Science & Technology
Research in Lake Superior reveals how sulfur might have cycled in Earth’s ancient oceans
A scientists has sulfur on her mind. The yellow element is a vital macronutrient, and she’s trying to understand how it cycles through the environment. Specifically, she’s curious about the sulfur cycle in Earth’s ancient ocean, some 3 billion years ago.
Researchers identify brain center responsible for responses to rapid temperature change
The boiling frog parable seems to have inspired new research, which identified a brain pathway responsible for rapid-threat detection.
Study proposes new framework to identify keystone microbial species
Microbial communities are thought to contain keystone species, which can disproportionately affect the stability of the communities, even if only present in low abundances. Identifying these keystone species can be challenging, especially in the human …
Genomic tug of war could boost cancer therapy
Researchers have discovered a ‘genomic tug of war’ in animal studies that could influence how well certain patients — or certain cancers — respond to decitabine, a drug used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes that is plagued by drug resistance issues…
How cell identity is preserved when cells divide
A new theoretical model helps explain how epigenetic memories, encoded in chemical modifications of chromatin, are passed from generation to generation. Within each cell’s nucleus, researchers suggest, the 3D folding patterns of its genome determines …
Much more than waste: Tiny vesicles exchange genetic information between cells in the sea
Researchers take a look at data that has so far been mostly discarded as contamination, revealing the previously underestimated role of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These are important for the exchange of genetic information between cells and thus for…
The mind’s eye of a neural network system
A new tool, based on topology, makes finding the areas where neural networks are confused as simple as spotting mountaintops from an airplane. The ability to spot and address those areas of confusion should enable more confident application of neural n…
Pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly chemical production
A team of pioneering researchers has made a significant leap forward in the complex world of molecular chemistry. Their focus? Azaarenes, unique molecular puzzle pieces crucial to many everyday products, from eco-friendly agrochemicals to essential med…
Hunger hormones impact decision-making brain area to drive behavior
A hunger hormone produced in the gut can directly impact a decision-making part of the brain in order to drive an animal’s behavior, finds a new study.
New research advances understanding of cancer risk in gene therapies
Researchers have discovered that ‘cell competition’ following gene therapy results in the accumulation of stem cells with genetic mutations which make them grow faster. Some of these genetic mutations have been previously seen at higher levels in elder…
A small molecule blocks aversive memory formation, providing a potential treatment target for depression
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, but current anti-depressants have yet to meet the needs of many patients. Neuroscientists recently discovered a small molecule that can effectively alleviate stress-induced depressive …
Lab-grown ‘small blood vessels’ point to potential treatment for major cause of stroke and vascular dementia
Scientists have grown small blood vessel-like models in the lab and used them to show how damage to the scaffolding that supports these vessels can cause them to leak, leading to conditions such as vascular dementia and stroke.