Teenager becomes first person to have testicular tissue transplant in UK
Operation on 19-year-old who had no sperm after chemotherapy offers hope of preserving children’s fertility after cancer treatment Surgeons have performed the first testicular tissue transplant on a teenager in the UK, offering hope that boys left…
Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity
DNA analysis of oldest living land animal reveal patterns on genes that appear to protect functioning of mitochondriaThe ancient quest to extend human lifespan has received a boost after scientists analysed the genetic code of the world’s oldest living…
Bats originated in Europe, rewriting mammals’ family tree, study reveals
Biggest study of its kind provides insights into bats’ evolution – a potential gamechanger for research into treating viruses and cancer in humansIn the northern forests of the Congo-Brazzaville, as the sun slips away, a distinctive honking fills the…
Scientists discover a hidden immune signal that helps spinal cords regrow
A surprising immune system signal may help explain why zebrafish can regenerate damaged spinal cords so effectively. Researchers found that certain neutrophils release Il-4, which calms harmful inflammation and allows injured nerve fibers to grow again.…
Common dry-cleaning chemical linked to triple the risk of liver scarring
A chemical commonly used in dry cleaning and found in some household products may be an overlooked threat to liver health. Researchers found that people with detectable levels of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in their blood were three times more likely to…
Scientists say love follows hidden mathematical rules
Could math help explain why some relationships survive life’s inevitable stresses while others slowly fall apart? Researchers have spent decades developing mathematical models that treat romantic feelings as changing systems, revealing patterns in…
A War of 1812 soldier buried his own arm. His real story is even stranger
A rediscovered memoir reveals that celebrated War of 1812 veteran Shadrack Byfield was far more rebellious and troubled than history has portrayed, battling chronic pain, poverty, authorities, and even rivals at his local chapel. The soldier who buried…
Cialis linked to higher glaucoma risk in large study
A large study of nearly 74,000 men suggests that long-term use of tadalafil, best known as Cialis, may be linked to a higher risk of glaucoma and other eye pressure problems. Men prescribed the drug for urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate…
Your gut microbiome may be more contagious than scientists thought
Scientists have found evidence that some gut bacterial populations can spread rapidly between people and across continents, suggesting the microbiome may be more transmissible than previously thought. The research also revealed hidden bacterial groups…
An important step towards detecting fractons in quantum spin liquids
A more realistic quantum model has revealed evidence that strange, nearly immobile quasiparticles called fractons could exist in solid materials. Their inability to move freely could make them promising building blocks for unusually robust quantum…