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Squid pheromone sparks extreme aggression on contact

A new study in Current Biology found that male squid become aggressively after contacting a chemical on female eggs, revealing the first detailed evidence of an aggression-inducing pheromone in any aquatic animal. This discovery challenges previous theories on aggression and highlights the complex communication system of squid.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Neural mechanisms linked with vulnerability to anxiety

A study published in Neuron reveals that individual differences in amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex function are independently associated with anxiety vulnerability. High trait anxiety individuals show enhanced amygdala response and faster fear acquisition, while vmPFC recruitment is linked to reduced fear responses in fear-...

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 9, 2011

For stem cells, a way to keep score

A new method allows for quick and comprehensive characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and embryonic stem cell lines, enabling high-throughput assessment of quality and differentiation efficiency. The approach yields genome-wide reference maps detailing epigenetic and gene expression landscapes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 3, 2011

Want more efficient muscles? Eat your spinach

A new study suggests that consuming inorganic nitrate from spinach can improve mitochondrial efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen consumption while exercising. This increase in efficiency may contribute to the known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens like spinach.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 1, 2011

Liver, dietary proteins key in fertility

A new study reveals that estrogen receptors in the liver are critical for maintaining fertility, with dietary protein playing a crucial role. The researchers found that mice on calorie-restricted diets showed reduced reproductive cycles, but those given more protein restored normal function.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 1, 2011

Brain 'GPS' illuminated in migratory monarch butterflies

Researchers have identified a complex brain navigation system in migrating monarch butterflies that integrates internal compass, sun compass, and skylight cues to guide their long-distance migrations. The study reveals the integration of seemingly contradictory signals into a consistent neural representation of the environment.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 26, 2011

Cancer in a single catastrophe

Researchers have discovered that cancer can arise rapidly after a single catastrophic event involving tens to hundreds of genomic rearrangements. This phenomenon, known as chromothripsis, is seen in at least two percent of all cancers and up to 25 percent of bone cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 2011

A blood test for Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers have created a potential method for detecting Alzheimer's disease with a simple blood test using synthetic molecules. The new technology may lead to blood tests for many important diseases if it proves successful.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 2011

Fueling the body on fat

A new report reveals a key mechanism linking cellular energy state with whole-body energy state, optimizing fat absorption. Researchers found that the AMPK-SRC-2 pathway plays a crucial role in regulating fat uptake and storage.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 4, 2011

How exercise grows a healthy heart

A new study in mice suggests that exercise turns on a genetic program that leads the heart to grow as heart muscle cells divide. Researchers identified a key transcription factor involved in this process, which may have clinical implications for those with heart failure or other conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

You are what your father ate too

A new study found that mice sired by fathers on a low-protein diet exhibit changes in metabolic genes, passed down via the sperm, and associated with improved cholesterol metabolism. This suggests transgenerational reprogramming of metabolism, challenging traditional views on the impact of parental nutrition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

Tau disrupts neural communication prior to neurodegeneration

A new study reveals how tau protein disrupts neuronal communication at synapses before obvious neuron damage, leading to early memory deficits and impaired synaptic function. The research identifies aberrant mislocalization of tau proteins in dendritic spines as a key mechanism driving disease progression.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 22, 2010

Young female chimps treat sticks like dolls

A study of 14 years of observation of Kanyawara chimpanzees found that females tend to play with sticks more often than males and occasionally treat them like mother chimps caring for infants. This suggests a possible link between biological predilections and sex-stereotyped socialization in object play.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 20, 2010

Immune cell plays unexpected role in autoimmune disease

A new study finds that dendritic cells play a key role in amplifying autoimmune disease, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research suggests that depleting dendritic cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SLE and potentially other autoimmune diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateDec 16, 2010

When the brain knows no fear

A new study on a woman without an amygdala, a key structure in generating fear reactions, reveals that humans also lack this function. Despite encountering traumatic events, she experiences little to no fear, while still feeling other emotions like happiness and sadness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 16, 2010

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is ultimately a stem cell disease

Researchers found that Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms emerge when skeletal muscle stem cells can no longer keep up with repairs, leading to progressive muscle weakening and respiratory failure. Successful treatments targeting muscle stem cells may alleviate symptoms and offer new hope for managing the disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2010

New mechanism links cellular stress and brain damage

A new study reveals that ER stress can lead to the destruction of a protein that regulates calcium signaling in neurons, causing brain damage similar to neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that a protective chaperone protein helps maintain the interaction between this protein and calcium signaling.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 8, 2010

Mutation linked to protein degradation underlies inherited ALS

A new study identifies a previously unrecognized mutation in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene, which causes an inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research provides new insight into the disease's underlying pathology and validates the exome sequencing technique for identifying genetic causes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 8, 2010

Genetic mutations associated with increased PSA and prostate cancer

Researchers have identified genetic mutations associated with elevated PSA levels in men diagnosed with prostate cancer, offering potential new biomarkers for disease monitoring. The study's findings suggest that sequencing of selected mitochondrial regions could provide valuable information for prognosis.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 2, 2010

Genetic alteration linked with disorders of sex determination

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals a genetic alteration, MAP3K1, responsible for disorders of sex determination (DSD). The discovery provides insight into the cause of DSDs and contributes to better management, including the importance of removing gonads early to prevent cancer.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 2, 2010

Source of protection against saturated fat found

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a protein called Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) protects against the severe inflammatory response caused by high levels of saturated fat. Mice deficient in this protein showed massive lymph node expansion and died after consuming a diet high in saturated fats.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 30, 2010

For macaques, male bonding is a political move

Research finds that unrelated male macaques in the wild form close relationships with select males, resembling human friendship. These bonds are linked to future social dominance and successful mating, suggesting a role of politics in shaping male social dynamics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 18, 2010

Rare mutations linked with catastrophic aortic aneurysms

Researchers identify 47 copy-number variant regions associated with sporadic and familial aortic aneurysms (TAAD), highlighting disrupted smooth muscle function as key mechanism. The findings have significant implications for other adult-onset cardiovascular disorders, suggesting potential targets for screening and prevention.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

New insight into dementia pathophysiology

A new study has uncovered the role of Sortilin in regulating Progranulin levels in neurons, which may hold promise for treating frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research found that Sortilin-mediated PGRN endocytosis is a key pathway underlying FTLD-TDP pathophysiology.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2010

It takes 2: Double detection key for sensing muscle pain

A new study reveals that adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) works in synergy with lactic acid to sense muscle pain. The researchers found that ATP increases the sensitivity of acid sensing channel #3 (ASIC3) on sensory neurons, helping to explain why acid alone is unable to trigger ischemic pain.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2010

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Cell Press introduces Cell DNA, a free daily news aggregation service covering life sciences topics. Readers can subscribe to receive daily email digests with news summaries and comment on stories.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 2010