A new study reveals a previously unrecognized susceptibility factor for bipolar disorder, with genetic variation in the neurocan (NCAN) gene associated with an increased risk. The findings suggest that NCAN variants may disturb neuronal processes in patients with bipolar disorder, leading to cognitive deficits.
Astrocytes are essential for making long-term memories, and their dysfunction can lead to amnesia. Long-term memory formation depends on the delivery of lactate from astrocytes into neurons.
A new study found that individuals with high GABA responsiveness are quicker to learn simple motor tasks. Higher GABA concentrations at baseline are associated with slower reaction times and less brain activation during learning.
Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.
Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.
A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.
Researchers discovered that migrating sea turtles rely on a combination of two magnetic parameters: inclination and intensity. By detecting these variations, the turtles can extract more information from the Earth's field than initially apparent.
A recent special issue of Neuron examines the complexities of addiction research, highlighting genetic vulnerability, neuronal transmission, and behavioral treatments. The study reveals profound changes in behavior and suggests that therapeutic strategies should focus on reversing cognitive deficits.
Researchers studying historical collections found that a marine bryozoan's growth doubled between 1990 and the present, indicating an increase in polar carbon sinks. The shift is likely due to ozone losses and increased wind speeds, which boost plankton production.
Researchers found that osteocalcin produced in bone enhances testosterone production in testes, supporting sperm survival. This discovery links the skeleton to male fertility and may provide insights into unexplained infertility cases.
Researchers found that the brain area responsible for reading is active in blind individuals who read Braille, challenging the idea of sensory specialization. The study suggests that the brain is a task-oriented system that can adapt to new tasks without prior experience.
Scientists have made progress in understanding the role of p63 in eliminating damaged egg cells before they mature. A study found that a specific form of p63, TAp63a, is activated by DNA damage and triggers cell death.
The study provides the first detailed atomic model of tropomyosin bound to actin, significantly advancing our understanding of this key cellular protein. The researchers found that the interaction between tropomyosin and actin is weak enough that it can be readily perturbed by regulatory proteins, acting as a molecular switch.
Researchers identify significant differences in timing of cell fate commitment between mice and cattle, raising implications for embryonic stem cell generation. The study shows that the early implantation process is driven by a key evolutionary step enabling early implantation in mice.
A vaccine that induces antibodies in vaginal tissue is sufficient to protect monkeys from HIV exposure, challenging traditional blood-based immunity approaches. The study found mucosal antibodies can block viral entry without neutralizing effects in the bloodstream.
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.
A new study reveals that early defects in sensory synapses contribute to motor neuron disease progression, suggesting therapeutic strategies targeting spinal synapses may slow or prevent disease progression.
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-...
Cell Press won the PROSE Award for Excellence in Biological & Life Sciences for its 'Article of the Future' format, which offers a personalized reading experience. This award reflects Elsevier's and Cell Press' commitment to evolving scientific publications with new technologies.
A recent survey of US stem cell scientists reveals substantial negative impacts of ongoing policy uncertainty on their work, including changes to science type and quality, delays in new projects, and hindered collaborations.
A new study reveals that BRCA1 mutations regulate cell fate in breast tissue, leading to the formation of aggressive basal-like tumors. Cells with mutant BRCA1 exhibit elevated Slug levels and remain immature, stalled in a premature state of development.
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.
A new study couples a complex genetic screening technique in humans with functional validation of results in flies to study human disease. The strategy has the potential to be an effective approach for understanding complex disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Cell Alerts offers free, instant access to high-impact research articles from top journals like Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. The app also features upcoming conference listings, enabling easy browsing on-the-go.
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.
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.
A new study reveals complex molecular mechanisms associated with chronic stress and its link to depression. The research found that genetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a crucial role in determining susceptibility to depression.
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.
Research reveals erythropoietin (EPO) has contrasting influences on infectious and inflammatory diseases. EPO reduces the ability of the immune system to fight off systemic infections but decreases inflammation in non-infectious conditions.
A new study links an oncometabolite to widespread gene expression alterations in brain cancer and leukemia, promoting tumorigenesis. The research suggests that targeting the metabolic pathway may guide the development of new cancer therapies.
Researchers found that SIK2 suppressed CREB-mediated gene expression after oxygen and glucose deprivation, increasing neuronal survival in mice lacking SIK2. The SIK2-TORC1-CREB signaling pathway may serve as a potential therapeutic target for promoting neuron survival.
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.
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.
A compound found in birch bark, betulin, has been shown to lower cholesterol and prevent diet-induced obesity in mice. It works by targeting SREBPs, transcription factors involved in lipid synthesis, and also improves insulin sensitivity.
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.
A large collaborative study has identified 64 new genetic variants associated with adult height, providing insight into the complex trait. The research suggests that genotyping arrays with rare and uncommon single-nucleotide polymorphisms can capture new signals and disease variants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists created a 3D map of the fruit fly brain's neural networks, revealing 41 local processing units, 6 hubs, and 58 tracts. The breakthrough enables researchers to analyze how the brain processes information and control behaviors.
A new study reveals how diabetes disrupts brain cholesterol synthesis, leading to neurologic complications such as depression and increased Alzheimer's disease risk. Insulin therapy restores normal cholesterol production in the brain.
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.