Latest news stories - December 2024 - Click the links to read more
Polar bears face higher risk of disease in a warming Arctic
As the Arctic warms, polar bears face a growing risk of contracting viruses, bacteria and parasites that they were less likely to encounter just 30 years ago, research has revealed.
In a study that has provided clues about how polar bear disease could be linked to ice loss, scientists examined blood samples from bears in the Chukchi Sea - between Alaska and Russia.
How the dirt under our feet could affect human health
Soil plays a much bigger role in the spread of antibiotic resistance than one might imagine.
Surprisingly, the ground beneath us is packed with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) -- tiny codes that allow bacteria to resist antibiotics. Human activities, such as pollution and changing land use, can disturb soil ecosystems and make it easier for resistance genes to transfer from soil bacteria and infect humans.
The maternal microbiome during pregnancy impacts offspring's stem cells in mice
Gut microbiome composition during pregnancy has long-term effects on offspring stem cell growth and development, researchers report. Treating pregnant mice with a common gut microbe resulted in offspring that had more active stem cells in both the brain and intestinal tract. As a result, the offspring were less anxious and recovered quicker from colitis, and these differences were still evident at 10 months of age.
Turning the tide: A roadmap to sea turtle survival in the Mediterranean
For the dedicated “turtle people,” summers are anything but ordinary. Across the Mediterranean, from Tunisia to the shores of Greece and Türkiye, conservationists and volunteers work tirelessly to secure the survival of these iconic marine creatures. The 2023-2024 period is a testament to their passion, showcasing a powerful combination of monitoring, conservation, and dynamic public awareness campaigns.
New gene therapy reverses heart failure in large animal model
In a single IV injection, a gene therapy targeting cBIN1 can reverse the effects of heart failure and restore heart function in a large animal model. The therapy increases the amount of blood the heart can pump and dramatically improves survival.