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A boost in dopamine during adolescence permanently amplifies dopamine function, impulsivity, and aggression in mice

Researchers found that blocking dopamine transporters during mid-adolescence increases adult aggression, impulsivity, and the behavioral response to amphetamine in mice. Artificially stimulating dopaminergic neurons also exacerbated impulsive behavior in tasks. The study suggests potential harm from stimulant exposure in healthy teens ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023

Faster thin film devices for energy storage and electronics

Researchers have successfully grown high-quality single-crystalline T-Nb2O5 thin films with two-dimensional vertical ionic transport channels, enabling fast and dramatic changes in electrical properties. The material undergoes a significant electrical change upon Li insertion, allowing it to switch from an insulator to a metal.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Calculations reveal high-resolution view of quarks inside protons

Researchers used supercomputers to predict the spatial distributions of charges, momentum, and other properties of 'up' and 'down' quarks within protons. The results revealed key differences in the characteristics of the up and down quarks, implying different contributions to the proton's fundamental properties.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2023

Male moth ‘aphrodisiac’ revealed

Researchers at North Carolina State University identified a specific blend of pheromone chemicals used by male moths during courtship, including an aphrodisiac called methyl salicylate. Female moths can recognize this chemical through two smell receptors, and its presence in males' hairpencils is linked to mating success.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Stick-to-itiveness: Pitt engineers show self-organization of sticky micron-to-mesoscale 3D structures in confined fluids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

Bacteria like cholera may be crucial in the development of new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered how a bacterium called Vibrio alginolyticus moves using sodium ions, which could lead to new targets for antibiotics. The study provides insights into the flagellum's movement and may help develop novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance.

Essential cell death-regulating mechanisms important for recovery from SARS-CoV infection and skin injury discovered

Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism of cell death regulation, shedding light on its significance during conditions such as SARS-CoV infection and skin injury. The study reveals that the cleavage of cFLIP restrains cell death during viral infection and tissue injury, favoring tissue repair.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

Bacteria discreetly dwelling in throat revealed to be primary source of Strep A transmission

Research reveals that asymptomatic throat carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes is the primary source of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in high-risk communities. This discovery challenges previous understanding of GAS transmission and has significant implications for public health approaches, vaccine development, and future research.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2023

Structural biology: Molecular scissors caught in the act

Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

AI nursing ethics: viability of robots and artificial intelligence in nursing practice

Researchers examine whether robots and AI can replicate the ethical concepts attributed to human nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring. While AI can inform patients about medical errors and present treatment options, it questions its ability to truly understand and empathize with patients' values.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNursing Ethics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2023

From ground-hugging to groundbreaking: How a unique tomato mutation could transform sustainable agriculture

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a unique tomato mutation that unlocks the potential for enhanced fruit quality and stress resistance. The mutation, called 'adpressa', shows major transcriptional and metabolic adjustments, including increased levels of soluble sugars and enhanced growth.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2023

WVU faculty, students contribute to cosmic breakthrough uncovering evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves

Researchers from West Virginia University have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves, which can only be perceived with a detector much larger than the Earth. The signal was detected using pulsar timing arrays and has significant implications for understanding spacetime dynamics.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2023

High-speed proton transaction

Researchers at DESY reveal the rapid proton transaction process between urea molecules, which could have led to RNA molecule formation billions of years ago. The experiment demonstrates the importance of studying molecular processes in aqueous environments for understanding biological phenomena.

MSK-led research finds unexpected link between chromosomal instability and epigenetic alterations

A graduate student's curiosity uncovers a previously unknown link between chromosomal instability and epigenetic alterations in cancer. The study, led by MSK researchers, reveals that chromosomal instability can drive epigenetic changes without requiring gene mutations, shedding light on the biology of advanced, drug-resistant cancers.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

How neurons compete to lose their link

The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Physical chemists develop photochromic active colloids shedding light on the development of new smart active materials

Researchers develop a novel wavelength-selective intelligent colloid system that achieves light-controlled multi-dimensional phase segregation, enabling the creation of programmable photochromic ink for various applications. The system relies on rearranging existing pigments rather than generating new chromophores.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

Cryo-EM structures show how Trypanosomes escape the human innate immune response

Researchers at IOCB Prague have determined the first cryo-EM structures of a surface receptor of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in complex with human complement factor C3. This discovery sheds light on how the parasite avoids clearance from the human bloodstream and survives within the immune system.