Anatomy
Articles tagged with Anatomy
Scientists discover ‘hidden switch’ in immune cells that helps the body kill deadly fungus
Researchers found a protein called RAB5c that helps white blood cells kill Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus. Without this protein, immune cells are disarmed despite attacking at full force. The discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with weakened immune systems.
Blocking TGF-β signaling may strengthen efficacy of osteoporosis therapy
Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware
Can birth weight influence endurance limits?
A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution found that optimal birth weight for minimal kidney damage during extreme endurance events is around eight pounds. Individuals with lower or higher birth weights may face a greater risk of kidney stress or damage.
Wild flatworms heal wounds
Researchers from Lund University successfully harnessed the regenerative capacity of Scandinavian flatworms to accelerate wound healing in human skin models. The study found that signalling molecules from flatworm exosomes increased skin thickness and improved wound healing rates, including accelerated blood vessel regeneration.
UH professor urges better prevention and care of liver disease to reduce burden
Chronic liver disease in the US costs $41.57 billion, with prescription medication expenditures accounting for nearly half of all-cause healthcare expenditures. Poor adherence to antiviral medications is a key factor in preventing disease progression and treatment, with high out-of-pocket costs increasing non-adherence risk.
New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke
Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.
How bone marrow fat drives immune suppression and bone loss in obesity
Researchers reveal how expansion of bone marrow fat promotes immunosuppressive PD-L1 signaling, leading to enhanced osteoclast activity and accelerated bone loss. Reducing bone marrow fat improves bone structure.
Scientists explore whether plastic particles could be linked to significant rises in liver disease
Researchers investigate whether micro- and nanoplastics contribute to liver disease through oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation. They emphasize the need for increased research into plastic-induced liver injury and its potential impact on human health.
Scientists map the blackcap bird brain, opening a new era of 3D digital atlases
Researchers have mapped the first migratory bird brain using high-resolution light microscopy and open-source software tools, creating a valuable resource for neuroscience worldwide. The new Eurasian blackcap atlas enables consistency in brain data interpretation and fosters collaboration among researchers.
UT Arlington researcher earns AHA award for aging research
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is leading a study investigating cardio-sarcopenia, the combined loss of heart and muscle health in aging adults. The grant aims to uncover how heart dysfunction and muscle loss interact and detect biomarkers for earlier intervention.
How the internal liver clock orchestrates daily fat secretion
A Salk Institute study identifies Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) as the molecular signal that tells the liver when to release fat into the bloodstream, following a precise rhythm timed to the body's internal clock.
Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
Research traces evolution of anglerfishes’ famed fishing-rod lures
Anglerfish species use lures for both attracting prey and signaling potential mates, with bioluminescent lures appearing around 34-23 million years ago. Researchers analyzed over 100 species to study the evolutionary history of lures, tracing changes from motion-based to glowing lures.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with cirrhosis
A new study highlights an extremely high short-term mortality rate for mechanically ventilated patients with cirrhosis, which remains unchanged despite recent ICU improvements. The research identifies key prognostic factors and sheds light on the need for early multidisciplinary discussions about care goals.
New insights into rare pancreatic tumors that cause low blood sugar
A study by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo has identified a key gene, DOCK10, involved in abnormal insulin secretion in insulinomas. The findings pave the way for novel diagnostic biomarkers and treatment options.
The brain’s ability to grasp the “gist” of a visual scene begins earlier than expected
A research team led by LEE Doyun and KIM Yee-Joon found that the primary visual cortex encodes motion summaries and variability before higher brain regions transform them into category signals. This process, known as ensemble perception, allows the brain to capture the overall structure of a scene at a glance.
Bioluminescent bacterial partner essential for squid development
A recent study found that Vibrio fischeri bacteria are essential for the healthy development of Hawaiian bobtail squid. The bacteria produce a protein called SypC, which prompts the development of the squid's light-organ. Without SypC, developmental disruptions occur, highlighting the crucial communication between bacteria and host.
Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive cartilage-to-bone transition
Researchers developed in vitro and in vivo models to track cartilage-to-bone transition, identifying key signaling pathways and transcription factors involved. The study found that some cartilage cells can transition into bone-like cells, challenging the traditional view of bone cell origin.
Boron agents termed GluBs reach previously untreatable tumors
Researchers developed GluBs to target ASCT2 in aggressive cancers, bypassing the LAT1 route. The agents showed efficacy in limiting tumor growth and demonstrating potential to treat cancers with limited LAT1 expression.
Overlooked brainstem pathway controls human hands
A new study identifies a previously unknown brainstem pathway controlling hand and arm movements, revealing a multi-stage pathway integrating signals from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal networks. This finding may lead to new therapies for stroke rehabilitation, providing additional targets for neuromodulation treatments.
Astrocytes shape motor coordination development in late adolescence
A new study reveals that astrocytes regulate inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum during development, enabling the emergence of flexible and precise motor coordination. In contrast, younger animals rely on neuron-derived tonic inhibition, which is replaced by astrocyte-derived tonic inhibition in late adolescence.
