Poorly reported placebos could lead to mistaken estimates of benefits and harms
Researchers have found that placebo controls are almost never described according to standard reporting guidelines.
Read moreBiology
Ultrasound can reveal gene expression in the body
Researchers are developing a technique for imaging mammalian gene expression with ultrasound by combining human bacteria and virus DNA.
Read moreHigh-speed microscope illuminates biology at the speed of life
The team behind the revolutionary 3D SCAPE microscope announces today a new version of this high-speed imaging technology. They used SCAPE 2.0 to reveal previously unseen details of living creatures — from neurons firing inside a wriggling worm to the 3D dynamics of the beating heart of a fish embryo, with far superior resolution and at speeds up to 30 times faster than their original demonstration.
Read moreTasmanian devil research could help tackle immunotherapy resistance
A cluster of interacting proteins that are active in both human cancers and Tasmanian devil facial tumours, may give clues to how cancers evade the immune system, according to a new study.
Read moreViruses as modulators of interactions in marine ecosystems
Viruses are mainly known as pathogens – often causing death. However, scientists are now showing how viruses influence the biology of living marine predators. This sheds new light on the general role of viruses in ocean ecosystems. For these insights, the scientists integrated a suite of innovative and high technology methods that have not been applied simultaneously in the study of marine ecosystems.
Read moreThe dark giraffe, the new dark horse
Darker male giraffes have been found to be more solitary and less social than their lighter-colored counterparts, according to new research. A long-term study revealed that the color of male giraffes' spots more strongly relates to their patterns of social association, rather than their age, as previously thought.
Read moreTest for life-threatening nutrient deficit is made from bacteria entrails
A pocket-sized zinc deficiency test could be taken to remote regions where masses are malnourished – no complex transport or preservation necessary. It could be evaluated on the spot, and this initial test could be expanded into more comprehensive micronutrient fieldtests.
Read moreAdult fly intestine could help understand intestinal regeneration
Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are exposed to diverse types of environmental stresses such as bacteria and toxins, but the mechanisms by which epithelial cells sense stress are not well understood. New research has found that Nox-ROS-ASK1-MKK3-p38 signaling in IECs integrates various stresses to facilitate intestinal regeneration.
Read moreWorld's first three-organoid system opens doors for medical research and diagnosis
This major step forward in organoid development could sharply accelerate the concept of precision medicine and someday lead to transplantable tissues grown in labs.
Read moreThe almond and peach trees genomes shed light on the differences between these close species
An international team led by researchers has sequenced the genome of the almond tree and compared it to that of its closest relative, the peach tree. The most substantive differences between these species, so closely related in terms of evolution, are accounted for by the variation created by mobile genetic elements. The results provide some unique insights into the recent evolution of both species and will be key tools in their genetic improvement.
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