Researchers have isolated a new strain of marine bacteria, Poriferisphaera hetertotrophicis, that grows faster in nutrient-rich media and multiplies via a budding mechanism. The bacterium releases a chronic virus, phage-ZRK32, which facilitates nitrogen metabolism and increases growth.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human microglia cells into mouse retina, creating a model for studying treatments for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The study demonstrates the potential of microglial replacement therapy to treat retinal and central nervous system diseases.
Early linguliform brachiopods developed stacked sandwich columns in their shells, increasing toughness and flexibility. These structures may have contributed to the species' widespread dispersal during the Cambrian explosion.
Scientists have successfully restored damaged nerve-to-muscle connections in a highly aggressive mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using grafted replacement motor neurons and optical nerve stimulation. The treatment improved muscle contraction force by over 13-fold, suggesting its potential for treating ALS patients.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment approach for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting a receptor called Adgrf1. Overexpressing Adgrf1 improved insulin sensitivity and reduced lipid accumulation in liver cells, suggesting its role in fat metabolism.
A new study reveals that biodiversity research is unbalanced, with attention focused on certain species over others. The study analyzed over 3,000 species and found a four-fold difference in scientific papers between the most studied species and those with no publications. Societal interest was more spread out, but still had significan...
Researchers developed a novel maze design that allows for the tracking of mice's navigational strategies, revealing three primary approaches: random, spatial, and serial search. The study provides valuable insights into how animals select these strategies based on environmental factors.
Researchers created comprehensive fine-grained functional maps of infant brain networks, providing unprecedented details on brain development from birth to two years old. The study revealed novel insights into when different brain functions develop during infancy and provided valuable references for early brain developmental studies.
Researchers developed a new test that measures multiple characteristics of circulating tumour DNA to detect and localize multiple cancer types. The SPOT-MAS approach detected 73% of cancers with 97% accuracy, predicting the tissue of origin with 70% accuracy.
A scorpionfish protein has been found to effectively kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria from patients with cystic fibrosis, escaping an immune response that renders the human version of the protein ineffective. This discovery may provide new therapeutic options for treating chronic bacterial infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers created a digital replica of patients' hearts to inform arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) diagnosis and treatment. The 'genotype-specific digital-twin' strategy could tailor therapies based on individual genetics, improving precision healthcare in other diseases.
A study in South African households found no association between frequency/duration of close contact and COVID-19 transmission. Airborne transmission, particularly in poorly ventilated environments, may play a larger role in spreading the virus.
A mouse model of multiple sclerosis reveals evidence of inflammatory gene expression spilling over from the brain's barrier to grey matter. The study uses spatial transcriptomics to show a gradient of immune genes and inflammatory markers from meninges to surrounding brain tissue.
Researchers have identified two candidate genes, EPHA6 and MUC4, that may play a role in gut chronic inflammation leading to IBD. The study used genetically diverse mice to mirror human populations and found that increased expression of MUC4 in part of the colon may increase IBD risk in humans.
The study found that multiple copies of two genes, cldnj and fthl27, enable the hadal snailfish to maintain auditory senses and withstand high pressure. The fish's genetic variations allowed it to adapt to the absence of light in the deep sea, with some genes related to circadian rhythms lost.
A study found that social isolation is associated with a decrease in hippocampal volume, poorer cognitive performance, and an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's dementia. Conversely, maintaining a healthy social network can help preserve brain structure and function.
Flying squirrels in China's southern rainforests use a unique storage method, chewing grooves into nuts and wedging them between branches, to keep them safe from decomposition. This behavior demonstrates their cognitive and engineering skills, potentially contributing to the dispersal of nut-producing trees throughout the forest.
Researchers have identified a number of candidate genes that may drive the development of conditions like Type 2 Diabetes. The study found that proteins such as PCSK1, SUR1 and GLUT2 play a role in calcium ion dynamics and insulin secretion.
A study of tropical tree species found that older, slower-growing trees accumulate more somatic mutations, which can be transmitted to seeds, increasing genetic variation and adaptation. The rate of mutations per year is similar between the two species, suggesting a clock-like accumulation of mutations with age.
A 24-year study of freshwater fish exposed to warm water pollution found changes in growth rates, death rates, and size. Despite expectations, the study revealed that warmer waters led to larger fish, contradicting general predictions of global warming's effects on natural ecosystems.
Researchers have proposed a new evolutionary model for the origin of the Bamfordvirae kingdom of viruses, suggesting a billion-year evolutionary arms race between two groups and their hosts. The study reveals strong evidence against a sister relationship between adenoviruses and NCLDVs, instead supporting a common ancestor with Mavericks.
Researchers propose a new theory on how cancer cells actively adapt to evade the immune system, losing and gaining tumor-associated antigens. This adaptation makes it difficult for immunotherapies to target cancer cells effectively, but may also create new vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted.
Greater mouse-eared bats prioritize high-calorie, high-risk ground-dwelling insects but switch to aerial prey when environmental conditions hinder their ground-foraging success. This study reveals that bats rely heavily on ground prey due to its nutritional value and higher profitability.
A study published in eLife characterizes seasonal effects on human social behavior and indoor mixing patterns for respiratory disease transmission risk. The analysis reveals that the proportion of indoor to outdoor activity is seasonal, with stronger seasonality at northern regions and an additional summer peak in southern regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial and diverse impact on cancer care, with changes to screening, diagnosis, and treatment reported. However, the available evidence on how this affected cancer prognosis is limited.
