A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on the genetic basis of human appearance features by investigating the role of Hox genes. The researchers replaced the proboscipedia gene in a common laboratory fruit fly with its counterpart from a rarer Hawaiian cousin, revealing that Hox genes function as scaffolds for downstr...
Researchers at LSU Health have rediscovered the correct anatomy of the hip muscles, finding that they do not join into a single tendon but instead attach to different regions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the evolution of human upright gait and bipedal locomotion.
Researchers developed a tool to investigate cause of death when skeletonised remains are recovered, providing a breakthrough in forensic lightning pathology. The study identified unique markers of lightning damage deep within the human skeleton, allowing for recognition of lightning strikes even when only dry bone survives.
Researchers at GIST create an optical technique called optical speckle image velocimetry that can image dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow, allowing for the diagnosis of brain health. The technique provides high-time resolution and measures both speed and direction of blood flow.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ground sloth, Parocnus dominicanus, from fossils found in the Dominican Republic. The species was smaller than its tree-dwelling cousins and had anatomical differences that may have allowed it to occupy lowland areas.
Researchers at Umeå University developed a method to study specific cell types in human organs with high-resolution 3D imaging. This allows for the visualization of previously unrecognized alterations in organs like the pancreas, which can lead to improved understanding of disease conditions and treatment options.
Researchers created a low-cost ultrasound training phantom to train treatment of trigger fingers using ultrasound guidance. The 3D-printed anatomical finger model, embedded in ballistic gelatin, allows for precise insertion of a syringe needle and mimics human anatomy and echogenic appearance.
A 4.4 million-year-old skeleton could show how early humans moved and began to walk upright, according to new research led by a Texas A&M University professor. The study found evidence of an 'evolutionary jump' between the hand of Ardi and all later hominin hands, including that of Lucy's species.
Analysis of human teeth from caves in southern China suggests that anatomically modern humans migrated from Africa around 65,000 to 45,000 years ago, contradicting earlier proposals of an early arrival. The study's findings highlight the importance of direct DNA analysis and carbon-14 dating for accurately estimating human remains' age.
Researchers have overcome a major speed limit in manufacturing human neurons from stem cells, enabling rapid production of unlimited numbers of neurons. This breakthrough has significant advantages for academic researchers and pharmaceutical developers, providing a critical cell type weeks faster than before.
The study developed a reliable method for creating porcine hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which exhibited similar characteristics to human HCC cells. The Oncopig model was shown to be a valuable tool for testing innovative therapeutic modalities and correlative studies for new therapies.
A significant increase in the prevalence of the median artery has been observed in humans since the late 19th century. This trend is attributed to genetic mutations or health problems during pregnancy, and may continue to rise, with a majority of people expected to have the median artery by 2100.
A researcher at Northeast Ohio Medical University has received a large federal grant to develop the first human treatment for tinnitus, a debilitating hearing impairment affecting millions of people in the US. The grant aims to create a drug to treat and prevent tinnitus, which currently has no available treatment options.
The study analyzed 150 patients' cranial CT scans and identified three types of angular arteries, with the artery's depth varying by age. The findings suggest that injecting hyaluronic acid into elderly patients requires special caution to avoid damaging the artery, which can be exposed due to fat volume loss.
Fossilized footprints from Africa's largest human collection suggest a division of labor in ancient human communities. The 408 human footprints, dated between 19,100 and 5,760 years ago, indicate that females foraged together while males accompanied them or visited them.
The study reveals that fishing and shellfish-gathering were crucial components of the Neanderthal subsistence economy in Portugal. This discovery sheds light on the cognitive skills of early humans, suggesting that access to marine resources may have contributed to their development.
An international research team discovered that Neanderthals consumed mussels, fish, and seals over 80,000 years ago, similar to anatomically modern humans. This finding suggests a potential link between seafood consumption and the development of cognitive abilities in these ancient human populations.
Researchers challenge the theory of a descended larynx, which proposes that speech can only emerge with the larynx in a low position. However, monkeys produce well-differentiated proto-vowels, suggesting control of articulators is key to vocalization. This finding opens up new perspectives on the emergence of articulated speech.
A McMaster University study found that virtual and mixed reality inferior to traditional physical models for anatomy learning. The research showed a 70% increase in accuracy with traditional physical models compared to digital media.
Researchers created the world's most realistic model of the human hand's musculoskeletal system using MRI and visual effects techniques. This breakthrough has implications for computer graphics, prosthetics, medical education, robotics, and virtual reality.
