Research highlights

A bit of a different post than the usual, but I wanted to present some recent scientific discoveries that are particularly interesting!

1) Auras might just be real!

Researchers have found evidence that the human brain emits extremely faint light signals that not only pass through the skull but also appear to change in response to mental states.

As humans we do not possess the ability to see that light, as it can only be seen in a very dark room with very precise machinery. But the fact that the human brain can produce light is amazing.

The study was published in iScience, and might lead to some interesting future research on whether people have different “brain light” as they age, or whether social cues might affect the light (e.g. if they can synchronize in groups).

Link to the study: DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112019

2) Links between hibernation and weight control

Using CRISPR, researchers knocked out genes controlling hibernation in mice (they have a shorter hibernation called torpor). Those genes were in close proximity to genes in the so-called “fat-locus” that is associated with heightened obesity risk, and is a particularly interesting gene region for human research.

By knocking out (i.e. silencing) the hibernation-driving genes, scientists altered the metabolism and behaviour of mice. Some deletions sped up or slowed down weight gain and some changed how fast the mice’s body temperatures recovered after torpor.

Scientists argue that if changes in hibernation-driving genes occurs in mice, then similar processes might occur in humans. They are not about to knockout genes in humans though, so it remains hypothetical that similar trends would actually occur.

The future potential is there, however, as we could examine related genes to address obesity in humans. It is logical that genes driving hibernation/torpor, metabolism, and weight control, are all quite close, since all those factors are at play when resting and/or hibernating.

Study can be found here: DOI: 10.1126/science.adp4701

3) Preventing mosquito bites using catnip

Yes, it isn’t a joke, catnip essential oils can repel up to 70% of mosquitoes. The oils contain nepetalactone, a volatile oil (the thing that actually attracts cats), that also deters mosquitoes!

How it works is that nepetalactone activates a pain receptor for many insects, including mosquitoes. So when they come in contact, insects apparently feel physical irritation, and they are deterred.

This is not a new study but still quite interesting. And before you start spreading catnip around, there are other oils that work too, such as citronella and lemongrass. Another alternative is to use a decoy individual at gatherings that produces a lot of oestrogen or breathes heavily (i.e. lots of carbon dioxide), which mosquitoes both love.

Insect repellents are often ineffective since mosquitoes develop resistance to commercial products, so companies have to continuously increase their lethality. Mosquitoes in highly urbanised areas are so used to commercial insect repellents that it has no effect whatsoever.

Catnip study: DOI: 10.1021/bk-2011-1090.ch004