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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.
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Universidad de Salamanca Facultad de Biología
Biblioteca
Bionoticias Julio (1ª) de 2014
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índice
Avisos de la Facultad 4
Biología 7
Biomedicina 17
Biotecnología 22
Neurociencia 46
.Avisos de la Facultad
Próximo Seminario CIALE Lunes 14 de junio a las 12.30 h.
.Biología
Atacar en vez de huir, rasgo femenino de conducta en los escorpiones En una investigación se ha explorado un intrigante rasgo de conducta en escorpiones, al menos en los del tipo estudiado, del género Centruroides: Cuando se sienten en peligro, los escorpiones machos tienden más a huir que las hembras, las cuales más a menudo optan por atacar a la fuente de la...
La música que más les gusta a los chimpancés
Aunque la música tal como la entendemos es un arte creado por humanos para humanos, algunos animales lo bastante inteligentes muestran a veces agrado hacia ella, pero no hacia cualquier tipo de música. Una investigación revela ahora qué tipo de música les gusta más a los chimpancés, al menos a...
Descifran el patrón de vuelo del picudo rojo
¿Cuántos metros de media recorre el picudo? ¿Influye el sexo, edad y tamaño del insecto en su capacidad de vuelo? Investigadores de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia han publicado un estudio que da respuesta a estas y otras cuestiones. Sus resultados permiten conocer un poco más sobre el patrón de vuelo de este insecto, que está amenazando a las palmeras de todo el mundo, de cara a establecer
Una pieza esencial de la división celular sale a la luz
Un avance del Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Barcelona llena un vacío fundamental de conocimiento sobre la formación del aparato principal de la división celular, el huso mitótico. La visualización y seguimiento en vivo de los extremos iniciales de los microtúbulos, filamentos que organizan el huso mitótico, ofrece una imagen más comprensible de su arquitectura dinámica. Sus resultados ta
La etiqueta de producto ecológico solo favorece la compra de alimentos poco valorados
Los productos etiquetados como orgánicos son aquellos que han sido fabricados a partir del sistema de producción ecológica. Un estudio de la Universidad de Jaén asegura que el etiquetado favorece más a aquellos productos que no están considerados como de alta calidad. El trabajo se basa en el análisis del aceite de oliva.
Se confirma la recuperación de anchoa en el golfo de Bizkaia
El índice provisional de biomasa de anchoa se sitúa en cerca 85.000 toneladas, lo que supone un incremento del 58% respecto a la estimación realizada en 2013, según los resultados de la campaña Bioman 2014 realizada por el centro tecnológico AZTI en el marco de la Regulación Europea de Muestreo de Pesquerías.
Los ecos del Big Bang podrían quedarse en simple polvo galáctico
Los científicos de BICEP2, que en marzo anunciaron haber detectado las ondas gravitacionales de los ecos del Big Bang, han publicado sus resultados en la revista Physical Review Letters precedidos por la polémica: en estos meses, la comunidad de físicos ha expresado sus
Un español y una portuguesa descubren una nueva especie de escarabajo en la cueva más profunda del mundo
El peculiar hábitat de la cueva de Kruber en el Cáucaso occidental continúa siendo un misterio. Investigadores de dos universidades españolas han descubierto en esta sima una nueva especie de escarabajo de los abismos.
El Hierro se convierte en la primera isla del mundo autosuficiente por energía renovable
La isla canaria de El Hierro se ha convertido en la primera isla de todo el mundo plenamente capaz de autoabastecerse a partir de fuentes de energía renovables, tras la inauguración de la central hidroeléctrica Gorona del Viento en la isla que está declarada en su totalidad Reserva de la Biosfera.
Hallada en plantas una molécula que bloquea la proliferación celular impulsada por esteroides
Un equipo de científicos del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas ha identificado en la planta modelo Arabidopsis una molécula que bloquea la proliferación de las células madre impulsada por hormonas esteroides. El resultado puede contribuir a la
Genes de una planta y dos bacterias pueden ser utilizados como biomarcadores de estrés por metales pesados
Diversos genes de la planta Arabidopsis thaliana y de las bacterias Escherichia coli y Pseudomonas fluorescens pueden ser utilizados como biomarcadores tempranos de estrés por metales pesados, según un estudio publicado en la revista Cell Biology and Toxicology y liderado por María Teresa Gómez Sagasti, investigadora de Neiker-Tecnalia y la Universidad del País Vasco.