Researchers at University of Missouri create 3D model showing how ligaments and joints in T. rex skull work, revealing it was stiffer than previously thought. This discovery could advance human and animal medicine by providing better models of joint interactions.
Using DNA methylation patterns, researchers reconstructed the skeletal anatomy of Denisovans, identifying 56 anatomical features that differ from modern humans and/or Neanderthals. The study provides insights into human adaptation, evolutionary constraints, and disease dynamics.
Researchers have reconstructed the skeletal anatomy of Denisovans using DNA methylation patterns, identifying 56 unique features. The study reveals that Denisovans had a wider skull, longer dental arch, and unique traits that separate them from modern humans and Neanderthals.
Researchers have developed custom-built microscopes called mesoSPIMs, which can image the minute detail of brain tissue down to individual neurons. These new microscopes provide new insights into brain and spinal cord organization, enabling researchers to investigate neuronal networks involved in cognition, pleasure, or drug addiction.
A team of scientists analyzed a newly found phalanx fragment from Denisova Cave, revealing that it shares structural similarities with anatomically modern humans and is less like Neanderthals. The researchers believe this 'third' human group has a unique morphological mosaic.
A new dual imaging approach combines transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and photoacoustic imaging to detect anatomical features and molecular information of the prostate. This technology has shown promise in detecting prostate cancers with high accuracy, including distinguishing malignant regions in patients with advanced disease.
Researchers found that dogs have developed a muscle above the eyes to intensively raise their inner eyebrow, making them appear larger and more infant-like. This movement, known as AU101, triggers a caregiving response in humans, potentially leading to enhanced social interaction.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute reveals that patients with a bicuspid aortic valve who undergo TAVR have the same survival and complication rates as those without the defect. The analysis of over 2,700 patients found no significant difference in death rates between the two groups.
Researchers discovered charred food remains at the Klasies River Cave in South Africa, indicating early humans were roasting plant starches from tubers and rhizomes as far back as 120,000 years ago. This finding supports the hypothesis that the duplication of starch digestion genes is an adaptive response to a high-starch diet.
Researchers studied how spider webs employ power amplification to capture prey, achieving accelerations of up to 772.85 m/s2. This unique method offers advantages over human tools, such as the replaceability and long-range capabilities of spider webs.
A team of researchers has identified the first gene associated with LUTO, a rare condition causing urinary tract obstruction in boys. The study found that variants of the BNC2 gene are linked to the disease, which can lead to kidney damage and other complications.
Researchers at Columbia's Data Science Institute used cellular resolution imaging to investigate changes in neuronal microstates during anesthesia. They found that anesthesia disrupts local network dynamics, leading to breakdowns in macroscale connectivity.
Dr. Lane's research team is working to enhance spontaneous neuroplasticity and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Recently published studies have shown promising results in transplanting laboratory-grown neural cells to improve respiratory function in rodents with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have discovered a unique subset of cells in the developing urethra that send important signals defining how the urethra is formed. This discovery aims to standardize the characterization of hypospadias and improve treatment outcomes for affected children.
A rare condition, situs inversus with levocardia, has been discovered in a 99-year-old body donor. This condition is often associated with life-threatening cardiac ailments and occurs about once in every 22,000 births. The discovery of this unusual anatomy offers valuable lessons on human variations.
Researchers discovered female bottlenose dolphins have well-developed clitorises with erectile tissue similar to humans. The location of the clitoris near the vaginal opening suggests it can be easily stimulated during copulation.
The use of medically assisted death (MAID) has resulted in ethical concerns over body donations to anatomy programs in Canada. McMaster University's head of anatomy, Bruce Wainman, argues that guidelines are needed to ensure respectful treatment of MAID donors and avoid pressuring vulnerable individuals into donation.
A recent reanalysis of a Neandertal individual's vertebrae and pelvis suggests that their spinal curvatures were within the range of normal modern human posture, except for disease-related effects. The findings challenge previous interpretations of Neandertal anatomy as functionally different from those of modern humans.
Researchers will analyze factors making hands unique to develop new biometric capabilities for security access and border control. An active, open-source dataset of over 5,000 participant images will be created to address variable image conditions.
Researchers have proposed a solution to the uncomfortable and messy issue of providing urine samples. A patented product called the Orchid, designed by Faith Leibman, features a funnel-like catch attached to a urine sample cup, making it easier for women and people with disabilities to provide a urine sample.
