Sawfishes use their saws to impale prey on rostral teeth and detect electric fields, enabling agile hunting in murky waters. Their unique sensing abilities challenge traditional views of these critically endangered fish.
A new study challenges the long-held theory that antibodies are essential for antiviral immunity. Researchers found that mice infected with the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) could survive even without producing antibodies, as their B cells produced a chemical that maintained innate immune cells called macrophages.
Researchers found that marijuana's psychoactive ingredient THC impairs working memory independently of its effects on neurons. The study suggests that astroglia play an unexpected role in memory and may hold the key to developing treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's.
Fish release a 'scary stuff' signal when injured, containing chondroitin sulfate that alerts nearby fish to flee. This discovery provides insight into the nature of fear in fish.
A computerized cognitive training program has been shown to improve reality-monitoring tasks and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. The study found that 16 weeks of intensive training was associated with increased activation of the medial prefrontal cortex, a critical brain region for reality-monitoring processes.
Fruit flies seek out alcohol to kill off blood-borne parasitic wasps, showing a potential natural remedy for fighting infection. Environmental alcohol protects fruit flies from parasitism, and consuming alcohol leads to death of the wasps.
Research reveals that a circadian clock controls the expression and function of TLR9, an immune system protein, leading to enhanced or impaired immune responses depending on the time of day. The study's findings have significant implications for sepsis treatment and prevention.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of an immortal Tasmanian devil and its transmissible cancer, providing insights into how the disease spread rapidly through the population. The study identified over 17,000 mutations in the cancer genome, which may lead to therapeutic strategies against cancer genes.
Researchers discovered that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) inhibit tumor metastasis by reducing lymphatic vessel dilation and prostaglandin pathways. This mechanism provides a potential target for cancer treatment.
Research identifies SIRT1 as a key enzyme protecting leukemia stem cells from stress and driving cancer recurrence. Inhibiting SIRT1 selectively reduces CML stem cell survival and growth, offering a potential therapeutic target for treatment resistance.
A recent large and comprehensive analysis of 50,000 genetic variants has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes and six independent disease-associated variants at previously known loci. The study provides valuable insight into the genetic risk for T2D across multiple ethnicities.
Researchers have identified a specific cell-stress signaling pathway that links optic nerve injury to irreversible vision loss. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway was found to be activated in response to axonal damage, leading to pro-cell-death effects.
A new study finds that fasting activates AgRP neurons, which promote feeding behaviors and weight gain, by increasing excitatory inputs and dendritic spines. The research reveals a neural pathway linking fasting to AgRP neuron activation, providing insight into the complex mechanisms controlling food seeking behavior.
A study found that young mice require a second round of heat-generating brown fat to survive after their mothers pass away. The findings also reveal that the babies are extremely sensitive to molecular-level effects that change gene dosage.
Cancer tumors' metabolic profiles vary based on genes and tissue origin, necessitating individualized treatment approaches. The metabolome, in addition to the genome, is crucial for predicting metabolic changes and guiding therapy.
Researchers are tapping into photosynthesis to efficiently produce highly valuable products, including biofuels and pharmaceuticals. This innovative approach could lead to a more sustainable future by utilizing sunlight as a renewable energy source.
A recent study on male and female mice has identified hormone-controlled genes in the brain as the key drivers of sex-specific behaviors, including mating and parental care. The research found that these genes can be individually manipulated to alter behavior, suggesting a modular control of sex-specific traits.
A new study sheds light on the earliest stages of human migration, suggesting that modern humans first settled in Arabia on their way out of Africa. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA genomes provides evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia.
Researchers identify 'gatekeeper' ADAM17 involved in regulating immune response and preventing inflammatory skin disease. Reactivation of Notch signaling rescues local skin inflammation and abnormal immune cell proliferation.
Researchers have identified differences in brain function that may predict future autism symptoms in infants as young as six months old. The study found that these early brain responses associate with a later diagnosis of autism, suggesting direct measures of brain functioning could aid in predicting the development of autism symptoms.
Cell Press introduces Cell Reports, a new open-access journal publishing cutting-edge science on topics from evolutionary biology to immunology. The journal offers concise, provocative stories and rapid publication to facilitate access to research.
Abnormal regulation of viral sensors can lead to autoimmune pathology, according to a new study using a mouse model of human autoimmune disease. The research identifies key pathways linking DNA detection with IFN production and drives different aspects of the immune response.
Research reveals a molecular partnership between ghrelin receptor and dopamine receptor in brain neurons that regulate appetite, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of obesity and dopamine signaling disorders. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets with fewer side effects, offering new hope for treating these conditions.
Researchers discovered a novel intracellular signaling pathway controlling stress-induced CRH gene expression, revealing a key role for Orthopedia protein in stress adaptation. This regulation is critical for neuronal adaptation and failure to activate or terminate the CRH response can lead to chronic pathological conditions.
Statins, cholesterol-lowering medications, have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells with mutant p53 genes. By targeting a specific pathway involved in cell proliferation, statins may be effective in treating these types of tumors.