La evolución de los peces eléctricos sorprende a los científicos
Investigadores de varios centros estadounidenses han secuenciado el genoma de la anguila eléctrica (Electrophorus electricus), del pez gato africano (Malapterurus barbatus) y otros peces africanos débilmente eléctricos. A partir de este trabajo, han descubierto que los seis grupos que representan las diferentes especies de estos peces han desarrollado de forma independiente los mismos órganos eléc
Hallan en Namibia un arrecife construido por animales hace 548 millones de años
El descubrimiento de un arrecife en Namibia (África), creado a partir de los primeros animales esqueléticos de los que se tiene conocimiento, sugiere que estos organismos acuáticos construyeron arrecifes antes de la explosión Cámbrica, hace aproximadamente 548 millones de años.
Un linaje de malaria invasora amenaza las aves tropicales en Perú
Un equipo de investigadores, liderado por la Universidad de Extremadura ha descubierto un linaje de malaria aviar nunca antes descrito en América del Sur. El estudio de la malaria aviar es fundamental para conocer la evolución de la enfermedad en el hombre.
Las heces humanas más antiguas revelan la dieta omnívora del neandertal
Frente a la idea de que los neandertales eran seres altamente carnívoros, un nuevo estudio publicado en la revista PlosOne sugiere que consumían una cantidad significativa de vegetales. En el estudio, liderado por Ainara Sistiaga de la Universidad de La Laguna y el Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts, se han analizado restos fecales
El cambio climático costará al sur de Europa más de 74.000 millones de euros anuales
Si no se hace nada por evitarlo, en el año 2080 el precio que pagará Europa por las consecuencias del calentamiento global superará los 190.000 millones de euros cada año, lo que supone una pérdida del 1,8% del PIB actual. Los científicos que han evaluado estas pérdidas económicas reconocen que su modelo “subestima los daños climáticos
Five-legged kangaroo? Telling the tale of a kangaroo's tail
Kangaroos may be nature's best hoppers. But when they are grazing on all fours, which is most of the time, their tail becomes a powerful fifth leg, says a new study. It turns out that kangaroo tails provide as much propulsive force as their front and hind legs combined as they eat their way across the landscape.
How do ants get around? Ultra-sensitive machines measure their every step
How do ants manage to move so nimbly whilst coordinating three pairs of legs and a behind that weighs up to 60 percent of their body mass? Scientists have recently developed a device that may reveal the answer and could even help design micro-robots in the future. Researchers used an elastic polycarbonate material to produce a miniature force plate. Springs arranged at right angles to each other e
Reducing deer populations may reduce risk of Lyme disease
Reduced deer populations can lead to a reduction in Lyme disease cases, researchers in Connecticut have found that after a 13-year study was conducted. White-tailed deer serve as the primary host for the adult blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) -- the vector for Lyme disease. The
Foodborne bacteria can cause disease in some breeds of chickens after all
Contrary to popular belief, the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is not a harmless commensal in chickens but can cause disease in some breeds of poultry according to research. Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequent cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in the world and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate it affects approximately 1.3 million people per year in t
Ancient Arctic sharks tolerated brackish water 50 million years ago
Sharks were a tolerant bunch some 50 million years ago, cruising an Arctic Ocean that contained about the same percentage of freshwater as Louisiana's Lake Ponchatrain does today, says a new study. The study indicates the Eocene Arctic sand tiger shark, a member of the lamniform group of sharks that includes today's great white, thresher and mako sharks, was thriving in the brackish water of the w
Study of animal urination could lead to better-engineered products
A new study investigated how quickly 32 animals urinate. It turns out that it’s all about the same. Even though an elephant’s bladder is 3,600 times larger than a cat’s (18 liters vs. 5 milliliters), both animals relieve themselves in about 20 seconds.
Forelimb bone data predicts predator style
In their quest to understand what kind of hunter the extinct marsupial Thylacine was, two paleobiologists built a dataset of forelimb bone measurements that predict the predation style of a wide variety of carnivorous mammals.
