The conversion of beta-carotene (found in orange plants) into vitamin A protects against high cholesterol and requires the enzyme BCO1; up to 50% of the population have less active versions of BCO1.

Developing brains grow new neural connections called synapses; astrocyte cells help with brain plasticity by "eating" unnecessary synapses in a clean-up process called phagocytosis.

Genetic delivery into the inner ear cells of mice shows promise as a new treatment for deafness. The genetic material replaces the genetic defect, allowing the inner ear cells to function normally.

Researchers find an Alzheimer's disease treatment to only benefit males and not females in a study with mice. This treatment inhibits a glutamate receptor (mGluR5), which is a binding site for amyloid-beta.