A new human genetic mutation, C9ORF72 repeat expansion, is identified as the most common cause of ALS and frontotemporal dementia. This mutation explains at least a third of all familial cases in Europeans and nearly half of all cases in Finland.
A new study published in Immunity sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying immune tolerance and regulatory T cells. Researchers discovered that GATA-3 controls Foxp3 expression, revealing a crucial role for this transcription factor in regulating Treg function and immune response.
A new study reveals that endothelial cells release cytokines in response to flu infection, rather than virus-infected cells. This finding opens the door for a new type of flu therapy targeting these immune responses.
A new study reveals that warming seas are changing the composition of fish communities in the northeast Atlantic, with southerly species dominating and colder species declining. The analysis of data from over a million fish across 28 years shows a significant increase in warm-water species and a decrease in cold-adapted species.
Researchers have identified protein signatures in mouse blood samples that reflect lung cancer biology in humans, paving the way for better monitoring of tumor progression and potential early detection strategies. The study's findings also suggest that these signatures may be useful in detecting lung cancer at an earlier stage.
A new study reveals that infants' brain networks mature enough to identify pain distinct from touch around 35-37 weeks gestation. This finding may impact treatment and development of premature newborns, who can exhibit altered pain behavior due to excessive noxious input during neonatal care.
A new study links an inherited mutation in the myelin oligodendrocyte gene (MOG) to rare forms of narcolepsy and multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. The research identifies a unique mutation present only in affected family members, highlighting the role of MOG in disease susceptibility.
Research reveals that newborn neurons in adults are more likely to survive if they undergo sensory experience followed by a period of rest. This survival is linked to structural reorganization of the olfactory bulb after feeding, and prior olfactory sensory experience enhances neuronal survival during sleep.
A new study identifies a novel link between neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease pathology, revealing that an inflammatory mediator enhances A² protein plaque formation. The research also highlights the potential therapeutic target of NOS2 inhibition for treating AD.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect linked to Leigh syndrome, a devastating mitochondrial disease. The finding offers promise for improved diagnosis and potential treatments.
Researchers found that a socially engaging environment can convert white fat to brown fat, leading to increased energy expenditure and weight loss. The study suggests that social isolation may contribute to obesity, highlighting the importance of social engagement in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutated gene affecting ion transport across cell membranes. Researchers have discovered an unexpected way to send mutant proteins to the surface to restore ion transport. Higher levels of GRASP65 escort mutant CFTR channels to the cell surface, dramatically extending the lives of mice with cystic fibrosis.
A recent study by Dr. Andrea Ballabio and colleagues discovered a key role for transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating lysosomal exocytosis, which can rescue cells from toxic waste buildup. The findings suggest an innovative approach to treating metabolic disorders associated with lysosomal storage diseases.
Researchers trained 11-month-old infants to improve their concentration skills, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities in unrelated tasks. This early training may have significant implications for improving academic success, particularly for children at risk of poor outcomes.
Repeated cocaine use increases depressive-like responses in a mouse model of depression, linking substance abuse with increased stress-related illnesses. Histone modifications play a key role in this process, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for mood disorders associated with substance abuse.
New research finds that hippocampal neurons encode every sequential moment in a series of events, bridging gaps between discontiguous events. The activity of these 'time cells' signals the timing of key events and can differentiate between different types of sequences.
Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.
A new computational model realistically simulates ion channel function, providing insight into bacterial channels that cause deadly infections and informing potential drug design against them. The study focuses on PorB, a channel formed by Neisseria meningitidis, which is linked to antibiotic resistance.
Research suggests that blood stem cells may play a role in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of mature white blood cells. CLL often begins with an asymptomatic proliferation of B cells called monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL). The study found that hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to any type of...
A recent study tracking chimpanzee brain development found that both humans and chimps have immature forebrains at birth. The study's findings suggest that this developmental delay may provide an extended period of plasticity, enabling both species to develop complex social skills.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of mealybug-dwelling bacteria, revealing a level of molecular integration between species that has never been seen. The study found that the bacteria have evolved to trade metabolites and enzymes to produce essential amino acids, with one genome shrinking to its smallest ever described size.
A new study uses advanced analysis to predict reaction time by assessing neural firing rates in the brain. The research found that the degree of neural activity advancement at the 'go' cue significantly affects reaction time.
Researchers found that activating p38alpha MAPK reduces stress resilience by decreasing serotonin levels in the brain. This leads to depression-like behaviors, social avoidance, and drug-seeking behavior. The study suggests a novel therapeutic target to promote stress resilience.
A novel DNA-sensing mechanism plays a role in the innate immune response to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The study identifies an unknown receptor coupling to molecules linked with DNA-mediated type I interferon production, suggesting a broader impact on infectious diseases.
Researchers develop a method to convert human skin cells into neurons, offering a potential shortcut for generating replacement therapies. The new approach has already yielded insights into Alzheimer's disease and could be used for testing new drug candidates.
Scientists have successfully turned mouse embryonic stem cells into healthy sperm by coaxing them into primordial germ cells. This breakthrough allows for the potential creation of fertile offspring using induced pluripotent stem cells from adult skin cells.
