Michael Crickmore's prize-winning essay describes his research on the molecular basis of size differences in animals. He found that a delicate balance of size-regulating genes and signaling pathways control tissue development and shape specialized cells.
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Researchers found that lizards change their diet from ants to other prey when threatened by predators, as they move less and catch less mobile prey. The species' diet data showed a significant reduction in seed consumption and an increase in diverse food sources.
Researchers found that 80% of rats survived cardiac arrest with chest compressions alone, but none survived without oxygen. Oxygen levels were essential for the animals to return to normal brain function at 72 hours.
Researchers in Spain found that artificial refuges significantly improved reptile populations and diversity in Doñana National Park. The study suggests that landscape rehabilitation programs should prioritize the availability of refuges for wildlife.
A new chameleon species has been discovered in Tanzania's Magombera Forest, with the specimen named Kinyongia magomberae. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting this area, which is home to endangered red colobus monkeys and under threat from habitat loss.
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Researchers found that gastroesophageal reflux disease spurs cytokine release, attracting inflammatory cells to the esophagus. This leads to damage characteristic of GERD, including symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.
A synthetic bone matrix offers hope for babies born with craniosynostosis by replacing fused bones and encouraging natural bone healing. The biodegradable implant could eliminate the need for multiple surgeries, resulting in improved developmental outcomes.
Studies across various species reveal that males tend to exhibit more predictable behavior, particularly in parental care, aggression, and risk-taking. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to vary their behavior and respond to these traits, indicating a preference for mates with consistent personalities.
Scientists reconstructed New Zealand's geological history using the first complete genetic history of the moa, revealing a history of marine barriers, mountain building, and glacial cycles over millions of years. The study also suggests that many iconic species evolved solely on the South Island.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that insect brains are capable of intelligent behaviors like counting and categorizing, challenging the idea that larger brains are more intelligent. Research suggests that many size differences in brain size only exist in specific regions and may not lead to increased complexity.
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Researchers discovered that removing the PKCI/HINT1 gene from mice results in anti-depressant and anxiolytic-like behaviors, suggesting its potential role in mood regulation. The study's findings could lead to the development of new diagnostic or therapeutic agents for depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia.
Weill Cornell Medical College researchers aim to boost NAD+ levels after spinal cord injury, potentially preventing permanent nerve death. The study involves synthesizing a molecule that increases NAD+ production in cells, which may activate sirtuins and prevent cell death.
A recent study found that female water striders prefer non-aggressive males over highly sexually aggressive ones when it comes to mating. In contrast, groups of low-key male water striders mated with more females than did groups of highly aggressive males.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that when water striders have the freedom to move between groups, females prefer to cluster around non-aggressive males. This suggests that a 'gentleman' approach to mating is beneficial for group productivity. In contrast, male psychopaths disrupt the group's dynamics and reduce fertility.
A team of researchers from Harvard University discovered that army ant colonies can be cooperative instead of combative when they lose their queen. The lost workers are absorbed by neighboring colonies and integrate quickly, often losing their distinct colony odor within days.
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Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics create tiny laser-scanning microscope images brain cells in awake and moving animals, eliminating the need for electrodes. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the brain generates an internal representation of the outside world.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide have published unique research data on the world's only monotremes, providing new light on the platypus sex chromosome system. The team discovered a complex mechanism where sex chromosomes pair during sperm development in platypus.
A global collaborative effort has produced a first draft of the pig genome, offering insights into breeding practices, disease resistance and human health. The sequencing project involved an international team of scientists and provided a 98% complete sequence that will allow researchers to pinpoint genes useful for pork production.
Researchers at USU and Australian Animal Health Laboratory demonstrate effective therapy against Nipah virus using a human monoclonal antibody, m102.4. The treatment showed promising results in animal models, offering hope for preventing and treating diseases caused by the deadly viruses.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $14 million in Recovery Act grants to study the potential health risks of bisphenol A (BPA). Researchers will investigate BPA's effects on human health, including behavior, obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancer.
