Scientists have identified a unique brain signal that plays a key role in shaping the influence of rewards on human behaviour, an advance that may lead to new treatments for depression. Researchers from the Texas Children’s Hospital say the findings may particularly help develop therapies to treat the symptom ofContinue Reading
A pair of skeletons found in the ruins of Pompeii indicate that earthquakes compounded the cataclysmic destruction of the ancient Roman city by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. A study published in Frontiers in Earth Science on Thursday suggests that many people who survived the volcanic eruption in 79AD wereContinue Reading
Archaeologists have uncovered a stone wall in an Italian forest that was used by the Roman army during an epic “clash” against slave revolt leader and gladiatorSpartacus and his men. The stone wall and earthwork extend over 3km in the Dossone della Melia forest in southcentral Calabria in Italy. ResearchersContinue Reading
Billionaire hedge fund owner Ken Griffin has purchased the largest stegosaurus fossil ever found for a record $44.6m (£34.3m). The Citadel hedge fund founder bought the fossil, known as “Apex”, at the New York auction house Sotheby’s with the final purchase price vastly exceeding the initial pre-action estimate of $6m.Continue Reading
Flecks of DNA fragments left behind by viruses that infected our ancient human ancestors may get activated to cause cancer in modern-day humans, a new study finds. The human genome has over 20,000 genes that serve as building blocks of life along with DNA fragments left behind by viruses whichContinue Reading
Scientists have developed a new gel which they say can help store and distribute key therapeutics like insulin without the need for refrigerators or freezers. The technology could significantly improve the accessibility of essential protein-based drugs in parts of the world where cold storage infrastructure may be lacking, researchers said.Continue Reading
Researchers have discovered a new antidote for cobra bites. The snakes kill thousands of people a year across and around 100,000 suffer the death of body tissue and cells caused by the venom, which can lead to amputation. Now researchers have discovered a common blood thinner can be used asContinue Reading
Scientists have invented a new drug that increased the life of mice by up to 25%, in results that could result in similar effects in humans. Researchers say the findings raise the “tantalising” prospect that the drugs could have a similar effect in elderly humans. The mice that were given theContinue Reading
Rugby players who suffered multiple concussions have biological differences that may make them more prone to developing motor neurone disease (MND) and other conditions, scientists have said. Researchers discovered that players who have had five or more concussions during their careers have higher levels of certain proteins in their bloodContinue Reading
Monkeys who are facially expressive are more likely to have a more tolerant leadership style, research suggests. Analysing the lives of 66 rhesus macaques, scientists found social connections were stronger and more evenly distributed in groups where the dominant male was more expressive. This suggests having a diverse range ofContinue Reading