Invasive watersnakes introduced to California may pose risk to native species
Watersnakes, commonly seen in the lakes, rivers and streams of the eastern United States, are invading California waterways and may pose a threat to native and endangered species in the state, according to a study. Nearly half of California's amphibians are considered Species of Special Concern or are listed under the state or federal Endangered Species Act, and more than 80 percent of the state's
Some dogs and cats prone to sunburn: How to protect your animal from skin damage
Excessive sunbathing damages the skin. Humans are not the only ones who need to monitor their exposure to UV rays: animals are at risk too. Dogs and cats with white or thin coats are at particular risk, as are animals with very closely shorn fur or with certain pre-existing
Get insects to bug off this summer
Summer means an increase in bug and insect activity. How do you know which insects are harmful, what diseases they carry and how to safely avoid them? “Mosquitoes and ticks are the two pests you primarily want to avoid because they potentially carry infectious
A mini-antibody with broad antiviral activity chews up viral DNA and RNA
Antibodies and their derivatives can protect plants and animals -- including humans -- against viruses. Members of this class of drugs are usually highly specific against components of a particular virus, and mutations in the virus that change these components can make them
Synchronised imaging techniques: One more chance for rhinoceroses' foot treatment
A new imaging strategy of synchronizing computed tomography with digital radiography helps to diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment of foot diseases in mega-vertebrates. Despite their long history in captivity, extending at least to Roman times, the fate of some rhinoceros species in zoological collections is still uncertain. Captive rhinos are confronted with chronic foot diseases, a group
Animals built reefs 550 million years ago, fossil study finds
It is a remarkable survivor of an ancient aquatic world -- now a new study sheds light on how one of Earth's oldest reefs was formed. Researchers have discovered that one of these reefs -- now located on dry land in Namibia -- was built almost 550 million years ago, by the first animals to have hard shells.
New species of small mammal: Round-eared elephant-shrew found in Namibia
Scientists have discovered a new species of round-eared sengi, or elephant-shrew, in the remote deserts of southwestern Africa. This is the third new species of sengi to be discovered in the wild in the past decade. It is also the smallest known member of the 19 sengis in the order Macroscelidea.
Organic agriculture boosts biodiversity on farmlands
Organic farming fosters biodiversity. At least that's the theory. In practice, however, the number of habitats on the land plays an important role alongside the type and intensity of farming practices. These are the findings of an international study that looked at 10 regions in Europe and two in Africa. The study shows that even organic farms have to actively support biodiversity by, for example,
World’s protected areas not protecting biodiversity, but there is room for hope
Scientists have warned that the world’s protected areas are not safeguarding most of the world’s imperiled biodiversity, and clear changes need to be made on how nations undertake future land protection if wildlife is going to be saved. These findings come at a time when countries are working toward what could become the biggest expansion of protected areas in history.
A new spider species from Mexico uses soil particles for camouflage
Scientists discover and describe a new species of spider from Mexico. The new species belongs to the enigmatic family Paratropididae that is distinguished by representatives who possess unique camouflaging abilities.
Earlier snowmelt prompting earlier breeding of Arctic birds
Biologists have found that migratory birds that breed in Arctic Alaska are initiating nests earlier in the spring, and that snowmelt occurring earlier in the season is a big reason why.
.Biomedicina
La probabilidad de embarazarse con óvulos donados se hace máxima en el cuarto ciclo
Según un estudio del Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, cuando una mujer intenta ser madre con óvulos vitrificados de una donante, las probabilidades de éxito se acumulan cuantos más consuma, y se estancan a partir de los 40 óvulos. El trabajo se ha presentado en la reunión anual de la Sociedad Europea de Reproducción Humana y Embriología, celebrada en Múnich. Otro estudio español revela que la
Nacen ocho ratones sanos a partir del tejido congelado de testículos de recién nacido
Un equipo de investigadores japoneses ha utilizado tejido de testículo criopreservado de roedores recién nacidos para obtener descendencia por primera vez. Los autores creen que esta técnica será útil para que los niños supervivientes de cáncer, sometidos a terapias antitumorales que provocan infertilidad, puedan ser padres en el futuro.
Las mujeres que toman la píldora tienen menores niveles de reserva ovárica
Dos indicadores del envejecimiento de los ovarios y la capacidad reproductiva de una mujer son la hormona antimülleriana y los folículos primarios. Un nuevo estudio, aún en fase preliminar, indica que entre las usuarias de la pastilla anticonceptiva o del anillo vaginal, las medidas de estos parámetros fueron un 19% y 16% más bajas que entre las mujeres que no la tomaron. Sin embargo, la autora de
Gusanos de agua dulce revelan una proteína clave en la regeneración de tejidos
Un equipo de investigadores de la Universidad de Barcelona han demostrado el papel fundamental de la proteína JNK durante la regeneración de tejidos en organismos adultos. El estudio ha empleado las planarias, unos gusanos capaces de regenerar cualquier parte de su cuerpo, como modelo de investigación.
