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Revista de noticias sobre Biología, Biotecnología, Medioambiente, Neurociencias, etc. Elaborado 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 Noviembre (1ª) de 2014
MÁS INFORMACIÓN Y OFERTAS EN LA WEB DE LA BIOBLIOTECA : http://campus.usal.es/~bibliotecabiologia/
BioNoticias. Resumen de prensa semanal
Elaborado por la Biblioteca de Biología. Universidad de Salamanca
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índice
Avisos de la Facultad 4
Biología 10
Biomedicina 17
Biotecnología 22
Neurociencia 34
Células madre y Epigenética 47
.Avisos de la Facultad
Actividades San Alberto 2014
Próximo Seminario IBFG: Viernes 9 de mayo a las 12.30
Próximo Seminario INCYL: Viernes 7 a las 17:00 horas de la tarde.
NUEVO FACEBOOK DE LA BIBLIOTECA:
BIOBIBLIOTECA noticias, empleo, becas, actividades...
http://www.facebook.com/bibliotecadebiologia
BIOEMPLEO 1ª semana de Noviembre
Ofertas de trabajo para Biólogos y Biotecnólogos
Pulsa para leer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BymhRstl4hkmNTlFb0Z0YWZ2UVE/view?usp=sharing
ILUSTRES ALUMNOS DE LA FACULTAD
Antíguos alumnos que destacan por su actividad profesional
MARÍA ASTUDILLO MONTERO
Obtuvo la licenciatura en Biología hace 8 años.
Fundó la clínica de nutrición y dietética ALEA... y es escritora.
El próximo martes 11 de Noviembre presenta su última novela en la
Biblioteca de la casa de las Conchas a las 8 de la tarde.
.Biología
Imagénes de satélites caracterizan el hábitat del tejón en zonas áridas
Un equipo de científicos de la Universidad de Almería ha creado un
modelo matemático para caracterizar y hacer predicciones sobre el
hábitat del tejón. La tecnología de satélite permite disponer de forma
Hongos y sequía, un cóctel que puede ser mortal para los bosques
Un nuevo artículo científico publicado por miembros del Centro de
Investigación Ecológica y Aplicaciones Forestales, de la Universidad
Autónoma de Barcelona y de la Universidad Sueca de Ciencias
Una tortuga terrestre gigante habitó Europa hace más de millones de
años
Gracias al análisis de los fondos de las colecciones del Museo Nacional
de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), investigadores de la UNED y la
Universidad Aristotle de Thessaloniki (Grecia) han descrito un nuevo
El trigo y la cebada ya se cultivaban en África hace 7.000 años
Se calcula que hace unos 10.500 años, el cultivo doméstico de cereales:
trigo (Triticum spp.) y avena (Hordeum vulgare), principalmente, se
propagó desde el próximo Oriente hacia el este –centro y sur de Asia– y
Investigadores mexicanos descubren cómo mejorar y abaratar las
semillas híbridas
Un equipo de científicos de México ha descrito la transferencia genética
en los primeros días del desarrollo de las semillas híbridas, base de la
agricultura moderna. Según los resultados, el genoma materno es
Los pies de los niños y las niñas se diferencian entre los 8 y los 10 años
El calzado se utiliza para proteger el pie y debe proporcionar un buen
ajuste, ya que existe una relación directa entre un zapato adecuado y el
nivel de confort. Investigadores de la Universidad de Castilla-La
Aves del terror: siguen las huellas de las predadoras más grandes de la
prehistoria
Imaginemos el planeta hace 15 millones de años. América del norte
separada por completo de América del sur. Justamente en el sur del
continente americano vivían aves enormes y predadoras como la especie
El mosquito tigre, localizado en Andalucía gracias a un proyecto de
colaboración ciudadana
Por primera vez, y gracias a una aplicación para móviles, se ha
detectado de forma científica en Andalucía la presencia del mosquito
tigre, un insecto transmisor de enfermedades como la chikungunya y el
Las raíces de las plantas necesitan una cantidad óptima de óxido nítrico
para crecer
El óxido nítrico afecta a las células madre responsables del crecimiento
de la raíz de las plantas, puesto que necesitan una cantidad precisa para
su desarrollo. Tanto el exceso como la ausencia de este gas tienen
Aves rapaces y pequeños mamíferos compartieron cuevas con los
neandertales
Las investigaciones efectuadas hasta ahora habían constatado que la
Cova de les Teixoneres, ubicada en Moià (Barcelona), en España,
durante el Paleolítico medio había sido ocupada por neandertales y por
Un artículo del vigués David Posada, entre los 100 más citados de la
historia
Entre los 100 artículos científicos más citados de la historia solo aparece
el nombre de un español, el del catedrático de la Universidade de Vigo
David Posada. El paper describe una herramienta bioinformática.
