From genes to memes: Algorithm may help scientists demystify complex networks

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From biochemical reactions that produce cancers, to the latest memes virally spreading across social media, simple actions can generate complex behaviors. For researchers trying to understand these emergent behaviors, however, the complexity can tax current computational methods. Now, a team of researchers has developed a new algorithm that can serve as…

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New theory suggests blood immune and clotting components could contribute to psychosis

A scientific review has found evidence that a disruption in blood clotting and the first line immune system could be contributing factors in the development of psychosis. The article, a joint collaborative effort by researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cardiff University and the UCD Conway Institute, is published in Molecular Psychiatry.…

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When mad AIOLOS drags IKAROS down: A novel pathogenic mechanism

IMAGE: The transcription factors IKAROS and AIOLOS (named after Greek mythology characters) regulate lymphocyte development. According to Greek mythology, Ikaros had wings that were made of feathers and wax; one day,… view more  Credit: Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Biology,TMDU Tokyo, Japan – Primary immunodeficiencies, such as severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), occur when the immune…

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First 3D simulation of rat’s complete whisker system acts as a tactile ‘camera’

Northwestern University engineers have developed the first full, three-dimensional (3D), dynamic simulation of a rat’s complete whisker system, offering rare, realistic insight into how rats obtain tactile information. Called WHISKiT, the new model incorporates 60 individual whiskers, which are each anatomically, spatially and geometrically correct. The technology could help researchers predict how whiskers activate different…

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Study identifies monoclonal antibodies that may neutralize many norovirus variants

IMAGE: James Crowe Jr., MD, director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center view more  Credit: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, have taken a big step toward developing targeted treatments and vaccines against a family of viruses that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Each…

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New Sinai Health research finds common denominator linking all cancers

IMAGE: Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute scientists Joel Pearson, left, and Rod Bremner, right, divided all cancers into two groups, based on the presence or absence of a protein called the Yes-associated protein,… view more  Credit: Sinai Health All cancers fall into just two categories, according to new research from scientists at Sinai Health, in findings that could…

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How a butterfly tree becomes a web

IMAGE: Gene flow between species is indicated with dotted blue lines. Below: Butterflies of two different species (Heliconius cydno chioneus and H. melpomene rosina) mating on a Psychotria poeppigiana flower in… view more  Credit: Image by Krzysztof Kozak and Jorge Aleman. Photo credits: Luca Livraghi, Michel Cast. Evolution is often portrayed as a tree, with new…

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