Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that high-ranking male bonobos were more aggressive and had higher mating success, but also invested in friendly relationships with females. These relationships correlated with lower male testosterone levels, challenging the common notion of masculine behavior.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of the 26S proteasome, a key protein degradation machinery, using a combination of structural biology methods. The discovery sheds light on how cells dispose of their waste and could have important implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A study by Max Planck researchers found that looking at pictures of food increases the hormone ghrelin in the blood, leading to feelings of hunger. This suggests that external stimuli like advertising can contribute to weight gain in Western populations.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute develop simple process for artemisinin synthesis using waste product from current production as starting substance. The new method uses photochemistry to incorporate an endoperoxide group into the molecule, producing large volumes of artemisinin under controlled conditions. This could cover global de...
Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.
Research reveals that great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans use complex decision-making strategies to weigh risks and rewards. The study found that the apes chose the smaller piece more often when uncertain, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of probability and risk assessment.
Researchers found that wild chimpanzees were more likely to alarm call to a snake when group members were unaware, indicating they recognize knowledge states. This study suggests that sharing new information with others is a fundamental aspect of language evolution, present in our common ancestor with chimps.
Using a mathematical model, scientists found that spatial tissue structure slows down genetic mutation accumulation, delaying cancer onset. The study suggests that structured populations take longer to reach critical mutations, reducing the risk of cancer.
Researchers found that uninformed individuals can bring about a majority decision, even if the minority is more determined than the majority. The number of undecided individuals must not be excessive, or decisions become unpredictable and follow a random pattern.
Humans exploit correlation between signal temporal structures to decide which signals to combine. Multisensory integration occurs when auditory and visual streams have similar temporal patterns, resulting in improved precision and accuracy. This research highlights a key organizational principle for multisensory perceptual grouping.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that modern humans have a more developed sense of smell compared to Neanderthals, with larger olfactory bulbs and temporal lobes. This could be linked to improved behavioral and social functions.
Researchers have discovered a protein family known as SWEET that plays a crucial role in transporting sucrose from leaves to other parts of the plant. The discovery could lead to increased crop yields and improved protection against pests, potentially even shedding light on human diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Research reveals that most seabirds are free of malaria parasites, but certain groups like frigatebirds and birds with longer fledgling periods are more susceptible. Climate conditions do play a role, but not as expected, with warmer temperatures increasing rates of infection.
Researchers develop tiny Stirling engine with a plastic bead that performs work and runs with the same efficiency as a macroscopic heat engine under full load. Microscopic processes cause the machine to run rough due to collisions with surrounding water molecules.
A recent study found that law enforcement guards and non-governmental organization support have a measurable impact on the survival of African great apes. In contrast, national development and high human population density had a negative impact on their existence.
Researchers created visual illusions to stimulate nerve cells in the visual cortex, revealing their role in estimating 3D shape. The study found that the brain uses complex cells to measure local orientation of patterns in the retinal image.
Research shows that intensive maternal care during infancy promotes the effect of neuropeptide Y in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and increased body weight in adulthood. The study found that maternal care stimulated the persistent formation of certain NPY receptors in the forebrain.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discovered that plant seed cells contract their nuclei and condense chromatin to resist dehydration, enabling seeds to survive harsh conditions. This mechanism allows seeds to prepare for germination when environmental conditions improve.
Researchers observed ravens using deictic gestures in the wild, such as pointing and holding up objects to test interest or strengthen bonds. This study suggests that complex communication systems may be more widespread than previously thought.
Scientists from Max Planck Institute discover gene SLC4A5 responsible for sodium dysregulation and hypertension. The study found that a genetic defect in this gene can lead to excessive renal retention of sodium and water, resulting in abnormal blood pressure levels.
Research shows that pianists can accurately assess temporal synchrony between piano movements and sounds, while non-musicians struggle. The study suggests that music training refines brain circuitries responsible for integrating multiple sensory stimuli.
A study published in Human Brain Mapping found that damaged corpus callosum and impaired interhemispheric communication hinder motor skill recovery in stroke patients. The researchers used imaging methods to show increased activity on both sides of the brain and lower tapping speed in stroke patients compared to healthy controls.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that certain mutations can be maintained in populations if they have a heterozygote disadvantage, reducing their spread. This could help achieve safer release of genetically modified animals, such as mosquitoes resistant to malaria.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identified the genetic switch Spalt that regulates flight muscle formation in flies. Without Spalt, flies are flightless, but can still move their legs normally. This discovery has potential medical applications for understanding and regulating human muscle function.
Researchers used laser capture microdissection to analyze individual root cells and discovered genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. The study found that even non-colonized cells are reprogrammed to prepare for fungal colonization, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-depleted soil.
A recent study found that people select future social partners based on cooperative behavior, not punishment of egoism. This contradicts the expectation that punishing others for self-interest would be beneficial for one's reputation and relationships.
