The U.S. Food and Drug Administration [has] approved a new kind of drug to treat schizophrenia, a breakthrough after 70 years of incremental innovation that appears to avoid side effects that…
Category: Life
A single enzyme can alter the vibrant colors in parrot plumage
One enzyme has a key role in determining whether parrots’ rainbow plumage emerges in vibrant reds, yellows or greens, a new study shows. Parrot feathers flaunt an array of colors,…
This marine biologist discovered a unique blue whale population in Sri Lanka
Pooping whales changed the course of Asha de Vos’ career. The Sri Lankan marine biologist was aboard a research vessel near her home island in 2003 when she spotted six…
AI is supercharging gene editing, slingshotting us into a future of creating new life
During her chemistry Nobel Prize lecture in 2018, Frances Arnold said, “Today we can for all practical purposes read, write and edit any sequence of DNA, but we cannot compose it.”…
These hornets may be the alcohol-detox champs of the animal world
Don’t get into a drinking contest with Vespa orientalis hornets. They could out-booze a tree shrew, even a fruit fly. Mere humans wouldn’t stand a chance. These hornets can survive…
Giant rats could help sniff out illegally smuggled goods
A new kind of border patrol agent could soon start work in African ports, sniffing out illegal goods that are smuggled across country lines. They’re rats. And they wear tiny…
When Human-AI Teams Thrive and When They Don’t
Summary: A new study reveals that while human-AI collaboration can be powerful, it depends on the task. Analysis of hundreds of studies found that AI outperformed human-AI teams in decision-making…
Key Biochemical Trigger of Huntington’s Disease Progression Identified
Summary: Researchers have identified a crucial biochemical mechanism that could allow Huntington’s disease to be studied before symptoms appear, offering hope for early intervention. The team found that disrupted dopamine…
Childhood Attention Problems and Genes Linked to Psychosis Risk
Summary: Childhood attention issues, coupled with genetic predispositions, increase the likelihood of experiencing psychotic-like symptoms in adolescence. By analyzing data from 10,000 youths, researchers discovered that variability in attention spans…
Prenatal Cannabis Use Linked to Child Aggression and Cognitive Deficits
Summary: New research shows that prenatal exposure to cannabis can negatively impact children’s thinking and behavioral skills, including impulse control, attention, and aggression, which are key for academic and social…
