Biologia
Cryo-EM images show how TRPM8 channel senses cold and menthol’s cooling effect
Raportoinut AI AI:n luoma kuva Faktatarkistettu
Scientists have captured detailed structural images of TRPM8—often described as the body’s “cold sensor”—showing how the channel responds to cooling temperatures and to menthol, the compound behind mint’s chill. The work, presented at the 70th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco, helps explain the molecular basis of cool sensations and may aid drug development for conditions including dry eye and pain disorders.
Scientists have discovered that snow flies, small wingless insects, produce antifreeze proteins and generate their own body heat to remain active in subfreezing temperatures as low as -6 degrees Celsius. Researchers at Northwestern University sequenced the insects' genome for the first time, revealing unusual genes and reduced sensitivity to cold pain. The findings, published March 24 in Current Biology, offer insights into adaptations for extreme cold.
Raportoinut AI
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have found ethanol in the nectar of most plant species examined, meaning pollinators like bees and hummingbirds consume alcohol daily. An Anna's hummingbird drinks an amount equivalent to one human alcoholic beverage per day, yet shows no intoxication. The findings, published March 25 in Royal Society Open Science, suggest evolutionary tolerance to low-level ethanol.
Researchers have used a synchrotron particle accelerator, robotics, and AI to create high-resolution 3D models of ants from 800 species. The project scanned 2,000 specimens in just one week, far faster than traditional methods. This effort, called Antscan, aims to build a digital library of insect biodiversity.
Raportoinut AI
A new study has revealed over 200 metabolic enzymes attached directly to human DNA inside the cell nucleus, challenging traditional views of cellular processes. These enzymes form unique patterns in different tissues and cancers, described as a 'nuclear metabolic fingerprint.' The discovery suggests links between metabolism and gene regulation that may influence cancer development and treatment.
Researchers analyzing a Utah family tree dating back to the 1700s have identified a potential selfish Y chromosome that skews sex ratios toward males. The finding, drawn from the Utah Population Database, shows 60 boys and 29 girls among 89 children over seven generations. Experts caution that the sample size is small and other factors like chance or infidelity could play a role.
Raportoinut AI
600 miljoonaa vuotta sitten élnéy yksisilmäinen olento kuuluu ihmiskunnan vanhimpien esi-isien joukkoon ja se antoi alkunsa nykyisille silmillemme, kertoo Lundin yliopiston tutkimus. Tutkijat analysoivat valoherkkiä soluja eri eläinryhmissä selittääkseen, miksi selkärankaisten silmät eroavat muista. Tutkimus julkaistiin Current Biology -lehdessä.
Honey bees refine waggle dance based on audience size
25. maaliskuuta 2026 18.32Study shows cloned mice accumulate harmful mutations
22. maaliskuuta 2026 20.20Researchers model mosquito flight toward humans using visual and CO2 cues
15. maaliskuuta 2026 22.17MIT researchers identify gut lectin intelectin-2 that strengthens mucus and targets bacteria
13. maaliskuuta 2026 20.18Single-celled organism shows capability for Pavlovian learning
9. maaliskuuta 2026 14.44Scientists uncover hidden species in Borneo's fanged frogs
9. maaliskuuta 2026 06.51Scientists discover oxygen tug-of-war in plant cells
8. maaliskuuta 2026 14.34Study suggests left-handed people are more competitive
5. maaliskuuta 2026 14.36Scientists analyze Darwin's 200-year-old specimen jars without opening them
4. maaliskuuta 2026 03.41Study uncovers spinal flexibility in cats' mid-air twists