Animal study shows how stress and mother's abuse affects infant brain
A new study in rats shows the extent of brain damage in newborn rodents from even short-term abuse by their mother.
Read moremice
Song-learning neurons identified in songbirds
A group of neurons called the corticobasal ganglia projecting neurons are important for vocal learning in young birds, but not in adult birds, according to a new study.
Read moreHow the mouse X and Y chromosomes compete with each other to control offspring
New research presents the first demonstration of a specific difference in sperm function associated with sex ratio skewing.
Read moreExploring the effect of fasting on age-related diseases
There are many indications that fasting promotes longevity. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to so-called caloric restriction mimetics (CMRs), substances that simulate the health-promoting effects of fasting without the need of life-style change. A study reports the identification of a novel candidate CRM. The substance may prove useful in the further research for the treatment of age-related diseases.
Read moreResearchers quantify Cas9-caused off-target mutagenesis in mice
Scientists are finding new ways to improve the use of the CRISPR enzyme Cas9 and reduce the chances of off-target mutations in laboratory mice, according to new results. The findings will help scientists contextualize a common concern related to gene editing and identify new strategies to improve its precision.
Read moreLimiting mealtimes may increase your motivation for exercise
Limiting access to food in mice increases levels of the hormone, ghrelin, which may also increase motivation to exercise, according to a new study. The study suggests that a surge in levels of appetite-promoting hormone, ghrelin, after a period of fasting prompted mice to initiate voluntary exercise.
Read moreCandidate Ebola vaccine still effective when highly diluted, macaque study finds
A single dose of a highly diluted VSV-Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine — approximately one-millionth of what is in the vaccine being used to help control the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — remains fully protective against disease in experimentally infected monkeys, according to scientists. The investigators completed the dosage study using cynomolgus macaques and an updated vaccine component to match the EBOV Makona strain that circulated in West Africa from 2014-16.
Read moreGenes linked to sex ratio and male fertility in mice
Researchers find genes that help maintain the 50-50 balance between male and female offspring in mice — and that have major implications for male infertility.
Read moreMale and female mice have different brain cells
Scientists discover that a brain region known to control sex and violence contains rare cell types that differ in male versus female mice.
Read more