El cambio climático amenaza con impactos irreversibles y peligrosos
La influencia humana en el sistema climático es clara, va en aumento, y
sus impactos se observan en todos los continentes. Sin embargo, existen
opciones para la adaptación al cambio climático, y con actividades de
El motivo evolutivo de las plumas en dinosaurios
¿Por qué algunos dinosaurios estaban recubiertos por plumas mucho
antes de que el Archaeopteryx, al que se considera el pájaro más
primitivo, intentara volar por primera vez? Unos investigadores de las
El transporte de sedimentos dibuja las sinuosas curvas del Amazonas
Un estudio explica cómo una mayor carga de sedimentos forma ríos
más serpenteantes y alertan de que las presas planificadas en el sistema
fluvial del Amazonas pueden modificar esta fisionomía.
La ciencia descubre por qué cuanto más rascas, más pica
Cuando más te rasques, más te picará. Esta verdad repetida por las
madres a lo largo de la historia ha sido confirmada por un estudio de la
Un hongo asiático letal amenaza a las salamandras y los tritones
europeos
El gallipato y el tritón alpino, especies endémicas de la península
ibérica, mueren nada más infectarse por un hongo que probablemente
llegó a Europa a través del comercio internacional de mascotas.
Biólogos gallegos diseñan un modelo para predecir el efecto de la
actividad geotérmica en la Antártida
Investigadores de la universidades de Vigo y Santiago pondrán en
marcha un modelo predictivo del funcionamiento de los ecosistemas
litorales en la bahía Foster, al norte de la península antártica.
La inesperada capacidad de los corales para realizar movimientos
complejos
Tradicionalmente se ha visto a los corales, cuyos esqueletos de
carbonato de calcio constituyen la base de los arrecifes de coral, como
organismos pasivos que dependen por completo de las corrientes
El sorprendente vínculo entre pobladores de América y la Isla de Pascua
en la antigüedad
Pudo haber una circulación significativa de personas desde la Isla de
Pascua hacia América mucho antes de que el comandante holandés
Jakob Roggeveen llegara con sus barcos a la misteriosa isla en 1722,
Las hembras de rana modifican el desarrollo de sus crías según la fecha
de reproducción
El calentamiento global está modificando la reproducción de plantas y
animales, acelerando de forma notable la fecha en la ocurren este y otros
procesos vitales. Un estudio de la Universidad de Uppsala (Suecia), en
Aumentan 500 veces la producción de un colorante natural procedente
de un hongo
La Universidad de Sevilla ha logrado obtener 500 veces más cantidad
de un colorante natural acumulado por un hongo que cuando este lo
produce en la naturaleza. Esta producción de neurosporaxantina, un
Los cuervos conocen y usan la estrategia del “Divide y vencerás”
Tras estudiar de forma minuciosa y durante años el comportamiento de
aproximadamente 300 cuervos salvajes en los Alpes de Austria, unos
Demuestran que los reptiles pueden aprender por imitación consciente
Una nueva investigación ha aportado evidencias de que los reptiles, al
menos los del tipo estudiado, tienen la capacidad de aprendizaje social a
Lydekker y el cuco
Entrega del podcast El Neutrino, a cargo de Germán Fernández
Sánchez, en Ciencia para Escuchar, que recomendamos por su interés.
Evolución de una especie en solo 15 años
La interacción entre una especie de lagarto en Estados Unidos y otra
procedente de Cuba ha tenido un efecto evolutivo asombrosamente
veloz. En solo 15 años, se han registrado cambios notables. Unos
El proyecto ‘1000 plantas’ propone cambios en la clasificación vegetal
Este estudio, que cuenta con la participación del Real Jardín Botánico-
CSIC, ofrece una nueva base para estudiar la evolución de las plantas
.Biomedicina
Las ceramidas funcionan como un interruptor de la obesidad
Investigadores de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela han
descubierto un nuevo mecanismo molecular que afecta al aumento de
peso y a la aparición de diabetes. El equipo ha demostrado, en un
Nuevo biomarcador para predecir la evolución del alzhéimer
Investigadores del Centro de Tecnología Biomédica de la Universidad
Politécnica de Madrid están colaborando en un estudio que revela que la
magnetoencefalografía es un buen biomarcador para realizar un
Las gafas de Google pueden obstruir parcialmente la visión periférica
Un estudio llevado a cabo por investigadores de la Universidad de
California revela que las Google glasses, un dispositivo de visualización
similar a las gafas de realidad aumentada que permite conectarse a
Dos estudios aportan nuevos datos sobre las enfermedades respiratorias
en Marruecos
Investigadores españoles y marroquíes estudian las causas y la
epidemiología de las infecciones en niños con neumonía grave, así
como sus factores pronósticos.
