Author: admin123TerRe

A joint research group team led by Sayuri Tsukahara and Tetsuji Kakutani of the University of Tokyo has clarified a mechanism of how retrotransposons, genetic elements that can “jump around” chromosomes and are known drivers of evolution, preferentially insert in the centromere. The findings were published in the journal Nature. The centromere is the thinnest part of the chromosome that divides it into a long and short arm, much like how the waist separates the upper and lower body. Its role in transmitting information via cell division has been preserved across eukaryotes, cells with membrane-bound nuclei. This is despite the…

Delving deep into bat habitats, scientists uncover how coronaviruses evolve, migrate, and cross-species, shedding light on pandemic origins and future risks. Study: Origin and cross-species transmission of bat coronaviruses in China. Image Credit: Carl Allen / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, a group of researchers investigated the evolution, cross-species transmission, and dispersal of bat coronaviruses (CoVs) in China, identified hotspots of evolutionary diversity, and traced the origins of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Background CoVs are Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) viruses causing respiratory and enteric diseases in humans and animals, with all human-infecting CoVs being…

In a significant breakthrough that could redefine thermal management systems, researchers from Hokkaido University have introduced a remarkable advancement in thermal switches utilizing cerium oxide. This innovative approach, which leverages thin films of cerium oxide (CeO2), promises not just enhanced performance but also a sustainable alternative to traditional materials that have long constrained the effectiveness of thermal switches. The research was spearheaded by Professor Hiromichi Ohta, whose team’s findings have been published in the esteemed journal Science Advances. Thermal switches play an essential role in controlling heat transfer in electronic and energy systems. Their capability to regulate thermal conductivity is…

Ebola Virus Dynamics: New Insights into Infection and Transmission Pathways Ebola virus disease (EVD) has long been a subject of concern due to its high mortality rate and the challenges associated with its transmission and treatment. While many are familiar with the implications of direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, recent studies highlight another critical avenue for transmission: the skin. The research emerging from institutions like the University of Iowa Health Care is revolutionizing our understanding of how Ebola virus can exit the human body and potentially spread to others. In a groundbreaking study published in the esteemed…

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, the connection between lung metastasis and the availability of the amino acid aspartate has been unveiled, shedding light on the mechanics of cancer progression. The findings, published in a prestigious journal, aim to elucidate why the lungs are a prime target for cancer cells that have spread beyond their original sites. This research could potentially pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at combating metastatic disease in patients. Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with metastasis, or the spread of cancer cells…

In an era where the measurement of tiny forces can lead to breakthroughs across diverse fields, scientists at Columbia Engineering have unveiled groundbreaking developments in the realm of nanoscale sensors. On January 1, 2025, they announced their invention of revolutionary luminescent nanocrystals capable of detecting mechanical forces with an unprecedented level of sensitivity and a wide dynamic range. This technological advancement stands to impact numerous applications, from cellular biophysics to robotics and even space exploration. Understanding the critical need for sensitive measurement tools in physics and biology, researchers have long sought to bridge the gaps in detecting forces at both…

Scientists at the Allen Institute have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the cellular mechanisms of aging in the brain, specifically through the study of tanycytes, which are non-neuronal cells located in the hypothalamus of mice. Their research provides significant insights into how various brain cell types change at the gene level as the organism ages. Their article, which is soon to be published in the prestigious journal Nature, highlights a critical “hot spot” within the hypothalamus that may play a pivotal role in brain aging, and suggests potential avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating age-related cognitive decline. As mammals age,…

Researchers have recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astrophysics by tracing the origins of a fast radio burst, known as FRB 20221022A, using a novel and innovative technique. Fast radio bursts are intense and rapid emissions of radio waves that occur in the cosmos, lasting only for a brief moment of about one millisecond. The energy produced during this moment can be astonishing, capable of surpassing the luminosity of entire galaxies. Since their first detection in 2007, fast radio bursts have puzzled astronomers due to their mysterious origins and the extreme environments from which they are believed…

Recent research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has unveiled a groundbreaking perspective on how different brain cell types exhibit varied responses to the aging process in a mouse model. This study, published in the esteemed journal Nature, highlights the nuanced and complex nature of aging within the brain, providing key insights that could pave the way for innovative treatments for age-related neurological disorders. The investigation centered around a detailed examination of gene activity in the brains of both young and aged mice, employing advanced genetic analysis techniques. By studying individual cells across various brain regions, researchers aimed…

A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University has shattered long-held beliefs about the ancient archaeological site of Rujm el-Hiri, commonly known as the “Wheel of Ghosts,” located in the Golan Heights. This research brings forth compelling arguments that contest previous assertions about the site’s function, particularly regarding its alleged use as an astronomical observatory. The findings stem from advanced geomagnetic analysis and tectonic reconstruction techniques and reveal the significant impacts of geodynamic movements that have occurred over the span of 150 million years. Rujm el-Hiri is renowned for its monumental stone structures, with a…