LOXL2 enzyme discovery offers new hope for jaw arthritis
Researchers have discovered the protective role of LOXL2 protein in preventing cartilage damage and inflammation in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. The enzyme helps suppress inflammatory pathways, reducing cell death and preserving cartilage viability even under inflammatory conditions.
Pitt scientists engineer “living eye drop” to support corneal healing
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine develop an experimental 'living eye drop' using naturally occurring eye bacteria to accelerate corneal wound healing. The engineered bacteria, Corynebacterium mastitidis, continuously secrete interleukin-10, a protein that regulates inflammation.
Discovering the “brain fingerprints” of chronic pain
A team of researchers has developed a method to decode fluctuations in spontaneous pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain using extensively sampled functional MRI data. The study found that neural patterns underlying pain differ markedly between individuals, highlighting the importance of individualized brain-based biomarkers.
The brain’s primitive ‘fear center’ is actually a sophisticated mediator
A Dartmouth study challenges the conventional view of the amygdala as a primitive 'fear center' by revealing its role in mediating between competing learning strategies. The research suggests that the amygdala favors action-based learning, promoting exploration and flexibility to overcome fear.
Dopamine selects, astrocytes refine: a new mechanism for motor-learning circuit rewiring
A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.
Why Triceratops has such a big nose
Researchers from the University of Tokyo used CT scans to study Triceratops' nasal anatomy, revealing a specialized structure called a respiratory turbinate. This unique feature helped regulate temperature and moisture levels in the dinosaur's large skull.
The earliest known bird had complex tongue bones and fleshy “teeth” on the roof of its mouth—which might have helped it snag the food it needed for flight
The earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx, had unique mouth features such as oral papillae, tongue bones, and bill-tip organs. These structures suggest that early birds evolved specialized ways to find and digest food efficiently, which is key to flight. The discovery provides new criteria for identifying dinosaur fossils as birds.
Why some broken bones fail to heal: scientists reveal a critical molecular trigger
Researchers discovered that Apex1 plays a crucial role in initiating and progressing bone healing after injury. The protein is required for activating the master regulatory gene Bmp2, which initiates healing by stimulating periosteal expansion and callus formation.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal highlights eosinophils as a potential target in chordoma treatment
Researchers found that eosinophils suppress chordoma growth and induce cell death in tumor cells, suggesting them as a novel immunotherapeutic target. The study's findings provide new insight into the immune mechanisms underlying chordoma progression.
On the nose: Beauty, bias and the face of social media
New Edith Cowan University research explores how facial filters and pop culture shape perceptions of the nose. Dr Laura Glitsos found that social media reinforces narrow Eurocentric beauty standards, negatively impacting people's self-worth and wellbeing.
Codes in the cilia: New study maps how Cilk1 and Hedgehog levels sculpt tooth architecture
Researchers identified cilia-mediated Hedgehog signaling as a key regulator of tooth development. The study found that disrupting Cilk1 levels can lead to stepwise changes in tooth formation and morphology, including extra teeth or fused molars. This discovery may support earlier diagnosis for children with ciliopathies.
Night shifts aren’t just tiring, they can be deadly
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
Ant societies rose by trading individual protection for collective power
Research shows that ants with less protective armor, such as cuticle investment, tend to have larger colony sizes and are more successful in terms of diversification rates. This suggests that complex societies like humans may evolve by sacrificing individual quality for collective power.
‘Tubuloids’ offer a realistic platform for modeling chronic kidney disease
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed 'tubuloids' to capture the slow progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), replicating key features such as DNA damage, cellular senescence, inflammation, and fibrosis. This realistic platform provides a new way to develop and test treatments for millions globally.
Study explores why some drug therapies are ineffective for brain tumor patients
Researchers at the University of Plymouth investigate why drugs used to treat other tumours are ineffective against NF2-related schwannoma and meningioma tumours. They explore repurposing clinically tested cancer drugs to target MDR mechanisms, which may lead to effective therapies for patients with these tumours.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study reveals high paralysis risk in corticospinal tract-infiltrating gliomas
A study of 101 glioma cases reveals that one-third of patients develop permanent paralysis after surgery. High tumor grade, pre-operative motor deficits, and larger tumor volume are key predictors. The work underscores the importance of careful surgical planning to maximize survival while safeguarding motor function.
Researchers map how the cerebellum builds its connections with the rest of the brain during early development
A team of researchers has reconstructed how the cerebellum establishes its connections with the rest of the brain during earliest stages of life. The work describes the phases in which these neural connections emerge, expand, and are refined, offering a comprehensive map of cerebellar projections across the mouse brain.
New bioelectronics device based on hydrogel- elastomer conductive nanomembranes
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic material that transforms from a rigid film to a soft, tissue-like interface upon hydration, enabling seamless integration with living tissues. The device, called THIN, has been shown to record biological signals with high fidelity and stability in animal experiments.
