A study reveals how the Wingless signalling pathway shapes the embryonic intestine of the Drosophila fly, activating a mechanism involved in calcium transport. The finding redefines the role of calcium in organ formation in developing organisms.
When did human language emerge?
Humans' unique language capacity was present at least 135,000 years ago, according to a survey of genomic evidence. As such, language might have entered social use 100,000 years ago.
Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger of dying out
Ancient DNA shows an endangered dove species endemic to Cuba is more genetically distinct than the dodo was before it died out.
Neighborhood dispute among cells: Whichever successfully exerts force wins
Trial of strength at the cellular level: Cells are in constant competition with each other and so eliminate diseased or unwanted cells. Cell competition is therefore a central principle for maintaining the health of tissues and organs. Researchers have investigated the success factors of superior cells and discovered a previously...
Good fences make good neighbors (with carnivores)
A new study has found that fortified enclosures also benefit nearby livestock keepers by preventing carnivore attacks.
Iguanas floated one-fifth of the way around the world to colonize Fiji
The only iguanas outside the Americas, Fiji iguanas are an enigma. A new genetic analysis shows that they are most closely related to the North American desert iguana, having separated about 34 million years ago, around the same time that the islands emerged from the sea. This suggests that the...
Slow, silent ‘scream’ of epithelial cells detected for first time
It has long been thought that only nerve and heart cells use electric impulses to communicate, while epithelial cells -- which compose the linings of our skin, organs and body cavities -- are mute, serving mostly as protective barriers that can absorb and secrete various substances. But researchers have now...
Scientists discover how to reactivate cancer’s molecular ‘kill switch’
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells suppress 'poison exons' -- genetic elements that act as an off switch for protein production -- in a key gene called TRA2 , promoting tumor growth. By using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to restore poison exon activity, the team effectively reactivated this kill switch, offering...
‘Microlightning’ in water droplets may have sparked life on Earth
A study shows that electrical charges in sprays of water can cause chemical reactions that form organic molecules from inorganic materials. The findings provide evidence that microlightning may have helped create the building blocks necessary for early life on the planet.
As next hurricane season nears, study explores impacts of 2024’s storms
When major storms hit Houston last spring and summer, losing power was a nightmare for residents, but for many, the financial fallout was just as devastating. A new report finds that more than half of Houston-area workers lost income due to these storms, either because they couldn't get to work...