A combination approach therapy targeting β-catenin pathway may stamp out CML for good. Leukemia stem cells are vulnerable to treatments aiming at this pathway, unlike normal blood stem cells.
Researchers have discovered a hormone that can be produced by fat stem cells to lower blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. The hormone appears to bypass the need for insulin, sending glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscle cells.
Rapamycin, a widely used cancer and transplant drug, leads to diabetes in 15% of patients due to its effect on muscle cells' insulin signal. Researchers discovered that a single transcription factor, YY1, plays a key role in this process. Mice lacking YY1 are protected from diabetes when taking rapamycin.
Cell Press has introduced a new career network to facilitate the discovery of best jobs for life scientists. The site offers improved navigation, advanced resources, and an expanded resume option.
Bilingualism has been shown to improve cognitive reserve and sustain better cognitive performance throughout the lifespan, potentially delaying dementia onset. Lifelong experience managing multiple languages reorganizes specific brain networks, creating a more effective basis for executive control.
A new study identified a key mechanism driving breast cancer invasion and linked it to ErbB2 amplification and cathepsin expression. This research offers insights into the molecular basis of ErbB2-induced malignancy and potential therapeutic targets for treatment-resistant forms.
Two studies published in Neuron have developed groundbreaking models that predict the landscape of degeneration in various forms of dementia. The models, which focus on structural and functional connectivity networks, suggest that dementias target specific networks of neurons linked by connectivity rather than spatial proximity.
Researchers found that giant squids' large eyes are better suited for spotting large objects, like whales, rather than average prey. Their 10-inch eyes allow them to see predators from a distance despite the dim light of their underwater habitat.
A study using integrative Personal Omics Profiling (iPOP) combines genome sequencing, disease risk analysis, and molecular measures to capture changes in human biology. The researchers observe tens of thousands of components over two years, revealing dynamic molecular-level changes that provide meaningful physiological information.
Researchers have solved the atomic structure of closed plasminogen, a key player in the clot-busting process, revealing an 'Achilles' heel' that proteins bind to when it opens up. This discovery may lead to more effective clot-busting drugs for treating heart attacks and strokes.
Scientists discovered an effective way to eliminate a persistent form of HIV-1 through vaccination strategy. The research found that heightened immune response prior to virus reactivation facilitates the elimination of latent viral reservoir, paving the way for true eradication.
A new study suggests that egocentric behavior in children is linked to an immature prefrontal cortex, rather than a lack of understanding of fairness. Researchers found age-related increases in strategic decision-making between ages 6-13 years, with improved impulse control and brain activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Research reveals that repeated stress affects memory by reducing glutamate receptors in the prefrontal cortex, impairing high-level cognitive processes. The study provides critical insight into how chronic stress influences mental illnesses and offers potential targets for prevention and treatment.
Researchers discovered that mice with an extra copy of the tumor suppressor Pten gene experience hyperactive brown fat, burning energy instead of storing it. This leads to improved metabolic balance, reduced insulin resistance, and lower liver fat, contributing to longer lifespan and cancer prevention.
Researchers discovered that exercise alters DNA molecules within muscles, leading to improved strength and metabolism. The study also found that caffeine can mimic this effect, suggesting a potential alternative to traditional exercise for some individuals.
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.