In a study published today in PLOS Biology, researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Montpellier have reconstructed a ~50,000-year-old gene sequence acquired by the ancestor of Plasmodium falciparum. The acquisition of the gene sequence enabled the parasite to infect human red blood cells.

Genetic differences in the immune system shape the collections of bacteria that colonize the digestive system, according to new research by scientists at the University of Chicago.

After analysing 8 million books and 65 million newspaper articles, researchers have created the first-ever ‘index of national happiness’ going back to 1820.

Kicking off Technology Networks Explores the CRISPR Revolution, Professor Mojica, or "Francis", takes us on a journey back to the original research that, despite being deemed "crazy" by members of the scientific community at the time, led to the CRISPR revolution that is anticipated to edit evolution forever.

At the British Neuroscience Association's Festival of Neuroscience we were lucky enough to sit down with some influential neuroscientists to discuss their work. In our last interview of the series, we talk to Professor Ed Bullmore on the evidence that connects inflammation and depression, and the possibility that the immune system could be targeted as part of future antidepressant treatments.

There is unrelenting pressure on producers from consumers, regulators and competitors to offer food and drink which is cheaper, healthier, longer lasting and more ethically produced. These influences showcase the need for plenty of research and development (R&D) and fortunately, there is also a substantial budget available, but could your project be missing out?