Articles tagged with Chemical Signals
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found that diverse plant communities emit more complex chemical signals, which can affect individual plants and the entire ecosystem. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity in maintaining natural signaling systems and supports sustainable agriculture practices to promote plant diversity.
Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a soft material with a nerve net that mimics how simple living systems coordinate motion. The material responds to chemical reactions, producing mechanical movement without electronics or motors.
A team of researchers at the University of Cologne has made a groundbreaking discovery about the molecular basis of inhibitory synapse formation. They found that gephyrin filaments play a crucial role in forming post-synapses, which are essential for billions of synapses in the brain. This study has significant implications for underst...
Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that certain scent compounds in female body odor increase during ovulation and can subtly influence how men feel, making them perceive the scent as more pleasant and reducing stress. The study suggests that smell may play a role in shaping human interactions.
A collaborative study from the University of Cologne has discovered the key role of mitochondrial protein AIFM1 in regulating cellular energy metabolism. The research found that AIFM1 interacts with AK2A to maintain energy homeostasis, and visualized its complex structure using cryo-electron microscopy.
Scientists at UNIGE have identified MLF2 and RBM15 as key proteins regulating chromatin remodelling, which can go awry leading to cancers and neurological disorders. These two proteins could become promising therapeutic targets for diseases linked to disrupted chromatin remodelling.
Researchers have discovered a synthetic peptide that attracts Crown-of-Thorns Starfish at low concentrations and with no toxicity, offering an efficient pest-management solution. This breakthrough may lead to the development of potent attractins to control CoTS outbreaks, protecting coral reefs from devastating damage.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potentially safer treatment for multiple disorders linked to altered dopamine signaling by blocking the kappa opioid receptor. The study found that this approach can correct behavioral deficits and normalize dopamine availability.
A decade-long project has provided the first comprehensive functional blueprint of chemical transport pathways in human cells. The RESOLUTE consortium's groundbreaking studies have more than doubled existing knowledge on solute carriers, offering powerful new resources for biomedical discovery.
Bacteria use tactile sensors to detect surfaces and trigger biochemical signals for colonization. Understanding mechanosensing is crucial for improving gut health and preventing biofouling in industries.
A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.
A new microscopy technique, SIMIP, combines structured illumination with mid-infrared photothermal detection to achieve high-speed chemical imaging with superior resolution. The method outperforms conventional methods in terms of spatial resolution and chemical contrast.
Scientists have used a cryo-electron microscope to capture detailed images of glutamate molecules interacting with AMPA receptors, revealing the chemical flow that enables learning and thinking in brain cells. The findings could lead to the development of new drugs to treat conditions like epilepsy and intellectual disorders.
Researchers developed a lighter, smarter magnetoreceptive e-skin that tracks signal paths for applications like virtual reality and robotic systems. The new technology emulates the functioning of real skin and saves energy by using a single global sensor surface and central processing unit.
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered a way to exploit parasitic plant hormones to induce
Researchers from the University of Göttingen have discovered a molecular 'spring' that triggers the opening of ion channels in sensory hair cells of the ear. The findings provide new insights into how hearing begins at the molecular level and shed light on the function of ion channels.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named 13 new Fellows, awarding them $300,000 each to investigate cancer causes and mechanisms. Five recipients of the Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough Scientists will also receive an additional $100,000 investment to catapult their research careers.
A study found that caterpillars of two species interact solely with one ant species each, secreting a sugary liquid for recognition and protection. However, switching the pairings led to aggressive attacks from ants, highlighting the specificity of these interactions.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a new way to detect sulfur mustard, a highly toxic chemical warfare agent, using nucleic acid molecular recognition and dendrimers.
