Bionoticias 3ª semana de febrero 2015
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Universidad de Salamanca Facultad de Biología Biblioteca Bionoticias 3ª de Febrero 2015
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Revista de noticias sobre Biología, Biotecnología, Medioambiente, Neurociencias, etc. Elaborada por la Biblioteca de la Facultad de Biología de la Universidad de Salamanca.
Transcript of Bionoticias 3ª semana de febrero 2015
Universidad de Salamanca
Facultad de Biología
Biblioteca
Bionoticias 3ª de Febrero 2015
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índice
Avisos de la Facultad 4
Biología 10
Biomedicina 18
Biotecnología 21
Neurociencia 27
.Avisos de la Facultad
Próximo Seminario INCYL: Viernes 20 a las
12.00
PRÓXIMO SEMINARIO CENTRO
INVESTIGACIÓN DEL CÁNCER
Título: Lightning the path to metastasis in cancer: applications to gene discovery and drug validation in
melanoma
Ponente: Marisol Soengas
Procedencia: Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) [Madrid, Spain]
Fecha: 19/02/2015
Hora: 12:30
Lugar: Salón de Actos del CIC
SEMINARIO IBSAL
lunes, 23 de febrero de 2015.
Título “Proyecto EIRA: intervención multirriesgo en Atención Primaria”
PONENTES: D. José Ignacio Recio Rodríguez y D. José Ángel Maderuelo Fernández. Grupo IBSAL “Estilos de vida y riesgo vascular”
HORA y LUGAR: 8:15 horas, en el Aula Docente de la Gerencia de Atención Primaria de Salamanca C/ Arapiles, 25-33, 1ªplanta
Calendario de seminarios IBFG
Calendario de seminarios Departamental
PRÓXIMO SEMINARIO
INVESTIGACIÓN CIALE
“Executer, proteínas mediadoras de señalización y respuesta a estrés en cloroplastos”
Dª. Estefanía Uberegui Bernad. Grupo Estrés Abiótico. IRNASA
Viernes 27 de febrero de 2015 Hora: 10.00 Salón Actos del CIALE
+ INFO en Facebook: BioBiblioteca
https://www.facebook.com/bibliotecadebiologia
.Biología
Los pingüinos han perdido sentido
del gusto por vivir a temperaturas
extremas
Los pingüinos solo son capaces de
distinguir dos de los cinco sabores:
agrio y salado. Según investigadores
de la Universidad de Michigan (EE
UU) esto puede deberse al frío
extremo de la Antártida, pero lo que
Bioseguridad o contención biológica,
un candado para los organismos
modificados
Artículo del blog Cierta Ciencia, de la
genetista Josefina Cano, que
recomendamos por su interés. El
trabajo con los organismos
modificados y la creación de
organismos totalmente sintéticos
La repoblación con pinos extingue
especies endémicas de caracoles en
Cataluña
El abandono de los cultivos y la
reforestación con coníferas produce
una mayor homogeneidad del
paisaje y lleva asociada la rarificación
o extinción de varias especies
características de espacios abiertos,
como los caracoles Oxychilus
courquini y Xerocrassa penchinati
endémicos ibéricos. Esta es una de
Revelado el secreto del veneno de
una de las serpientes más venenosas
La razón por la que el veneno de la
serpiente de coral Micrurus
mipartitus es letal ha sido un
misterio que durante siglos la ciencia
ha sido incapaz de aclarar. El secreto
Descubren genes que regulan el
crecimiento en altura de las plantas
Investigadores argentinos
identificaron las piezas de un
mecanismo molecular que promueve
el crecimiento en altura de las
plantas para evadir sombras de
¿Los virus nos han vuelto más
inteligentes?
