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New in JNeurosci: Researchers identified a new subset of neurons in mice that morphine may interact with to influence behavior. This neuron population could be a promising new opioid addiction treatment target.

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Opioid use disorder constitutes a major health and economic burden, but our limited understanding of the underlying neurobiology impedes better interventions. Alteration in the activity and output of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) contributes to drug effects, but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain relatively unexplored. We used translating ribosome affinity purification and RNA sequencing to identify gene expression changes in mouse VTA DA neurons following chronic morphine exposure. We found that expression of the neuropeptide neuromedin S (Nms) is robustly increased in VTA DA neurons by morphine. Using an NMS-iCre driver line, we confirmed that a subset of VTA neurons express NMS and that chemogenetic modulation of VTA NMS neuron activity altered morphine responses in male and female mice. Specifically, VTA NMS neuronal activation promoted morphine locomotor activity while inhibition reduced morphine locomotor activity and conditioned place preference (CPP). Interestingly, these effects appear specific to morphine, as modulation of VTA NMS activity did not affect cocaine behaviors, consistent with our data that cocaine administration does not increase VTA Nms expression. Chemogenetic manipulation of VTA neurons that express glucagon-like peptide, a transcript also robustly increased in VTA DA neurons by morphine, does not alter morphine-elicited behavior, further highlighting the functional relevance of VTA NMS-expressing neurons. Together, our current data suggest that NMS-expressing neurons represent a novel subset of VTA neurons that may be functionally relevant for morphine responses and support the utility of cell type-specific analyses like TRAP to identify neuronal adaptations underlying substance use disorder.

Significance Statement The opioid epidemic remains prevalent in the U.S., with more than 70% of overdose deaths caused by opioids. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is responsible for regulating reward behavior. Although drugs of abuse can alter VTA dopaminergic neuron function, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully explored. This is partially due to the cellular heterogeneity of the VTA. Here, we identify a novel subset of VTA neurons that express the neuropeptide neuromedin S (NMS). Nms expression is robustly increased by morphine and alteration of VTA NMS neuronal activity is sufficient to alter morphine-elicited behaviors. Our findings are the first to implicate NMS-expressing neurons in drug behavior and thereby improve our understanding of opioid-induced adaptations in the VTA.

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Traditional 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, but tomographic volumetric additive manufacturing (TVAM) takes a different approach. It uses laser light to illuminate a rotating vial of resin, solidifying material only where the accumulated energy surpasses a specific threshold. A key advantage of TVAM is its speed—it can produce objects in seconds, whereas conventional layer-based 3D printing takes about 10 minutes. However, its efficiency is a major drawback, as only about 1% of the projected light contributes to forming the intended shape.

Researchers from EPFL’s Laboratory of Applied Photonic Devices, led by Professor Christophe Moser, and the SDU Centre for Photonics Engineering, led by Professor Jesper Glückstad, have developed a more efficient TVAM technique, as reported in Nature Communications

<em> Nature Communications </em> is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality research from all areas of the natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, Earth sciences, and biology. The journal is part of the Nature Publishing Group and was launched in 2010. “Nature Communications” aims to facilitate the rapid dissemination of important research findings and to foster multidisciplinary collaboration and communication among scientists.

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Welcome to a unique listening experience in the universe of classic science fiction! Introducing “With Folded Hands” by Jack Williamson, an audiobook that will immerse you in a fascinating world full of technological intrigue. In this captivating tale, we explore a dystopian future where humanity has been supplanted by a race of helpful robots known as “Mechanies.” However, the apparent perfection of these androids hides a dark secret that threatens to destroy what remains of humanity. Accompany our narrator on a journey full of suspense and reflection as he discovers the dangers that lurk in a world dominated by technology. With the masterful voice of our narrator, each word comes to life, transporting you to a universe where machines have absolute control. Immerse yourself in this sci-fi masterpiece, where each chapter will leave you eager to discover what will happen next. Can humanity regain its freedom in the face of the unstoppable advance of technology? Find out now in “With Folded Hands” by Jack Williamson. Do not miss it! #audiobook #sciencefiction #JackWilliamson #WithFoldedHands #robots #dystopianbooks #technology #narration #literature #classicalliterature #futuristic #suspense #intrigue #books #audible #listen #adventure #classicliterature #Androids #sciencefictionfantasy

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An interesting glimpse into the adventurous world of neutrino research in Antarctica!

