Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have unearthed a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape our comprehension of the universe. Their findings, published in Science Advances, demonstrate a remarkable revelation: fundamental constants, the bedrock of physical laws, can exhibit fluctuations, potentially influencing the viscosity necessary for vital life processes within and between cells. This revelation is a pivotal puzzle piece in unraveling the origins and implications of these constants on life itself.

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Beyond the fundamental DNA code, organisms also transmit chemical cues that instruct cells on gene utilization. This transmission, known as epigenetic inheritance, is particularly prevalent in plants. The implications of significant findings in this realm extend to agriculture, food security, and environmental preservation.

Esteemed researchers, Professors Rob Martienssen and Leemor Joshua-Tor from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and HHMI Investigators,

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The latest Now Youth Future Report has unveiled how young individuals' interests span across various sectors. Based on the report, the most intriguing industries for young people include healthcare, travel and hospitality, arts and culture, as well as the commerce sector. Intriguingly, parents' educational background, gender, and personal values are strongly tied to their inclination toward different fields.

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Scientists have achieved a breakthrough by implanting a fungus known for its insect-killing prowess into rapeseed plants, resulting in the production of specific defense compounds. This discovery holds the potential to revolutionize agriculture, ushering in an era where ecological impact is minimized, and food production is secured.

Led by researchers at the University of Turku, the study revealed that a naturally occurring soil fungus with insecticidal properties could be successfully introduced into rapeseed plants, leading to the synthesis of certain defense compounds within the plant's cells.

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As we navigate the realm of technological advancements, it's imperative to recognize that the mere presence of cutting-edge innovations doesn't automatically guarantee improved well-being and empowerment for individuals. The intersections of these technologies with human lives are laden with potential conflicts and pitfalls that require careful consideration.

Fares Georges Khalil delves into this intricate web of relationships between technology, health, and empowerment in his doctoral dissertation titled "Every Piece Matters – Technology and Service Integration for Individual Empowerment."

A groundbreaking study has unveiled that horses possess the ability to differentiate between expressions of joy and sadness in human facial movements and tones of voice. Researchers discovered that horses exhibited a greater interest in expressions of happiness compared to sadness, displaying heightened enthusiasm upon hearing cheerful sounds.

Emotions play a pivotal role in human interaction and communication, influencing cross-species communication as well.

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A recent doctoral study conducted at the University of Turku has revealed that babies born via caesarean section are more likely to develop non-communicable diseases and obesity in later life. The research suggests that this connection could be attributed to variations in early microbial contact.

The number of babies delivered via caesarean section has been on the rise worldwide. In Finland and other Nordic countries, the increase has been more modest compared to many other nations.

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Recent research has shed light on a significant distinction in the hypothalamus, a vital part of the brain responsible for regulating appetite, between individuals who are overweight or obese and those who maintain a healthy weight.

The study findings underscore the interconnection between brain structure, eating habits, and body weight, offering new insights into the complexity of obesity-related challenges.

Researchers from Turku PET Center and Åbo Akademi have conducted a groundbreaking study that uncovers the release of opioids in the brain during orgasms.

Opioids are known to regulate pain and pleasure, but their role in sexuality has been poorly understood. Using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Finnish scientists demonstrated how opioids are released in the male brain during orgasm. Sexual pleasure was also found to activate various brain regions.

Photo: Bruce Matsunaga

Navigating the complexities of a multicultural society can be both enriching and challenging for teenagers. A study conducted by the University of California, Davis, surveyed over 700 teens attending public schools in the Southwestern United States, uncovering a crucial factor that significantly impacts their academic performance and overall well-being. The findings revealed that while these young individuals attended ethnically diverse schools and were exposed to multiple cultures in the classroom, the messages they received from their families and peers were not always congruent.