Un nuevo estudio indica que ciertos
virus con millones de años de
antigüedad, integrados en nuestro
ADN y que se heredan con este,
desempeñan un papel importante en
Reproducción sexual versus
reproducción asexual
Durante décadas, los biólogos
evolutivos consideraron a la
reproducción sexual como una
paradoja. Matemáticamente, la
reproducción asexual parecía tener
más sentido. Cada organismo podría
Plantas carnívoras que desactivan su
trampa para que sus víctimas se
confíen
Una investigación revela que algunas
plantas carnívoras son capaces de
“desconectar” temporalmente sus
trampas para hacer que sus presas se
confíen y poder atraer a muchas
antes de volverla a activar y
atraparlas. El equipo de Ulrike
El abejorro europeo mejora sus
técnicas de vuelo para invadir la
Patagonia
Investigadores del Museo Nacional
de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC)
han analizado las diferencias en la
morfología relacionada con la
habilidad de vuelo entre el abejorro
europeo (Bombus terrestris) y el
abejorro autóctono (Bombus
dahlbomii), para ayudar a explicar la
rápida expansión en la Patagonia del
El verdecillo y la curruca cabecinegra,
dos pájaros neourbanitas
Dos especies de aves que están en
declive en sus hábitats óptimos en la
naturaleza, el verdecillo y la curruca
cabecinegra, pueden encontrar en
zonas urbanas un ambiente
alternativo para vivir. Esta es la
Identifican un biomarcador
nutrigenómico que predice la
obesidad
El reto de prevenir la obesidad y sus
complicaciones con mayores
garantías requiere disponer de
biomarcadores que revelen la
predisposición a padecer estas
Especies típicas de fuentes
hidrotermales surgieron con la
erupción de El Hierro
En Octubre de 2011 tuvo lugar la
primera erupción submarina en los
últimos 500 años de historia
Los perros distinguen si estás
contento o enfadado
Llegas a casa después de un largo día
de trabajo en el que las cosas no han
ido del todo bien y tu perro no viene
a saludarte. No te preocupes, es
posible que haya percibido tu
enfado. Por primera vez, un
Las fallas del oeste de la península
ibérica tienen 308 millones de años
Muestras geológicas de Salamanca,
Zamora, La Coruña y Portugal han
viajado decenas de miles de
kilómetros por varios países del
mundo para averiguar la edad de las
fallas del oeste de la península
ibérica, que ha quedado establecida
en 308 millones de años. Según un
Especies típicas de fuentes
hidrotermales surgieron con la
erupción de El Hierro
Tras la erupción del volcán
submarino de El Hierro en las islas
Canarias, el ecosistema marino se vio
alterado por una perturbación
significativa en las propiedades
físico-químicas del agua. Un estudio,
publicado en PLoS ONE, demuestra
que, durante los tres meses
siguientes a la erupción, la
biodiversidad en el agua se redujo
Controlar genes mediante luz
Unos investigadores han ideado un
método para activar genes en
cualquier punto o patrón específicos
en una placa de Petri con la mera
acción de un interruptor en forma de
Una liberación masiva de CO2 de los
océanos favoreció el fin de la última
glaciación
Una investigación conjunta de la
Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona,
la Universidad de Southampton
(Reino Unido) y la Universidad
Nacional de Australia muestra que el
Gusanos expuestos a microgravedad
transmiten modificaciones
epigenéticas a su prole
Los organismos vivos están
adaptados a la gravedad de la Tierra.
Aunque está demostrado que el
¿La extinción de los dinosaurios se
debió a las mismas causas en todas
partes del mundo?
La teoría de que un asteroide
exterminó a los dinosaurios hace
unos 66 millones de años está
ampliamente reconocida, pero, hasta
hace poco, los fósiles de dinosaurios
Descubiertos los mecanismos de
regulación del reloj interno de los
seres vivos
Investigadores de la Universidad de
Alicante y de la Universidad de San
Diego (EE UU), acaban de publicar un
artículo en la revista Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences of
the United States of America
(PNAS) que saca conclusiones sobre
el ritmo circadiano. Con este nombre
se conoce al reloj interno que existe
Logran extraer ADN de canguros
gigantes extintos
Unos científicos han conseguido
finalmente extraer ADN de canguros
gigantes extintos de Australia,
miembros destacados de la
misteriosa megafauna marsupial que
se movía por este país hace más de
40.000 años. Se conoce
popularmente como megafauna
australiana a un conjunto de
El origen del sentido del oído en el
medio atmosférico
El sentido del oído tiene una historia
evolutiva larga y compleja. Un punto
crítico se dio en la colonización de la
tierra firme por animales de origen
acuático. Detectar el sonido en el
Los primeros meros de acuicultura
llegarán a los mercados en 10 años
Desde ayer lunes 9 de febrero y
hasta el próximo viernes día 13, el
Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo del
Instituto Español de Oceanografía
organiza una reunión de trabajo del
Una nueva variante de la
enfermedad hemorrágica de los
conejos hace peligrar al lince
Un estudio liderado por el Instituto
de Investigación en Recursos
Cinegéticos evidencia los efectos que
está teniendo una nueva variante del
virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica
RHDV en el conejo silvestre de la
Vesículas extracelulares, de "basura"
del organismo a paradigma científico
En los últimos años se ha confirmado
que la mayoría de las células en los
mamíferos liberan vesículas al medio
extracelular, lo que indica que éstas
constituyen un sistema de
comunicación entre diferentes tipos
La contaminación ambiental se inició
en América del Sur 240 años antes de
la Revolución Industrial
En un bloque de hielo a gran altitud
en el glaciar Quelccaya de los Andes
peruanos, ha aparecido la evidencia
más temprana de contaminación
atmosférica a gran escala debida a
actividades humanas. Se produjo
alrededor del año 1540, durante la
colonización española, con el auge
Descubren mecanismos que
controlan la formación de la médula
espinal y el cerebro
El desarrollo de los embriones, es
decir, la serie de sucesos que
terminan constituyendo un ser
humano o un organismo de otra
especie, sigue siendo un misterio.
