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One of the biggest mysteries of evolution is how species first developed complex vision. Jellyfish are helping scientists solve this puzzle, as the group has independently evolved eyes at least nine separate times. Different species of jellyfish have strikingly different types of vision, from simple eyespots that detect light intensity to sophisticated lens eyes similar to those in humans.

Biologists have studied jellyfish eye structure, light sensitivity, and visual behavior for decades, but the exact genes involved in jellyfish eye formation remain unknown.

Aide Macias-Muñoz, a professor of ecology and , is exploring how eyes and light detection evolved using genetic tools. Her lab has just completed a high-quality genome sequence of Bougainvillia cf. muscus, a small jellyfish-like animal in the Hydrozoa group that has an astonishing 28 eyes.

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We’ve questioned that model and tackled questions from a different angle – by looking inward instead of outward.

Instead of starting with an expanding universe and asking how it began, we considered what happens when an over-density of matter collapses under gravity.

Prof Gaztanaga explained that the theory developed by his team of researchers worked within the principles of quantum mechanics and the model could be tested scientifically.

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Astronomers from the International Center for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), in collaboration with international teams, have made a startling discovery about a new type of cosmic phenomenon.

The object, known as ASKAP J1832-0911, emits pulses of radio waves and X-rays for two minutes every 44 minutes.

The paper, “Detection of X-ray Emission from a Bright Long-Period Radio Transient,” is published in Nature.

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On planet Earth, fire is usually a transient phenomenon—even the strongest of wildfires will eventually succumb to human and/or meteorological intervention. But the same can’t be said for the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, known colloquially as the “Gates of Hell.” This natural gas field has been burning continuously for decades thanks to its steady supply of seeping methane, and in that time, this devilish pit has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions despite its location in the middle of the Karakum desert, roughly 160 miles north of the capital city of Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan’s authoritarian leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, has previously stated that he wants to snuff out the Gates of Hell once and for all (though the latest pronouncement came years after he reportedly went off-roading around the crater). Now, a new report suggests those efforts may be bearing fruit. Last Thursday, officials in Turkmenistan said that gas being emitted from the pit has diminished three-fold, though the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports that no timeframe for this gaseous decrease was provided. This news is in line with previous reports last year that satellite observations of the Gates of Hell showed a 50 percent decline in emissions.

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Biased agonism to treat diabetes and obesity.

Agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) have been used for diabetes and obesity treatment. Mechanism of action and signaling of these receptors are of paramount importance.

The researchers investigate the impact of biased cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling with a dual GLP-1R/ GIPR agonist.

Biased GLP-1R and GIPR agonism with GLP-1R/GIPR agonist, CT-859 leads to better and prolonged glucose lowering, greater food intake reduction, and weight loss than unbiased agonism.

Biased GIPR agonism synergizes with GLP-1R on food intake suppression and weight loss. https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666&#4…0229-0 https://sciencemission.com/Biased-agonism-of-GLP-1R-and-GIPR

Rodriguez et al. investigate the impact of biased signaling with a dual GLP-1R/GIPR agonist. Biased GLP-1R and GIPR agonism leads to better and prolonged glucose lowering, greater food intake reduction, and weight loss than unbiased agonism. Biased GIPR agonism synergizes with GLP-1R on food intake suppression and weight loss.

Continue reading “Biased agonism of GLP-1R and GIPR enhances glucose lowering and weight loss, with dual GLP-1R/GIPR biased agonism yielding greater efficacy” | >

Many different types of cells in the body have a tiny projection known as a primary cilium. These cilia act like little signaling hub that can capture information about a cell’s environment and relay it to the cell, ultimately coordinating some cellular responses. The functions of cilia are well known in a few cases, such as in development, where they are crucial to the regulation of certain processes; or in some disorders called ciliopathies, in which genetic mutations lead to ciliary dysfunction and human disease.

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