Articles tagged with Anatomy
The BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) has published a 3D atlas of the human basal ganglia, a group of nerve cells controlling key functions like learning and movement. This comprehensive database could be used to create personalized therapeutics and treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease and addiction.
The akiapōlāʻau bird uses its whole body to drill for food, thanks to its unique
A research team identified a signaling pathway involving AQP4, TRPA1, BEST1, and D-serine that helps maintain neuronal activity and cerebral blood-volume responses during prolonged sensory stimulation. Astrocytes release D-serine, which supports neuronal activity and contributes to dilation of brain blood vessels.
The study found nearly 600 genetic switches that are more active in human neural stem cells than in those of chimpanzees and gorillas, regulating genes that shape cell growth and differentiation. These differences suggest that the human brain uses a similar toolkit to great apes, but with distinct settings.
Madagascar's flying foxes, the world's largest bats, are shrinking due to commercial hunting, with the biggest bats disappearing since the 1980s. Researchers found a clear drop in size starting around 1980, suggesting that hunting is the main cause of the decline.
A new study challenges the long-held hypothesis that early land animals evolved flexible necks for turning their heads. Using fossil anatomy and biomechanical studies of a modern fish, researchers found that early tetrapod necks were stiff and did not allow much mobility.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a proof-of-concept gene therapy that targets and reduces the production of cerebrospinal fluid, potentially providing a minimally invasive treatment for hydrocephalus. The therapy uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver therapeutic genetic material into a patient's cells, wit...
Researchers found that applying biomechanical tension to heart valves every time they beat helps protect collagen from breaking down, explaining why leaflets remain sturdy for decades. Increasing strain while preserving the natural strain ratio prevents collagen degradation, highlighting a biomechanical defense mechanism.
Researchers propose a voluntary program that targets waitlisted candidates aged 65 or older with 'marginal' kidneys, prioritizing them over younger patients. The redesign aims to improve access to harder-to-place kidneys, potentially preventing over 190 deaths annually.
Researchers studied the neck vertebrae of northern gannets and boobies, finding reinforced vertebrae with additional contact surfaces that stabilize the cervical column. This adaptation allows the birds to survive high-speed impacts and enables them to plunge-dive at 70 miles per hour.
A newly discovered fossil, Megacauda sungei, uncovered key anatomical structures required for mammalian suckling and swallowing behaviors, evolving nearly 165 million years ago. The research challenges a longstanding assumption about the evolution of these structures, suggesting a more complex and nuanced origin story.
Researchers discovered that declining cardiolipin levels in aging muscle mitochondria trigger a defense mechanism to protect cells from ROS damage. By mimicking this decline in young mice, they found that restoring cardiolipin levels can reverse muscle wasting and prevent early deaths.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that bullfrogs can generate ketone bodies in their brains, allowing them to continue critical neural functions even when glucose levels are low. This finding could have implications for understanding human brain health and potentially treating neurological disorders.
Researchers describe Jeanerpeton mazonensis, a 309-million-year-old proto-amphibian discovered in Illinois, providing insights into ancient amphibian evolution. The fossil specimen features preserved scales, eye impressions, and gastralia, supporting its classification as a distinct species.
Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.
A new Cochrane review has found that emergency contraception containing mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel, with fewer side effects. Mifepristone also showed a lower risk of nausea and vomiting compared to other methods, but a higher likelihood of delayed menstruation.
A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...
A major change in human ancestors' movement took place between 3 million and 1.8 million years ago, combining regular tree-climbing with walking on two legs. Early human ancestors like Australopithecus used trees as much as modern chimpanzees and gorillas do today, but when on the ground, they walked on two legs.
A viper's tail looks like a spider to lure birds, but scientists found its inner workings are normal. Researchers used X-ray scans to study the snake's tail, revealing that its vertebrae are typical of most vipers.
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
A new study suggests a simple urine test could improve kidney transplant decisions by using donor urinary biomarkers, increasing accuracy and availability of transplanted kidneys. The study found that combining these biomarkers with the widely used Kidney Donor Profile Index significantly improves prediction of transplant success.
A new trial will assess whether Semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder, obesity, and liver disease. The four-year CURB project aims to explore the potential benefits of the weight loss drug in treating alcohol-related liver disease and obesity.
Researchers propose a novel posterior transosseous S1 pedicle approach to access the superior hypogastric plexus, leveraging the reproducible osseous anatomy of the sacrum. This approach may offer improved spatial control and reduce procedural variability, making it a potential alternative to conventional techniques.
Researchers compared Neandertal and modern human pelvises, finding that the male pelvis evolved a unique biomechanical shock-absorbing mechanism that stores energy and facilitates long-distance walking. This innovation likely arose from the need to cushion the impact of each step and release energy with every stride.
Researchers found that gut cell turnover depends on nutrient quantity, not specific nutrient quality, in fruit flies. Gut cells sense satiety based on cytoplasm viscosity, not amino acid metabolism.
Researchers used connected speech analysis to distinguish between nonfluent, logopenic and semantic PPA variants with high accuracy. The study also showed expected atrophy associations and discriminated common neuropathologic classes in an autopsy-confirmed subset.
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School reveals that male and female bonnetheads have distinct head shapes that develop differently as they mature. Contrary to previous research, the sharks' heads become rounder in females, not more pointed when reaching sexual maturity.
Researchers analyzed shark vertebrae to discover a finely engineered biomechanical system supporting strength, flexibility, and swimming efficiency. Different species evolved unique internal structures reflecting their varied swimming strategies.