Ahora, un trabajo que es tapa de la
destacada revista científica Journal of
Neuroscience y que fue conducido
Aclarando el misterio de por qué la
lluvia violenta parece propagar
ciertas enfermedades vegetales
Los agricultores han notado desde
hace mucho tiempo una correlación
entre las tormentas y los brotes de
ciertas enfermedades entre las
plantas. Los parásitos fúngicos
Mujeres, más resistentes a las alturas
que los hombres
Un grupo de la UN realiza diferentes
mediciones fisiológicas y relativas a
la capacidad de consumo de oxígeno,
que depende de la cantidad de
hemoglobina que las personas
tengan. Las causas de esta
Las praderas de posidonia emiten el
CO2 acumulado al erosionarse
Un equipo internacional de
científicos, con participación
española, ha evaluado la eficacia de
la replantación de praderas
submarinas de posidonia en la
Descubiertos los mecanismos de
regulación del reloj interno de los
seres vivos
Investigadores del Departamento de
Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología
de la Universidad de Alicante
(España) y de la Division of Biological
Sciences de la Universidad de San
Diego, en California (EEUU), acaban
Los cocodrilos también juegan y se
divierten
Por su fama siniestra como bestias
asesinas, nadie se imaginaría que los
cocodrilos puedan a veces estar de
tan buen humor como para ponerse
a jugar con objetos o incluso con
otros animales, a veces de otras
especies. Este comportamiento,
El abejorro europeo mejora sus
técnicas de vuelo para invadir la
Patagonia
Investigadores del Museo Nacional
de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC),
en España, han analizado las
diferencias en la morfología
relacionada con la habilidad de vuelo
entre el abejorro europeo (Bombus
terrestris) y el abejorro autóctono
(Bombus dahlbomii), para ayudar a
Tarántulas
Entrega del podcast El Neutrino, a
cargo de Germán Fernández
Sánchez, en Ciencia para Escuchar,
que recomendamos por su interés.
Estrictamente, la tarántula es la
La asombrosa facilidad de ciertas
serpientes para “nadar” por la arena
Avanzar por la arena suele ser más
difícil que hacerlo sobre una
superficie rígida. A los animales que
viven habitualmente en terrenos
arenosos la evolución los ha dotado
de cualidades que les permiten
moverse con la mejor eficiencia
posible por este medio. Uno de estos
carismáticos habitantes de...
Midiendo los tamaños de los seres
marinos más grandes
Un nutrido equipo internacional de
científicos y colaboradores ha
realizado y validado nuevas
mediciones del tamaño corporal de
25 especies marinas carismáticas,
¿Qué puede suponer ingerir una rana
tóxica?
Se supone que comerse una rana
flecha roja y azul es una muy mala
idea. Como recordatorio a los
depredadores potenciales, el
diminuto anfibio anuncia su toxicidad
con su piel de color rojo brillante, en
el continente de América Central y
un arco iris de variaciones de colores
en las islas del...
Moscas que decapitan hormigas en
minutos
El hallazgo de unas moscas que
decapitan de manera activa a ciertas
hormigas en cuestión de minutos
constituye un nuevo y mucho más
expeditivo ejemplo de este tipo de
conducta. Ya se sabía de moscas
que de un modo u otro provocan el
desprendimiento de la cabeza de las
hormigas sobre las...
Los primeros meros de acuicultura
llegarán a los mercados en 10 años
Desde el 9 al 13 de febrero, el Centro
Oceanográfico de Vigo del Instituto
Español de Oceanografía organiza
una reunión de trabajo del proyecto
Más de dos siglos de edad; en busca
del secreto de la longevidad de las
ballenas boreales
La ballena boreal es el mamífero más
longevo. Vive más de 200 años.
