Author: admin123TerRe

Scientists uncover how pregnancy transforms the brain, with gray matter changes that shape maternal instincts and well-being for the long haul. Study: Pregnancy entails a U-shaped trajectory in human brain structure linked to hormones and maternal attachment. Image Credit: Maridav / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the neurological changes accompanying human pregnancy, particularly for first-time mothers. Their study spanned pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum and discovered that gray matter (GM) volume evolves in a U-shaped pattern—it first declines during late pregnancy and then recovers in the six months postpartum.…

New research published in the European Heart Journal reveals startling insights into the role of intermuscular fat, a type of body fat hidden within muscles, and its correlation with increased risks of severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and heart failure. This study importantly illustrates that the presence of this fat can elevate risk, even among individuals who fall within the normal range of Body Mass Index (BMI). The findings suggest that traditional measurements of body fat may not provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s cardiovascular health. Intermuscular fat, while commonly overlooked in discussions of body composition, is…

In their paper recently published in Evolution & Development, Vanessa Spieß, Rannyele P. Ribeiro and colleagues explore the regenerative abilities of the marine segmented worm Syllis malaquini. Their research reveals that a small piece of this tiny worm can regenerate its entire body forming a whole new individual. Now, co-first and co-corresponding author Rannyele P. Ribeiro offers insights behind this fascinating discovery. How did the project get started? During my PhD, supervised by Dr. M. Teresa Aguado, professor at University of Gottingen, I discovered a new species of segmented worm, Syllis malaquini, living in an aquarium. This worm has a…

Photo: Skeletal Reconstruction of Mamenchisaurus youngi, though other sources speak of the very closely related Omeisaurus, in the Dinosaur Museum of Zigong, by Einar Fredriksen, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons. We are mourning the recent loss of our friend and colleague Günter Bechly. Günter was a world-class paleontologist and an inspiration to many for his learned insight into the fossil record and his brave rejection of Darwinian dogma. Today we’re sharing the second half of a two-part interview with Dr. Bechly originally recorded in 2018 with host Sarah Chaffee. You’ve likely heard of the Cambrian explosion of animal life. But…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been making significant strides in utilizing electronic health record (EHR) data to enhance various facets of the health ecosystem. This transformation is not just about organizing data; it extends to improving patient outcomes, optimizing public health strategies, and integrating healthcare delivery systems on a national scale. By harnessing the power of technology and data analytics, HHS aims to create a more robust healthcare framework. Electronic health records have evolved from mere documentation tools to pivotal resources that provide comprehensive insights into patient health trends. They enable healthcare providers to access…

Photo credit: Tembinkosi Sikupela via Unsplash. It is always good to see someone wrestling with truth. A progressive columnist in The Guardian writes about how she is coming to understand that human life has intrinsic dignity, but she doesn’t quite understand why. Still, something very important is stirring within her. From, “I Am a Rational Liberal, Yet a Question about the Sanctity of Life Floored Me,” by Sonia Sodha: Liberalism has much to offer, but there are risks in embracing it as an overarching political philosophy without a degree of humility about its shortcomings: its hollow silence over how to navigate knotty ethical…

Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Chrystal Starbird. “Science involves constantly learning new techniques, technologies, and equipment so you’re always on the edge of your seat,” says Chrystal Starbird, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biochemistry and biophysics at the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill. We talked with Dr. Starbird about her journey toward becoming a scientist, the support she received from NIGMS training programs, her research on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and her advocacy for science trainees. Get to Know Dr. Starbird Books or movies? Movies Favorite music genre? Rap Salty or sweet? Salty Early bird or night owl?…

We couldn’t survive without proteins. They’re essential molecules that provide cells with structure, aid in chemical reactions, support communication, and much more. Portion out protein numbers with us below! These green spots are clumps of protein inside yeast cells that are deficient in both zinc and a protein that prevents clumping. Credit: Colin MacDiarmid and David Eide, University of Wisconsin at Madison and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. 10 Trillion That’s how many proteins scientists estimate are in each human cell. 229,378 That’s how many structures researchers shared with the scientific community through the Protein Data Bank (PDB) from its…

In a groundbreaking advancement that pushes the boundaries of artificial intelligence technology, a collaborative research endeavor led by the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and the Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC) has unveiled a pioneering AI device featuring an iono-magnonic reservoir. This device distinctly exemplifies a significant upgrade in the existing physical reservoir computing systems by utilizing spin waves—collective excitations inherent to the electron spins found in magnetic materials. The research team successfully demonstrated that their novel hardware component can outperform traditional devices in terms of information processing capability, hinting at transformative implications for the future of AI technologies.…

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a formidable global health challenge, standing as the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. The intersection of CVD and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) further complicates this scenario, as individuals living with HIV (PWH) are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular complications. Current cardiovascular prevention strategies often incorporate prediction models, such as the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores, to estimate the probability of heart disease. However, recent investigations suggest that these models may not accurately reflect risks for PWH, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where unique socio-economic and health considerations come into play.…