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Fathers wired to provide offspring care

A new Northwestern University study confirms that human males are biologically wired to care for their offspring, showing that fatherhood significantly lowers testosterone levels. The study found that fathers who became more involved in child care experienced the largest decline in testosterone.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2011

Blood simple circuitry for cyborgs

Researchers developed a biological memristor using human blood, exhibiting memory effects when exposed to voltage polarity and magnitude. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential for creating liquid memristors from human tissues, paving the way for future cyborg devices.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateMar 30, 2011

Reprogrammed mouse fibroblasts can make a whole mouse

Scientists have reprogrammed mouse fibroblasts to create whole mice using tetraploid complementation, a significant advancement in understanding induced pluripotent stem cells. This achievement offers hope for overcoming embryo destruction in pluripotent cell derivation and potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 23, 2009

Mice sense oxygen through their skin

Researchers found that mice can sense oxygen levels in the environment and stimulate kidney production of erythropoietin when oxygen concentrations drop. The study suggests that the skin plays a major role in sensing oxygen and could lead to new treatments for anemia and diseases affecting red blood cell counts.

Study questions assumptions about human sensitivity to biological motion

A recent study published in Journal of Vision found that humans may not be more sensitive to biological motion compared to non-biological motion. The research, led by Dr. Eric Hiris, tested the effectiveness of masks and target sizes to determine detection performance, and concluded that humans do not exhibit enhanced sensitivity.

International research group led by UMass scientist sequences genome of ubiquitous microbe

A UMass-led international research group has successfully sequenced the genome of Halobacterium species NRC-1, a salt-loving microorganism. The achievement promises to reveal insights into cell regulation, gene expression, and potential biomedical applications, including vaccine development and antibiotic design.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2000

Facial expressions are contagious

A study by Ulf Dimberg found that facial muscle activity can be spontaneously evoked without conscious awareness, suggesting subconscious emotional communication. The results support the theory that important aspects of face-to-face interaction can occur on a subconscious level.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 27, 2000

'Auditory Scene Analysis' Helps Find Mates

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that the auditory portion of the midbrain uses acoustic qualities to isolate one signal as potentially interesting, similar to the cocktail party effect. This ability helps female midshipman fish locate the hum of interest among multiple signals.

First Circadian Clock Gene Cloned In Mammals

Researchers successfully cloned the Clock gene, a key regulator of circadian rhythms in mammals. The gene's identification provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythm entrainment and expression, potentially leading to new treatments for sleep disorders and jet lag-related issues.

Once-Helpful Social Rules Now Cause Dysfunction

A study by Cornell University biologist Stephen T. Emlen found that evolutionary predispositions, such as helping closely related kin, can lead to conflict and violence in modern families. The biologist suggests that increasing awareness of these inherited behaviors can help minimize damage in stepfamily situations.