¿Pueden decirnos sus genes por
qué? Al ser un mamífero como el Ser
Humano, es más probable hallar en
ella que en la tortuga algún
mecanismo activable también en el
Ser Humano para potenciar nuestra
longevidad o mitigar el...
.Biomedicina
Los bilingües y monolingües presentan diferencias en el cerebro al hablar su lengua materna Un equipo de científicos ha analizado
las diferencias en el cerebro de las
personas bilingües y monolingües.
Una de las conclusiones a las que se
ha llegado es que, aunque no hay
Cómo escoger el tratamiento más
eficiente contra la hepatitis C
Científicos españoles han diseñado
un sistema que permite clasificar los
diferentes subtipos del virus de la
hepatitis C, determinar su
variabilidad e identificar si hay
infecciones mixtas y mutaciones de
resistencia. El equipo está trabajando
en la automatización de esta
Identifican un biomarcador
nutrigenómico que predice la
obesidad
El Laboratorio de Biología Molecular,
Nutrición y Biotecnología de la
Universidad de las Illes Balears ha
patentado un método para la
predicción y prevención del
sobrepeso, la obesidad y sus
complicaciones, desarrollado en el
marco del proyecto europeo
BIOCLAIMS.
La genética predispone a la obesidad
más que la dieta o el sedentarismo
Dos nuevos estudios confirman el
vínculo genético en los casos de
obesidad, más importante que los
hábitos dietéticos o el deporte. Los
resultados revelan por qué algunas
personas son más propensas que
otras a ganar peso y señalan 140
Un nuevo método para sintetizar
benzodiazepinas abre vías
inexploradas de aplicación
Investigadores de la Universidad de
Santiago de Compostela (USC) han
desarrollado un método de síntesis
de derivados benzodiazepínicos que
permite examinar nuevas áreas de
aplicación biológica a nivel
esqueletal, funcional y
estereoquímico. hasta hoy
inexploradas. Las benzodiazepinas
forman parte de los denominados
Los tejidos vivos se fracturan por
‘fracking’
Un equipo de investigadores de
Instituto de Bioingeniería de
Catalunya (IBEC) y de la Universidad
Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) ha
descubierto que en los tejidos vivos
se produce fracking celular. Los
La melatonina mejora los daños en el
riñón causados por un fármaco
anticancerígeno
Investigadores de la Universidad de
Córdoba han comprobado, en ratas,
que la salud de los animales
mejoraba durante la noche, periodo
en el que el organismo aumenta la
producción de melatonina, la
hormona que induce el sueño.
Explican el mecanismo que provoca
una rara enfermedad
neurodegenerativa
El Centro de Investigación del Cáncer
de Salamanca y científicos de Israel
han investigado una rara
enfermedad neurodegenerativa
infantil causada por una mutación de
la proteína VRK1. Hasta ahora, los
científicos españoles habían
estudiado esta molécula por su
importancia en cáncer, pero ahora se
ha visto que está implicada en la
migración de las neuronas, lo cual
también podría relacionarla con o
.Biotecnología
Potential way of controlling leaf blotch disease in wheat A genetic mechanism that could stop the spread of a 'devastating' disease threatening wheat crops has been found by researchers. Septoria leaf blotch (STB) is caused by a fungus and is seen as the most significant
Bacteria jump between species more easily than previously thought Bacteria may be able to jump between host species far easier than was previously thought, a new study suggests. Researchers discovered that a single genetic mutation in a strain of bacteria infectious to humans enables it jump species to
Mothers can pass traits to offspring through bacteria's DNA, mouse study shows A new study in mice has shown that the DNA of bacteria that live in the body can pass a trait to offspring in a way similar to the parents' own DNA. According to the authors, the discovery means scientists need to consider a significant new factor -- the DNA of microbes passed from mother to child -- in their efforts to
The first kobuviruses described from Africa Scientists have genetically describe the first kobuviruses to be reported from Africa. The results show that the viruses are less host-specific than previously assumed.
