Lifeboat Foundation

The brain is an extremely complex organ whose exact functioning remains difficult to understand. On average, the human brain contains 100 billion neurons that fire upon receiving input signals from multiple sensory organs. But, what is truly remarkable about our brain is the synchronization of this neural firing when triggered by a common input. Put simply, common inputs can generate a collective response in neurons that are not only spatially separated but also have different firing characteristics.

The neural synchronization has been observed before in experiments, and is commonly demonstrated during rest and activities involving tasks. However, the common inputs which produce this are typically unknown in real-world situations. This raises an interesting question: is it possible to reconstruct this input by looking at the output of the neurons?

In a new study published in Physical Review E on September 12, 2022, a team of researchers from Japan, led by Professor Tohru Ikeguchi from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), set out to answer this question. The team, including Associate Professor Ryota Nomura of Waseda University (formerly TUS), and Associate Professor Kantaro Fujiwara of The University of Tokyo, looked at the firing rates of neurons and managed to reconstruct the input signal using a method called “superposed recurrence plot” (SRP).

Brian Cummings, UCI professor of physical medicine & rehabilitation and founding member of the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, has received a five-year, $2.7 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to establish a training program that supports first-generation and underserved students pursuing careers in public health and regenerative medicine. The Creating Opportunities Through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science program will pair student scholars with faculty mentors. With their tuition covered and a stipend provided during their two years as scholars, the students will learn hands-on lab skills and human cell culture; be introduced to good manufacturing procedures in UCI’s new GMP facility; and earn a certificate in clinical research coordination. “COMPASS provides the opportunity for students to explore a variety of ways in which their education and research skills can be applied toward improving human health through career paths in the public and private sectors. UCI’s COMPASS scholars program will produce a cadre of well-trained individuals who are ready to contribute to the workforce,” said Cummings, who is also the School of Medicine’s associate dean for faculty development. “A parallel objective is to foster greater awareness and appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusion in trainees, mentors and other program participants.” Administered via the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, the program will train 25 undergraduate and two-year college transfer students.

Increasing studies have reported the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes by which protein and miRNA are clearly characterized. However, the proteomics and miRNA profiles of exosomes derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) remain unclear.

In this study, we isolated exosomes from hESCs, hiPSCs, and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) via classic ultracentrifugation and a 0.22-μm filter, followed by the conservative identification. Tandem mass tag labeling and label-free relative peptide quantification together defined their proteomics. High-throughput sequencing was performed to determine miRNA profiles. Then, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to identify the dominant biological processes and pathways modulated by exosome cargos. Finally, the western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to detect the actual loads of proteins and miRNAs in three types of exosomes.

Based on our study, the cargos from three types of exosomes contribute to sophisticated biological processes. In comparison, hESC exosomes (hESC-Exos) were superior in regulating development, metabolism, and anti-aging, and hiPSC exosomes (hiPSC-Exos) had similar biological functions as hESC-Exos, whereas hUC-MSCs exosomes (hUC-MSC-Exos) contributed more to immune regulation.

Dr Brian Kennedy on Rejuvant, human longevity trials, aging optimally and why individual response to intervention is key.

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is used by cells during growth and in healing from injuries; studies have shown it may be effective in treating osteoporosis, preventing a decline in protein synthesis, reducing frailty and, in some mammalian studies; even extending lifespan. has gone one step further, adding calcium to produce LifeAKG™, a patent-pending, highly bioavailable and ultra pure CaAKG supplement, backed by extensive research and double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials.

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Researchers have discovered a new structure of telomeric DNA, which could be key to living longer.

Researchers have discovered a new structure of telomeric DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule composed of two long strands of nucleotides that coil around each other to form a double helix. It is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms that carries genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

The real-world applications are limitless.

A group of researchers from the University of Washington has engineered a new AI tool that can identify and design new proteins. This could lead to more efficient vaccines, better cures for cancer, or new materials, according to a report published by MIT Technology Review.

University of Washington scientists have invented an AI tool called ProteinMPNN that allows them to design any proteins they can conceive of. The tool could lead to new cures and new materials.

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‘The way it works is similar to how a robotic arm might reach out and clean a surface.’

The future of dental care could have new robotic allies. A group of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has developed an automated, hands-free oral hygiene system that adapts to the shape of your teeth.

The researchers claim this system can clean teeth more efficiently than the toothbrush and dental floss, according to an article published by the university in July.

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The device costs $60 to make and can be applied in the lab in minutes.

Bluebird Bio Inc.’s gene therapy for a brain-wasting disease received accelerated approval from U.S. regulators, making it the first treatment of its kind for children living with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.