News

Researchers at Duke University have isolated a cluster of neurons in a mouse's brain that are crucial to making the squeaky, ultrasonic 'songs' a male mouse produces when courting a potential mate. This level of understanding is a key advancement in the ongoing search for the mechanisms that allow humans to form speech and other communication sounds.

Microbiologists have discovered a new family of bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales – Deianiraeaceae. This is the first report of the Rickettsia-like bacteria that display a unique extracellular lifestyle and are in fact predators.

Schizophrenia may be related to genetic abnormalities of chromosome 22, known as 22q11 deletion syndrome. However, not everyone who has the syndrome necessarily develops psychotic symptoms. So, what triggers the illness? An 18-year-long study provides some answers.

Researchers report initial results for a minimally invasive intervention for relief of chronic refractory shoulder pain in upper-limb dependent individuals with spinal cord injury.

An observational hospital study showed that human contact was responsible for 90% of the spread of one species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to new patients.

A new study shows how healthy people can sometimes misattribute touch to the wrong side of their body, or even to a completely wrong part of the body. The findings are contributing to our understanding of "phantom sensations" in amputees.

Will Britain going carbon neutral mean no more fun? Experts have urged local policy makers to put in place infrastructure that will enable people to enjoy recreation and leisure while keeping their carbon footprint down.

Researchers have found a link between a peptide called apelin and a reduction of abdominal aortic aneurysms that was shown to dramatically reduce mortality in mice. They are using this knowledge to develop a new medical therapy to treat cardiovascular disease.

A chemical residue study of incense burners from ancient burials has revealed psychoactive cannabinoids, the earliest clear evidence for the use of cannabis for its psychoactive compounds, and the awareness of higher THC-producing varieties of the plant.

The number of undetected Ebola outbreaks has been estimated, in a study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.