A new report highlights sex differences in cell biology in the female and male lower urinary tract, which may help stimulate breakthroughs in diagnosing and managing urinary dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that differential expression of immune cells in the bladder amplifies UTI rates in women.
Researchers reevaluate Madjedbebe site evidence, suggesting a revised human dispersal timeline for the region; the findings have implications for understanding human migration patterns in Southeast Asia and surrounding areas.
A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed the most complete foot of an ancient juvenile Australopithecus afarensis, discovered in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that the child spent more time in trees than adults, utilizing its backup plan to survive despite walking upright at a young age.
Researchers have scanned a four-million-year-old fossil cranium and found it shares similarities with that of modern humans. The study revealed the cranium's thick, spongy bone may indicate comparable blood flow to our brains, suggesting an important role in brain protection.
The Blausen Medical Library, valued at $25 million, has been made freely available to the University of Texas at Austin. The library features over 28,000 3D animations and illustrations detailing various biomedical topics, including human anatomy and physiology.
A recent study has found that 'uniquely human' muscles, such as those associated with bipedalism and facial expressions, are present in various ape species. Researchers have discovered that these muscles are not exclusive to humans, but are also found in bonobos and other apes, suggesting a more complex origin of human soft tissues.
Researchers used computer-based methods to compare the physiological behavior of Neanderthals to today's humans, finding that their noses were able to transport twice as much air to the lungs than modern humans. This unique feature allowed Neanderthals to thrive in Ice Age environments and power their more strenuous lifestyle.
The American Association of Anatomists presented its 2018 Award Recipients to recognize outstanding achievements in human anatomy education, scientific research, and leadership. The recipients included Valerie D. O'Loughlin, Kurt Albertine, Jeffrey Laitman, and Jason Organ for their contributions to the field.
New research from the University of York suggests that highly mobile eyebrows may have enabled humans to express nuanced emotions, establish large social networks, and form social bonds. The study contributes to ongoing debates about the evolution of brow ridges in human ancestors.
Researchers applied new technological approaches to study the iconic Neandertal skeleton, identifying fossil remains, pathological conditions, and confirming deliberate burial. The study sheds new light on Neandertal anatomy, behavior, and cultural practices.
Research compares fictional patients in Grey's Anatomy with real-life traumas, finding death rates are 3 times higher and recovery times significantly shorter. The study suggests that TV dramas like Grey's Anatomy can skew public expectations of trauma care, potentially leading to lower patient satisfaction.
A recent clinical anatomy review sheds light on the discovery of prostate orgasms, discovering that stimulating the prostate via the rectal wall can create exceptionally pleasurable feelings. The study highlights the need to explore this previously ignored area of orgasm research.
Researchers studied 3000 human neuromuscular junctions, revealing details of their anatomy and structure. Human NMJs were found to be smaller and frailer than those in mice and rats, with no effect of age on their health.
A study on an unusual snapping turtle with one lung found shared characteristics with humans born with one lung who survive beyond infancy. The researchers used digital 3D anatomical models to compare the architecture of the branching patterns inside the lungs and position of the lungs relative to the shell.
Female chimpanzees who leave their family and friends behind take longer to become mothers, around three years on average, due to social integration challenges. In contrast, those with supportive networks start reproducing earlier, raising questions about the factors influencing this behavior.
Researchers found that prehistoric humans deliberately sought partners beyond immediate family to avoid inbreeding. This suggests they developed complex mating systems, possibly foreshadowing modern marriage ceremonies, which may have contributed to their success.
Research suggests that prehistoric humans recognized the dangers of inbreeding at least 34,000 years ago and developed sophisticated social networks to avoid it. The study analyzed genetic information from remains of anatomically modern humans and found evidence of deliberate mate selection beyond immediate family members.
The Human Cell Atlas is using sequencing technology to redefine every cell in the body. The platform will allow scientists to share and analyze vast amounts of diverse information generated by researchers across academia and industry.
A 2.5-year-old fossilized toddler from the species Australopithecus afarensis has provided groundbreaking insights into human spinal column development, dating it back over 3.3 million years. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of bipedalism and modern human body shape.
A 3.3 million-year-old fossil skeleton known as Selam has provided the first glimpse into how early human ancestors' spines were organized. The study found that portions of the human spinal structure enabling efficient walking motions emerged over 3.3 million years ago.