Researchers have identified a key gene that enables the brain to continue growing while other organs shut down in fetal development. This genetic link may hold clues for understanding intra-uterine growth restriction and its potential links to metabolic disease later in life.
A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell found that low doses of erythropoietin (EPO) may reduce the risk of heart failure associated with some anticancer therapies. EPO was shown to bind to cardiac stem cells and restore their ability to form new blood vessels, preserving cardiac function.
Researchers found that growing blood stem cells for about a week can improve transplantation success rates by reducing immune rejection. The lab-grown HSCs produce an immune system inhibitor on their surface, making them less likely to be rejected and more likely to engraft into the recipient's blood.
Scientists have identified a rare genetic mutation that underlies adermatoglyphia, a condition characterized by the complete absence of fingerprints. The study provides valuable insight into the genetics of fingerprint formation and highlights the usefulness of rare genetic mutations in understanding human biology.
In a new study, researchers found that when brain cells are starved, they turn to self-cannibalism through autophagy, which increases hunger signals and makes diets ineffective. Blocking this process may lead to weight loss and improved energy balance.
Research ties aging muscle weakness to leaky calcium channels in muscle cells. A drug already in Phase II clinical trials for heart failure may help repair these channels, restoring muscle function. The study's findings suggest a new approach to addressing age-related muscle wasting by focusing on muscle function rather than mass.
A signaling pathway plays a key role in determining the type of new neurons generated from postnatal neural stem cells. The study found that sonic hedgehog signaling, which is active in specific locations within the subventricular zone, influences neuron production and can redirect adult stem cell fate.
Researchers have identified key mRNA molecules that the Fragile-X mental retardation protein binds to in brains of mice, suggesting new avenues for treating intellectual disability and autism. The study also proposes two possible treatment strategies: lowering specific protein activity or replacing FMRP's ability to regulate translation.
A new study reveals that subsets of dendritic cells in the skin can promote unique and opposite immune responses against the same type of infection. The research highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in initiating an effective immune response.
Researchers discover house mice acquired warfarin resistance from Algerian mice through interbreeding, highlighting multiple pathways to trait evolution. This unusual process helps explain rodents' ability to resist poison and informs strategies for controlling evolved resistances.
Researchers discovered that many proteins are required for maximum toxicity of ricin and PE, with differing requirements at multiple levels. Understanding toxin trafficking may lead to designing treatments targeting these toxins and potential synergistic therapies.
Researchers discovered that trees in Chilean forests relying on hoverflies for pollination fare better when separated by resource-poor pine plantations than by agricultural lands. The 'Circe Principle' explains how abundant resources can slow or prevent pollinator movement, challenging existing conservation models.
Researchers identified a pathogenic mutation in the VPS35 gene associated with late-onset Parkinson's disease, implicating a novel protein-recycling pathway in neurodegeneration. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and highlights the potential for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers examined the brain of a person with object agnosia, revealing that damage to a specific area can affect distant cortical regions. The study suggests that neural plasticity is possible even when the brain is damaged in adulthood.
Leptin's antiobesity effects are attributed to modulation of inhibitory output via GABA neurons, which suppress appetite and energy expenditure.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme in glioblastoma stem cells that allows them to grow and seed tumors. Unlike normal stem cells, these enzymes are not shared, making them a potential target for therapy. The study found that inhibiting this pathway slows the growth of brain tumors in mice, offering hope for improved treatment options.
A study in Current Biology found that polar bears and brown bears have mated successfully for 100,000 years, resulting in unexpected genetic connections between the two species. The research suggests that climate change may be responsible for these hybridizations, which could impact conservation strategies.
Researchers explore the effects of thiazolidinediones on fat tissue, finding that they remodel adipose tissue and lead to weight gain. The studies also reveal a link between rosiglitazone's vascular benefits and the hormone adiponectin.
A new imaging technology reveals that metabolic shifts in cancer cells occur even before detectable tumors form, suggesting an early diagnostic tool for liver cancer. The study also shows that tumor metabolism changes precede tumor regression, offering potential strategies for cancer treatment and more effective therapies.
Researchers identified a key virus-sensing mechanism necessary for a successful immune response against retroviruses, including HIV. The study found that sensing of early stages of retroviral infection is sufficient to induce an efficient immune response.
A new study reveals that young babies' brains show activation in a temporal lobe area when hearing emotionally neutral human sounds, such as coughing or yawning, than familiar toy sounds.
A study identified a novel sensor that is necessary to activate the immune response to viral infection. The research highlights the complex and overlapping mechanisms used by immune cells to detect viruses, providing insights into the development of more effective antiviral therapeutics.
Research reveals that leftover embryonic cells found in all adults may be precursors of deadly esophageal cancers, including Barrett's esophagus. The study suggests targeting these precursor cells as a potential strategy for stopping the disease before it starts.
Researchers have found that stress can be inherited through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression and potentially influencing diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and schizophrenia. This discovery has implications for the impact of stress on future generations.