Tieguanyin tea, a beloved Chinese variety, is in trouble. The planet is getting hotter, and these plants are feeling the heat. But there's a tiny hero inside them: DOF genes. These little guys are like the tea plant's personal bodyguards, helping them grow and stay strong even when things get tough.
AI has been trying to figure out what makes a face attractive. Researchers used five different AI models to create images of what they think are "ideal" and "attractive" faces. They then measured these virtual faces to see if they match up with old-school beauty standards. Most of the faces generat
Pea aphids have a unique relationship with a bacterium called Fukatsuia symbiotica. This bacterium is passed down from mother to offspring. It helps protect the aphids from fungal infections. However, this protection comes at a cost. When temperatures rise from cool to mildly warm, aphids with this
In Italy, a big question is being asked about a new treatment for babies born with a rare condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This condition affects the nerves that control muscles, making it hard for babies to move, breathe, and even swallow. The treatment in question is called onasemno
Ever wondered why some genes are active in certain tissues but not others? Or why they behave differently in sickness compared to health? The answer might lie in the promoters, the gene's silent conductors. Promoters are like the gene's personal managers. They decide when and where a gene should be
Heart troubles can pop up in athletes who push themselves too hard. A recent study dug into why former top-level rowers might face a higher chance of a heart rhythm issue called atrial fibrillation (AF). The big question: is it the intense training or something in their genes? Rowing is no joke. It
Heart health is a big deal, and doctors need good tools to spot problems early. One way they do this is by listening to heart sounds. But there's a catch: not all heart conditions are easy to find. This is especially true for coronary artery disease (CAD), which is underrepresented in current datase
Plants have clever ways to handle tough conditions. One such method involves a signaling system called the MAPK cascade. This system acts like a plant's alarm and response team, kicking into gear when faced with stress like too much salt, dry spells, or extreme heat. At the top of this team is a gen
As people age, their health, social roles, and sense of self often change. Research shows that having a sense of purpose can lead to better health and happiness. This study looked at elderly people living in care homes in Romania. It found that religion and spirituality were very important to them.
Parents of children with rare neurogenetic conditions have always faced big hurdles. These hurdles got even bigger during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support systems broke down. Parents needed help more than ever. Tele-mental health services stepped up during the pandemic. These services could reach par
