new regions where copy-number variants are associated with ASDs and shows a significant impact of these variants on gene expression.
Researchers have found a key molecule, REG3A, highly expressed in skin cells during psoriasis and wound repair, causing abnormal cell proliferation. Blocking REG3A delays wound healing and clears up psoriasis-like pathology in mice, offering potential therapeutic targets.