The more that people know about gene editing, the more likely they are to feel it is safe to use in agriculture and medicine, according to a survey of more than 4,500 people across the United States. While there is a technical difference between "gene editing" and "genetic modification," also known as transgenics, people [...]

As the deadly disease that came to be known as COVID-19 started spreading in late 2019, scientists rushed to answer a critical question: Who is most at risk? They quickly recognized that a handful of characteristics—including age, smoking history, high body mass index (BMI) and the presence of other diseases such as diabetes—made people [...]

Researchers determine the lifetimes of commercial drinking straws in the coastal ocean and develop a prototype bioplastic straw that degrades even faster than paper. A WHOI study has shown that some biodegradable straws degrade up to 50% within 16 weeks in marine environments, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics and contributing to reduced [...]

Researchers at the University of Utah Health found that “time cells” in mice adapt to learning timed tasks, a discovery that could aid early Alzheimer’s detection by monitoring changes in a key brain region. Our perception of time is crucial to our interaction with and understanding of the world around us. Whether we’re engaging in a [...]

Nanoscale materials offer remarkable chemical and physical properties that transform theoretical applications, like single-molecule sensing and minimally invasive photothermal therapy, into practical realities. The unparalleled features of nanoparticles make them promising for various research and industrial uses. However, effectively using these materials is challenging due to the absence of a rapid and consistent method [...]

Since the early days of computer science, scientists have been exploring the idea of using DNA to store data. MIT has developed an amber-like polymer that can keep DNA intact and preserve it for a long time. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule of life. While there are other essential molecules for life [...]

Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, hold immense potential for individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions, but the road to implementation is long and nuanced for both the invasive and noninvasive versions of the technology. Bin He of Carnegie Mellon University is highly driven to improve noninvasive BCIs, and his lab uses an innovative [...]

Groundbreaking maps reveal the complex gene regulation in brains with and without mental disorders, enhancing the understanding of mental illnesses and potential treatments. A consortium of researchers has produced the largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. These maps detail the [...]

Researchers have discovered sex-specific differences in the nerve cells that generate pain, paving the way for personalized pain management treatments based on patient sex. Research indicates that men and women experience pain differently, but the reasons behind this have remained unclear. A new study from the University of Arizona Health Sciences, published in the journal BRAIN, [...]

Researchers at the University of California San Diego discovered that an unusually large brain could be the first sign of autism, potentially detectable in as early as the first trimester. Some children with autism face severe, enduring challenges including developmental delays, social difficulties, and possibly an inability to speak. Meanwhile, others may have milder [...]