Machine learning tool improves tracking of tiny moving particles
A new machine learning tool, KymoButler, automates the analysis of kymographs to track particle movements inside living cells. This improves research efficiency and reduces bias.
eLife
Scientists shed new light on how we perceive vibrations through touch
Researchers found a universal frequency decoding system that overrules tactile sensory channels when perceiving vibrotactile stimuli. This discovery suggests that different skin regions with varying receptors can cause the same brain sensations, revolutionizing our understanding of touch perception.
Scientists identify propranolol's target in treating rare condition and hemangiomas
Researchers have identified propranolol's molecular target for its ability to treat vascular diseases, including hemangiomas and hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia. The study suggests that a specific component of the drug may be responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Fly antimicrobial defence system doubles as tumor-killer
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster produces more Defensin, which interacts with dying tumour cells and kills them, while sparing normal cells. This finding reveals an anti-tumour role for Defensin and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms behind AMPs' killing action.
Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections
Researchers found that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in fighting off viral infections in the nervous system. A study using mice showed that bacteria-free animals were unable to eliminate viruses and developed paralysis, while those with normal gut bacteria were better protected.
Impaired learning linked to family history of Alzheimer's
A large internet-based study found adults with a close relative with Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired learning and memory, exacerbated by diabetes or genetic variations. Higher education levels and women appear to protect against cognitive decline.
Decentralising science may lead to more reliable results
A recent study found that decentralized collaboration in scientific research can increase the robustness of findings, particularly in drug-gene interactions. Independent groups using different methods are less prone to peer pressure and more likely to replicate results accurately.
Scientists identify new virus-killing protein
Researchers discovered a new protein called KHNYN that works together with the known virus-killing protein ZAP to target viral genomes and destroy viruses. This natural antiviral system has potential applications in developing new vaccines and treatments for cancer.
Brain imaging may help identify teens at risk of increasing alcohol use
A whole brain imaging study found that excess grey matter in the brain can predict escalating drinking behavior in teens. Teens with more grey matter in certain regions were more likely to increase their drinking habits over time.
Changes in blood flow tell heart cells to regenerate
A study in eLife reveals that altered blood flow after heart injury triggers a signalling cascade that promotes cell growth and heart tissue regeneration in zebrafish. The findings provide insights into signalling pathways important for heart regeneration in mammals, including the potential to repair the human heart.
Almost 400 medical practices found ineffective in analysis of 3,000 studies
A comprehensive analysis of 3,000 clinical studies published across three top medical journals identified nearly 400 established medical practices as ineffective. Cardiovascular disease and public health/preventive medicine were the most commonly represented categories among these reversals.
How proteins help influenza A bind and slice its way to cells
Researchers have gained insight into how influenza A virus particles utilize the balance between HA and NA proteins to penetrate host mucus barriers. The proteins are organized asymmetrically, enabling persistent directional motion that allows the virus to effectively overcome its first line of defense.
Traces of crawling in Italian cave give clues to ancient humans' social behavior
Researchers analyzed human tracks from 14,000 years ago, discovering five individuals entered the cave barefoot, including young children who were active group members. The team found evidence of social or symbolic activities within inner chambers, suggesting humans engaged in fun activities during exploration.
Eye's vulnerability to macular degeneration revealed
Scientists discovered differences in Müller cell shape and biology between the retina's macula and peripheral regions, shedding light on the eye's defense mechanism against disease. The study found that macula Müller cells produce more serine, a protective amino acid, but are more susceptible to stress when this production is blocked.
Evolving alongside viruses impacts susceptibility to future infections
Studies suggest that fruit flies co-evolving with viruses have increased genetic variation underlying their susceptibility to future infections. The findings have implications for reducing disease, particularly in mosquito populations.
Scientists develop new model to describe how bacteria spread in different forms
A new model describes how bacteria spread when moving in two different ways, providing a unifying theory for microbial communities. The theory reveals that the dynamics of spread are limited by the constraints of water and nutrient availability.
Mass drug administrations can grant population protection against malaria
A new study suggests that mass drug administration (MDA) can reduce malaria infections in communities where participation is high. The findings highlight the importance of approaching communities in an engaging and appropriate manner to encourage their involvement in MDA.
Scientists shine new light on how cells coordinate eye growth in fish
Researchers discovered that stem cells in the neural retina act as 'bosses' during growth, telling cells in the retinal pigment epithelium when to create more cells. The study reveals an unappreciated mechanism for growth coordination, where one tissue gives cues to synchronise the growth of nearby tissues.
