Research from the University of Washington revealed that COVID-19 lockdowns led to accelerated cortical thinning in adolescents, impacting brain development significantly. This effect was more pronounced in females than males, raising concerns about long-term brain health. The study highlights the importance of social interactions during adolescence, a period critical for cognitive development and mental health, especially as social [...]

UCLA researchers have identified placental growth factor (PlGF) as a potential blood biomarker for early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia. High PlGF levels correlate with increased vascular permeability, suggesting its role in the development of cerebral small vessel disease. This finding could enable earlier identification and intervention for at-risk individuals compared to current MRI-based [...]

Goldman Sachs analysts attempted to address a touchy subject for biotech companies, especially those involved in the pioneering “gene therapy” treatment: cures could be bad for business in the long run. “Is curing patients a sustainable business model?” analysts ask in an April 10 report entitled “The Genome Revolution.” “The potential to deliver ‘one [...]

A groundbreaking study evaluates the feasibility, risks, and ethical considerations of creating mirror bacteria with reversed chirality, highlighting potential threats to health and ecosystems. In a recent study published in Science, a team of researchers investigated and discussed the potential roadblocks to and risks of "mirror life," where life forms are synthesized using biomolecules with [...]

NIH-funded study concludes that the risk of human infection remains low A recent study published in Science and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that a single alteration in a protein on the surface of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus—currently present in U.S. dairy cows—could significantly increase its potential for human-to-human [...]

The Tbx1 gene influences brain volume and social behavior in autism and schizophrenia, with its deficiency linked to amygdala shrinkage and impaired social incentive evaluation. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has linked changes in brain volume to differences in social behavior associated with psychiatric conditions like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The research, led by Noboru Hiroi, [...]

Among the many things global warming will be melting this century—sea ice, land glaciers and tourist businesses in seaside towns across the world—is permafrost. Lying underneath 15% of the northern hemisphere, permafrost consists of accumulating dead biomass that remains frozen, never having had a chance to release all its carbon. As the surface and [...]

MIT physicists surprised to discover electrons in pentalayer graphene can exhibit fractional charge. New theoretical research from MIT physicists explains how it could work, suggesting that electron interactions in confined two-dimensional spaces lead to novel quantum states, independent of magnetic fields. Groundbreaking Discovery in Graphene MIT physicists have made significant progress in understanding how electrons can split [...]

A cutting-edge X-ray method reveals the 3D orientation of nanoscale material structures, offering fresh insights into their functionality. Researchers at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) have developed a groundbreaking technique called X-ray linear dichroic orientation tomography (XL-DOT). This method reveals the three-dimensional arrangement of a material’s structural building blocks at the nanoscale. Its first application focused [...]

Despite decades of research, the X-chromosome’s impact on Alzheimer’s was largely ignored until now. Explore how seven newly discovered genetic loci could revolutionize our understanding of the disease. Conventional investigations of the genetic contributors to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and progression have ignored the role of the X-chromosome, primarily due to technical analysis limitations. [...]