All Stories by Bethany Brookshire
- Neuroscience
Lighting up the lightning speed of vesicle formation
While the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles is speedy, we always thought vesicle formation was slow. It turns out that vesicle formation can zip along much faster than we thought.
- Life
Male contraceptive test targets sperm’s travel route
Most efforts at a male contraceptive have focused on hormones, trying to stop production of sperm. A new study in mice explores leaving the sperm to themselves, and instead stops their transport.
- Chemistry
Keeping wine fine for a longer time
Trace metals in wine can be oxidized, producing browning and a nasty smell. A new study shows how we might be able to keep wine fine using chelators. The catch? You may not be able to drink it.
- Neuroscience
The memory benefits of distraction
We usually think of distraction as a bad thing for memory. But under certain conditions, distraction may help rather than hurt.
- Psychology
People prefer to just get pain over with
A new study shows that people would rather experience pain ASAP, even if it means experiencing more pain.
- Neuroscience
Gene that boosts Alzheimer’s risk might protect against it too
Carrying certain genetic versions of apolipoprotein E is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. A new study looks at the effects of different types of APOE on the major markers of Alzheimer’s in mice and shows that all forms are not equal.
- Genetics
Sexy male mice have competitive moms
Moms allowed to compete for mates produce sons that make sexy pheromones, live hard and die young. How? Epigenetics.
- Life
Thank insects and microbes that we aren’t over our knees in feces
Ever wondered why you’re not drowning in poop? Scientists harnessed the power of citizen science to find the beetles and microbes we can thank for that.
- Psychology
Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? A new study purports to answer the question. But can we apply this to how we deliver news? Well, I have good news, and I have bad news.
- Animals
The hottest guy guppies stand out in a crowd
A new study shows that sexy male guppies are the ones who stand out the most, the rarest in the crowd. But what is the rare male effect for?
- Paleontology
Oldest bug bonk
Preserved as fossils, two insects remain caught in the act 165 million years later.
- Health & Medicine
The future of the robotic leg
While robotic legs have come incredibly far, the next step, integrating the function into the rest of the body, still has a way to go.
