May 16, 2007 5:18 PM

Australian Teams Identify Mechanism Responsible for Brain's Neurogenesis

Putting two and two together, a graduate student named Kaylene Young from the Queensland Brain Institute have discovered the process underlying the creation of new nerves (neurogenesis) in the brains of mice. Exercise is known to boost neurogenesis and elevate levels of a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, a portion […]

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TopicsBrains and Behavior stem cells

How Genes Have Harnessed Physics to Grow Living Things

The same pulling force that causes “tears” in a glass of wine also shapes embryos. It’s another example of how genes exploit mechanical forces for growth and development.

A Gene-Editing Therapy Cut Cholesterol Levels by Half

An experimental gene-editing therapy developed by Crispr Therapeutics is showing promise for treating heart disease.

Physicists Create a Thermometer for Measuring ‘Quantumness’

“Anomalous” heat flow, which at first appears to violate the second law of thermodynamics, gives physicists a way to detect quantum entanglement without destroying it.

Hurricane Melissa Has Meteorologists Terrified

The storm, which is set to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, has stunned meteorologists with its intensity and the speed at which it built.

Booze Without the Burn? An Enzyme-Tinkering Startup Aims to Make Spirits Smoother

Voodoo Scientific has developed a process that, when applied to fiery hooch, results in a more sippable tipple.

How Do Metal Detectors Work?

What sneaky invisible forces enable these instruments to locate buried treasure?

How to Follow the Trajectory of Comet 3I/Atlas

The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas reached its closest point to the sun. Here's how to follow the rest of its journey away from our solar system.

Man Has Pig Kidney Removed After Living With It for a Record 9 Months

With the demand for human donor organs desperately outstripping supply, scientists are working to see if genetically edited pig organs can bridge the gap.

In Orbit You Have to Slow Down to Speed Up

Driving a spacecraft around a planet isn’t anything like driving on a planet. A physicist explains orbital navigation.

The ‘10 Martini’ Proof Connects Quantum Mechanics With Infinitely Intricate Mathematical Structures

The proof, known to be so hard that a mathematician once offered 10 martinis to whoever could figure it out, uses number theory to explain quantum fractals.

The Physics of the Northern Lights

Solar winds at a million miles an hour and freaky magnetic turbulence are sparking some of the best light shows in centuries.

Resistant Bacteria Are Advancing Faster Than Antibiotics

One in six laboratory-confirmed bacteria in 2023 proved resistant to antibiotic treatment, according to the World Health Organization—all related to a variety of common diseases globally.