Link found in how cells start process necessary for life Researchers have found an RNA structure-based signal that spans billions of years of evolutionary divergence between different types of cells, according to a new study. The finding could alter the basic understanding of how two distinct life forms -- bacteria and eukaryotes
Molecular 'switch' that regulates DNA replication and transcription Researchers have discovered a molecular ‘switch’ that controls replication and transcription of mitochondria DNA, a key finding that could influence the development of targeted therapies for cancer, developmental processes related to
General rules governing how cells change from one type to another Using a comprehensive analysis of RNA expression in different cell types, scientists have made major strides toward resolving an outstanding mystery in biology. They have shown that when cells undergo phenotype changes such as differentiation into specialized cell
Bacteria protect intestinal tumor model from being killed by immune cells Bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth are often abundant in patients with colon cancer, but the potential role these microbes play in tumor development has not been clear. A new study reveals that the
Mapping the gut microbiome to better understand its role in obesity Several recent science studies have claimed that the gut microbiome -- the diverse array of bacteria that live in the stomach and intestines -- may be to blame for obesity. But one expert says it is not that simple.
Google-style ranking used to describe gene connectivity Coining the term "Gene Rank" (GR), a researcher has captured a new characterization of gene connectivity by using a computer algorithm to compare tissues across or within organisms at great speed with a simple laptop computer.
A new model organism for aging research: The short-lived African killifish Studying aging and its associated diseases has been challenging because existing vertebrate models (e.g., mice) are relatively long lived, while short-lived invertebrate species (e.g., yeast and worms) lack key features present in humans.
Microbes prevent malnutrition in fruit flies, and maybe humans, too A new study sheds significant new light on a surprising and critical role that microbes may play in nutritional disorders such as protein malnutrition.
Under pressure: Mechanical stress is a key driver of cell-cell fusion Just as human relationships are a two-way street, fusion between cells requires two active partners: one to send protrusions into its neighbor, and one to hold its ground and help complete the process. Researchers
New mechanism that controls immune responses discovered Researchers have identified a common signaling mechanism to produce interferon -- one of the main proteins used to signal the immune system when the body needs to defend itself against a virus, tumor, or other diseases.
New fluorescent protein permanently marks neurons that fire A new tool lets scientists shine a light on an animal's brain to permanently mark neurons that are active at a particular time. The tool -- a fluorescent protein called CaMPARI -- converts from green to red when calcium floods a nerve cell after the cell fires. The permanent mark frees scientists from the need to focus a microscope on the right cells at the activity.
Data-storage for eternity, stored in the form of DNA How can we preserve our knowledge today for the next millennia? Researchers have found a way to store information in the form of DNA, presumably preserving it for nearly an eternity.
Observing stem cells maturing into blood cells in living mouse In the bone marrow, blood stem cells give rise to a large variety of mature blood cells via progenitor cells at various stages of maturation. Scientists have developed a way to
Key to blocking influenza virus may lie in a cell's own machinery Researchers have found an unexpected way the immune system fights the flu virus: By targeting cells' protein-cutting enzymes, which the virus needs to mature and spread.
Aggressive form of HIV uncovered in Cuba: HIV to AIDS in three years Engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners increases the risk of contracting multiple strains of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Once inside a host, these strains can virus. One such recombinant variant
Make like a squid and transform: Squid can recode their genetic make-up on-the-fly to adjust to their surroundings, study finds A new study showcases the first example of an animal editing its own genetic makeup on-the-fly to modify most of its proteins, enabling adjustments to its immediate surroundings.
A gene that shaped the evolution of Darwin's finches Researchers have identified a gene in Galápagos finches studied by English naturalist Charles Darwin that influences beak shape and that played a role in the birds' evolution from a common ancestor. The study
Evolution of Darwin's finches and their beaks Darwin's finches, inhabiting the Galapagos archipelago and Cocos island, constitute an iconic model for studies of speciation and adaptive evolution. A team of scientists has now shed light on the evolutionary history of these birds and identified a
How CBD, a component in marijuana, works within cells Researchers have identified fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) as intracellular transporters for two ingredients in marijuana, THC and CBD (cannabidiol). The finding is significant because it helps explain how CBD works within the cells.
First humanized mouse model of Sjögren’s syndrome opens door to study other autoimmune diseases Despite the prevalence of Sjögren’s syndrome – an autoimmune disease most commonly known for causing dry eyes and mouth - a lack of knowledge about how the condition starts has stalled the development of new treatments. Researchers have
Engineered insulin could offer better diabetes control Engineers hope to improve treatment for diabetes patients with a new type of engineered insulin. In tests in mice, the researchers showed that their modified insulin can circulate in the bloodstream for
Cancer researchers may inspire new area of research in cellular biology New research has some scientists wondering if the entire study of cellular biology needs to be adjusted. Researchers made the discovery that mitochondria are capable of passing through the healthy membrane of a
Engineers put the 'squeeze' on human stem cells After using optical tweezers to squeeze a tiny bead attached to the outside of a human stem cell, researchers now know how mechanical forces can trigger a key signaling pathway in the cells.The squeeze helps to release calcium ions stored inside the cells and opens up channels in the cell membrane that
Kidney images reveal the secrets of how a complex organ develops
Striking images reveal new insights into how the kidney develops from a group of cells into a complex organ. The pictures are helping scientists to understand the early stages of development in mammals.