Scientists have identified a gene switch that regulates the choice of odorant receptor genes in olfactory sensory neurons. Regulatory elements in the genome act as on-off switches to determine which gene is chosen for expression.
Researchers identify oncostatin M as a key player in the self-healing powers of the heart, allowing damaged heart muscle cells to reversion and produce new cells. This discovery holds promise for treating heart disease, but further research is needed to pinpoint the precise window of application.
A recent study using functional magnetic resonance imaging has found that attention, rather than awareness, modulates the activity in the primary visual cortex. This suggests that these two mental processes may be dissociated and affect nerve cells differently. The findings have implications for philosophy and psychology.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify novel Rubisco activase in red algae that repairs useless proteins by opening active centers like a shoe string. This discovery could aid in designing more efficient plants and microorganisms that convert CO2 into valuable biomass.
Demographer Emilio Zagheni's profile shows that societies with a growing elderly population tend to produce lower CO2 emissions. As people age, their carbon dioxide emissions decrease due to reduced consumption of energy-intensive goods and increased healthcare spending.
A team of scientists has discovered that the histone protein CenH3 is both necessary and sufficient to trigger the formation of centromeres and pass them on from generation to generation. This discovery may help develop artificial human chromosomes for gene therapies in medicine.
Scientists have found the first gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster, J1823-3021A, which is also the youngest millisecond pulsar discovered to date. Its high luminosity and strong magnetic field challenge current theories on its formation.
Researchers found that Yucatec Maya speakers and German speakers performed similarly when identifying mixed-emotion faces. The study suggests that emotions have evolved as basic human mechanisms, unaffected by language. This discovery challenges the idea that language plays a crucial role in understanding emotions.
Researchers used lucid dreamers to analyze brain activity during dreaming and found activation in regions relevant to movement planning. The study confirms that dreams are not passive observations but involve brain activity associated with the dream content.
Research suggests that natural intestinal flora may play a crucial role in the emergence of multiple sclerosis. Beneficial bacteria can activate immune cells and trigger an overreaction of the immune system in genetically predisposed individuals. This finding has important implications for disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that four-year-olds conformed their public judgment of a situation to the majority of peers despite better knowledge. This conformity plays a crucial role in acquiring group-specific behavior. In the study, only 40% of children conformed at least once, indicating some level of peer pressure on young minds.
Researchers found a strong relationship between testosterone levels and the size/intensity of the black throat patch in female barred buttonquails. High testosterone levels correlate with more intense plumage coloration and better body condition, suggesting a reversed hormone dependency in sex role behaviors.
Scientists have developed two new Bt toxins, Cry1AbMod and Cry1AcMod, to overcome resistance in pest insects. These novel toxins are effective against five resistant species, including the diamondback moth and European corn borer.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology discovered that simple nerve cells in Platynereis larvae regulate ciliary beating to control swimming depth. The discovery provides insights into the early evolutionary stage of the nervous system and could be relevant for marine ecology.
Research suggests that human children exhibit a strong preference for working together to solve problems, with cooperation rates exceeding 78% compared to 58% for chimpanzees. This finding highlights a potential difference in motivation between humans and our primate cousins.
Researchers have solved the molecular mechanism of anammox, a crucial pathway in the nitrogen cycle that converts ammonia to nitrogen without oxygen. The study reveals the role of hydrazine and nitric oxide as intermediates, shedding light on how this process occurs.
Scientists discovered that Denisova hominins interbred with modern humans at least 44,000 years ago, contributing genetic material to populations in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The study suggests that there were at least two migration waves, contradicting previous assumptions about human settlement in the region.
Researchers found that singing complete texts was not decisive for patients with non-fluent aphasia. Rhythm and familiar song lyrics were more important for articulation. Daily expressions like 'How are you?' can be easier to articulate, regardless of whether sung or spoken.
Scientists discovered that epigenetic modifications in plants, such as DNA methylation, are unstable and often disappear after a few generations. These changes can occur frequently but usually do not contribute significantly to long-term evolution.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have decoded a human genome into its molecular haplotypes, revealing the two chromosome sets differ from each other. The comprehensive analysis identified 159 mutated genes with disease-predisposing potential.
Researchers from Max Planck Society and Leibniz University Hannover have successfully applied the 'squeezed light' method to improve the sensitivity of the GEO600 gravitational wave detector. This new technology reduces shot noise by a factor of two, allowing for more accurate measurements of tiny changes in space-time.
Researchers describe the earliest complete fossil hominin hand post-dating stone tools, Australopithecus sediba's hand. The study reveals that it used its hand for arboreal locomotion but also showed human-like precision grips, a prerequisite for tool-making.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discovered a mechanism that allows cells to coordinate respiratory activity and degrade toxic oxygen radicals. This discovery may have significant implications for cancer research, as it could be used to target nutrition deficiency in tumour cells and render them more vulnerable.
The brain maintains its balance between excitation and inhibition through synaptic changes. Following a retinal lesion, nerve cells reduce their inhibitory synapses by 30% to compensate for lost information.