La proteína JNK es clave en la regeneración de tejidos
Un equipo de investigadores de la Universidad de Barcelona han demostrado el papel fundamental de la proteína JNK durante la regeneración de tejidos en organismos adultos. El estudio ha empleado las planarias, unos gusanos capaces de regenerar cualquier parte de su
El aroma de los ratones con malaria atrae más mosquitos
Varios trabajos ya han demostrado que los seres humanos infectados por el parásito de la malaria son más atractivos para los mosquitos. Ahora, un equipo internacional de investigadores ha descubierto, en ratones, que este reclamo tiene su origen en el olor que desprenden los
Las terapias hormonales de fertilidad no se asocian con el cáncer de ovario, útero y mama
Un nuevo estudio presentado en el congreso de la Sociedad Europea de Reproducción Humana y Fertilidad, en Múnich, descarta evidencias que relacionen las terapias hormonales para la estimulación ovárica y varios tipos de cáncer. Otro análisis ha encontrado que los niños nacidos de estos tratamientos tienen más riesgo de padecer trastornos psiquiátricos. Además, se ha mostrado un nuevo análisis crom
Los factores de riesgo para la enfermedad renal crónica se presentan décadas antes del diagnóstico
Un estudio liderado por el Instituto Nacional del Corazón, el Pulmón y la Sangre de EE UU desvela que los factores de riesgo para la enfermedad renal crónica se manifiestan 30 años antes de ser diagnosticada. Los resultados abren nuevas vías de investigación para determinar si ciertas intervenciones tempranas pueden prevenir esta dolencia.
La epidemia de Ébola continúa propagándose por África Occidental
La Organización Mundial de la Salud ha contabilizado más de medio millar de casos de Ébola en África Occidental. El número de afectados ha aumentado en las últimas semanas y la infección alcanza ya más de 60 regiones. Las instituciones que trabajan en la zona demandan más ayuda y consenso frente a esta epidemia, y aseguran que está fuera de control.
Descubren más de 40 genes que determinan la agresividad del melanoma
Un equipo de investigación español ha hallado 40 genes claves en el carácter agresivo del melanoma, uno de los tipos de cáncer menos conocidos. Los resultados de la investigación podrían determinar el desarrollo de metástasis en pacientes con estos tumores.
.Biotecnología
Behind a marine creature's bright green fluorescent glow
Probing the mysterious glow of light produced naturally by animals, scientists have deciphered the structural components related to fluorescence brightness in the primitive sea creature known as amphioxus. The study carries implications for a variety of industries looking to maximize brightness of natural fluorescence, including
New compound blocks 'gatekeeper' enzyme to kill malaria
Researchers are homing in on a new target for malaria treatment, after developing a compound that blocks the action of a key 'gatekeeper' enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. The compound, called WEHI-916, is the first step toward a new class of antimalarial drugs that could cure and prevent malaria infections caused by all species of the parasite, including those resistant to existing
Chinese herbal extract may help kill off pancreatic cancer cells
The herbal extract triptolide has been used on human pancreatic cancer cells and tissue in culture by researchers. Administration of the herb decreased GRP78 protein in the cells, thereby reducing cancer cell survival and facilitating cell death. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer—the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S.—can be devastating. Due in part to aggressive cell replication
Enlightening cancer cells with optogenetics
The first application of optogenetics to cancer research has been conducted on engineered cell surface receptors activated by light, researchers report. Small algal protein domains serve as synthetic light sensors in human cells.
JNK protein's key role in tissue regeneration
The major role that JNK protein plays in tissue regeneration in adult organisms has been identified by researchers. The study used planarians -— a type of worm able to regenerate any part of its body -— to address the question. To date, it has been known that JNK was involved in the control of cell proliferation and death, but little was known about the role it plays in tissue and organ regenerati
'Microbe sniffer' could point way to next-generation bio-refining
A new biosensor could help optimize bio-refining processes that produce fuels, fine chemicals and advanced materials. It works by sniffing out naturally occurring bacterial networks that are genetically wired to break down wood polymer. "Nature has already invented microbial processes to degrade lignin--the tough polymer in wood and plant biomass that currently stymies industrial bio-refining
DNA analysis reveals that queen bumblebees disperse far from their birthplace before setting up home
Researchers are closer to understanding patterns of family relatedness and genetic diversity in bumblebees. The findings could help farmers, land managers and policy makers develop more effective conservation schemes for these essential pollinators.
New method to grow zebrafish embryonic stem cells
Zebrafish, a model organism that plays an important role in biological research and the discovery and development of new drugs and cell-based therapies, can form embryonic stem cells (ESCs). For the first time, researchers report the ability to maintain zebrafish-derived ESCs for more than two years without the need to grow them on a feeder cell layer.