Culture shock: Are lab-grown cells a faithful model for human disease? Cell cultures used in research may not act as a faithful mimic of real tissue, according to new research. Laboratory-grown cells experience altered cell states within three days as they adapt to their new environment. Studies of disease,
The Princess and the Pea: Cells' ultra-sensitivity for strong molecular forces in adhesion processes Knowing how cells exert force and sense mechanical feedback in their microenvironment is crucial to understanding how they activate a wide range of cellular functions, such as cell reproduction, differentiation
Epigenetic breakthrough: A first of its kind tool to study the histone code Scientists have created a new research tool, based on the fruit fly, to help crack the histone code. This research tool can be used to better understand the function of histone proteins, which play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression in animals and plants.
Damage from obesity passed to offspring, but impact of obesity on fertility can be reversed, mouse study finds In a breakthrough discovery, researchers have revealed how damage from obesity in mice is passed from a mother to her children, and also how that damage can be reversed.
.Neurociencia
Tau-associated MAPT gene increases risk for Alzheimer's disease The microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene has been identified as increasing the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), scientists report. The MAPT gene encodes the tau protein, which is involved with a number of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and AD. These findings
Cell signaling pathway goes awry in common pediatric brain tumor A well-known cell communication pathway called Notch has been linked by scientists to one of the most common — but overall still rare — brain tumors found in children.
New pathways discovered to prevent blindness Scientists have made a major new discovery detailing how areas of the brain responsible for vision could potentially adapt to injury or trauma and ultimately prevent blindness.
Science behind commonly used anti-depressants appears to be backwards, researchers say The science behind many anti-depressant medications appears to
be backwards, say the authors of a paper that challenges the prevailing ideas about the nature of depression and some of the world’s most commonly prescribed medications.
Schizophrenia: Impaired activity of the selective dopamine neurons Schizophrenia is not only associated with positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, but also with negative symptoms e.g. cognitive deficits and impairments of the emotional drive. Until now, the
Amyloid formation may link Alzheimer disease and type 2 diabetes The pathological process amyloidosis, in which misfolded proteins (amyloids) form insoluble fibril deposits, occurs in many diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, little is known about
Complex nerve-cell signaling traced back to common ancestor of humans and sea anemones New research shows that a burst of evolutionary innovation in the genes responsible for electrical communication among nerve cells in our brains occurred over 600 million years ago in a common ancestor of humans and the sea anemone. The research reveals many of these genes, which when mutated in
Human neural stem cells restore cognitive functions impaired by chemotherapy Human neural stem cell treatments are showing promise for reversing learning and memory deficits after chemotherapy, according to radiation oncology researchers.
Personal navigation: How we know where we are Knowing where we are and remembering routes that we’ve walked are crucial skills for our everyday life. In order to identify neural mechanisms of spatial navigation, researchers analyzed the relevant processes with the aid of an electroencephalography (EEG) monitored directly in the brain. They
Novel factor involved in autophagy discovered Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are typically characterized by protein deposits in the brain. These are comprised of defective, insoluble proteins which no longer fulfill their function and which cells are unable to break down. Medical researchers have determined the RAB3GAP complex as a novel factor that influences the
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Transgender: Evidence on the biological nature of gender identity Medical care of transgender patients, including surgical and hormonal treatment, has largely been met with resistance by physicians in favor of psychiatric treatment, owing to misconceptions that gender identity can be changed. There is increasing
How mindfulness training affects health Over the past decade, there have been many encouraging findings suggesting that mindfulness training can improve a broad range of mental and physical health problems. Yet, exactly how mindfulness positively impacts health is not clear.
How the brain listens to literature When we listen to stories, we immerse ourselves into the situations described and empathize with the feelings of the characters. Only recently has it become possible to find out how exactly this process works in the brain. Scientists have now succeeded using an fMRI
Stem cell transplants may work better than existing drug for severe multiple sclerosis Stem cell transplants may be more effective than the drug mitoxantrone for people with severe cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study.
Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells Brain cancer patients may live longer thanks to a new cancer-detection method. The team has created a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells. The hand-
Protein controls both alcohol craving and organ damage A new study in mice shows that disrupting one protein can simultaneously curb alcohol cravings and protect the heart and liver from alcohol-induced damage. The
Spontaneous activity shapes neuron development A process previously thought to be mere background noise in the brain has been found to shape the growth of neurons as the brain develops, according to research.
Optic nerve may help predict stroke patient death risk The diameter of the sheath that encases the optic nerve may help indicate which stroke patients are at highest risk of dying within six months. For every added millimeter of optic nerve sheath diameter, risk
Brain activity can predict increased fat intake following sleep deprivation Experts have warned for years that insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain. A new study found that not only do we consume more food following a night of total sleep
New therapy dramatically benefits stroke patients A clot retrieval procedure, known as endovascular treatment, can dramatically improve patient outcomes after an acute ischemic stroke. Overall, positive outcomes for patients increased from 30 per cent to 55 per cent. In many cases,
Possible mechanism underpinning Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases Scientists have for the first time discovered a killing mechanism that could underpin a range of the most intractable neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. The new study revealed the mechanism of toxicity of a misfolded form of the protein that underlies prion diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Cannabis: A new frontier in therapeutics While debate about recreational marijuana use continues, researchers are investigating the effectiveness of cannabis for treating pain, spasticity, and a host of other medical problems. Experts share their
In silico method to predict effectiveness of cognitive enhancers Scientists have published new research into personalizing nootropic drugs using in silico prediction methods.
Patients at higher risk of second stroke identified Risk of recurrent stroke is higher in patients who have low blood flow to the back of the brain, a six-year, multi-center trial has found, and the condition can be visualized using specialized software that analyzes
Exploring the teenage brain, and its drive for immediate reward Teenage exploration and risk taking could be explained by dramatic brain changes that allow planning and encourage the need for immediate reward, according to a neuroscientist.
Motorized cycling may prime brain for relearning after stroke Exercise on a motorized stationary bike appeared to give stroke patients an advantage in relearning everyday tasks and improving motor function
Parents experience post-traumatic stress disorder after child's stroke Parents of children who had suffered a stroke showed signs of PTSD while children showed signs of anxiety. Parents' PTSD and children's anxiety could have a negative effect on the children's stroke recovery.
Neural basis of 'being in the mood': Researchers discover neurons that combine social information with hormonal state in female mice What determines receptivity or rejection towards potential sexual partners? In a recent study of female mice, researchers recorded the activity of neurons in an area within the hypothalamus dedicated to socio-sexual behavior. The activity of
Type 2 diabetes linked to worse performance on cognitive testing Type 2 diabetes is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests measuring abilities involved in the control of emotions, behaviors and thought, says a new study.
Auditory brainstem implant: Hearing experts break sound barrier for children born without hearing nerve Medical researchers are breaking sound barriers for children born without a hearing nerve. Hearing loss manifests in various forms, most of which can be partially restored through hearing aids and cochlear implants. Those devices cannot help do not have a cochlear, or hearing,
Promising results for new Alzheimer's therapy Scientists have evaluated a new Alzheimer’s therapy in which the patients receive an implant that stimulates the growth of a certain type of nerve cell. The results suggest that the introduction of a nerve growth factor can prevent neuronal degradation in Alzheimer’s patients.
New fluorescent protein permanently marks neurons that fire A new tool lets scientists shine a light on an animal's brain to permanently mark neurons that are active at a particular time. The tool -- a fluorescent protein called CaMPARI -- converts from green to red when calcium floods a nerve cell after the cell fires. The permanent mark frees
Middle-aged men at highest risk of suicide after breathing poor air Scientists have found an increased risk of suicide associated with short-term air pollution exposure.
Curious monkeys share our thirst for knowledge Monkeys are notoriously curious, and new research has quantified just how eager they are to gain new information, even if there are not immediate benefits. The findings offer insights into how a certain part of the brain shared by monkeys and humans plays a role in decision making, and perhaps even in some disorders and addictions in humans.
A brain system that appears to compensate for autism, OCD, and dyslexia Individuals with five neurodevelopmental disorders -- autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome, dyslexia, and Specific Language Impairment -- appear to
Reality is distorted in brain's maps The brain's GPS would be worthless if it simply contained maps of our surroundings that were not aligned to the real world. But we now know how this is done.