Los pies de los niños y las niñas se diferencian entre los 8 y los 10 años
Los hombres y las mujeres son distintos entre sí, también en los pies.
Investigadores de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha han analizado
las desigualdades morfológicas del pie en una muestra de escolares
Un exceso de colesterol en los ovocitos causa infertilidad en ratonas
Anomalías relacionadas con el metabolismo del colesterol en hembras
de ratón provocan que los ovocitos maduren demasiado pronto, de
manera que son infértiles. Una investigación del MIT y la Universidad
Nanosensores biológicos para la detección precoz del cáncer
Un trabajo liderado por investigadores del Instituto de Microelectrónica
de Madrid, perteneciente al CSIC, propone emplear sensores bológicos
para localizar proteínas secretadas por tumores en sus primeros estadios.
La supervivencia al ébola está marcada por los genes
El pasado 21 de octubre se anunció que Teresa Romero había superado
la infección por ébola que había contraído al asistir al médico
cooperante Manuel García Viejo, fallecido un mes antes por la
Encuentran nuevos genes implicados en el autismo
El análisis genético más grande jamás realizado sobre el autismo
aumenta el número de los genes relacionados con este síndrome a más
de 100. El equipo científico, con participación de la Universidad de
La ciencia descubre por qué cuanto más rascas, más pica
La serotonina que segrega el cerebro cuando nos rascamos hace que
aumente la sensación de picazón. Lo acaban de demostrar
investigadores estadounidenses, que consideran que, para curar el picor
Revelado el mecanismo que permite a una célula diferenciada
reactivarse como célula madre
Científicos del Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona del CSIC,
del IRB Barcelona y del Instituto de Biología Evolutiva (CSIC-UPF)
han descrito en la revista Cell Reports un mecanismo que permite a una
Encuentran propiedades antiinflamatorias en compuestos de microalgas
El grupo de investigación en Farmacología Molecular y Aplicada de la
US (FARMOLAP) ha descubierto la presencia de compuestos con
propiedades altamente antiinflamatorias en las microalgas. Se trata de
sustancias de naturaleza lipídica derivadas del α-linolénico y linoleico,
Una sola mutación genética causa el 10% de los cánceres de mama en el
centro de Colombia
Mujeres colombianas que han sufrido cáncer de mama poseen un nivel
de coincidencia en las mutaciones de dos genes inédito en otras
Estructuras de titanio para integrar mejor las prótesis
Investigadores de la Universidad de Málaga han desarrollado nuevas
estructuras de titanio poroso que mejoran la integración de las prótesis
tras una fractura, además de favorecer la recuperación ósea. Los
Primeros ‘miniestómagos’ humanos creados con células madre
Científicos de Estados Unidos han desarrollado el primer tejido
estomacal en 3D hecho a partir de células madre. Estos nuevos
miniórganos, que simulan el comportamiento de los reales, servirán para
El pteroestilbeno, similar al resveratrol, posible tratamiento de la
obesidad
El pteroestilbeno es un compuesto fenólico análogo del resveratrol,
presente en cantidades pequeñas en gran variedad de alimentos y
bebidas como arándanos o vino tinto.Un grupo internacional de i
Descubren el gen mutado que causa la muerte súbita
Investigadores de la Universidad de Oviedo han descrito el gen cuyas
mutaciones causan alteraciones cardíacas y muerte súbita hereditaria. La
investigación, publicada en la revista Nature Communications, se ha
Hallado un mecanismo molecular que regula la sensibilidad térmica
El Instituto de Neurociencias ha liderado un estudio, publicado en Cell
Reports, que describe cómo se regula la sensibilidad térmica. El
hallazgo puede abrir nuevas vías terapéuticas para enfermos con
Un estudio revela una afinidad entre proteínas hasta ahora desconocida
Las proteínas intrínsecamente desordenadas o IDPs forman parte de más
del 50% de las proteínas de los organismos superiores, los eucariotas, y
llevan a cabo un montón de funciones biológicas dentro de las células.
