Articles
Almost 300 genome regions increase risk of bipolar disorder
To help elucidate bipolar disorder's underlying biology, scientists conducted a genome-wide association study, scanning the DNA of 2.9 million study participants from cohorts worldwide. [ + ]
Scientists simulate the effects of an asteroid collision
How would our planet physically react to a future asteroid strike? Researchers simulated an idealised collision scenario with a medium-sized asteroid using a state-of-the-art climate model. [ + ]
Gut microbes appear to regulate anxiety
In a germ-free environment, mice which were not exposed to live microbes showed significantly more anxiety-related behaviour than those with typical resident live microbes. [ + ]
Novel fluidic processor offers switchable capture and release
It has been a longstanding challenge to design a platform that enables the switchable capture and release of liquids with precise spatial and temporal control. [ + ]
Specially designed peptides can treat complex diseases
Two separate research teams have found ways to create short chains of amino acids, termed peptides, for the purpose of treating a variety of diseases — including cancer. [ + ]
Life's building blocks found in Bennu asteroid sample
A new analysis of samples from the asteroid Bennu reveals that evaporated water left a briny broth where salts and minerals allowed the elemental ingredients of life to intermingle. [ + ]
Exposure to aircraft noise linked to poor heart function
People who live close to airports could be at greater risk of poor heart function, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms and strokes. [ + ]
Essential guidelines for storing flammable chemicals in a lab
Understanding the risks associated with storing flammable chemicals is crucial for maintaining a safe laboratory environment. [ + ]
Predicting the impact of protein mutations with simple maths
Researchers have discovered that the impact of mutations on protein stability is more predictable than previously thought. [ + ]
2024 was warmest year on record, 1.55°C above pre-industrial level
The World Meteorological Organization says that 2024 was the warmest year on record, according to six international datasets. [ + ]
Brain cells mature faster in space than on Earth
Microgravity is known to alter the muscles, bones, the immune system and cognition, but little is known about its impact on the brain. [ + ]
Fetuses can fight infections within the womb
A fetus has a functional immune system that is well-equipped to combat infections in its developing nervous system, long before birth. [ + ]
Gene therapy reverses heart failure in large animal model
The therapy increases the amount of blood the heart can pump and dramatically improves survival, in an apparently unprecedented recovery of cardiac function. [ + ]
Newly developed plastic is recyclable and ocean-degradable
The plastic material is as strong as conventional plastics but also breaks down in sea water, meaning it should help reduce harmful microplastic pollution that accumulates in our oceans and soil. [ + ]
Meditation to reduce pain is not a placebo — it's real
Mindfulness meditation has long been speculated to work by activating processes supporting the placebo response — however, scientists have now shown that this is not the case. [ + ]