Biological

A study has identified similar changes in gene activity related to synaptic function in the brains of those with schizophrenia and the elderly, suggesting a common biological link to cognitive impairment, through the analysis of the Synaptic Neuron and Astrocyte Program (SNAP) in brain tissue samples. Credit: SciTechDaily.comCognitive impairment in both conditions might be linked to closely coordinated genetic alterations in two kinds of brain cells, providing hints for potential treatments.Researchers from the Broad…

As It Happens6:291st images humpback whale sex is between 2 malesWhen biologist Stephanie Stack first saw the photographs of two humpback whales mating in the warm waters of Hawaii, she says her mind was "completely blown.""When I realized that it was two males, it was not what I was expecting," she told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. "I thought, oh my gosh, this is incredible."Stack, chief biologist at the Pacific Whale Foundation in Maui, says this is the first time humpback whale sex has been documented. She…

A sprawling international study of humpback whales in the northern Pacific has found their population has shrunk significantly since 2012 — despite the once-endangered species' remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction. The new research, published in Royal Society Open Science journal on Wednesday, estimated a roughly 20 per cent drop in the cetacean species' numbers over a decade.But despite that, one of the study's nearly 75 listed authors said the findings are not yet cause for alarm.Thomas Doniol-Valcroze is…

Federal authorities have closed Canada's only known live coral reef in the Pacific Ocean to all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fishing.Fisheries and Oceans Canada says the indefinite closure came into effect on Feb. 14 for the Lophelia Reef, located in the Finlayson Channel of British Columbia's Central Coast, about 500 kilometres northwest of Vancouver and 200 kilometres directly east of Haida Gwaii.The department says the reef was first discovered in 2021 and is the "first and only" known live coral reef in…

A new study suggests that sticking to a fasting-style diet can bring with it a range of benefits, including a lower risk of disease and slower cell aging.Known as a fasting-mimicking diet, or FMD, the brief reduction in food aims to replicate the effects of a water-only fast without giving up essential nutrients.This involves consuming a proportion of plant based soups, energy bars, crisps, teas, vitamin and mineral supplements portioned out across five days, providing a diet high in unsaturated fats and low in calories,…

A satellite image of a phytoplankton bloom off the coast of St. John’s, N.L. Credit: NASA, MODIS Rapid Response Every year in the mid-latitudes of the planet, a peculiar phenomenon known as the phytoplankton spring bloom occurs. Visible from space, spectacular large and ephemeral filament-like shades of green and blue are shaped by the ocean currents. …

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism responsible for noise-induced hearing loss through excess zinc in the inner ear. Their findings, which show promise in treating and preventing hearing loss with medication that traps excess zinc, could lead to over-the-counter options for protecting against hearing damage.Anyone who has attended a loud concert is familiar with the sensation of ears ringing. Some individuals may suffer from temporary or permanent hearing loss, or significant alterations in how they perceive…

Research indicates that a fasting-mimicking diet can rejuvenate the immune system and reduce metabolic risk factors in humans, effectively making them biologically younger by following a specific five-day dietary plan that mimics fasting effects.Research from USC demonstrates that periodic adherence to a diet that simulates fasting can lower insulin resistance, decrease liver fat, rejuvenate the immune system, and reduce biological aging in clinical trial patients.Periodic adherence to a fasting-like diet can reduce signs…

Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and a whole host of others. Now, Stanford scientists have discovered an entirely new class of biological entities inside us, which they’ve ominously named “Obelisks.”The microbiome we all carry around with us is so vast, we’re still regularly learning new things about its makeup and how it affects our health. New strains of bacteria or viruses are discovered in there from time to time, but it’s not often scientists discover a completely new…

Dutch researchers have discovered five distinct biological variants of Alzheimer’s disease, necessitating personalized treatment approaches. Their research underscores the importance of developing variant-specific drugs to enhance the effectiveness and safety of Alzheimer’s treatments.Research from Amsterdam UMC may play a crucial role in assessing future medications.Researchers in the Netherlands have identified five biological variants of Alzheimer’s disease, which may require different treatment. Consequently, drugs…