Ahora, la revista Nature Communicatios publica un novedoso estudio
Esta semana comienza en Suiza el ensayo de una vacuna contra el ébola
La Organización Mundial de la Salud ha comunicado hoy su agrado por
la aprobación, por parte de la Agencia Suiza de Productos Terapéuticos
–Swissmedic–, del ensayo de la vacuna del ébola en el Hospital
Universitario de Lausanne. Los ensayos comenzarán esta semana y se
esperan los primeros resultados para el mes de diciembre.
El ‘gen del guerrero’ hace a sus portadores más propensos al crimen
violento
Según un estudio sueco sobre 895 fineses condenados por crímenes
violentos, hay variaciones genéticas relacionadas con la absorción de
dopamina y el desarrollo de las conexiones neuronales que predisponen
a una conducta agresiva, sobre todo en varones. El alcohol puede
.Biotecnología
"La genómica ha de salir del centro especializado"
El cáncer, las enfermedades raras y las infecciosas son las que se
beneficiarán antes, según Tom Fowler.
Un nanosensor híbrido rastrea biomarcadores
Un nanosensor, creado por el Instituto de Microelectrónica de Madrid,
detecta marcadores séricos que escapan a las herramientas
convencionales.
Biomarcadores como guía para tratar enfermedades del corazón
La experiencia obtenida hasta ahora con el gen 'ST2' muestra que es un
objetivo factible. En el futuro se discriminará mejor a los pacientes
utilizando combinaciones.
Un sistema de ultrasonidos podría facilitar la regeneración celular
Científicos americanos desarrollan una técnica de ultrasonidos que
elimina las células del tejido dejando intacta la matriz extracelular.
Identifican un canal iónico que regula la sensibilidad térmica
El descubrimiento podría abrir nuevas vías para el desarrollo de
fármacos que fueran más selectivos contra ciertas formas de dolor
crónico
Estómagos, los últimos organoides hechos con células en el laboratorio
Un grupo de científicos del Hospital Infantil de Cincinnati ha
desarrollado una versión en miniatura del estómago humano a partir de
células madre pluripotentes.
Ebola, Marburg viruses edit genetic material during infection
Filoviruses like Ebola 'edit' genetic material as they invade their hosts,
according to a study. The findings reported could lead to a better
understanding of these viruses, paving the way for new treatments down
Shaping up: Researchers reconstruct early stages of embryo
development
Researchers have managed to reconstruct the early stage of mammalian
development using embryonic stem cells, showing that a critical mass of
cells -- not too few, but not too many -- is needed for the cells to being
Synthetic biology: 'Telomerator' reshapes synthetic yeast chromosome
into more flexible, realistic form, redefining what geneticists can build
Yeast geneticists report they have developed a novel tool -- dubbed 'the
telomerator' -- that could redefine the limits of synthetic biology and
advance how successfully living things can be engineered or
Mussels on California Coast contaminated with giardia transmitted from
land-based sources
The pathogen Giardia duodenalis is present in mussels from freshwater
run-off sites and from areas where California Sea Lions lounge along
Diet affects pesticide resistance in honey bees
Feeding honey bees a natural diet of pollen makes them significantly
more resistant to pesticides than feeding them an artificial diet,
according to a team of researchers, who also found that pesticide
Nanotubes could serve as 'universal scaffolding' for cell membrane
channels
A study suggests that single-wall carbon nanotubes could be used as
universal scaffolding to help to replicate the properties of cell
membrane channels, scientists report. Biological membranes define the
First Immature form of HIV seen at high resolution surprises
researchers
The first structure of the immature form of HIV at a high enough
resolution has been obtained by researchers, allowing them to pinpoint
exactly where each building block sits in the virus. The study reveals
Possible alternative to antibiotics
A novel substance for the treatment of severe bacterial infections has
been developed to work without antibiotics. Scientists say that this
would prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
Plants: Breaking down DNA by genome
A new study provides plant biologists with an efficient approach for
separating plant nuclear DNA from organellar DNA for genomic and
metagenomic studies. The approach targets the methyl-CpG-binding
Cell division, minus the cells
Researchers have reconstituted cell division -- complete with signals
that direct molecular traffic -- without the cell. Combining frog-egg
extracts with lipid membranes that mimic the membrane of the cell, they
Improved mouse model will accelerate research on potential Ebola
vaccines, treatments
The first genetic strain of mice that can be infected with Ebola and
display symptoms similar to those that humans experience has been
developed by researchers. This work will significantly improve basic
Efficient genetic editing developed
A team of researchers has developed a system that uses commercially-
available molecules called cationic lipids -- long, greasy molecules that
carry a positive charge -- to efficiently deliver genome-editing proteins
Scientists capture picture of 'microRNA' in action
Biologists have described the atomic-level workings of “microRNA”
molecules, which control the expression of genes in all animals and