Scientists uncover novel strategy to target common type of cancer
Researchers identified a critical protein for tumor cell survival and found that targeting it could be a novel treatment strategy for MSI-H tumors. The study suggests that pharmacological inhibition of WRN function might serve as a targeted therapeutic approach.
Machine-learning model provides detailed insight on proteins
A novel machine-learning model uses artificial neural networks to analyze protein sequence data, providing detailed information on protein structure, function and evolutionary features. The model can be used to design new proteins with desired functions and predict the future sequence evolution of proteins in living organisms.
Discovery upturns understanding of how some viruses multiply
Researchers have found that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells but still cause an infection, contradicting a long-held model. The study, published in eLife, used fluorescent probes to detect viral segments in individual cells and found that distinct segments are often found in different cells.
Study shows success of measles vaccine campaigns in India
A mass measles vaccination campaign in India saved an estimated 41,000 to 56,000 children's lives between 2010 and 2013, according to a study published in eLife. The campaigns significantly reduced child mortality rates in the affected districts, with mortality rates falling by 27% compared to non-campaign states.
Cancer genes' age and function strongly influence their mutational status
Researchers found that mutations in cancer genes disrupt regulatory links between unicellular and multicellular genes, leading to widespread downstream dysregulation. The study provides a novel framework for identifying key mutations in cancer cells.
Scientists provide new insight on how the nose adapts to smells
Scientists have developed a model that explains how the nose adapts to smells by efficiently coding patterns across receptor types, which could aid research into age-related declines in sense of smell. The study's findings contribute to understanding how the mammalian nose senses and processes smells.
Brain hand 'map' is maintained in amputees with and without phantom limb sensations
Researchers found that the brain stores detailed information of a missing hand in amputees, regardless of phantom limb sensations. The study could pave the way for next-generation neuroprosthetics and suggests daily life experience shapes fine-grained aspects of hand representation.
HIV-1 protein suppresses immune response more broadly than thought
A study reveals how HIV-1 protein Vpu hinders the immune system's response to infection by inhibiting transcription factor NF-κB and reducing antiviral factors. This finding could inform therapeutic approaches aiming to activate dormant HIV for subsequent elimination.
Scientists poised to study reproducibility of Brazilian biomedical research
The Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to repeat experiments from published articles originating from Brazil to estimate the country's research reproducibility. The project will assess over 60-100 experiments across multiple laboratories.
Research Resource Identifiers improve proper use of cell lines in biomedical studies
The study found that using Research Resource Identifiers (RRIDs) in scientific papers can lower incidences of problematic cell-line use. This could lead to better reporting and future reproducibility efforts, ultimately aiding research data validity.
Large molecules from dietary fiber can change gut environment through physical forces
Research on dietary fiber polymers reveals they physically influence the small intestine environment by causing solid particles to group together. This aggregation can impact nutrient and drug absorption, highlighting a previously underappreciated role of dietary fibers in gut function.
Scientists demonstrate effective strategies for safeguarding CRISPR gene-drive experiments
Researchers have developed two molecular safeguards to prevent accidental spread of CRISPR gene drives in the lab. Synthetic target site drive and split drive strategies show similar performance to standard drives, making them suitable substitutes for early gene-drive research.
Scientists identify gene contributing to prostate cancer drug resistance
Researchers have discovered that the GREB1 gene amplifies androgen receptor output in human prostate cancer cells, contributing to antiandrogen resistance. Inhibiting GREB1 converts high-AR output cells to low-output states, improving enzalutamide treatment effectiveness.
Protein alteration controls cell's response to stress, immunity and lifespan
Researchers discovered a mechanism involving protein alteration that controls cell response to stress, boosting immunity and extending lifespan. The discovery highlights the importance of unfolded protein response (UPR) and its regulation by ULP-4 enzyme in mitigating mitochondrial stress.
How locusts switch colors in different settings
A novel 'palette effect' mechanism allows locusts to switch between green and black coloring in response to different environments. The discovery reveals a red pigment complex acts as a switch to coordinate the insects' color changes, providing an adaptive response to population density.
Scientists provide new insight on how gene expression is controlled
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism underlying the control of gene expression in all living organisms. Transcriptional pausing by RNA polymerase provides a 'roadblock' to help regulate gene expression levels, which could aid our understanding of antibacterial drugs and future synthetic gene design.