Researchers have traced the family tree of pigeons to understand how their remarkable variation arose. The study found that some characteristics may have arisen independently on different branches of the family tree or spread through interbreeding, leading to diverse breeds.
A new study has found that stomach cells from the cardia region may give rise to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of esophageal cancer. The research suggests a link between chronic inflammation and bile acid reflux in the development of this disease.
Researchers found that fungi can transform lead into pyromorphite, a more stable mineral form, which could be useful for cleaning up lead-polluted sites. The discovery suggests that introducing fungi may be a viable treatment option for containing lead in contaminated soils.
Researchers found that specific brain areas underlie perception of different 3D structures, including convex and concave surfaces. Electrical stimulation of these areas influenced monkeys' choices and decision-making times.
A newly discovered brain mechanism reveals that cocaine triggers a signaling pathway that activates HDAC5 to limit its rewarding effects and reduce the development of addiction-related behaviors. This finding may lead to new strategies for treating addiction by modulating this protective process.
Researchers have found genetic evidence suggesting that the Galapagos giant tortoise species Chelonoidis elephantopus may still exist in the wild, despite being thought extinct for over 150 years. The discovery was made by tracking the DNA of hybrid offspring between this species and another, C. becki, on Isabela Island.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to find that dogs are receptive to human communication in a manner similar to young children, responding more to verbal cues and intentions than just words. Dogs' brains show sensitivity to communicative intent through verbal addressing and eye contact.
Researchers have successfully produced chimeric monkeys with six distinct genomes, expanding the scope of biomedical research. The breakthrough suggests limitations in using cultured embryonic stem cells and highlights the importance of studying primate and human embryos.
Adult stem cells have been found in the retina of the eye, which can divide and form other cell types. This discovery opens up potential treatments for diseases like age-related macular degeneration, as these cells may be able to repair damaged tissue.
Studies found that p53 activation in fat tissue accelerates insulin resistance in heart failure patients. Researchers hope to develop an anti-aging therapy targeting inflammation without compromising tumor-fighting abilities.
A study in Cell Metabolism identifies serum response factor (Srf) as a crucial signal that tells surrounding muscle stem cells to multiply and join muscle fibers, controlling muscle growth. SRF's role in regulating muscle atrophy is also confirmed, with potential applications for therapies targeting its targets.
Wild chimpanzees make selective decisions about warning calls based on the information available to other group members. They voluntarily produce calls to inform unaware individuals of potential dangers, but not those who already know.
Researchers have discovered that each type of hair follicle works like a distinct sensory organ, tuned to register different types of touches. This network of neurons allows us to perceive important differences in our surroundings.
New research reveals that toddlers don't respond to their own voice in the same way as adults, requiring alternative strategies for controlling speech production. Four-year-olds are shown to monitor their speech similarly to adults, while two-year-olds do not, hinting at a possible reliance on caregivers' feedback.
A new study found that inhibiting necroptosis protects mice from lethal sepsis by blocking a specific cell death pathway. The research may lead to new therapeutic interventions for fatal inflammatory conditions.
Researchers identified a family of molecules that can stimulate stem cells to develop into beating heart muscle cells, paving the way for new therapies for cardiac regeneration and repair. The discoveries were made using a zebrafish model system and showed promise in enhancing the inherent regenerative capacities of the heart.
A new study published in Neuron found that a larger posterior hippocampus and smaller anterior hippocampus are linked to better recollection ability in healthy adults. The researchers suggest that functional connections between the posterior hippocampus and other brain regions play a key role in enhanced memory consolidation.
Researchers found an abnormality in the early steps of auditory processing in the brain, called 'sampling', linked to dyslexia. Dyslexics exhibited enhanced responses to high-frequency rhythms that interfered with verbal memory.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can control their body temperature by releasing cooling fluid during feeding, a strategy that protects them from heat stress and potential hosts' defenses. This finding has implications for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they spread.
A new study finds that nearly all individuals with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) carry mutations in the PRRT2 gene, leading to abnormal neural communication and hyperexcitability. The condition can be well-controlled with existing drugs and often resolves with age.
A study reveals that plant cells use sugar to control the size of plasmodesmata, regulating the passage of signaling molecules. This spatial and temporal control influences root formation during plant development.
A study by Eleanor Maguire found that taxi driver training increases gray matter in the hippocampus, a brain area responsible for memory and spatial navigation. The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt to new tasks, even in adulthood.
Researchers analyzed long-term imaging data to uncover coordinated anatomical changes in brain development across the cortex. They found that functionally connected regions mature together and exhibit tightly coupled patterns of growth, with notable differences between males and females.
Researchers found that patients with fatty livers burn more fat and produce glucose faster than those with healthy livers, potentially leading to organ damage. The study's findings challenge previous assumptions about the role of metabolism in fatty liver disease.
A study found that individuals carrying a mutant gene associated with high HDL cholesterol can more efficiently clear triglycerides from their system. This discovery provides new insights into the role of glycosylation in lipid metabolism and has implications for the treatment of heart disease.