plants. The findings add greatly to the understanding of a fundamental
What's mighty about the mouse? For starters, its massive Y
chromosome
An exhaustive effort to sequence the mouse Y chromosome reveals a
surprisingly large and complex biological beast, at the same time
providing remarkable insight into a heated battle for supremacy between
The geometry of RNA and its 3D structure
To understand the function of an RNA molecule, similar to the better-
known DNA and vital for cell metabolism, we need to know its three-
dimensional structure. Unfortunately, establishing the shape of an RNA
Science casts light on sex in the orchard
Persimmons are among the small club of plants with separate sexes --
individual trees are either male or female. Now scientists have
discovered how sex is determined in a species of persimmon, potentially
Genetic factors behind surviving or dying from Ebola shown in mouse
study
A newly developed mouse model suggests that genetic factors are
behind the mild-to-deadly range of responses to the Ebola virus. The
frequency of different manifestations of the disease across the lines of
Making lab-grown tissues stronger
Lab-grown tissues could one day provide new treatments for injuries
and damage to the joints, including articular cartilage, tendons and
ligaments. Cartilage, for example, is a hard material that caps the ends
Blocking a fork in the road to DNA replication
A team of scientists has discovered the surprising manner in which an
enigmatic protein known as SUUR acts to control gene copy number
during DNA replication. It’s a finding that could shed new light on the
Identifying the source of stem cells
When most animals begin life, cells immediately begin accepting
assignments to become a head, tail or a vital organ. However, mammals,
including humans, are special. The cells of mammalian embryos get to
make a different first choice -- to become the protective placenta or to
Bacteria are hard-wired for survival, E. coli study suggests
Some bacteria are able to thrive even when under continued attack,
scientists have found, in a development that may help explain how our
immune systems can't always prevent infections. The team studied how
Low carb, high fat diets may reduce seizures in tough-to-treat epilepsy
Diets high in fat and low in carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic or
modified Atkins diet, may reduce seizures in adults with tough-to-treat
epilepsy, according to a review of research.
Tiny carbon nanotube pores make big impact
Scientists have created a new kind of ion channel based on short carbon
nanotubes, which can be inserted into synthetic bilayers and live cell
membranes to form tiny pores that transport water, protons, small ions
Scientists generate first human stomach tissue in lab with stem cells
Scientists used pluripotent stem cells to generate functional, three-
dimensional human stomach tissue in a laboratory -- creating an
unprecedented tool for researching the development and diseases of an
Scientists make enzyme that could help explain origins of life
Mimicking natural evolution in a test tube, scientists have devised an
enzyme with a unique property that might have been crucial to the
origin of life on Earth.
Contamination likely explains 'food genes in blood' claim
Laboratory contaminants likely explain the results of a recent study
claiming that complete genes can pass from foods we eat into our blood,
according to a molecular biologist who re-examined data from the
Mechanism that allows differentiated cell to reactivate as a stem cell
revealed
A study, performed with fruit flies, describes a gene that determines
whether a specialized cell conserves the capacity to become a stem cell
again. Unveiling the genetic traits that favor the retention of stem cell
Nano ruffles in brain matter
Researchers have deciphered the role of nanostructures around brain
cells in the central nervous system. An accumulation of a protein called
amyloid-beta into large insoluble deposits called plaques is known to
Genome sequenced of enterovirus D68 circulating in St. Louis
The genome of enterovirus D68 sampled from patients treated at St.
Louis Children’s Hospital has been sequenced by researchers.
Nationwide, the virus has spread rapidly in recent months and caused
severe respiratory illness in young children, with some patients
Bee's knees for identifying genetic triggers of novel adult traits
Scientists have long sought to identify the specific DNA changes that
can trigger new traits, allowing species to adapt. For development of the
embryo, it is usually the master control regions of a gene that dominate,
Relationship between diet, inflammation and cancer: Key factor found
A category of lipids known as sphingolipids may be an important link in
the relationship between diet, inflammation and cancer, a team of
scientists has found. They have provided evidence that a sphingolipid
Advances in Graves' disease, including a new mouse model
A unique mouse model of Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that
causes hyperthyroidism, has been developed by scientists, and new
research findings may help improve the treatment of Graves' disease,
Ciliopathies: New insights into development
Cilia are anchored by the basal bodies to the plasma membrane and like
many other organelles must be localized to a specific position in a cell.