Fossils suggest flowers originated 50 million years earlier than thought
A new study in eLife describes a 50-million-year-old fossil flower species that defies widely accepted theories of plant evolution. The discovery of Nanjinganthus dendrostyla sheds light on the origins of angiosperms, potentially indicating an earlier emergence than previously thought.
New insight on inflammatory regulation could inform future pain drug development
Researchers have identified a novel form of inflammatory regulation that increases response to painful stimuli. A protein fragment, ARD, plays a key role in this process, increasing PI3K activity and sensitizing pain receptors.
New drug target discovered for potential blood pressure treatment
Scientists identified a key player in blood pressure regulation, PKD2 channel, which regulates blood vessel constriction and relaxation. The study found that switching off PKD2 reduces blood pressure in mice, indicating potential as a new drug target for treating high blood pressure.
Antibiotic could protect against neurodegenerative diseases during aging
A study published in eLife reveals that minocycline can increase the lifespan of aged roundworms by preventing the build-up of proteins, a mechanism that could be exploited to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. The antibiotic also reduces protein aggregation and extends lifespan in animals with impaired proteostasis.
Single-cell asymmetries control how groups of cells form 3D shapes together
Researchers developed a mathematical model showing that two types of cellular asymmetry govern the shaping of cells into sheets and tubes. Altering one polarity can simulate diverse shapes, with initial cell arrangement and external boundaries influencing outcomes.
Study reveals how a small molecule promotes removal of excess cholesterol
Researchers have determined the structure of an enzyme that helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. A small molecule stimulates LCAT enzyme action, showing promise for treating heart and kidney disease. The study paves the way for potential new therapeutics.
Scientists identify potential target for treating rare cancer
Researchers have identified the BRD9 protein as a key player in the growth and survival of synovial sarcoma cells. Degradation of this protein inhibits tumour progression, offering a potential therapeutic opportunity for treating this rare cancer.
Tropical fish adapt to cold temperatures in coordination with their microbiome
Researchers discovered that tropical fish control their gut microbes to better survive extreme temperatures. The host's genetic background influences the microbiome's composition and response to temperature, with cold-resistant fish having a distinct core group of tolerant microbes.
Scientists identify potential new treatment strategy for kidney cancer
A new study published in eLife suggests that activating the protein ISGF3 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with clear cell renal cancer. ISGF3 regulates key tumor suppressor genes and acts as a brake on tumor growth, which can be disabled by loss of secondary tumor suppressors.
Warming oceans lead to more fur seal deaths from hookworm infection
A study found that warmer ocean temperatures reduce maternal care and immune response in fur seal pups, leading to increased hookworm infections and deaths. In colder years, pups receive more care and have a stronger immune system.
Dopamine drives early addiction to heroin
Scientists have made a major advance in understanding how heroin addiction develops by studying the brain circuits that lead to its powerful addictive effects. The discovery of dopamine neurons' role in reinforcing heroin's effects could help refine addiction treatment and develop less addictive painkillers.
Young men more likely to die in summer, older people in winter despite local climate
A study analyzing US death rates over 37 years reveals that young men are more likely to die in the summer, while older people remain more likely to die in winter, regardless of regional climate. The seasonal patterns were independent of geography, with similar trends observed across diverse climates.
Loss of protein p53 helps cancer cells multiply in 'unfavourable' conditions
Researchers discovered that loss of tumor protein p53 promotes cancer development by allowing cells to replicate despite growth stimuli deficiencies. This discovery provides insight into how cancer cells survive and multiply in adverse conditions.
Bone cell response to mechanical force is balance of injury and repair
A recent study published in eLife reveals that bone cells adapt to mechanical forces by releasing energy-rich ATP and repairing damaged membranes. The researchers found that membrane injury causes ATP release, but rapid membrane repair controlled by calcium- and PKC-dependent vesicles limits the total amount of ATP spilled.
Oldest fossil of a flying squirrel sheds new light on its evolutionary tree
A 11.6-million-year-old fossil discovered in Can Mata landfill, Spain, has provided new insights into the origin and evolution of flying squirrels. The fossil, identified as Miopetaurista neogrivensis, suggests that giant flying squirrels existed even earlier than previously thought.
Micropeptide restores heart function in mice
Researchers discovered a micropeptide called DWORF that restores normal heart function in mice by enhancing SERCA activity and preventing calcium dysregulation. The study shows that DWORF can prevent the functional and structural effects of cardiomyopathy, making it a promising new gene therapy target for treating heart failure.