Evolution of life’s operating system revealed in detail
The evolution of the ribosome, a large molecular structure found in the cells of all species, has been revealed in unprecedented detail in a new study.
Key component of cell division comes to light
The in vivo visualization and monitoring of the starting points of microtubules -- filaments responsible for organizing the mitotic spindle -- provides novel insight into the dynamic architecture of this structure. The findings will also contribute to understanding how the mitotic spindle is perturbed by drugs that target microtubules and that are used in chemotherapy.
Artificial enzyme mimics natural detoxification mechanism in liver cells
Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles oxidize sulfite to sulfate in liver cells in analogy to the enzyme sulfite oxidase, researchers have found. The functionalized Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles can cross the cellular membrane and accumulate at the mitochondria, where they can recover the activity of sulfite oxidase.
Cellular team players: enzymes work with co-trainer, scientists show
Many enzymes work only with a co-trainer, of sorts. Scientists show what this kind of cooperation looks like in detail using a novel methodology applied to the heat shock protein Hsp90.
Water samples teeming with information: Emerging techniques for environmental monitoring
Setting effective conservation policies requires near real-time knowledge of environmental conditions. Scientists propose using genetic techniques as a low-cost, quick way to collect such data.
Common herbal supplement can cause dangerous interactions with prescription drugs
St. John’s wort, the leading complementary and alternative treatment for depression in the United States, can be dangerous when taken with many commonly prescribed drugs, according to a study. The researchers reported that the herbal supplement can reduce the concentration of numerous drugs in the body, including oral contraceptive, blood thinners, cancer chemotherapy and blood pressure medication
Reconstructing the life history of a single cell: Cell's unique mutations used to trace history back to its origins in the embryo
Researchers have developed new methods to trace the life history of individual cells back to their origins in the fertilised egg. By looking at the copy of the human genome present in healthy cells, they were able to build a picture of each cell’s development from the early embryo on
Marine bacteria are natural source of chemical fire retardants
Researchers have discovered a widely distributed group of marine bacteria that produce compounds nearly identical to toxic human-made fire retardants.
Slaying bacteria with their own weapons
A novel antibiotic delivery system would exploit small molecules called siderophores that bacteria secrete to scavenge for iron in their environments. Each bacterium has its own system of siderophores, which it pumps across its cell membrane before releasing the iron the siderophores hold. If an antibiotic were linked to one of these scavenger molecules, it would be converted into a tiny Trojan ho
Sequencing efforts miss DNA crucial to bacteria's disease causing power
Genomic sequencing is supposed to reveal the entire genetic makeup of an organism. For infectious disease specialists, the technology can be used to analyze a disease-causing bacterium to determine how much harm it is capable of causing and whether or not it will be resistant to antibiotics. But new research suggests that current sequencing protocols overlook crucial bits of information: isolated
Creating standards for sequencing viral genomes: Army leads collaborative effort
A set of standards aimed at developing a common 'language' among investigators working to sequence viral genomes and characterize viral stocks has been proposed by scientists at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. while there is a great deal of viral genome sequencing taking place, "there is currently no unifying framework, no common vocabulary about how 'finished'
Evaluation of quantitative microRNA expression platforms in the microRNA quality control (miRQC) study
New research has been published that helps researchers to assess the technical performance of laboratory methods to study small RNA molecules. RNA (ribonucleic acid) is the chemical origin of life. Detection and quantification of such small RNAs is challenging and requires state of the art lab instrumentation that enables reliable microRNA quantification.
How deadly lassa virus infects cells
The Lassa virus, endemic to West Africa, uses an unexpected two-step process to enter cells, research has shown. The results suggest that the mechanism by which Lassa virus causes infection is more complicated than previously known, and could lead to new approaches for preventing the disease.
Mice may hold key to stopping Alzheimer's-like diseases
Tiny differences in mice that make them peculiarly resistant to a family of conditions that includes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease may provide clues for treatments in humans. Amyloid diseases are often incurable because drug designers cannot identify the events that cause them to start.
'Trojan horse' method of penetrating cellular walls without harm
A “Trojan horse” way to deliver proteins into live human cells without damaging them has been identified by researchers. The finding is expected to be easily adopted for use in medical research to find cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Brewing yeasts reveal secrets of chromosomal warfare, dysfunction
Using two yeasts that have been used to brew tea and beer for centuries, researchers have revealed how reproductive barriers might rapidly arise to create species boundaries. Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been used to brew beer in Africa, whereas its close relative S. kombucha is a component of kombucha tea commonly found in health-food stores.
