mice

Scientists discovered a protein called 'Mitch' that, when disabled in human cells, enhances fat burning, increases energy use, and inhibits new fat cell formation. Mice lacking Mitch were observed to be leaner, more athletic, and resistant to obesity.

GLP-1 drugs caused weight loss and reversed depression-like behavior in mice, according to a study. The findings were highlighted in a blog post and discussed on a news commentary platform.

Scratching bug bites or rashes can worsen inflammation and itching due to immune system reactions. A study using mice showed that scratching triggers mast cells to release histamine and other compounds, increasing swelling and itchiness. Researchers found that mice unable to scratch had less inflammation, suggesting scratching exacerbates skin issues.

Mice in New York City are mutating to survive poisons used by exterminators, creating a growing problem for researchers. The adaptation of mice to these poisons complicates pest control efforts.

Stanford researchers found that a single injection of BRP in mice and pigs reduced food intake by up to 50% within an hour. BRP is being explored as an alternative to Ozempic.

Stanford researchers found that a single injection of BRP in mice and pigs reduced food intake by up to 50% within an hour before a meal, suggesting a potential Ozempic alternative.

Scientists discovered that acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, helps break bad habits by triggering flexible behavior when expectations are unmet. In a study with mice, disappointment from unfulfilled rewards caused a surge in acetylcholine, encouraging new strategies, while blocking it reduced adaptability.

Mice containing cells with an added rat chromosome were created by scientists. The next step involves testing this technique with frozen elephant tissue, potentially leading to experiments with mammoths.

A drug tested in mice shows potential to halt the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, a mysterious lung disease affecting millions. The therapy works by activating a protein that could prevent the disease from worsening.

Scientists identified a group of amygdala neurons central to anxiety and social behavior. Restoring normal activity in this brain circuit reversed anxiety and social deficits in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment target.

CBD may help fight Alzheimer’s disease by reducing neuroinflammation in the brain, according to experiments on Alzheimer’s mice. Inhaled CBD was found to calm the brain’s immune response, which is linked to memory loss and brain degeneration.

Scientists discovered that declining levels of the Menin protein in the hypothalamus contribute to aging-related issues like inflammation, memory loss, and bone degradation in mice. Restoring Menin or supplementing with D-serine reversed these effects, offering a potential pathway to combat age-related decline.

Motherhood in mice induces long-lasting molecular changes in the brain that persist beyond short-term hormonal shifts, according to a study published in Nature. Postpartum stress disrupts these patterns. The findings suggest a lasting impact of motherhood on the brain.

Scientists have identified a protein that slows down chronic inflammation linked to aging, making older mice stronger and healthier. The findings could lead to therapies that help people stay healthier later in life. Boosted levels of the protein resulted in more energetic mice with healthier bones.

Exercise strengthens the body by training the brain, with certain brain cells remaining active after a workout to build endurance over time. Researchers found that blocking these brain cells in mice prevented improvements in stamina despite regular exercise. This discovery suggests that brain activity plays a crucial role in physical strength and endurance.

Scientists have discovered a set of genes that could help humans regrow lost limbs by studying axolotls, zebrafish, and mice. The researchers identified powerful SP genes involved in regeneration and used gene therapy to partially restore regeneration in mice. This breakthrough marks a major step toward future treatments that could replace damaged limbs with living tissue instead of prosthetics.

Research on mice suggests that movement in the abdomen may help flush excess material from the brain through the movement of fluid. This study implies a potential connection between gut movement and brain health. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this finding.

Scientists found that increasing the Sox9 protein enhances astrocyte activity, reducing Alzheimer’s plaques and preserving cognitive function in mice with memory issues.

Researchers discovered that blocking the protein PTP1B in mice improved memory and helped clear harmful brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. Since PTP1B is also linked to diabetes and obesity—both risk factors for Alzheimer’s—this approach could lead to broader treatment strategies.

Scientists discovered that smell receptors in mice noses are organized into structured, overlapping stripes based on receptor type, forming a hidden map that mirrors how smell information is processed in the brain. This breakthrough reveals a coordinated system linking the nose to neural circuits.

An MIT study reveals that NDMA, a chemical found in polluted water, medications, and processed foods, poses a higher cancer risk to children than adults. Experiments on mice showed that children's rapid cell division converts early DNA damage into mutations more easily, leading to increased cancer development despite equal exposure.

A study published in Nature explores how octopuses' unique brains, which evolved differently from vertebrates, could redefine our understanding of intelligence. The article also highlights new research mapping olfactory receptors in mice, revolutionizing knowledge about smell.

A detailed map of smell receptors in the nose overturns textbook models of olfactory receptor organization in mice, as reported in a 2026 study published in Nature.

A study published in Nature on April 24, 2026, found that non-beating hearts in mice were rapidly overtaken by cancer cells, suggesting heartbeats may help prevent cancer. Additional findings include evidence that large octopuses dominated ancient seas and geopolitical factors influencing health data sets.

A study published in Nature on April 22, 2026, identified 29 genetic loci influencing lifespan and mortality in mice, with effects varying by age and sex, and 30 loci linking body mass to longevity. The research used a population of 6,438 young mice to map DNA variants associated with these outcomes.

A study in Nature reveals that B cells play a crucial role in supporting muscles during exercise in mice, challenging previous assumptions. The article also mentions the winners of the 2026 Breakthrough Prizes and tips for debugging scientific software.

A study published in Nature on April 17, 2026, reveals that B cells in mice play a role in regulating muscle performance during exercise. This finding challenges previous assumptions about immune cell functions and suggests potential links between immunity and physical endurance.

Scientists identified 'zombie' immune cells that accumulate with age and high cholesterol, contributing to liver inflammation and damage. Removing these cells in mice reversed liver damage without dietary changes, offering potential insights for treating aging-related and metabolic diseases.

Keychron has released industrial design files for their keyboards and mice on GitHub. The repository includes links to Hacker News discussions about the open-source hardware project.

A study published in Nature reveals that a single DNA tweak in non-coding regions can cause female mice to develop testes, highlighting the critical role of non-coding DNA in sex determination. This discovery underscores the complexity of genetic factors in biological sex development.

Scientists discovered that a protein called FTL1 drives brain aging in mice and reducing its levels can restore memory and connections between brain cells.