Archives: The Scientist

Vesicles from Young Mice Alleviate Signs of Aging in Older Animals
Mice that received the stem cell–derived treatment were less frail compared with controls, a study reports.

Specific Brain Cells Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
New research identifies 10 new types of dopamine-making neurons, one of which seems to die off during the disease.

Another Species of Hominin May Still Be Alive
Do members of Homo floresiensis still inhabit the Indonesian island where their fossils helped identify a new human species fewer than 20 years ago?

Cancer-like Slime Mold Growth Hints at Multicellularity’s Origins
The poorly understood Fonticula alba, a relative of fungi and animals, hunts bacteria with a mechanism that resembles cancer and fungal growth.

Neurons Damaged in Dementia Recognize Interruptions to Patterns
A new study reveals a network of neurons that, when disrupted, impairs adaptation to new circumstances in several types of dementia.

COVID-19 Linked to Neural Changes
A study that examined the brains of people before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection found a decrease in brain volume and damage to olfactory areas compared with controls.

CRISPR-Based Treatment Successfully Lowers Toxic Protein Levels
A first-of-its-kind gene therapy dramatically reduced misfolded protein levels in some clinical trial participants for up to six months and reduced levels in all participants for up to a year.

Ultrasound to Control Neurons in Mice
A study shows “sonogenetics” could be a useful new tool in neuroscience and other fields.

Contrary to Common Belief, Some Older Trees Make Fewer Seeds
An analysis of more than half a million trees reveals that many species begin to taper off seed production once they hit a certain size.

Male Snakes Cannibalizing Females Present Evolutionary Puzzle
The Scientist speaks with organismal biologist Xavier Glaudas about possible reasons for his recent finding that male Montpellier snakes cannibalize female conspecifics.