Analyses Illuminate the Pace and Mechanism of Oxytocin Release in the Brain A densely branched network of fine, luminous structures permeates this image. Two color systems are discernible: green and red signaling pathways that partially overlap and bundle together. These are neuronal circuits in the mouse brain through which two important neurotransmitters are distributed: Green denotes oxytocin pathways, red vasopressin networks. Signaling pathways of the bonding hormone oxy

In Search of the Shortest Route A tangle of bright red cables encircles an unassuming chip in the center. This is the Advantage2 quantum annealer from D-Wave. This quantum computer specializes in optimization problems: tasks that require weighing countless possibilities against each other and quickly push even modern supercomputers to their limits. The Advantage2 quantum annealer from D-Wave is designed to solve complex optimization problems. © D-Wave A simple example of an o

EAST Fusion Facility Exceeds Fusion Plasma Density Limit New Plasma Regime: The Chinese fusion reactor EAST has overcome a crucial density limit for fusion plasma, achieving the so-called density-free regime for the first time. This allows the plasma to be compressed to a higher density without dangerous instabilities occurring near the reactor vessel walls. The EAST fusion facility thus paves the way for the extreme conditions necessary for nuclear fusion. The EAST (Experime

Neurons Store Memory Content and Context Separately Neural division of labor: Our brain doesn't store past experiences and their context together, but rather in two separate groups of brain cells, as an experiment reveals. Only the combination of both creates a complete memory. Content neurons, therefore, store only the information itself, such as an object or a person. Context neurons, on the other hand, only remember the circumstances. This division of labor makes our memor

The Oral Bacterium Streptococcus anginosus Also Promotes Stomach Cancer Microbes as Cancer Triggers: It is well known that Helicobacter pylori can cause stomach cancer. But there is another culprit: The bacterium Streptococcus anginosus also promotes the growth of cancerous tumors in the stomach, as a new study has confirmed. According to the study, this microbe is not only found in increased numbers in stomach cancer ulcers, but it also releases methionine, a molecule that f

Special Ink Developed for Camouflage Technologies and Wearable Electronics Printable Metamaterial: A liquid metal-based ink could help develop flexible invisibility cloaks in the future. It can be printed onto various materials, remains soft, and can be stretched to 120 times its original dimensions—while still maintaining its electrical conductivity and stability. Surfaces printed with this ink can redirect electromagnetic waves. This could, for example, make robots invisibl

Combination of Closeness and Cuddle Hormone Can Be Healing Healing through love? Superficial skin injuries heal faster when the cuddle hormone oxytocin is circulating in our bodies. However, this only works if the elevated hormone level is accompanied by physical and emotional closeness, as a study shows. According to the study, loving attention and oxytocin together can promote wound healing, but they do not act as independent remedies. In the test subjects, superficial skin

Zinc Deprivation Inhibits Fungal Infection of Mucous Membranes A Matter of Balance: The yeast Candida albicans colonizes our mucous membranes. Researchers have now discovered why this is highly dangerous under certain conditions, but remains harmless in most cases. According to their findings, the immune system deprives the fungus of the necessary zinc, thereby inhibiting both toxin production and the proliferation of yeast cells. However, if the immune system is weakened, Ca

World Spider Database celebrates anniversary This spider is an ambush predator: Like all jumping spiders, the "Dark Sickleback" doesn't spin webs to catch prey, but instead stalks its victims, pouncing and killing them. Its special eyes help it do this. This spider species, measuring only six millimeters, is native to meadows throughout Europe and is just one of over 50,000 spider species listed in the World Spider Database. Evarcha arcuata, a European jumping spider – and on

Endurance training makes natural killer cells more efficient and effective against inflammation Exercise not only trains our muscles and endurance – our immune system also becomes fitter, as a study has now confirmed. According to this study, regular jogging, cycling, and other endurance sports also "train" the natural killer cells of our immune system. In trained people, these white blood cells release more anti-inflammatory messengers, use cellular energy more efficiently,