Plant and bacteria genes could be used as early biomarkers of stress due to heavy metals
Various genes of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana and of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens could be used as early biomarkers of stress due to heavy metals, according to new research.
Research may yield new ways to treat antibiotic-resistant TB
Scientists have successfully modified the precursor to one of the drugs used to treat tuberculosis, an important first step toward new drugs that can transcend antibiotic resistance issues. In 1993, resurging levels of tuberculosis due to this antibiotic resistance led the World Health
Rhesus proteins transport ions, not gas
Membrane proteins: do they carry the gas ammonia or the ammonium ion in their luggage? And is transport active or passive? Biochemists have long speculated on the mechanistic details of the ammonium transport family of proteins (Amt), which include the Rhesus protein
A mini-antibody with broad antiviral activity chews up viral DNA and RNA
Antibodies and their derivatives can protect plants and animals -- including humans -- against viruses. Members of this class of drugs are usually highly specific against components of a particular virus, and mutations in the virus that change these components can make them ineffective.
Crab, other crustacean shells, may hold key to preventing, treating inflammatory bowel disease
Microparticles in crab, shrimp and lobster shells have anti-inflammatory mechanisms that that could lead to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Since these shells are abundant and a major waste in the seafood industry, they may provide an alternative to costly drugs that don't always work.
Growing unknown microbes one by one
Trillions of bacteria live in the human body, and although there's plenty of evidence that these microbes play a collective role in human health, we know very little about the individual bacterial species. Employing the use of a specially designed glass chip with tiny compartments, researchers provide a way to target and grow specific microbes from the gut -- a key step in understanding which bact
The shocking truth about electric fish: Genomic basis for the convergent evolution of electric organs
Scientists have found how the electric fish's jolt evolved. Biologists identified the regulatory molecules involved in the genetic and developmental pathways that electric fish have used to convert a simple muscle into an organ capable of generating a potent electrical field.
The social psychology of nerve cells
Cholinergic amacrine cells create a 'personal space' in much the same way that people distance themselves from one another in an elevator, researchers have discovered. In addition, the study shows that this feature is heritable and identifies a genetic contributor to it, pituitary
Fruit flies help scientists uncover genes responsible for human communication
Toddlers acquire communication skills by babbling until what they utter is rewarded; however, the genes involved in learning language skills are far from completely understood. Now, using a gene identified in fruit flies, scientists have discovered a crucial component of the origin of
Deeper insights into protein folding
A new theoretical foundation explaining the mechanism of protein folding and unfolding in water has been presented by researchers investigating the structure and dynamics of so-called Meso-Bio-Nano (MBN) systems. Their statistic mechanics model describes the thermodynamic properties of real proteins in an aqueous environment, using a minimal number of free physical parameters.
.Neurociencia
Insect diet helped early humans build bigger brains: Quest for elusive bugs spurred primate tool use, problem-solving skills Figuring out how to survive on a lean-season diet of hard-to-reach ants, slugs and other bugs may have spurred the development of bigger brains and higher-level cognitive functions in the ancestors of humans and other primates, suggests new research.
Orgasms and alcohol influence pillow talk
Orgasms aren’t just good for your sexual relationship; they may also promote good communication. Results of a new study reveal that in the aftermath of having experienced an orgasm, people are more likely to share important information with their partners. And, that communication is likely to be positive.
The less older adults sleep, the faster their brains age, new study suggests
Researchers have found evidence that the less older adults sleep, the faster their brains age. These findings, relevant in the context of a rapidly ageing society, pave the way for future work on sleep loss and its contribution to cognitive decline, including dementia.
Biology of addiction risk looks like addiction
Research suggests that people at increased risk for developing addiction share many of the same neurobiological signatures of people who have already developed addiction. This similarity is to be expected, as individuals with family members who have struggled with addiction are over-represented in the population of addicted people.
Alzheimer's linked to brain hyperactivity
The precise molecular mechanism that may trigger elevated neuronal activity in Alzheimer's patients has been pinpointed by researchers. This mechanism subsequently damages memory and learning functions. With the understanding of this, the potential for restoring memory and protecting the brain is greatly increased.
Potential drug target for PTSD prevention
A drug that appears to make memories of fearsome events less durable in mice has been discovered by researchers. The finding may accelerate the development of treatments for preventing PTSD. The drug, called osanetant, targets a distinct group of brain cells in a region of the brain that controls the formation and consolidation of fear memories.
