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.
A recent study found that mice carrying a set of friendly microbes fail to develop a proper immune system, highlighting the importance of host-specific microbiota. The researchers suggest that a coevolved relationship between humans and their gut microbiome may be compromised by modern lifestyle factors.
A new gene-silencing strategy has reversed core symptoms of Huntington's disease in animal models, suggesting a potential treatment approach for the neurodegenerative disorder. The therapy, involving antisense oligonucleotides, produced sustained benefits with minimal side effects.
Researchers have successfully formed human-derived stem cell tissue resembling the retina, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for visual impairments. This achievement uses optimized cell culture methods and demonstrates the potential of human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells produce a protein that tricks the immune system into helping cancer growth. Blocking this protein may lead to effective treatments for pancreatic cancer. The findings suggest restoring the antitumor properties of a patient's immune system could be a therapeutic strategy.
A natural milk ingredient called nicotinamide riboside has been found to protect against obesity in mice. It works by boosting levels of NAD+, a molecular sidekick for SIRT1, which helps with metabolism and longevity.
Researchers found that flies lacking a key gene associated with RLS exhibit sleep disturbances and restlessness, similar to human patients. The study suggests a genetic basis for RLS and offers new insights into the disease's pathophysiology.
A study found that marine reserves on Australia's Great Barrier Reef produce approximately half of all juvenile recruitment to both reserve and fished reefs. The reserves, which account for just 28% of the local reef area, help sustain valuable fisheries.
A recent study has identified more than 40 genetic regions influencing fertility in Hutterite men, which may shed light on unexplained cases of male infertility. The research also found nine genetic regions impacting sperm quality in non-Hutterites.
Researchers discovered an anti-psychotic drug, thioridazine, that selectively targets and exhausts cancer stem cells, leading to improved survival rates in leukemia patients. The compound works by encouraging cancer stem cells to differentiate into less threatening cell types.
A team of researchers has identified 24 compounds as responsible for the distinct flavors and aromas of heirloom tomatoes. These findings hold promise for improving the flavor of commercially grown tomatoes.
Researchers have successfully transplanted embryonic cells into adult mouse spinal cords to alleviate persistent pain. The study suggests that this approach may not only treat symptoms but also correct underlying disease pathology. This new therapy offers hope for patients with neuropathic pain, a condition with limited treatment options.
Researchers discovered a link between a protein called BAD and glucose metabolism in the brain, finding that modifications to this protein reduced seizure susceptibility. The study suggests that targeting BAD could lead to new treatments for epilepsy.
Researchers found that mental distractions, especially those requiring cognitive effort, reduce pain perception by inhibiting early spinal cord responses to painful stimuli. This effect is mediated by endogenous opioids, naturally produced by the brain.
Researchers found that mice on a high-fat diet who ate in restricted eight-hour windows gained less weight, suffered less liver damage, and had lower levels of inflammation compared to those with unrestricted access. The study suggests that our body clocks may be out of sync with our eating habits, leading to metabolic issues.
A new study describes a compound that selectively kills cancer cells by restoring the structure and function of mutant p53. This finding supports the development of rationally targeted cancer therapies and has potential for treating 30,000 patients annually in the US.
Chimpanzees exhibit fine-scale cultural differentiation, with neighboring groups preferring different tools for cracking nuts and varying in hammer size. These differences are maintained even among individuals moving between communities.
A large-scale study found social jetlag contributes to obesity by making people chronically sleep-deprived, increasing smoking and drinking, and living 'against the clock'. The syndrome, mismatching internal and daily schedules, affects modern society's health.
Researchers found that reducing hippocampal activity improved performance on a memory task in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Elevated activity in this brain region is often seen in disorders associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A mathematical model suggests that sauropods could have produced more methane than all modern sources combined. The study calculates global methane emissions from sauropods to be around 520 million tons per year, comparable to total modern methane emissions.
Researchers found a critical gene responsible for human brain features, duplicated around two million years ago. The partial copy's interaction with the original gene likely enabled cognitive changes and neuron development benefits.
Researchers discovered that embryo brains exhibit waking-like activity up to 20% into the final stage of embryonic life, followed by emergence of sleep patterns. This finding may have significant implications for understanding complex fetal learning and developmental consequences in premature infants.
Researchers reveal that Langerhans cells can perform either immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory functions depending on the situation. They found that LCs induce proliferation of regulatory T cells to maintain tolerance under normal conditions, but also stimulate protective immune responses against pathogens.
A study in Cell Metabolism resolves controversy over resveratrol's life-extending effects by demonstrating that the ingredient's benefits require the SIRT1 gene. The research also clarifies resveratrol's dose-dependent action on SIRT1 and other proteins.
Researchers argue that a youthful brain can be maintained through engagement and lifestyle choices, rather than just compensating for age-related decline. Engagement, including social, mental, and physical stimulation, has been shown to promote better cognitive performance in older adults.
A new treatment for argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA) has been discovered through nitric oxide supplementation. The study found long-term heart and neuropsychological improvements in mice and humans afflicted with ASA, a genetic metabolic disorder that causes ammonia accumulation and liver and nervous system damage.
Researchers have devised a new method for producing genetically modified animals using haploid embryonic stem cells, which may enable genetic modification of animals that can't be modified by today's means. The technique could also potentially be used in assisted human reproduction for those affected by genetic disease.
Research identifies specific genetic mechanism underlying autism and fragile X syndrome, suggesting gene dosage disruption as key factor in autism development. The study found a strong overlap between autism candidate genes and those linked to fragile X syndrome, with implications for therapy and diagnosis.
Researchers have discovered a new and improved version of an enzyme that can detoxify deadly nerve agents, such as sarin. The PON1 variant shows 40-3,400-fold higher efficiency in metabolizing the three most toxic G-type nerve agents.
Researchers identify non-classical oncogenes critical for leukemia cell survival and develop a strategy targeting these molecules, potentially reducing toxicity of current treatments. Dual inhibition of PI3K subtypes supports cancer cell death in mice and human tumor cells.
A study published in Current Biology found that 2-year-olds and chimpanzees tend to copy actions when repeated by three peers, not just one, suggesting a shared strategy for social learning. This phenomenon also applies to orangutans, but to a lesser extent.
Research reveals that corals can adapt to changing ocean conditions by shifting species composition, which could help reefs survive climate change. However, this shift may lead to loss of habitat for fish and other marine life.
A recent study reverses many Fragile X syndrome symptoms in adult mice using a new compound CTEP. The study found that pharmacologic inhibition of mGlu5 receptor can correct FXS symptoms, including learning and memory deficits and auditory hypersensitivity.
A 'brain-only' mutation has been discovered that causes hemimegalencephaly (HMG), a condition characterized by an enlarged and dysfunctional half of the brain. This mutation is limited to brain tissue and contributes to overgrowth, intellectual disability, and severe epilepsy.
Research reveals a heightened sensitivity to cheap, high-calorie foods in individuals prone to obesity. Brain imaging studies show that obese individuals exhibit greater brain activation in response to sweet or fatty food cues.
Researchers found a causal connection between early problems with visual attention and later dyslexia diagnoses. Visual attention deficits were more predictive of reading disorders than language abilities at the prereading stage.