Latest

Multicolored brain against a blue background.

Trippy Science Unravels the Mystery of Psychedelics’ Antianxiety Effects

Iris Kulbatski, PhD | Dec 12, 2024 | 4 min read

Researchers mimic the antianxiety effects of psychedelics by identifying and activating specific brain regions in an important step towards developing therapeutics that do not cause hallucinations.

Multicolored microscopy image of a blood generating-heart forming organoid on a black background, showing the various cell types that make up the organoid.

Scientists Get to the Heart of Blood Formation

Iris Kulbatski, PhD | Dec 11, 2024 | 4 min read

Researchers tweak heart-forming organoids to produce blood cells, in a process that mimics embryonic development.

Image of Brussels sprouts and endives on a wooden background.

Greens and Genes: The Bitter Truth Behind Your Veggie Preferences

Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 10, 2024 | 5 min read

From Brussels sprouts to chicory, some veggies pack a bitter punch, but genetics and individual differences create a unique flavor experience for everyone.

3D ribbon structure of protein domains studied in proteomics research

The Power of Proteomics

SomaLogic | Dec 9, 2024 | 1 min read

Proteomic analysis provides scientists with a deeper understanding of the molecular events that influence health and disease.

Illustration of Carlo Quintanilla, a health science policy analyst at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, at his desk creating a report (right monitor) that summarizes the impact of policies based on data about them that he has researched (left monitor).

What Does a Career in Science Policy Entail?

Shelby Bradford, PhD | Dec 9, 2024 | 5 min read

Science policy helps shape research and funding; science policy analysts evaluate these policies to ensure they support scientific progress and innovation.

What Makes a Tick Stick?

Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Dec 6, 2024 | 5 min read

Ticks form a stable structure around their mouth to stick to their hosts for days. Phase transitions of proteins in the tick saliva drive this adhesion.

3D cartoon of a blue and green prokaryote on a teal background. Part of the cell is cutaway to reveal its circular chromosome.

A Hunt for Clues to the Origins of the Eukaryotic Immune System

Shelby Bradford, PhD | Dec 6, 2024 | 4 min read

Homologous defense proteins in archaea and eukaryotes point to these early prokaryotes' role in the immune system of modern complex organisms.

Image of a mangrove forest and river in Thailand.

Tackling Mangrove Protection Challenges in Thailand

The Scientist and MGI Tech | Dec 5, 2024 | 9 min read

High-throughput sequencing technology supports mangrove protection efforts.

How did Humans Adapt to Digest Starchy Foods?

Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Dec 5, 2024 | 4 min read

Researchers uncover the surprisingly complex evolutionary history of the salivary protein amylase.

The image shows an individual sea anemone of the species Nematostella vectensi against a black background.

Elusive Stem Cell Population Finally Identified in Sea Anemones

Claudia Lopez-Lloreda, PhD | Dec 5, 2024 | 4 min read

The presence of a previously unidentified population of stem cells in sea anemones suggests that these cells may have been present in a common cnidarian ancestor.

A starfish with one arm shorter than the other four.

Researchers Discover How Starfish Cut Ties with Their Limbs

Sneha Khedkar | Dec 4, 2024 | 4 min read

A neuropeptide helps starfish shed their arms to escape predators, providing clues about the mechanisms regulating self-amputation.

Middle aged woman sitting on a sofa, holding her knee in pain.

Bone-Building Hormone Identified in Lactating Mice

Claudia Lopez-Lloreda, PhD | Dec 3, 2024 | 4 min read

A brain-derived hormone that improves bone health could guide new treatments for age-related bone conditions.

Three-dimensional rendering of violet-colored astrocytes touching a red blood vessel.

Modeling the Blood-Brain Barrier in a Dish

Sneha Khedkar | Dec 3, 2024 | 4 min read

Human brain and blood vessel organoids merged to form blood-brain barrier assembloids could provide clues into neurological diseases.

Discover How Single-Cell Sequencing Can Clarify Tumor Complexity

Molecular-Level Dissection of the Tumor Microenvironment

10x Genomics | Dec 2, 2024 | 1 min read

An immuno-oncology targeting panel accurately characterized tumor-resident immune cells and located pathologically and clinically relevant tumor microenvironment features.

Image of concentric circles cut into a grass lawn.

Bacteria’s Stress Strategy: Slow Down to Avoid the Crowd

Laura Tran, PhD | Dec 2, 2024 | 4 min read

Computer simulations highlight how bacteria slow their growth to avoid overcrowding, a behavior that may inform pathogen control.