Cerebral palsy: It can be in your genes Medical researchers have made what they believe could be the biggest discovery into cerebral palsy in 20 years.
Molecular tag explains differences in brain's response to anger, fear Researchers have identified the relationship between a biomarker and activity in parts of the brain responsible for processing emotional responses.
Protein linked to longevity and enhanced cognition protects against Alzheimer's symptoms in mice Scientists report that raising levels of the life-extending protein klotho can protect against learning and memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
New therapeutic principle for Parkinsonian dyskinesia shows clinical effect Involuntary dyskinetic movements induced by treatment with levodopa are a common problem for people with Parkinson's disease. Now, however, researchers seem to be
Treating the uninjured side of the brain appears to aid stroke recovery To maximize stroke recovery, researchers may want to focus more on ways to support the side of the brain where the injury didn't occur, scientists report.
Plant extract fights brain tumor Silibinin from milk thistle seeds could be a novel, non-invasive treatment strategy for Cushing Disease. Cushing Disease, not to be confused with Cushing's Syndrome, is caused by a
Meth messes up brains of youths far more than adults In a study with chronic adolescent and adult meth users in South Korea, MRI brain scans showed decreased thickness in the gray matter of younger users’ frontal cortex. Adult
Brain's GPS system influenced by shape of environment Patterns created by the brain's grid cells, which are believed to guide navigation, are modified by the shape of the environment, according to new research. This means grid
How CBD, a component in marijuana, works within cells Researchers have identified fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) as intracellular transporters for two ingredients in marijuana, THC and
How much sleep do we really need? An expert panel that examined data from 320 studies is recommending new guidelines on how much sleep people should get. The guidelines are based on age, ranging from
Breakthrough in stroke treatment: Stent thrombectomy A randomized clinical research study looked at the effectiveness of a new treatment for stroke. The study involved adding a minimally invasive clot removal procedure called stent thrombectomy to standard clot-
Simple blood test can predict risk of dementia Scientists have identified a new biomarker that can predict the risk of developing dementia by way of a simple blood test. In the long term, this could mean better prevention and thus at least postponement of the illness and at best evading the development all together.
Stroke patients receiving better, more timely care One in four acute ischemic stroke patients receiving the clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator were transferred to a facility with expertise in stroke care. Those transferred to a certified stroke center were more likely to be younger, male and white. Hospitals that accepted transferred stroke patients were more common in the or academic medical center
Researchers identify peptide that reduces urge to eat Researchers have identified a peptide and hormone that when administered to a specific area of the brain may reduce the desire for food. The study may one day lead to medications that treat obesity and binge eating disorders.
Brain scans predict effectiveness of talk therapy to treat depression Researchers have shown that brain scans can predict which patients with clinical depression are most likely to benefit from a specific kind of talk therapy. The study is the first to use a technique known as resting-state functional brain connectivity MRI to identify differences in brain wiring that predict therapeutic responses to talk therapy.
Genomic differences between developing male and female brains in the womb New research has made significant progress towards understanding the complex process of prenatal human brain development.
Smoking thins vital part of brain A major study shows new evidence that long-term smoking could cause thinning of the brain's cortex. The cortex is the outer layer of the brain in which critical cognitive functions such as memory, language and perception take place. Interestingly,
More DNA and extra copies of disease gene in Alzheimer's brain cells Scientists have found diverse genomic changes in single neurons from the brains of Alzheimer's patients, pointing to an unexpected factor that may underpin the most common form of the disease.
Could there be a gleevec for brain cancer? The drug Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) is well known not only for its effectiveness against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but also for the story behinds its development. A
Bringing texture to your flat touchscreen with virtual bumps What if the touchscreen of your smartphone or tablet could touch you back? Researchers now report a discovery that provides insight into how the brain makes sense of data from fingers. When people draw their fingers over a flat surface with
two 'virtual bumps,' the researchers
Psychedelic drug prevents asthma development in mice Researchers have found that a psychedelic drug, (R)-DOI, prevents the development of allergic asthma in a mouse model. The effects are potent and effective at a concentration 50-100 times less than would influence behavior.
Serotonin-deficient brains more vulnerable to social stress Mice deficient in serotonin -- a crucial brain chemical implicated in clinical depression -- are more vulnerable than their normal littermates to social stressors, according to a new study. Following exposure to stress, serotonin-deficient mice did not respond to the standard antidepressant Prozac. The results point to new strategies to help alleviate treatment-resistant depression.
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