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Tapered polymer fibers enhance light delivery for neuroscience research

Researchers have developed a reliable and reproducible way to fabricate tapered polymer optical fibers that can be used to deliver light to the brain. These fibers could be used in animal studies to help scientists better understand treatments and interventions for various neurological conditions.

The tapered fibers are optimized for neuroscience research techniques, such as optogenetic experiments and fiber photometry, which rely on the interaction between genetically modified neurons and delivered to and/or collected from the .

“Unlike standard optical fibers, which are cylindrical, the tapered fibers we developed have a conical shape, which allows them to penetrate the tissue with more ease and to deliver light to larger volumes of the brain,” said research team member Marcello Meneghetti from the Neural Devices and Gas Photonics group at the Technical University of Denmark.

How Protein Shapes Are Rewriting the Story of Life on Earth

Researchers have innovatively merged protein structural data with genetic sequences to construct evolutionary trees, revealing deep-rooted relationships among species.

A species is a group of living organisms that share a set of common characteristics and are able to breed and produce fertile offspring. The concept of a species is important in biology as it is used to classify and organize the diversity of life. There are different ways to define a species, but the most widely accepted one is the biological species concept, which defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable offspring in nature. This definition is widely used in evolutionary biology and ecology to identify and classify living organisms.

Brain Oscillations Decode Pain Intensity

Gamma oscillations in the brain reveal pain intensity, driven by PV interneurons in the somatosensory cortex. New research highlights their role as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pain management.


Summary: Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) have been identified as key players in encoding pain intensity and driving gamma oscillations, according to a study. Cross-species experiments confirmed that gamma oscillations in S1 selectively reflect pain levels in humans and are linked to PV interneuron activity in rodents.

Optogenetic manipulation of these interneurons demonstrated their ability to modulate pain-related behaviors, solidifying their role in pain processing. The findings establish a direct connection between PV interneurons and gamma oscillations, highlighting their potential as a biomarker and target for pain therapies.

Single Gene Links Autism, Epilepsy via Brain Circuit Development

New research uncovers how neuropilin2 gene mutations disrupt brain balance, linking inhibitory neuron migration to autism and epilepsy. Study offers insights for targeted therapies.


Source: UCR

The gene neuropilin2 encodes a receptor involved in cell-cell interactions in the brain and plays a key role in regulating the development of neural circuits.

Neuropilin2 controls migration of inhibitory neurons as well as the formation and maintenance of synaptic connections in excitatory neurons — two crucial components of brain activity.

Scientists mapped the genome of a shark that can live 400 years. It could unlock new secrets to longevity

DNA that can repair DNA similar to Digital Error Correction!

This could make human live longer!


Before the researchers sequenced the Greenland shark’s genome, only about 10 genomes were available for all elasmobranchs — a subclass of fish including sharks, rays and skates — said Dr. Nicole Phillips, an associate professor of ecology and organismal biology at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Phillips was not involved in the research conducted by Hoffman, Sahm and their team.

“The more high-quality genomes that are sequenced, the better we can understand the genetic underpinnings of shared as well as unique traits of this ancient group,” Phillips said in an email. “Identification of the genetic basis of lifespans across different species, including long-lived sharks, allows researchers to understand the biology of aging and longevity.”

Because of the sharks’ preference for deep waters, historically most information on the Greenland shark came from commercial fishing records. In the past decade, researchers have increasingly used video, including remotely operated vehicles and baited cameras, as well as observations in captured specimens to research the elusive shark.

Scientists make groundbreaking discovery as they find cause of so many unexplained cancers

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Scientists believe that they may have identified the cause of so many unexplained cancers.

Scientists believe they have made a breakthrough in finding the cause of certain cancers. Credit: Flying Colours Ltd / Getty

A groundbreaking scientific review has uncovered a potential cause for certain cancers and health conditions that can’t be fully explained by genetics, diet, or lifestyle.

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‘RNA lanterns’ could offer new insights into viruses and human memory

RNA is the molecule that reads the genetic information stored in DNA. It’s critical for the proper functioning of cells, and in a new study published in Nature Communications, University of California, Irvine scientists have discovered a way of tagging RNA with a glowing bioluminescent molecule that allows them to track RNA in real time as it moves throughout the body. The work promises to help scientists better understand everything from the way viruses propagate to how memories form in the brain.