Diseases of the sensory or motile cilia play a key role in lung diseases or
Co-opting bacterial immune system to turn off specific genes
A technique that co-opts an immune system already present in bacteria
and archaea to turn off specific genes or sets of genes -- creating a
powerful tool for future research on genetics and related fields -- has
Viral switches share a shape, research finds
A hinge in the RNA genome of the virus that causes hepatitis C works
like a switch that can be flipped to prevent it from replicating in infected
cells. Scientists have discovered that this shape is shared by several
Imaging the genome: Cataloguing fundamental processes of life
A new study has allowed researchers to peer into unexplored regions of
the genome and understand for the first time the role played by more
than 250 genes key to cell growth and development.
How did complex life evolve? The answer could be inside out
A new idea about the origin of complex life turns current theories inside
out. Scientists explain their 'inside-out' theory of how eukaryotic cells,
which all multicellular life -- including us -- are formed of, might have
Combating parasitic worm infections by adapting breakthrough
technologies
Experts are calling for researchers to adapt new technologies to research
neglected parasitic flatworms. "It took several years of work to
sequence the genomes of the major species of flatworm parasites.
However, now that we have this information, we can focus on genes of
New view on how cells control what comes in and out
A common protein plays a different role than previously thought in the
opening and closing of channels that let ions flow in and out of our
cells, researchers report. Those channels are critical to life, as having the
Emergent behavior lets bubbles 'sense' environment
Tiny, soapy bubbles can reorganize their membranes to let material flow
in and out in response to the surrounding environment, according to
researchers. This behavior could be exploited in creating microbubbles
Cell membranes self-assemble
A self-driven reaction can assemble phospholipid membranes like those
that enclose cells. The new process is specific and non-toxic, and can be
used in the presence of biomolecules one might want to study within
How cells know which way to go
Amoebas aren’t the only cells that crawl: Movement is crucial to
development, wound healing and immune response in animals, not to
mention cancer metastasis. In two new studies, researchers answer long-
Heart drug may help treat ALS, mouse study shows
Digoxin, a medication used in the treatment of heart failure, may be
adaptable for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a
progressive, paralyzing disease, suggests new research.
A switch to dampen malignancy
A key mechanism has been found that governs how cells of the
epithelia, the soft lining of inner body cavities, shift between a rigid,
highly structured and immobile state and a flexible and motile form.
Right place, right time: Cellular transportation compartments
Proteins are the machinery that accomplishes almost every task in every
cell in every living organism. The instructions for how to build each
protein are written into a cell's DNA. But once the proteins are
Breakthrough in molecular electronics paves way for new generation of
DNA-based computer circuits
Scientists have announced a significant breakthrough toward developing
DNA-based electrical circuits. Molecular electronics, which uses
molecules as building blocks for the fabrication of electronic
components, has been seen as the ultimate solution to the
miniaturization challenge. However, to date, no one has actually been
able to make complex electrical circuits using molecules. Now scientists
.Neurociencia
Links between grammar, rhythm explored by researchers
A child's ability to distinguish musical rhythm is related to his or her
capacity for understanding grammar, according to a recent study. The
study is the first of its kind to show an association between musical
Blocking mitochondrial fission: Effective treatment for Parkinson's
disease?
The inhibition of a particular mitochondrial fission protein could hold
the key to potential treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD), a new study
has concluded. PD is a progressive neurological condition that affects
Brain changes linked to prematurity may explain risk of
neurodevelopmental disorders
The identification of neuroanatomical changes related to prematurity
helps explain what brain structure and circuitry are affected, and may
lead to designing effective prevention strategies and early interventional
Gene 'switches' could predict when breast cancers will spread to the
brain
Scientists have found a pattern of genetic ‘switches’ – chemical marks
that turn genes on or off - that are linked to breast cancer’s spread to the
brain, according to new research.