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Researchers at UC Davis have identified nonanal as the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts Culex mosquitoes, a key step towards controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The study also found that combining nonanal with carbon dioxide increases trap captures by over 50%.
A Spanish researcher analyzed wolf feces and found that 62.8% of prey was roe deer, while domestic sheep and goats only made up 7.7% and 2.9%, respectively. The study suggests that wolves do not prioritize easily available prey like domestic animals.
Research by Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that blocking the NMDA receptor in immature rats leads to profound brain injury and disruption of auditory function. This raises concerns about the potential impact of general anesthetics on children's cognitive development.
Researchers have discovered a new species of shell-covered animal from the Early Cambrian epoch, dating back around 520 million years. The fossils indicate that these early animals were larger than previously thought and provide valuable information on their evolution and relationships to other species.
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A study by Ohio State University researchers found that mice housed in a lighted room for 24 hours a day exhibited more depressive symptoms than those with normal light-dark cycles. However, mice that lived in constant light but could escape showed less evidence of depressive symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a diet high in fat can accelerate spinal cord injury recovery, while stem cell implants pre-screened for immature cells show promising results. The findings offer new hope for the over one million people affected by spinal cord injuries in North America.
In a field study, University of Washington researchers found that juvenile song sparrows learn their repertoire by eavesdropping on singing conversations between two adult birds. This process involves tracking the birds' movements and responses to recorded bird songs played over two speakers.
Research at the University of Leeds found that logged rainforests can recover biodiversity to pre-logging levels within 15 years through managed restoration. This approach can also support carbon offsetting, providing a stronger incentive for protecting vulnerable forests.
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Young neurobiologist Richard Benton's research on insect odor detection has uncovered unanticipated evolutionary parallels between chemosensation, immune recognition, and synaptic transmission. His findings have significant implications for controlling disease-transmitting insects and understanding the evolution of nervous systems.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that the brain plays a vital role in mediating resveratrol's anti-diabetic actions. When injected into the brain, resveratrol alleviated inflammation and activated sirtuin proteins, which may help prevent diet-induced diabetes.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have achieved an impressive 93% success rate in animal tests of non-incision, endoscopic ulcer repair using Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES). The technique, which minimizes physical impact on the patient, may soon be tested in human clinical trials.
An international research team has discovered a common genetic program for programmed cell death in plants and animals, which is evolutionarily related and functions similarly. This finding highlights the importance of comparative studies across different species to understand fundamental cellular mechanisms.
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Researchers are exploring a groundbreaking method that uses electrical stimulation and exercise to enable paralyzed individuals to walk. The technique, inspired by recent breakthroughs in animal studies, shows promise for those with complete spinal cord injuries.
Scientists have developed a potential new material for diagnosing malignant melanoma with greater accuracy than current imaging agents. The substance, called fluoronicotinamides, revealed melanoma cells with high tumor-to-body contrast ratio and rapid renal clearance.
Australian researchers have discovered a vast number of new species of invertebrates living in underground water, caves and micro-caverns across arid and semi-arid Australia. The team found whole communities of previously unknown invertebrate animals, revealing a completely new component to the country's biodiversity.
Researchers observed Great Tits eating hibernating Common Pipistrelle bats in a Hungarian cave during harsh winters. The birds used the sounds made by the bats to locate them, and could capture and eat them in as little as 15 minutes.
Researchers have discovered molecules that can interfere with insects' sense of smell, confusing them and reducing crop damage. The findings could contribute to food security by preventing damage from insect pests.
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Researchers found that acetaminophen intervention restored Akt activity in aged muscles, improving cell size and reducing death. The study's results suggest the pain reliever may be beneficial for treating age-related muscle dysfunction.
Daily commuting patterns in mega-cities may contribute to the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Researchers suggest looking beyond traditional transmission clusters and considering novel ways to control community transmission.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on an embryonic test that can determine a calf's genetic soundness before birth, allowing producers to select valuable embryos and reduce waste. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize cattle breeding and marketing, enabling producers to target specific traits and markets.
