Researchers at Duke Health have uncovered a connection between an immune system gene regulator, STAT1, and hyperactive behaviors in mice. Their study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, demonstrates how prolonged activation of this gene regulator in dopamine neurons disrupts brain function, suggesting a potential link to neurodevelopmental...
A new study published in Nature has identified brain cells that act like “map makers,” helping animals track their position within sequences of behaviors. These neurons, located in the medial frontal cortex, can encode abstract patterns of progress, enabling the brain to manage complex tasks such as planning, reasoning, and...
The genetic code, a universal blueprint for life, governs how DNA and RNA sequences translate into proteins. While its complexity has inspired generations of scientists, its origins remain a topic of debate. New research from the University of Arizona challenges long-standing assumptions about how this remarkable code evolved. A study...
Mitochondria, the cell’s energy centers, play a vital role in regulating cellular processes, including growth and survival. Their unique structure and function have made them a promising target in the battle against cancer. Mitochondrial genetics and metabolism are deeply involved in cancer progression—from aiding cell motility and invasion to modulating...
Over 100,000 years ago, a unique group of ancient humans, the Juluren or “large head people,” roamed eastern Asia. Recently introduced to the scientific world as Homo juluensis, this group displays a combination of physical traits unlike any other known hominins. Their distinct features and remarkably large brain size are...
Children’s ability to focus their attention is an enigma that continues to intrigue scientists. While adults tend to zero in on task-relevant features, children often divide their attention across both critical and irrelevant aspects of a task. This phenomenon, known as distributed attention, has puzzled researchers for years. What drives...
Fasting has been a part of human culture for centuries, practiced by various groups for religious and health purposes. In modern times, intermittent fasting has gained popularity for its potential benefits, including weight control and improved metabolic health. Emerging evidence suggests fasting also influences tissue health by interacting with somatic...
A group of U.K. scientists has developed a machine-learning-based method to detect ADHD by analyzing the actions of individuals in video clips. These videos included recordings of study participants working on specific tasks, captured using multiple cameras from different angles. The authors report that this method outperformed alternative diagnostic systems...
A new study sheds light on the deep-seated human preference for all things “natural.” Published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, the research shows that this bias extends beyond words, influencing actual decisions—even when those decisions involve potential risks, like taking a drug or eating food that might cause discomfort....
Saturn’s rings are a celestial marvel that have long fascinated astronomers and casual stargazers alike. Visible from Earth through modest telescopes, these shimmering halos are not only captivating but also steeped in mystery. Scientists have recently revealed a compelling theory about their origins, using advanced supercomputer simulations to peer into...
New research published in Addictive Behaviors examines how certain behaviors are associated with problematic pornography use. The study highlights that habits like binge-watching, escalating content, and switching between videos are linked to difficulties in controlling pornography use, with quantitative tolerance—a need for increased viewing time—playing a central role. Problematic pornography...
It’s spring and you’ve probably noticed a change in when the Sun rises and sets. But have you also noticed a change in your mood? We’ve known for a while that light plays a role in our wellbeing. Many of us tend to feel more positive when spring returns. But...
Recent advances from MIT researchers are paving the way for unprecedented methods to monitor and potentially heal individual cells, with the focus now on neurons. Traditionally, cells have been seen as basic units of life, but they’re remarkably complex. In neurons, various activities occur within distinct subcellular compartments, such as...
New research published in the Journal of Sleep Research has found connections between marathon runners’ circadian preferences, sleep inertia, and race performance. Runners with an evening-oriented circadian preference, or “eveningness,” were found to have slower marathon completion times compared to their morning-oriented counterparts. Additionally, the severity of sleep inertia—difficulty transitioning...
Cannabinol, a lesser-known compound found in the cannabis plant, might hold promise as a sleep aid, according to new research published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology. Researchers found that cannabinol improved sleep quality in rats by increasing the duration of deep sleep and stabilizing overall sleep patterns. Cannabinol, or CBN, is...