Researchers developed a 'volume dial' to amplify weak signals in the human body and environment. The system, called ROSALIND, can detect contaminants like E. coli and heavy metals at lower concentrations than previous models.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
Scientists at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical produced by plants that prevents bacterial biofilm formation. This breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare and industrial settings, where biofilms cause significant problems.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in synthetic biology by developing a new construction kit for building custom sense-and-respond circuits in human cells. The new approach harnesses the power of phosphorylation to amplify weak input signals into macroscopic outputs, enabling rapid response times and sensitivity to external sig...
MIT researchers developed a biosensing technique that eliminates the need for wires, using tiny wireless antennas with light detection to measure electrical signals from cells. The devices can capture scattered light with an optical microscope and measure signals with micrometer spatial resolution.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified Hsc70 as a vital chaperone protein that ensures SNAP-25's proper functioning in neurotransmission. The study sheds new light on the underlying mechanics of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers discovered a novel platinum complex that targets androgen receptor signaling, inhibiting cell growth and survival in prostate cancer cells. The complex, 5-H-Y, showed stronger cytotoxic effects than cisplatin with minimal toxicity, offering a promising approach to treating advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered a new pathway to pain management by modulating pain signals with solvent molecules, offering an alternative to traditional pain medications. The study showed that deuterated water suppressed pain signal transmission and achieved effective analgesia.
A new study reveals that the arm-like structures of mammalian brain cells, known as axons, are actually pear-shaped and not cylindrical tubes. The research team used high-pressure freezing electron microscopy to visualize the axons' structure, showing that they have a bubbly, pearl-like shape.
A recent study from Stanford University reveals that dopamine and serotonin work together, but also in opposition, to shape behavior. Researchers found that dopamine signals increase with reward prediction while serotonin signals decrease, but only when both systems are active can animals learn to link cues with rewards.
A novel physical reservoir computing device uses a dye-sensitized solar cell to mimic human synaptic elements, enabling efficient time-series data processing and low power consumption. The device achieved high computational performance in tasks such as human motion classification with over 90% accuracy.
Researchers studied mossy fiber synapses in the hippocampus, a crucial region for memory formation and spatial navigation. They discovered that specific proteins play key roles in encoding and processing distinguishing features to trigger memory retrieval.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a way to accelerate ions in mixed organic ion-electronic conductors, setting a new world record for ion speed. This breakthrough could lead to improved battery charging, biosensing, and neuromorphic computing.
Understanding plant-to-plant communication through VOCs can lead to innovative strategies for crop protection and yield improvement, potentially revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. This review explores the molecular pathways behind this complex biochemical strategy and its potential applications.
A team at MIT discovered pyrene, a large carbon-containing molecule, in a distant interstellar cloud. The finding supports the PAH hypothesis and suggests that pyrene may have contributed to the formation of our solar system's chemical inventory.
Plant roots use a silent molecular 'language' to direct fungi to attach, providing phosphates. Researchers discovered that strigolactone activates fungal genes associated with phosphate metabolism, leading to new strategies for cultivating hardier crops and combatting disease-causing fungi.
Researchers found that low Wnt signaling levels regulate NPC self-renewal, while higher levels initiate differentiation into mature kidney cell types. The studies also reveal the role of beta-catenin in aggregating NPCs to form early kidney structures.
Researchers found that serotonin release scales with the value of rewards, indicating its role in monitoring reward quality. The study used a new biosensor to measure serotonin levels in mice receiving varied concentrations of evaporated milk as rewards.
A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed fungus-controlled robots that can react to their environment better than synthetic counterparts. The biohybrid robots use fungal mycelia to sense chemical and biological signals, enabling them to adapt to unexpected situations.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers has identified novel players in dopamine signaling using Caenorhabditis elegans. They found that mutations in the BBSome protein complex, which regulates transport and signaling in cells, can lead to rare genetic disorders like Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
MIT researchers detected a clear signal of human influence on upper tropospheric ozone trends, separate from climate noise. The study provides insights into specific human activities driving this trend.
