IN THE LAB
Toe Taste Sensors Help Flies Find Food
Blocking the sweet taste receptors in the legs of fruit flies interferes with their feeding behavior, scientists say.
Neanderthal-Human Interbreeding Occurred Earlier Than Previously Thought
Researchers have identified when Neanderthals and modern humans interbred, and it is tens of thousands of years earlier than previous scientific estimates.
Impatience Could Be A Sign Of Cellular Aging
Impatience and a risk-taking attitude could be indicators of shortened telomeres, which have been linked to aging and risk of chronic disease.
Breaking Bad, Bacteria-Style
Move over, yeast. These genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria can produce 300 times more thebaine—a morphine precursor—from the same amount of sugar.
Identified: Cocaine’s Targets Downstream Of Dopamine
Researchers have observed the behavior of dopamine in mice that were given cocaine, which activated a signaling pathway that was previously unknown.
Mitochondria-Targeting Nanoparticles For Alzheimer’s Disease
A mouse study suggests that antioxidant nanoparticles targeting the mitochondria could be used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Physiotherapy Reorganizes The Brain For Post-Stroke Recovery
Activating the cortex-to-red nucleus pathway with physical rehabilitation helps rats recover after a stroke, possibly by reorganizing damaged brain circuits.
Test Tube Sperm Produce Apparently Healthy Offspring
Researchers have successfully coaxed stem cells into sperm-like cells that can produce healthy offspring.
Packaging Made Out Of Shellfish Extract Doubles Food Shelf-Life
This biodegradable, non-toxic film made out of chitosan, a polymer derived from crustacean shells, could be very useful in food technology.
