Medical researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that leads to motor neuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This discovery offers a new target for treatment that overcomes important limitations of gene therapy and other current therapies for SMA. ​Medical researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that leads to motor neuron degeneration in spinal muscular …

New target found for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy Read More »

Researchers have discovered that electric eels can alter the genes of tiny fish larvae with their electric shock. Their findings help to better understand electroporation, a method by which genes can be transported using electricity. ​Researchers have discovered that electric eels can alter the genes of tiny fish larvae with their electric shock. Their findings …

‘Shocking’ discovery: Electricity from electric eels may transfer genetic material to nearby animals Read More »

Muscle belly elongation due to passive lengthening is frequently presumed to be equivalent to that of fascicles. However, researchers have now revealed that since the muscle fascicle arrangement is three-dimensional, passive lengthening can lead to fascicle rotation in both the coronal and sagittal planes. This ‘gearing effect’ helps prevent the fibers from overstretching and enhances …

Fascicle gearing dynamics: Unveiling 3D rotation effects in muscle elongation Read More »

The ocean’s capacity to store atmospheric carbon dioxide is some 20% greater than the estimates contained in the latest IPCC report. Scientists looked at the role played by plankton in the natural transport of carbon from surface waters down to the seabed. Plankton gobble up carbon dioxide and, as they grow, convert it into organic …

The ocean may be storing more carbon than estimated in earlier studies Read More »

Hydrogen sulfide, recognized by its characteristic rotten egg smell, is synthesized in the respiratory center — an integral brain region governing respiration. Researchers have identified that hydrogen sulfide within the respiratory center plays a crucial role in maintaining the rhythm and depth of respiration by modulating neurotransmissions. ​Hydrogen sulfide, recognized by its characteristic rotten egg …

Hydrogen sulfide regulates neural circuit for respiration Read More »

A study has investigated the possible scenarios that could lead to waning memory in some older people. ​A study has investigated the possible scenarios that could lead to waning memory in some older people. A study has investigated the possible scenarios that could lead to waning memory in some older people. 

A preclinical study shows that a specific human genetic variant of a receptor that stimulates insulin release may help individuals be more resistant to obesity. The researchers discovered that this variant behaves differently in the cell which may contribute to more efficient metabolism. ​A preclinical study shows that a specific human genetic variant of a …

Specific genetic variant may help prevent obesity Read More »

Researchers have shown that an influx of water and ions into immune cells allows them to migrate to where they’re needed in the body.   ​Researchers have shown that an influx of water and ions into immune cells allows them to migrate to where they’re needed in the body.   Researchers have shown that an influx …

Influx of water and salts propel immune cells through the body Read More »

There is a reasonable chance 2024 will be the first year in which the average global surface temperature is more than 1.5°C above that of the pre-industrial period, the UK’s Met Office forecasts ​There is a reasonable chance 2024 will be the first year in which the average global surface temperature is more than 1.5°C …

World predicted to break 1.5°C warming limit for first time in 2024 Read More »