Epithelial tissues respond to sustained mechanical stress by slowly reorganising their keratin cytoskeleton, forming supracellular networks that push the cell nucleus out of its protective cage. This process reveals a new mechanism for tissue adaptation and has implications for development and disease understanding.
Researchers developed an antibiotic-free multifunctional injectable hydrogel that promotes tissue repair through synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The hydrogel shows compatibility with blood and surrounding tissues, delivering therapeutic agents in a controlled and sustained manner.
Researchers identify a specialized lymphatic network in the brain that enables cerebrospinal fluid drainage, which declines with age but can be restored through intranasal VEGF-C delivery. This discovery provides new insights into brain waste clearance and its link to neurodegenerative disorders.
A new review article synthesizes information on neural traveling waves, concluding they are a computational engine in the visual cortex. These waves allow the brain to build internal representations of the external world, enabling prediction and perception.
Hawaii's songless crickets have rapidly evolved to overcome reproductive challenges caused by lack of courtship songs. Non-singing males develop faster than wild-type males, allowing them to seek out female mates using alternative methods.
New study redefines the existence of necks in fish and amphibians, identifying functionally distinct anatomical regions. The project aims to build new definitions that apply more widely across all major vertebrate groups.
Researchers discovered astrocytes actively preserve long-term memories by regulating Ank2 and BDNF signaling. This finding expands the understanding of how memories are stored in the brain.
A new study has mapped cellular signaling networks between bone and skeletal muscle, identifying key ligand-receptor pairs that facilitate communication between cells. The research revealed a complex network of molecular pathways that coordinate tissue maintenance and remodeling, with implications for understanding musculoskeletal diso...
Researchers found that wood frogs' adaptation to salty water increases their vulnerability to ranavirus, a common and fatal disease. The study highlights the hidden costs of survival in wildlife under environmental stress.
A new study confirms the existence of Manis aurita, a previously unrecognized Asian pangolin species, expanding biologists' understanding of pangolin diversity. The discovery provides crucial scientific basis for combating illegal poaching and protecting critically endangered animals.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that two tree snail species can alter their shell colors and patterns in response to humidity, using a process called refractive index matching. This unique mechanism has potential applications for smart sensors and materials.
A team of researchers discovered an epigenetic mechanism that protects tooth progenitor cells from mechanical stress, preserving tissue renewal. The study found that the enzyme KDM6B removes repressive chromatin marks, allowing genes to be active and preventing excessive activation of mechanosensitive ion channels.
A new study reveals that smell loss can have a devastating impact on quality of life, comparable to conditions like Parkinson’s, stroke, and diabetes. Patients with smell disorders experience significant emotional, social, and psychological suffering, often rivaling those with chronic illnesses.
Researchers studied elephant trunks to understand properties and derive lessons for next-gen soft robotics. The study found functional zoned architecture allowing amplification of tactile signals while protecting fragile sensors.
Researchers at UC Riverside link immune signaling to disrupted brain function and cognition after concussion, finding a crucial link between TLR4 and MMP-9. Blocking these pathways may limit changes in brain circuits and improve long-term neurological outcomes.
Researchers developed a simple blood-based assessment to evaluate high-density lipoprotein's (HDL) cholesterol removal capacity from blood vessel walls. The study linked low HDL function to high-risk coronary plaques, supporting the use of this method for predicting cardiovascular risk.
A pioneering pilot clinical trial showed that spinal cord stimulation improved arm strength by 32% in stroke survivors, with significant reductions in muscle spasticity. The intervention required minimal training time and was safe with no serious adverse events.
A new study found that a simple angiogram scoring system can identify patients whose heart muscle is still alive even when a major artery has been completely blocked. This breakthrough could change how cardiac patients are treated and help doctors make faster, more informed decisions.
A new fossil species, Plumadraco, has been found with the longest tail feathers ever recorded on a fossil bird. The analysis suggests that the bird's tail feathers were used for attracting mates, and the color of the feathers was probably dark brown or black.
Researchers found that a high arm slot and torso tilt put the most demand on the UCL, but make mechanical changes could help pitchers reduce injury risk. The study reveals that controlled pitching delivery can minimize elbow stress and produce lower speeds.
A newly-discovered blue octopus from the Galapagos Islands has been identified as Microeledone galapagensis, and its unique features were revealed through micro CT scans. The species is the first new octopus species led by curator emerita Janet Voight in her four-decade career.
Researchers found that smoking substantially stiffens human lung parenchyma, making breathing progressively difficult. The study provides detailed mechanical data for human lungs, which may improve ventilator design and surgical planning tools.
A recent study introduces a practical framework for comparing AI-based anatomy segmentation models in the absence of expert reference annotations. The work focuses on chest CT scans from the National Lung Screening Trial dataset and evaluates how consistently different open-source models label anatomical structures. Key findings includ...
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.
Researchers identify TGF-β signaling pathway as key regulator of osteoblast quiescence, suggesting its inhibition can aid in reactivation of dormant osteoblasts. Combining TGF-β-blocking antibodies with anti-sclerostin treatment shows promising therapeutic potential for osteoporosis treatment.
University of Missouri researchers develop organic transistors that process information like biological neural networks, boosting brain-like computing and potentially leading to more energy-efficient artificial intelligence. The approach could lead to significant improvements in tasks such as pattern recognition and decision-making.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.