At McMurdo, Karle must wait for the weather to permit the final leg of the trip. “It is not uncommon to spend several days in McMurdo,” he says. (Karle’s record is 10.) When it’s time, he takes a 3.5-hour flight on a ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft to reach the South Pole. Anyone or anything else that goes to the South Pole must take a similarly tedious route.

There’s a reason scientists have endured the challenges of the climate, the commute and the cost for over half a century—since members of the US Navy completed the original Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station in 1957. Despite all the trouble it takes to get there, the South Pole is an unparalleled environment for scientific research, from climate science and glaciology to particle physics and astrophysics.

This sentiment was echoed by the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel in its 2023 report, a decadal plan for the future of particle physics research in the United States. Under its recommendation to “Construct a portfolio of major projects that collectively study nearly all fundamental constituents of our universe and their interactions,” the report prioritized support for five specific projects—two of which are located at the South Pole: cosmic microwave background experiment CMB-S4, the top priority, and neutrino experiment IceCube-Gen2, recommended fifth. Because of the high scientific priority of these projects, the report also urged maintenance of the South Pole site.

Continue reading “A harsh environment for life, an ideal environment for research” | >

A combination of mRNA and a new lipid nanoparticle could help heal damaged lungs, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Viruses, physical trauma, or other problems can have a serious impact on the lungs, and when the damage is in the lower regions, traditional treatments, like inhaled medication, might not work. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides a proof of concept for an injectable therapy.

“The lungs are hard-to-treat organs because both permanent and temporary damage often happen in the deeper regions where medication does not easily reach,” said study author Elena Atochina-Vasserman, MD, Ph.D., research assistant professor of Infectious Diseases at Penn and scientist at the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation. “Even drugs delivered intravenously are spread without specificity. That makes a targeted approach like ours especially valuable.”

Lung damage can result from a variety of causes ranging from physical accidents that cause inflammation of the lungs to like COVID, flu, and RSV. Viruses alone can usher in an setting off a buildup of fluid in the airways, excess mucus, , and damage to the lining of the lungs. Whether acute or chronic, weakened lungs can be life threatening. Respiratory diseases were the third leading cause of death worldwide even before the pandemic, according to previous research.

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Scientists have created a hydrogel that strengthens bones in weeks. Bone density increased by 5X in a lab.

A groundbreaking injectable hydrogel may soon offer a faster, more effective treatment for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk.

Developed by researchers at EPFL in Switzerland and startup Flowbone, this new hydrogel, made from hyaluronic acid and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, mimics bone’s natural minerals and strengthens fragile areas. In lab tests on rats, the treatment increased bone density by up to three times within weeks. When combined with the osteoporosis drug Zoledronate, bone density at the injection site increased nearly fivefold, potentially reducing the risk of fractures far more quickly than current medications.

While the hydrogel is not a permanent fix, researchers believe it could revolutionize osteoporosis management by complementing existing drug therapies and speeding up recovery. Given that osteoporosis affects millions worldwide—especially postmenopausal women—this breakthrough could significantly lower the risk of life-threatening fractures. The team now aims to secure regulatory approval and begin clinical trials, bringing this promising technology one step closer to real-world use. If successful, it could redefine how osteoporosis is treated, offering patients faster relief and stronger bones.

Continue reading “Combining systemic and local osteoporosis treatments: A longitudinal in vivo microCT study in ovariectomized rats” | >

Scientists have now mapped the forces acting inside a proton, showing in unprecedented detail how quarks—the tiny particles within—respond when hit by high-energy photons.

The international team includes experts from the University of Adelaide who are exploring the structure of sub-atomic matter to try and provide further insight into the forces that underpin the .

“We have used a powerful computational technique called lattice quantum chromodynamics to map the forces acting inside a ,” said Associate Professor Ross Young, Associate Head of Learning and Teaching, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, who is part of the team.

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Silicon Valley elites are quietly appointing themselves ancestors of the future.

As American fertility rates continue to hit record lows — well below the “replacement rate” from one generation to the next — the pronatalism movement has found a foothold in the tech world.

Elon Musk — who apparently now has 13 children — has openly endorsed the movement, which believes in pumping out babies to fight societal collapse. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said, “Of course I’m going to have a big family” and is investing in experimental fertility technology.

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