Cocaine addiction: Phase-specific biology, treatment?
Current pharmacotherapies for addiction follow the dictum 'one size fits all'. Medications are prescribed in the same way for all patients, regardless of whether they have just started experimenting with a drug or have an established drug habit. Even more troubling, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for some addictions, such as compulsive cocaine use.
Learn Dutch in your sleep: Listening to lessons while sleeping reinforces memory
When you have learned words in another language, it may be worth listening to them again in your sleep. A study has now shown that this method reinforces memory. "Our method is easy to use in daily life and can be adopted by anyone," says the study director.
Watching individual neurons respond to magnetic therapy
A method to record an individual neuron's response to transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy has been developed by researchers. The advance will help researchers understand the underlying physiological effects of TMS -- a procedure used to treat psychiatric disorders -- and
Chronic brain damage not as prevalent in NFL players, say researchers
A different take on previous information regarding the prevalence of chronic brain damage in retired NFL players is being proposed by researchers. Researchers performed in-depth neurological examinations of 45 retired NFL players, ranging in age from 30-to 60-years old. "Our results indicated that there were brain lesions and cognitive impairments in some of the players; however the majority
First positive results toward therapeutic vaccine against brain cancer
A prerequisite to the development of a tumor vaccine is to find protein structures in cancer cells that differ from those of healthy cells. Cancer researchers have now been able to develop a mutation-specific vaccine targeting a protein that is mutated in brain cancer, and report that the
New insights could help in battle to beat Parkinson's disease
Scientists have taken a step closer to understanding the causes of Parkinson's disease, identifying what's happening at a cellular level to potentially help develop future treatments. Researchers have shown that a genetic change, known as a mutation, impairs the ability to transport proteins correctly within cells.
Coping with personality changes in acquired brain injury
Individuals with brain injury and their families often struggle to accept the associated personality changes. The behavior of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) is typically associated with problems such as aggression, agitation, non-compliance, and depression. Treatment goals often focus on changing the individual’s behavior, frequently using consequence-based procedures or medication.
How aging can intensify damage of spinal cord injury
In the complex environment of a spinal cord injury, researchers have found that immune cells in the central nervous system of elderly mice fail to activate an important signaling pathway, dramatically lowering chances for repair after injury. These studies were the first to show that spinal cord injuries are more severe in elderly mice than in young adults, corroborating previous anecdotal finding
Noninvasive brain control: New light-sensitive protein enables simpler, more powerful optogenetics
Engineers have now developed the first light-sensitive molecule that enables neurons to be silenced noninvasively, using a light source outside the skull. This noninvasive approach could pave the way to using optogenetics in human patients to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Animal study unveils predictive marker for epilepsy development following febrile seizure
Within hours of a fever-induced seizure, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be able to detect brain changes that occur in those most likely to develop epilepsy later in life, according to an animal study. The findings may one day help improve methods to detect children at a heightened risk for developing epilepsy and guide efforts to prevent epilepsy development in those at greatest risk.
Potential Alzheimer's drug prevents abnormal blood clots in brain
The brains of Alzheimer's mice treated with the compound RU-505 showed less inflammation and improved blood flow than those of untreated mice. The treated mice also performed better on memory tests, researchers report. For more than a decade, potential Alzheimer's drugs have targeted amyloid-², but, in clinical trials, they have either failed to slow the progression of the disease or caused seriou
Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans May Increase Risk of Dementia
Older veterans who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 60 percent more likely to later develop dementia than veterans without TBI, according to a new study.
Unprecedented 3-D view of important brain receptor
Researchers have given science a new and unprecedented 3-D view of one of the most important receptors in the brain -- a receptor that allows us to learn and remember, and whose dysfunction is involved in a wide range of neurological diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia and depression.
Early life stress can leave lasting impacts on the brain
For children, stress can go a long way. A little bit provides a platform for learning, adapting and coping. But a lot of it — chronic, toxic stress like poverty, neglect and physical abuse — can have lasting negative impacts. A team of researchers recently showed these kinds of stressors, experienced in early life, might be changing the parts of developing children’s brains responsible for learnin
Monkeys also believe in winning streaks, study shows
Humans have a well-documented tendency to see winning and losing streaks in situations that, in fact, are random. But scientists disagree about whether the “hot-hand bias” is a cultural artifact picked up in childhood or a predisposition deeply ingrained in the structure of our cognitive architecture.
