Scientists identify a plant molecule that sops up iron-rich heme
The peptide is used by legumes to control nitrogen-fixing bacteria; it may also offer leads for treating patients with too much heme in their blood.
New test may predict Covid-19 immunity
The paper test measures the level of neutralizing antibodies in a blood sample and could help people decide what protections they should take against infection.
Measuring the “woodwork effect” in medical insurance
Study: When adults gain access to Medicaid, they sign up their previously unenrolled kids, too — yet many more remain outside the system.
Design prevents buildup of scar tissue around medical implants
A new device, which doesn’t rely on immunosuppressing drugs, may assist efforts to develop an artificial pancreas to treat diabetes.
MIT engineers develop stickers that can see inside the body
New stamp-sized ultrasound adhesives produce clear images of heart, lungs, and other internal organs.
Sprint then stop? The brain is wired for the math to make it happen
To ensure a quick halt, brain circuit architecture avoids a slow process of integration in favor of quicker differentiation, study finds.
New findings reveal how neurons build and maintain their capacity to communicate
Nerve cells regulate and routinely refresh the collection of calcium channels that enable them to send messages across circuit connections.
Whether speaking Turkish or Norwegian, the brain’s language network looks the same
Studying speakers of 45 languages, neuroscientists found similar patterns of brain activation and language selectivity.
How a shape-shifting receptor influences cell growth
Insight into the way the EGF receptor sends signals into cells could help researchers design new cancer drugs that target this protein.
Tissue model reveals key players in liver regeneration
By tracing the steps of liver regrowth, MIT engineers hope to harness the liver’s regenerative abilities to help treat chronic disease.
New model helps identify mutations that drive cancer
The system rapidly scans the genome of cancer cells, could help researchers find targets for new drugs.
Nanoparticle sensor can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia
Using this diagnostic, doctors could avoid prescribing antibiotics in cases where they won’t be effective.
Three distinct brain circuits in the thalamus contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms
Targeting these circuits could offer a new way to reverse motor dysfunction and depression in Parkinson’s patients.
Molecules found in mucus can thwart fungal infection
Harnessing the strength of these specialized sugar molecules could help researchers develop new antifungal drugs.
Chemists reveal how tau proteins form tangles
Two types of tau proteins mix together in a nearly random way to generate the tangles seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.