From evolutionary morphology to Godzilla


I recently spoke with RIKEN scientist Shigeru Kuratani about evolutionary morphology, sci-fi monsters, the genius of Alien, and more.

Japanese people are a mixture of three separate ancestral groups


A new study shows that the current Japanese population is derived from 3 ancestral groups, one of which brought Denisovan DNA to the party.

New artificial skin helps avoid animal testing


A new artificial skin that reproduces proper tension can be used to research skin function and disease while reducing the need to experiment on animals.

Photosynthetic bacteria spin spider silk for the masses


A little genetic engineering and a special recipe allows photosynthetic bacteria to mass-produce super lightweight spider silk for use in manufacturing.

Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light


Blue light alters some gene expression in plants by changing the transcription start sites to downstream locations.

Dietary amino acid linked to cancer in flies


Researchers have found a dietary amino acid linked to oncogene expression / tumor formation; reduced consumption reduced cancer in flies.

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Self-assembly of spider silk

This gut microbe might protect against diabetes and reduce insulin resistance

NEW: One-way hydrogel guides motion of tiny worms!

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Methylation mutation directly linked to autism


A mutation in a gene needed for H3K9 methylation is directly linked to autism spectrum disorders and early neurodevelopment.

How does gravity affect antimatter?


Scientists find that antimatter reacts to gravity the same way that regular matter does.

Scientists solve epigenetic barriers to cloning


Scientists show that two epigenetic factors improve the success rate of cloning via somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Memories are made of this ?? – (Part 2)


Thomas McHugh from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science continues his discussion about memories, emotions, the brain, and life.

Flies use fecal deposits as pheromones


Bioluminescence imaging of fly brains reveals neurons sensitive to fly poo laced with pheromones (you can see the fecal “landmark” in the dotted circle). Need we say more?

FABP4: A preschool-aged biomarker for autism


Reduced FABP4 was found in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder, making it a potential new biomarker for the condition.

New lab-grown retinal sheets almost ready for clinical trials


A new retinal transplant technique works by preventing bipolar cells from maturing in lab-grown retinal sheets.

Opossums are the first genome edited marsupials


A new piezoelectronic microinjection method has allowed the first successful genome editing in marsupials: albino opossums.

How does gravity affect antimatter?


Scientists find that antimatter reacts to gravity the same way that regular matter does.

Green hydrogen production for fuel cells and fertilizers


A new method of water electrolysis avoids rare metals, making hydrogen production green and sustainable.