A recent study revealed that specific bacteria produce a carbohydrate compound that induces settlement and metamorphosis in larvae of the warm-water tubeworm Hydroides elegans. This process, known as biofouling, can coat ship hulls and propellers, causing significant economic damage.
Researchers have identified the human odorant receptor for geosmin, a compound responsible for the distinct 'earthy' to 'musty' odor found in soil, plants, and certain foods. The discovery could aid in developing novel detection systems to monitor food quality and water purity.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University's PAI Lab developed groundbreaking multifunctional material-sensors that emulate natural systems, advancing Physical AI. The sensors can process diverse signals concurrently through ions and electrons, enabling versatile and lifelike interactions in fields like robotics and healthcare.
Researchers found that glaucophytes produce potent hormones like ethylene in response to external stressors, slowing down their growth rate. This suggests that the ability to use chemical cues is not unique to complex life.
Researchers developed a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) to compensate for errors due to sample location variations. The model achieved high accuracy, reducing mean absolute error to 0.695% and mean squared error to 0.876%.
Researchers developed a new material that combines quantum dots with blue phase liquid crystal elastomers (BPLCE), enabling visualized full-color circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with a record-breaking g_lum value of up to 0.74. The material's CPL signal is mechanically switchable, meaning it can be turned on and off by applying...
Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...
A genomic analysis overturned the leading hypothesis on firefly light origin, revealing that lucibufagins, a toxic compound, evolved after bioluminescence development. Fireflies' ancestors diversified during a period of rising atmospheric oxygen levels, suggesting a similar path to glowing millipedes.
Researchers developed a thin gold membrane with pores to selectively amplify Raman signals from surfaces, enabling the study of surfaces for the first time. This breakthrough improves the efficiency and degradation behavior of batteries, catalysts, and solar cells.
A team of researchers from Tokyo Tech proposes a new signal-amplification system utilizing sumanene-based supramolecular polymers, exhibiting exceptional signal amplification through dynamic allosteric manipulation. The system's sensitivity was demonstrated with a 62.5-fold signal amplification of steroid molecules.
Researchers argue that plants can solve problems and adapt to their environment based on information received from neighboring plants. This suggests a form of intelligence in plants, challenging traditional notions of central nervous systems.
A recent study discovered a critical brain signal mediated by dopamine and its 'D2' receptors that plays a crucial role in timing actions. The research team used novel imaging techniques to observe this activity before self-timed presses, finding a gradual increase in brain signals about half a second prior.
Researchers used supercomputers to study how fruit fly embryo cells develop into wings, offering a window into human development and possible treatments for birth defects. The team found that actomyosin drives much of the development process, particularly in the lower wing disc flattening.
Researchers found that tiger beetles respond to bat echolocation by producing their own ultrasonic signal, which they believe is a defense mechanism. The beetles' defensive chemicals are not effective at deterring bats, but the sound itself may be used to trick bats into thinking they are noxious.
Researchers have uncovered a novel regulator governing how cells respond to mechanical cues, finding that ETV4 bridges cell density dynamics to stem cell differentiation. This discovery has significant implications for controlling cancer cells through mechanical cues.
The study suggests that memory plays a pivotal role in shaping consciousness, contrasting the idea that computer-based Information Theory provides a sufficient framework for understanding neural memory. The researchers propose a novel perspective that memory underpins consciousness, introducing the concept of a "brain cloud" to illustr...
A team from Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a memory transistor that can adjust its threshold voltage through photocrosslinking. The innovation combines two molecules with a polymeric semiconductor to form a stable bond, enabling precise control of the semiconductor layer's structure.
A new study challenges the initial detection of a biosignature gas on K2-18b, suggesting that the data may be inconclusive. However, researchers believe it's possible for life to produce detectable levels of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the planet's atmosphere.
Researchers analyzed epigenetic modifications in motor neurons from nearly 400 ALS patients, identifying 30 locations with modifications linked to disease progression. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for specific types of ALS.