Brain fills gaps to produce a likely picture
Researchers use visual illusions to demonstrate to what extent the brain interprets visual signals. They were surprised to discover that active interpretation occurs early on in signal processing. In other words, we see not only with our eyes, but with our brain, too. The primary visual brain cortex is normally regarded as the area where eye signals are merely processed, but that has now been refu
Child maltreatment influences alcohol consumption in adolescents
Child maltreatment, whatever its form, produces functional brain changes that increase vulnerability to alcohol consumption when reaching adolescence, research shows. The results determined that the brains of some young abused people perceived the intake of substances positively and were not able to perceive the risks associated with this addictive behavior.
Novel biomarker predicts febrile seizure-related epilepsy, study finds
A newly discovered biomarker -- visible in brain scans for hours after febrile seizures -- predicts which individuals will subsequently develop epilepsy, according to researchers. This diagnostic ability could lead to improved use of preventive therapies for the disorder. Up to 40 percent of children who have fever-related seizures lasting more than 30 minutes (known as febrile status epilepticus)
New form of brain signaling affects addiction-related behavior
A new form of neurotransmission that influences the long-lasting memory created by addictive drugs, like cocaine and opioids, and the subsequent craving for these drugs of abuse, has been discovered by researchers. Loss of this type of neurotransmission creates changes in brains cells that resemble the changes caused by drug addiction. The findings suggest that targeting this type of neurotransmis
Little or poor sleep may be associated with worse brain function when aging
Sleep problems are associated with worse memory and executive function in older people, new research concludes. Analysis of sleep and cognitive (brain function) data from 3,968 men and 4,821 women was
Those with episodic amnesia are not 'stuck in time,' says philosopher
It has generally been assumed that people with episodic amnesia experience time much differently than those with more typical memory function. However, recent research disputes this type of claim. 'There
The social psychology of nerve cells
Cholinergic amacrine cells create a 'personal space' in much the same way that people distance themselves from one another in an elevator, researchers have discovered. In addition, the study shows that this feature is heritable and identifies a genetic contributor to it, pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1.
Controlling body movement with light: Neuroscientists inhibit muscle contractions by shining light on spinal cord neurons
Neuroscientists report that they can inhibit muscle contractions by shining light on spinal cord neurons. The researchers studied mice in which a light-sensitive protein that promotes neural activity was inserted into a subset of spinal neurons. When the researchers shone
Blocking key enzyme minimizes stroke injury, research finds
A drug that blocks the action of the enzyme Cdk5 could substantially reduce brain damage if administered shortly after a stroke, research suggests. The development of a Cdk5 inhibitor as an acute neuroprotective therapy has the potential to reduce stroke injury,
Decoding characteristic food odors
How are we able to recognize foodstuffs like strawberries, coffee, barbecued meat or boiled potatoes by smell alone? Foodstuffs contain more than 10,000 different volatile substances. But only around 230 of these determine the odor of food. Narrowing it down further, between just three and 40 of these key odors are responsible for encoding the typical smell of an individual foodstuff. These compou
Brain circuits involved in stress-induced fevers identified
When we feel mentally stressed, we often also feel physiological changes, including an increase in body temperature. This increase in body temperature is known as psychological stress-induced hyperthermia. Stress for people in today's society can last a long time and cause a chronic increase in body temperature, a condition called psychogenic fever. Researchers now have identified a key neural cir
Researchers find portable, low-cost optical imaging tool useful in concussion evaluation
Two separate research projects, published recently, represent important steps toward demonstrating on patients the utility of portable, optical brain imaging for concussion and substantiating -- via a large-scale statistical analysis -- computerized neurocognitive testing for concussion.
People with tinnitus process emotions differently from their peers, researchers report
Patients with persistent ringing in the ears -- a condition known as tinnitus -- process emotions differently in the brain from those with normal hearing, researchers report. Tinnitus afflicts 50 million people in the United States, and causes those with the condition to hear noises that aren't really there. These phantom sounds are not speech, but rather whooshing noises, train whistles, cricket
Music can help neuroscience: Detecting patterns in neuronal dendrite spines by translating them into music
Scientists have analyzed morphological features extracted from dendritic spines of brain neurons to detect patterns in their distribution. Then a software tool was developed in order to convert these features into musical notes. This new technique will be able to explore new
Food scientists working to diminish, mask bitter tastes in foods
Food scientists are working to block, mask and/or distract from bitter tastes in foods to make them more palatable to consumers, many of whom are genetically sensitive to bitter tastes.
To advance care for patients with brain metastases: Reject five myths
Researchers warn against five misconceptions in treating brain cancers, and offer new perspectives to dispel these myths and improve patient
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