Researchers have successfully produced lab-grown fat tissue with a similar texture and make-up to naturally occurring fats from animals. The breakthrough could enable large-scale production of cultured meat with a more realistic texture and flavor.
A study reveals that neutrophils destroy liver cells undergoing apoptosis by burrowing into them, contradicting previous beliefs about their role in immune responses. The findings also suggest that a lack of neutrophils may contribute to human autoimmune liver disease.
Researchers have identified a highly conserved region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that could be targeted to boost human antibody responses against any coronavirus. The discovery could aid the development of more powerful antibody drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and emerging coronaviruses.
A study found that malaria parasites invest more in sexual reproduction and less in asexual replication during low-transmission environments. Low LPC levels in human blood plasma are associated with increased gametocyte production and transmission.
A new study analyzing household transmission data found that the top 20% of infected individuals cause three times more infections than the average person, highlighting individual differences in infectiousness.
Researchers developed a model to predict how locally tailored pandemic control measures can halt disease transmission and reduce societal burden. The study suggests that targeted interventions in subnational regions could have been just as effective as national lockdowns, resulting in fewer hospital admissions.
Researchers found that FABP5 is linked to more aggressive disease and poorer survival in multiple myeloma. Patients with higher FABP5 expression had significantly shorter time to disease progression and overall survival.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies have distinct hunger drives, one driven by need and the other by pleasure, which arise from unique neural mechanisms. The study found that hungry flies increase feeding event duration and total events, and identified specific brain regions activated by pleasurable food environments.
A decade-long analysis reveals that most clinical trials are never cited by the time they reach point-of-care, with less than one in two Phase III trials being cited across 9 out of 18 medical specialties. The study found that NIH funding correlates strongly with citation rates, with costs ranging from $48,086 to $874 per new citation.
A study found that the Omicron variant can dodge immune responses with just one or two dramatic mutations, while combinations of many mutations enable it to escape specific antibodies. The research suggests trade-offs between escaping immunity and maintaining infective capacity.
Researchers from the University of Oxford-affiliated researchers found that high doses of ivermectin are ineffective in treating COVID-19. The study used the PLATCOV trial to compare the rates at which different drugs reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, and the results suggest that ivermectin does not have measurable antiviral activity.
A review of associations between cancer waiting times and treatment outcomes highlights inconsistencies in reporting, suggesting a need for standardized approaches. The analysis suggests that lag times between cancer diagnosis and treatment need to be updated to take into account different timepoints and newer treatments.
Researchers found that rats adopt a non-greedy strategy to balance speed and accuracy, sacrificing immediate rewards for improved learning outcomes. The study suggests that slower reaction times lead to faster learning and higher rewards in both experimental and simulated environments.
The study suggests that human exchanges, such as trade and travel, and exchanges between ecosystems drive the spread of aminoglycoside resistance. Aminoglycoside genes were detected in over 160,000 bacteria genomes across all continents, with most found in clinical, human, and farm samples.
A study published in eLife has linked infection with the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that individuals with high genetic risk scores for coronary heart disease were at elevated risk for cardiovascular events.
A study published in eLife found that one in two cancer patients developed long COVID-19 symptoms persisting beyond six months after initial infection. Female cancer patients were more likely to experience long COVID-19 compared to men, and most cases could be managed as outpatients.
A new study analyzes the microstructure of eggshells from living and extinct flightless birds, shedding light on their evolutionary history. The research finds that wedge-like microstructures in rhea eggs evolved from ancient ancestors, while prism-like structures in ostrich and tinamous eggs likely developed independently.
A study by Noa Barak-Gavish and colleagues revealed that Roseobacter bacteria undergo a lifestyle switch from coexistence to pathogenicity when interacting with phytoplankton. This switch is triggered by the production of chemical compounds, allowing the bacteria to 'eat-and-run' in search of suitable hosts.
Researchers found women's immune responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine are stronger, while those with prior exposure have different type I IFN signatures. This interaction may affect vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers found that the molecular clock helps cells maintain normal physiology during and after prolonged starvation, enabling them to adapt more efficiently. The study suggests that a functional circadian clock is crucial for cellular recovery after glucose deprivation.
A recent study published in eLife found that childhood body mass index has a minimal effect on anxiety symptoms, but conflicting evidence about its impact on depressive and ADHD symptoms. The researchers suggest that policies targeting social and environmental factors may be more beneficial for improving child mental health.
Researchers characterized prostate cancer cell dynamics at single-cell resolution, revealing an expansion of intermediate cells that correlates with treatment resistance and poor clinical outcomes. A 5-gene signature associated with treatment resistance was also discovered.
A new antimalarial drug, tafenoquine, is found to require a higher dose of 450mg to achieve cure rates of 85% compared to the current 300mg dose of 70%. The study suggests that the single-dose tafenoquine is not as effective as optimal primaquine treatment in preventing vivax malaria relapses in all endemic regions.
A study finds that microbial communities can rapidly respond to temperature fluctuations by re-activating latent species adapted to thrive at different temperatures. This 'species sorting' mechanism allows communities to survive in response to changing environmental conditions.
Forests with multiple tree species have been shown to be more productive, as different species fill distinct niches and compete less. Additionally, genetic diversity within each tree species also promotes forest productivity by increasing resource use efficiency and reducing damage from herbivores and fungi.