The inside story: How the brain and skull stay together
Researchers have discovered a network of tissue communication that
ensures that the brain and spinal cord are matched with the skull and
spinal column, during embryonic development. Their discovery may
Thinking about the long-term impact of your food choices may help
control food cravings
A new study adds evidence to the current thinking that individuals with
obesity can successfully reduce cravings using distract tasks. For this
Granger Causality test can make epilepsy surgery more effective
A new statistical test that looks at the patterns of high-frequency
network activity flow from brain signals can help doctors pinpoint the
exact location of seizures occurring in the brain and make surgery more
Brain anatomy differences between autistic, typically developing
individuals are indistinguishable
'Our findings offer definitive answers regarding several scientific
controversies about brain anatomy, which have occupied autism
research for the past 10 to 15 years,' says one expert. 'Previous
Radiation a risk factor for brain tumors in young people, study finds
In people under age 30, radiation is a risk factor for a type of brain
tumor called a meningioma, a study has found. Researchers analyzed
records of 35 patients who were diagnosed with meningiomas before
Less reward, more aversion when learning tricky tasks
We can easily learn by seeking reward or avoiding punishment. But
either way, we'd rather have any task be easy. A new study finds a direct
behavioral and physiological linkage between those inclinations: When
Long term shift work linked to impaired brain power
Long term shift work is linked to impaired brain power, finds research.
The impact (for rotating shift patterns, at least) was stronger after a
period of 10 or more years of exposure. And although the effects can be
Parent intervention best for helping toddlers with autism, study finds
For the first time, toddlers with autism have demonstrated significant
improvement after intensive intervention by parents rather than
clinicians, according to a new study.
How exercise could reduce relapse during meth withdrawal
Even brief workouts can reduce the risk of relapse in rats withdrawing
from methamphetamine, research shows. In addition, the research team
found that exercise affected the neurons in a brain region that had never
Why anesthetics cause prolonged memory loss
Researchers have shown why anesthetics can cause long-term memory
loss, a discovery that can have serious implications for post-operative
patients.
Neuroscientists offer novel insight on brain networks
New research offers a different approach for looking at the way the
brain operates on a network level, and could eventually lead to new
clinical diagnostic criteria for age-related memory disorders.
Smoking is a pain in the back
Smokers are three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop
chronic back pain, and dropping the habit may cut their chances of
developing this often debilitating condition, researchers report.
Coenzyme Q10 helps veterans battle Gulf War illness symptoms,
researchers report
A high quality brand of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) -- a compound
commonly sold as a dietary supplement -- provides health benefits to
persons suffering from Gulf War illness symptoms, researchers report.
Even when you're older, you need chaperones: Protective genes reduce
as we age
Aging is the most significant risk factor for developing
neurodegenerative diseases, and the risk increases disproportionately
with age. Now a team of scientists has uncovered some clues as to why.
Biological fat with a sugar attached essential to maintaining brain's
supply of stem cells
Fat and sugar aren't usually considered healthy staples, but scientists
have found that a biological fat with a sugar attached is essential for
maintaining the brain's store of stem cells.
Migraine linked to defective 'insulation' around nerve fibers, suggests
study
A new study shows cellular-level changes in nerve structure and
function that may contribute to the development of migraine headaches,
reports a new study. The findings help to explain why a plastic surgery
Tau, not amyloid-beta, triggers neuronal death process in Alzheimer's
New research points to tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, as the seminal
event that spurs neuron death in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
The finding, which dramatically alters the prevailing theory of
Drug tests on mothers' hair links recreational drug use to birth defects
Drug tests on 517 mothers in English inner city hospitals found that
nearly 15 percent had taken recreational drugs during pregnancy and
that mothers of babies with birth defects of the brain were significantly
Pediatric hydrocephalus: Guidelines for treatment published
The publication guidelines for treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus has
now been announced. Authored by a volunteer task force from the
pediatric neurosurgery community, the supplement offers a thorough
Blood test developed to diagnose early onset Alzheimer's disease
A non-invasive blood test that could diagnose early onset Alzheimer's
disease (AD) with increased accuracy has been developed by
researchers. The blood test has the potential to improve prediction for
Insomnia increases risk of motor vehicle deaths, other fatal injuries
Insomnia is a major contributor to deaths caused by motor vehicle
crashes and other unintentional fatal injuries, a new study shows. The
results underscore the importance of the 'Sleep Well, Be Well' campaign
Computer game could help visually impaired children live
independently
A new computer game is being test that researchers hope could hold the
key to helping visually-impaired children lead independent lives.
Developed by a team of neuroscientists and video game designers, the
Novel tinnitus therapy helps patients cope with phantom noise
Patients with tinnitus hear phantom noise and are sometimes so
bothered by the perceived ringing in their ears, they have difficulty
concentrating. A new therapy does not lessen perception of the noise but
appears to help patients cope better with it in their daily lives, according
For stroke patients, hospital bed position is delicate balancing act
During the first 24 hours after a stroke, attention to detail -- such as
hospital bed positioning -- is critical to patient outcomes. Most strokes
are caused by blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. Sitting
One hormone, Two roles: Sugars differentiate seasonality, metabolism
The mechanism on how a single hormone manages to trigger two
different functions, i.e. seasonal sensing and metabolism, without any
cross activity has been identified by researchers.