New research reveals that gene flow from Neanderthals has left a lasting imprint on modern human genomes. Non-African populations today inherit approximately 1% to 2% of their genetic material from Neanderthals. However, the complex evolutionary processes that shaped this inheritance remain a topic of active investigation. To explore this phenomenon,...
For centuries, astronomers have sought to understand the complex dance of planetary motion. The ancient belief that planets followed perfect circular orbits aligns intriguingly with modern theories of planet formation, which suggest that planets emerge in nearly circular, coplanar orbits from protoplanetary disks. Despite this, the slightly eccentric and tilted...
Archaeological discoveries often reveal intriguing glimpses into the past, and recent excavations at the Taposiris Magna temple near Alexandria have unearthed treasures that deepen our understanding of the Ptolemaic period. These findings include artifacts that hint at the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egyptian society, while fueling debate among scholars...
Researchers from Swansea University, in collaboration with Wuhan University of Technology and Shenzhen University, have developed a breakthrough technique for producing large-scale graphene current collectors. This new advancement could significantly improve lithium-ion battery (LIB) safety and performance, addressing critical challenges in energy storage technology. The findings, published in Nature Chemical...
Do satisfying sexual experiences make us feel better about ourselves, or does feeling confident in our self-worth lead to more fulfilling intimacy? A new study suggests the answer is both. Using 12 years of longitudinal data, researchers found that self-esteem and sexual satisfaction reinforce one another over time, while sexual...
New research published in Nature Mental Health confirms that loneliness is not just an emotional burden—it may also have serious consequences for brain health. In the largest study of its kind, researchers found that individuals who feel lonely are at a significantly increased risk of developing dementia, with a 31%...
Bone regeneration is a remarkable process that varies widely across species and presents significant opportunities for advancing human medicine. For decades, scientists have focused on how certain animals like salamanders and zebrafish regenerate complex structures, hoping to uncover clues that could one day lead to breakthroughs in human limb regeneration....
T cell-based immunotherapies, including CAR-T cell therapies, have significantly advanced treatment options for lymphomas such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). Despite these advancements, predicting patient responses and understanding therapy resistance remain major challenges. Recent research has shed light on how EZH2 inhibitors, a class of...
Diabetes, a chronic condition impacting millions globally, often brings along complications like insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. Managing these challenges requires treatments that not only control blood sugar but also mitigate associated risks. A promising new compound, HPH-15, may represent a significant breakthrough in diabetes management by combining glucose...
The next generation of wireless communication, represented by terahertz technology, promises revolutionary advancements in data transmission. Operating at terahertz frequencies, these systems offer unprecedented bandwidth, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and communication. However, harnessing this potential requires overcoming significant technical challenges, particularly in managing and utilizing the available spectrum effectively. A...
A study of over 15,000 Australian adults found that individuals with higher intelligence were more likely to endorse self-direction, benevolence, and universalism values, and less likely to value security, tradition, and conformity. Personal values were more strongly associated with intelligence than with personality traits. The research was published in Social...
Depressed and lonely college students experience reduced physiological and psychological benefits from social interactions compared to their less-depressed and less-lonely peers, according to a study published in Psychophysiology. Social interactions are critical for emotional well-being, yet individuals with depression and loneliness often experience diminished benefits from these experiences. Prior research...
The question of whether the chicken or the egg came first has puzzled philosophers, scientists, and the general public for centuries. This age-old debate touches on the origins of life, evolution, and species development, sparking curiosity across multiple disciplines. Though it may seem simple, exploring the origins of the chicken...
Many children have intense reactions to certain sounds or food textures. They can’t stand certain clothes for even a minute, or they get annoyed when someone touches them, making an ordeal out of simple events like bath time, getting dressed, eating dinner, or a birthday party. However, these behaviours do...
In a new study published in Sex Roles, researchers have identified a striking gender bias in how fatigue is perceived in others. Observers evaluating short video clips of men and women engaged in social interactions consistently underestimated women’s fatigue levels while overestimating men’s, compared to self-reported levels of fatigue by...
