Astronomers have detected oxygen in the most distant known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0. This record-breaking detection is making astronomers rethink how quickly galaxies formed in the early Universe.
ScienceDaily
From dinosaurs to birds: the origins of feather formation
Feathers, essential for thermoregulation, flight, and communication in birds, originate from simple appendages known as proto-feathers, which were present in certain dinosaurs.By studying embryonic development of the chicken, researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have uncovered a key role of a molecular signalling pathway (the Shh pathway) in their formation. This research provides new insights into the morphogenetic mechanisms that led to feather diversification throughout evolution.
Anti-amyloid drug shows signs of preventing Alzheimer’s dementia
An experimental drug appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s-related dementia in people destined to develop the disease in their 30s, 40s or 50s, according to the results of a new study. The findings suggest — for the first time in a clinical trial — that early treatment to remove amyloid plaques from the brain many years before symptoms arise can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s dementia.
Unknown microorganisms used marble and limestone as a habitat
In the desert areas of Namibia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, research work has revealed unusual structures that are probably due to the activity of an unknown microbiological life form. Unusually small burrows, i.e., tiny tubes that run through the rock in a parallel arrangement from top to bottom, were discovered in marble and limestone of these desert regions.
Scientists call for targeted fiber diets to boost health
Food scientists have reclassified dietary fibers — beyond just soluble and insoluble — to better guide nutritional decisions and drive targeted health food products.
Science behind ‘Polly want a cracker’ could guide future treatment design for speech disorders
A new study explains how a parakeet’s brain helps it to mimic human words.
Squirrel-inspired leaping robot can stick a landing on a branch
A leaping robot could have application in search and rescue, construction, even forest monitoring. But how do you design a robot to stick a landing on a branch or pipe? Biologists worked with robot designers to discover how squirrels do it, and used what they learned to design a one-legged robot with the balancing ability and leg biomechanics to correct for over- and undershooting and land successfully on a narrow perch.
Wingless shapes the fly intestine
A study reveals how the Wingless signalling pathway shapes the embryonic intestine of the Drosophila fly, activating a mechanism involved in calcium transport. The finding redefines the role of calcium in organ formation in developing organisms.
Scientists discover protein key to bacteria’s survival in extreme environments
The discovery sheds light on how certain bacteria — including strains that cause food poisoning and anthrax — form spores for survival.
A rubber hand alleviates pain
If a person hides their own hand and focuses on a rubber hand instead, they may perceive it as part of their own body under certain conditions. What sounds like a gimmick could one day be used to help patients who suffer from chronic pain: Researchers have shown that pain caused by heat is experienced as less severe thanks to the rubber hand illusion.