Scientists have cracked the code of insect flight, revealing complex wing designs that defy conventional aerodynamics. By studying locusts and developing a computer model, researchers gained insights into wing deformation and its impact on flight efficiency.
Scientists have discovered that the venom of isolated Florida cottonmouth snakes may differ from that of mainland snakes due to their diet of dead fish dropped by seabirds. A new technique for collecting venom, using a portable nerve stimulator, has also been developed as part of this study.
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A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that male bighorn sheep have distinct personalities, influencing their survival and reproductive success. Younger, more aggressive rams often reproduce but die younger, while older, more docile peers survive longer.
Animal rights extremists are increasingly targeting researchers, posing a threat to human health and scientific progress. The Society for Neuroscience emphasizes the need for public education and advocacy to protect researchers' safety and advance medical research.
New research suggests that some nonhuman animals, including dolphins and macaque monkeys, may possess functional parallels to humans' consciousness and cognitive self-awareness. These species exhibit behaviors such as hesitation and uncertainty, indicating a capacity for metacognition.
Researchers found geckos' severed tails exhibit complex movement patterns to distract predators, potentially leading to new insights into spinal injury recovery. The study's findings suggest central pattern generators can function without a brain or nervous system.
Researchers at Purdue University found that adding ascorbic acid and sugar to green tea can increase the body's ability to absorb polyphenols, a class of antioxidants. The model-backed study suggests that adding lemon juice or vitamin C could also enhance absorption.
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Analysis of ancient rock isotopes reveals a rise in atmospheric oxygen 580 million years ago triggered the evolution of large complex animals. This discovery confirms oxygenation of oceans as a driving force for animal life.
Researchers use insects like fruit flies and moths to test new drugs, reducing animal testing by up to 90% and speeding up results. The study finds that insect immune cells are structurally and functionally similar to those in mammals, offering a promising alternative for drug development.
The US National Academy of Sciences received the 2009 CAAT Recognition Award for its visionary publication on toxicology testing. The report advocates a new approach that relies less on animal studies and focuses on in vitro methods to evaluate chemicals' effects.
A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers shows striking similarities between the evolution of brains and cities. The study found that both require advanced infrastructure to maintain sufficient interconnectedness, with scaling laws governing the growth of connectors, highways, and synapses.
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Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a gene called IKKE that acts as a master switch to control obesity in mice. Deleting this gene also appears to protect mice against conditions associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The Fox Chase Cancer Center has received an $8 million grant to expand its laboratory animal research facility, enabling advanced research into cancer fundamental biological processes. The new facility will house mouse models for cancer research, facilitating the development of new treatments and improving research quality.
A new study re-examines Kammerer's experiments and finds remarkable resemblances to newly discovered aspects of epigenetics. Kammerer's data shows consistency with current epigenetic mechanisms, providing new biological arguments in favor of the authenticity of his midwife toad experiments.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that diesel exhaust exposure induces the growth of new blood vessels in mice, suggesting a link between diesel fume exposure and cancer. The study's results show that even normal tissue can develop tumors after short-term exposure to diesel exhaust.
Researchers found that levels of the 2009 H1N1 virus rose more quickly than seasonal flu strains, causing more severe disease. The novel virus was also transmitted more easily from infected to uninfected ferrets.
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A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that European REACH legislation for chemicals may require up to 54 million research animals and $13.4 billion over the next 10 years.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that rats use a mental instant replay of their actions to help them decide what to do next. The study reveals that these sequences also occur when the animals are awake and may help them consider future options.
A new analysis by Jerome Siegel reveals that sleep's primary function is to regulate behavior and increase efficiency, rather than solely for brain maintenance or longevity. Sleep duration varies across species based on factors such as eating needs, migration requirements, and predator avoidance.
Researchers at Caltech have pinpointed two groups of neurons in fruit fly brains that regulate fat stores, mirroring mammalian brain function. Silencing these neurons led to obese flies, while overactivating them produced lean ones, offering a promising model for studying human obesity and developing new treatments.