Scientists receive £2.8 million funding boost to advance research into low-grade brain tumors
Researchers at the University of Plymouth will receive a £2.8 million funding boost to accelerate new treatments for low-grade brain tumors. The center aims to deepen understanding and translate knowledge into life-changing therapies.
Non-invasive technology can shape the brain’s reward-seeking mechanisms
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
LMU successful with two Collaborative Research Center funding applications
LMU has secured funding for two large research networks: one on neurovascular diseases and the other on desmosomes. The CRC on neurovascular diseases aims to uncover the causes of these diseases and develop novel therapeutic strategies, while the SFB/Transregio on desmosomes investigates their functions in epithelial barriers.
A 3D atlas of brain connections
Researchers created BraDiPho, a 3D atlas of brain connections, combining clinical neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and neuroanatomy. The tool facilitates precise identification of white matter connections, opening up new therapeutic perspectives for neurological diseases.
New research shows a tiny, regenerative worm could change our understanding of healing
New research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals planarian stem cells ignore their nearest neighbors and respond to signals further away in the body. This discovery may help explain the flatworm's extraordinary ability to regenerate and offer clues for developing new ways to replace or repair tissues in humans.
Mount Sinai study highlights sex-based pelvic differences’ effect on spinal screw, rod placement during surgical procedures
The study found that males have a narrower pelvis, resulting in a more medial starting point for S2AI screws and poorer rod alignment. Researchers aim to tailor treatment to patients' specific anatomy to improve surgical efficiency and outcomes.
Kidney disease study reveals unexpected marker
Researchers found that higher SDMA levels, but not ADMA, correlated with weaker blood vessel function in patients with moderate chronic kidney disease. This suggests that measuring SDMA levels may provide a better approach to monitoring vascular function in these patients.
Longer body size means more female calves for baleen whale moms
Researchers tested a popular evolutionary theory by comparing maternal length and fetal sex in over 100,000 whales. They found that the fetal sex ratio skews female for longer body size, suggesting that female calves benefit more from heritable fitness than males do. The findings contradict the Trivers-Willard hypothesis.
AI model offers accurate and explainable insights to support autism assessment
A deep learning model achieved up to 98% accuracy in distinguishing autistic from neurotypical participants, providing clear insights into brain regions most influential to its decisions. The model could benefit autistic people and clinicians by offering accurate and explainable results to inform assessment and support.
Wired for voices: Conserved brain responses in mammals
A new study reveals that humans, dogs, and pigs share similar brain responses to vocal sounds and calls from their own species, indicating an evolutionarily ancient mammalian heritage. This discovery sheds light on the deep roots of voice perception and highlights the value of studying companion animals to better understand human biology.
Most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws. It might help explain how they took over the world.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
Scaffold-free cartilage produced using embryonic-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids
A new study demonstrates the potential to produce cellular spheroids from clinically relevant embryonic stem cells to generate scaffold-free chondrogenic or osteochondrogenic graft tissues. The researchers successfully cultured ES-MSC cellular spheroids, which matured into neocartilage tissues expressing cartilage-associated genes.
Big heart, acute senses key to explosive radiation of early fishes
Scientists reconstructed the brain, heart, and fins of a 400-million-year-old fish called Norselaspis glacialis. The study found that its acute senses and powerful heart evolved well before jaws and teeth, suggesting a fast-swimming lifestyle was key to evading predators.
Seeing with fresh eyes: Snails as a system for studying sight restoration
Researchers have established apple snails as a system to study eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. The team discovered that the snail eye is anatomically similar to humans and can regrow itself, with genes such as pax6 playing a crucial role in development.
University of Bath leads world’s largest growth and maturation study in elite football to support early and late developers
The University of Bath conducted the largest growth and maturation study in world football, evaluating over 1,000 academy players in Scotland. The study found a strong bias toward early-developing players, raising questions about current selection and development practices.
New examination of fish considered a ‘living fossil’ changes our understanding of vertebrate skull evolution
Researchers reanalyzed the coelacanth's skull musculature and found that only 13% of previously identified evolutionary muscle novelties were accurate. The study also identified nine new evolutionary transformations related to feeding and respiration, revealing a more similar anatomy to cartilaginous fish and tetrapods.
University of Houston optometry researcher provides new hope for injured corneas
A new treatment for corneal scarring is being developed by University of Houston optometry researcher Tarsis G. Ferreira. The treatment uses a natural protein called decorin to block scarring and unwanted blood vessel growth, offering hope for people with injured corneas.
Connecting the dots between laminins and myelin formation by oligodendrocytes
Laminin-411 protein and its derived peptide A4G47 exhibit pro-myelinating activity in oligodendrocytes, promoting myelin sheath formation. This discovery advances understanding of myelin sheath formation and potential applications for treating demyelinating diseases.
Your skin buckles as you age – and that’s why wrinkles form
A study published in Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials found that wrinkled skin is caused by its tendency to buckle under pressure due to age-related changes in its mechanical properties. As people age, their skin becomes more prone to wrinkles as it stretches and contracts in different directions.