Aarhus University

The study reveals that the RNA modification N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) plays a crucial role in the formation of stress granules and the cellular response to stress, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved and identifying potential targets for disease treatment.Stress granules play a crucial role in the stress response, arising from the aggregation of non-translating mRNAs and proteins. Although significant knowledge exists about stress granules, the mechanisms behind their mRNA localization remain…

A Danish study indicates that a protein-rich breakfast can enhance satiety and concentration without affecting overall daily calorie intake, an important finding amidst rising obesity rates. However, despite the benefits, simply consuming a protein-rich breakfast may not be sufficient for weight management, highlighting the complexity of dietary strategies and the need for further research.Research investigates the connection between nutrition and brain performance, finding that a breakfast high in protein enhances…

Researchers discovered that DDT exposure in fathers is linked to sperm changes that could affect their children’s health, emphasizing the significance of paternal environmental exposures and the urgent need for safer malaria control solutions.A study led by McGill University has found that exposure to DDT may lead to alterations in the inheritable epigenome of sperm, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects and diseases.In a study that signals potential reproductive and health complications in humans, now and for…

An elephant, Loxodonta africana, throws dirt into the air in the tall grass of the savanna. Credit: Jeffrey T. KerbyA new meta-analysis across six continents establishes that large wild herbivores affect ecosystems in numerous important ways, from soils to vegetation to smaller animals, and promote ecosystem variability.For millions of years, a variety of large herbivores, or megafauna, influenced terrestrial ecosystems. Among many others, these included elephants in Europe, giant wombats in Australia, and ground sloths…

The picture shows an RNA polymerase ribozyme thought to be implicated in the origin of life. The ribozyme is shown frozen in ice to symbolize how it was frozen in time for imaging and how it works best under ice-cold conditions. The active site is highlighted by a yellow/red light and the proposed position of the template-product helix is shown in transparent. Credit: Rune KidmoseRNA is thought to have sparked the origin of life by self-copying. Researchers from Aarhus University, Denmark, and MRC LMB Cambridge, England,…

The scientific study used satellite transmitters, population counts, and DNA analyses of tissue samples to describe the special Kangia ringed seal in Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, a seal has just had a satellite transmitter mounted on its back. Credit: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Nature InstituteLocal hunters in the Icefjord near Ilulissat are familiar with a special variety of ringed seal known as the Kangia seal. Distinct in size and appearance, the Kangia seal is considerably larger and boasts a notably different fur…

Homo erectus – which this skull belonged to – was the first hominin species to leave Africa, around 2.1 million years ago. New research shows that when Homo erectus migrated from Africa the climate was wetter and more vegetated in the northeastern part of the continent than it is today. Climate cycles coincided to create a green corridor that our early ancestors probably took advantage of in their migration. Credit: Mizmareck / FlickrA green corridor through the Sahara emerged precisely during the period when our earliest…

Prehistoric people are attacking an elephant. New research shows that humans and not the climate caused a sharp decline in almost all megafauna on Earth 50.000 years ago. Credit: First printed in Bryant & Gay, 1883. Wood carving by E. Bayard. For years, scientists have debated whether humans or the climate caused the population of large mammals to decline dramatically over the past several thousand years. A new study from Aarhus University confirms that climate cannot be the explanation.About 100,000 years ago, the…

Recent research showcases a novel method for increasing the purity of dopamine cells derived from genetically engineered stem cells, offering significant potential in treating Parkinson’s disease. This method not only promises reduced recovery times and lower risk of relapse for patients but also aims to decrease dependency on medication. The future treatment of Parkinson’s Disease has undergone tremendous development in recent years. Now, a breakthrough in research has emerged, delivering the strongest results for both…

A new study indicates a link between smoking and an increased risk of mental illness. Utilizing data from the UK Biobank, the research suggests smoking may contribute to depression and bipolar disorder, with genetic factors playing a significant role. The findings imply a potential impact of nicotine on mental health and raise considerations for policy changes in cigarette sales. New figures from the Technical Sciences department at Aarhus University indicates a connection between smoking and an increased likelihood of…