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Cells putting on a face

Researchers have developed a method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into cell populations that form patterns resembling the facial primordium. This allows for the creation of an in vitro model to study early facial development and potential treatments for craniofacial disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

Intermittent food intake activates a 'GPS gene' in liver cells, thus completing the development of the liver after birth

The study reveals that a gene called mTOR, which works like a GPS, directs the specialization of liver cells according to their position. After birth, the fluctuation in nutrient supply triggers the activation of this gene, completing the maturation of the liver.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

A virus that infected the first animals hundreds of millions of years ago has become essential for the development of the embryo

Researchers discover a virus, MERVL, plays a critical role in embryonic development by regulating gene expression and ensuring smooth transition from totipotency to pluripotency. This finding has significant implications for regenerative medicine and artificial embryo creation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Study explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring

Researchers at São Paulo State University found a link between a protein-poor diet during pregnancy and an increased risk of prostate cancer in offspring. The study detected changes in the expression of over 700 genes in offspring, including the gene ABCG1, which is associated with prostate cancer.

How firms frame training programs for gig workers boosts promotion and uptake of the programs, strengthening the bond between worker and company

A study found that firms can increase promotion and uptake of training programs by framing them in relational terms, strengthening the bond between worker and company. This approach signals a commitment to nurturing workers' development, leading to prolonged productivity collaborations.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2024

KU study shows weightlifting before basketball practice does not affect shooting accuracy

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

NIH researchers create genetic atlas detailing early stages of zebrafish development

A new genetic atlas details the gene expression programs that drive zebrafish development, revealing insights into human embryonic growth and the origins of diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders. The atlas provides a comprehensive resource for studying cell development and differentiation in vertebrates.

Attending early education during pandemic provides sustained benefits for youngsters’ development

A new study found that attending early childhood education and care during the pandemic had sustained benefits for youngsters' development, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The study discovered that toddlers who spent more time in childcare produced more new words and understood more new words than their peers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Early Childhood Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2023

First multi-chamber heart organoids unravel human heart development and disease

Researchers create a new, multi-chamber organoid model of the human heart, enabling them to advance screening platforms for drug development, toxicology studies, and understanding heart development. The model reveals intricate communication between chambers and provides insight into early heart development.

Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?

New research from University of Illinois Chicago identifies a potential 'stop growing' switch triggered by steroid hormone ecdysone in fruit flies, which may relate to human puberty. The study's findings have implications for understanding the growth-stopping process in humans, particularly given recent changes in puberty onset.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2023

STEM Career Days boost high school students’ career aspirations in STEM fields, MU study finds

A new MU study shows that high school students who attended college-run STEM Career Days were far more likely to have STEM-related career aspirations than those who did not attend. The study highlights the benefits of introducing high school students to STEM opportunities and can help increase diversity in the STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2023

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Researchers construct first “multiome” atlas of cell development in the human cerebral cortex from before birth to adulthood

Researchers created the first 'multiome' atlas of brain cell development in the human cerebral cortex, revealing specific changes in chromatin structure that precede gene expression. The study pinpointed regions associated with genes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Don’t feel appreciated by your partner? Relationship interventions can help

A study from the University of Illinois found that relationship interventions can increase perceived gratitude among low-income couples, which declined over time due to factors such as age and lack of appreciation. The interventions improved communication, satisfaction, but not gratitude, suggesting a unique effect on this dimension.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBehavior Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

How parents’ work stress affects family mealtimes and children’s development

A new study from the University of Illinois found that children of parents with higher work-related stress have lower socioemotional competency at age 4-5. Meanwhile, mothers' job dissatisfaction does not impact family mealtimes, but fathers' financial dissatisfaction leads to reduced attendance and negative child development outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2023

Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development

Researchers tested five chemicals on zebrafish embryos and found that all caused impaired migration of bone-forming cells, leading to facial malformation. The study suggests a potential general mechanism underlying teratogenic chemicals and proposes using zebrafish as an alternative method for testing cross-species teratogens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Eureka baby! Groundbreaking study uncovers origin of ‘conscious awareness’

A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that agency emerges from the coupled relation between humans and their environment. Infants are found to discover their causal powers and transition from spontaneous to intentional behavior at a critical level of coordination, marking an abrupt increase in movement rate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023

Exposure to air pollution while in the womb is linked to adverse changes in cell processes in new-born babies

Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023