Researchers have identified a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity. The study provides new insight into the importance of the hypothalamus of the brain and its role in common childhood obesity and the target gene may serve as a druggable target for future therapeutic interventions. ​Researchers have identified a causal genetic variant strongly …

Researchers identify causal genetic variant linked to common childhood obesity Read More »

An mRNA cancer vaccine quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack the most aggressive type of brain tumor in a first-ever human clinical trial. ​An mRNA cancer vaccine quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack the most aggressive type of brain tumor in a first-ever human clinical trial. An mRNA cancer vaccine quickly reprogrammed the immune …

New mRNA cancer vaccine triggers fierce immune response to fight malignant brain tumor Read More »

Human embryo compaction, an essential step in the first days of an embryo’s development, is driven by the contractility of its cells. These results contradict the presupposed driving role of cell adhesion in this phenomenon and pave the way for improved assisted reproductive technology (ART). ​Human embryo compaction, an essential step in the first days …

Cell contractions drive the initial shaping of human embryos Read More »

We all have our own preferred drinking temperatures for different alcoholic beverages, with people commonly enjoying beer or white wine chilled, red wine near room temperature, or baijiu (Chinese whisky) or sake warmed. Now, researchers report that alcoholic beverages may taste more or less ‘ethanol-like’ at different temperatures, and this may be explained by how …

Why you can taste more ethanol in a cold pint of beer or warm glass of baijiu Read More »

Early detection has the potential to transform treatment and outcomes in cancer care, especially for cancers like liver cancer, which is typically diagnosed at a late stage with limited options for cure. A new study suggests that proteins detectable in the blood could improve predictions about risk of liver cancer years before typical diagnosis. ​Early …

Biomarkers in blood to predict liver cancer Read More »

A new study involved high-resolution scans that enabled the researchers to visualize brain connections at submillimeter spatial resolution. Together, these pathways form a ‘default ascending arousal network’ that sustains wakefulness in the resting, conscious human brain. ​A new study involved high-resolution scans that enabled the researchers to visualize brain connections at submillimeter spatial resolution. Together, …

Brain imaging study reveals connections critical to human consciousness Read More »

Researchers have discovered the missing piece of the puzzle behind a rare opening in the sea ice around Antarctica, which was nearly twice the size of Wales and occurred during the winters of 2016 and 2017. A study reveals a key process that had eluded scientists as to how the opening, called a polynya, was …

Mystery behind huge opening in Antarctic sea ice solved Read More »

Viruses known as ‘jumbo’ phages are seen as a potential tool against deadly bacterial infections. But scientists must first decipher the extraordinary makeup of these mysterious viruses. Researchers have now uncovered a key piece of jumbo phage development that helps them counter bacteria. ​Viruses known as ‘jumbo’ phages are seen as a potential tool against …

Key functions of therapeutically promising jumbo viruses Read More »

Researchers uncover why some homes in rural Madagascar where bubonic plague is endemic are infested with fleas. Based on their findings, they recommend ways to reduce the flea populations and their impact on human health. ​Researchers uncover why some homes in rural Madagascar where bubonic plague is endemic are infested with fleas. Based on their …

Identifying risks of human flea infestations in plague-endemic areas of Madagascar Read More »

A team has identified a molecular cellular mechanism that is linked to microencephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. ​A team has identified a molecular cellular mechanism that is linked to microencephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. A team has identified a molecular …

Research breakthrough on birth defect affecting brain size Read More »