Researchers say the findings offer a promising way to improve existing cancer therapies as well as develop new ones
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New research reveals how the brain turns experience into memory — with help from a tiny protein
Stowers scientists expand their pivotal discovery on the form and function of amyloids
Milky Way is embedded in a ‘large-scale sheet’ of dark matter, which explains motions of nearby galaxies
Computer simulations carried out by astronomers from the University of Groningen in collaboration with researchers from Germany, France and Sweden show that most of the (dark) matter beyond the Local Group of galaxies (which includes the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy) must be organized in an extended plane. Above and below this plane are large voids. The observed motions of nearby galaxies and the joint masses of the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy can only be properly explained with this “flat” mass distribution. The research, led by Ph.D. graduate Ewoud Wempe and Professor Amina Helmi, is published in Nature Astronomy.
Almost a century ago, astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that virtually all galaxies are moving away from the Milky Way. This is important evidence for the expansion of the universe and for the Big Bang. But even in Hubble’s time, it was clear that there were exceptions. For example, our neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, is moving toward us at a speed of about 100 kilometers per second.
In fact, for half a century, astronomers have been wondering why most large nearby galaxies—with the exception of Andromeda—are moving away from us and do not seem to be affected by the mass and gravity of the so-called Local Group (the Milky Way, the Andromeda galaxy and dozens of smaller galaxies).
Netflix Invests €240,000 in Blender
The generous contribution will be dedicated to Blender core development.
Scientists grow specialized nerve cells that degenerate in ALS and are damaged in spinal cord injury
Researchers have developed a way to grow a highly specialized subset of brain nerve cells that are involved in motor neuron disease and damaged in spinal injuries. Their study, published today in eLife, presents fundamental findings on the directed differentiation of a rare population of special brain progenitors—also known as adult or parent stem cells—into corticospinal-like neurons. The editors note that the work provides compelling data demonstrating the success of this new approach.
The findings set the stage for further research into whether these molecularly directed neurons can form functional connections in the body, and to explore their potential use in human diseases where corticospinal neurons are compromised.