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Advances in brain-computer interfaces could help millions who use tonal languages speak again after stroke or disease

Roots of computational intelligence may lie deeper in matter than scientists thought

Spending plan also calls for smaller research spending cut than feared

Chemical analysis could help predict locations of other ancient sites with impeccable fossils

The nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM), the major cholinergic output of the basal forebrain, regulates cortical modulation, learning, and memory. Dysfunction of the nbM-cortical cholinergic pathway is implicated in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS). Here, we generated human nbM organoids (hnbMOs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) containing functional cholinergic projection neurons. Then we reconstructed...

The corpus callosum (CC) is the largest set of white matter fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. In humans, it is essential for coordinating sensorimotor responses and performing associative or executive functions. Identifying which genetic variants underpin CC morphometry can provide molecular insights into the CC's role in mediating cognitive processes. We developed and used an artificial intelligence based tool to extract the midsagittal CC's total and regional area and...

Senescence has been demonstrated to either inhibit or promote tumorigenesis. Resolving this paradox requires spatial mapping and functional characterization of senescent cells in the native tumor niche. Here, we identify p16^(Ink4a)+ cancer-associated fibroblasts enriched with senescent phenotypes that promote fatty acid uptake and utilization by aggressive lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) driven by Kras and p53 mutations. Furthermore, rewiring of lung cancer metabolism by p16^(Ink4a)+...

To meet the challenge of wintering in place, many high-latitude small mammals reduce energy demands through hibernation. In contrast, short-lived Eurasian common shrews, Sorex araneus, remain active and shrink, including energy-intensive organs in winter, regrowing in spring in an evolved strategy called Dehnel's phenomenon. How this size change is linked to metabolic and regulatory changes to sustain their high metabolism is unknown. We analyzed metabolic, proteomic, and gene expression...

Multimorbidity is projected to continue increasing in England and many other countries. Here, we use a validated microsimulation model to quantify the potential impact of improving exposure levels of eight risk factors on the burden of major illness among adults aged 30+ in England between 2023-2043. We find that the biggest contributors to incident major illness are body mass index, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and physical inactivity. Theoretical minimum risk exposure levels of all risk...

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in legume-rhizobia represents a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture. Identifying key factors involved in nodule senescence, is crucial for enhancing SNF by effectively extending the lifespan of nodules. Here, we reveal that sulfur (S), an essential element for SNF, plays a major regulatory role in the senescence of soybean (Glycine max) nodules. Blocking S input into the symbiosome by knocking out either S...