Potential treatment target for cocaine addiction identified by study
A potential target for therapies to treat cocaine addiction has been
identified by researchers. In their study, the investigators find evidence
that changing one amino acid in a subunit of an important receptor
Universal helmet laws reduce traumatic brain injuries in young
motorcyclists, according to trauma surgeons
Young motorcycle riders are significantly less likely to sustain a
traumatic brain injury (TBI) if they live in a state with universal
motorcycle helmet laws instead of a state with age-restricted ones,
Why scratching makes you itch more
Turns out your mom was right: scratching an itch only makes it worse.
New research reveals that scratching causes the brain to release
serotonin, which intensifies the itch sensation. Scientists uncovered
New molecule sneaks medicines across blood-brain barrier
Delivering life-saving drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) might
become a little easier thanks to a new study. In the new report, scientists
describe an antibody, called 'FC5,' is one-tenth the size of a traditional
Breakdown in gut barriers to bacteria may promote inflammation and
craving in alcoholics
Bacteria in the GI tract fulfill many vital functions and are critical for
digestion. Yet, these same bacteria can induce strong inflammatory
responses by the immune system if they penetrate the gut and enter the
Lou Gehrig's disease study: Renewing brain's aging support cells may
help neurons survive
Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or
ALS, attacks muscle-controlling nerve cells – motor neurons – in the
brain, brainstem and spinal cord. Patients typically survive only three to
Possible cause of common dementia found, opening avenues for
treatment
A major cause of dementia has been potentially discovered, scientists
report. In the type of dementia studied, there is damage to the white
matter (nerve fibres) of the brain apparent on computerized tomography
It's better for memory to make mistakes while learning
Making mistakes while learning can benefit memory and lead to the
correct answer, but only if the guesses are close-but-no-cigar, according
to new research findings. "Making random guesses does not appear to
Case study: Hearing loss in one infant twin affects mother's speech to
both babies
Is it possible that hearing loss in one infant from a pair of twins can
affect the mother’s speech to both infants? A new acoustics study zeroes
in on this question and suggests that not only is this alteration of speech
Innovative study utilizing video games shows sleep apnea may affect
memory of everyday events
Sleep apnea may affect your ability to form new spatial memories, such
as remembering where you parked your car, new research suggests. The
study demonstrates through the playing of a specific video game that
Dozens of genes associated with autism in new research
Two major genetic studies of autism, involving more than 50
laboratories worldwide, have newly implicated dozens of genes in the
disorder. The research shows that rare mutations in these genes affect
Liberal or conservative? Reactions to disgust are a dead giveaway
The way a person's brain responds to a single disgusting image is
enough to reliably predict whether he or she identifies politically as
liberal or conservative. As we approach Election Day, the researchers
EEG test to help understand, treat schizophrenia
An EEG test to study and treat schizophrenia has been validated by
researchers. The findings offer a clinical test that could be used to help
diagnose persons at risk for developing mental illness later in life, as
To reap the brain benefits of physical activity, just get moving
Everyone knows that exercise makes you feel more mentally alert at any
age. But do you need to follow a specific training program to improve
your cognitive function? Science has shown that the important thing is
Nano ruffles in brain matter
Researchers have deciphered the role of nanostructures around brain
cells in the central nervous system. An accumulation of a protein called
amyloid-beta into large insoluble deposits called plaques is known to
Brain abnormalities found in chronic fatigue patients
An imaging study has found distinct differences between the brains of
patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and those of healthy people.
Heavy drinking in adolescence associated with lasting brain changes,
animal study suggests
Heavy drinking during adolescence may lead to structural changes in
the brain and memory deficits that persist into adulthood, according to
an animal study. The study found that, even as adults, rats given daily
access to alcohol during adolescence had reduced levels of myelin -- the
fatty coating on nerve fibers that accelerates the transmission of
Different brain tumors have the same origin, new findings show
Glioma is a common name for serious brain tumors. Different types of
glioma are usually diagnosed as separate diseases and have been
considered to arise from different cell types in the brain. Now
Major factor in development of Huntington's disease uncovered
A major contributor to Huntington’s disease, a devastating progressive
neurological condition that produces involuntary movements, emotional
disturbance and cognitive impairment, has been uncovered by scientists.
New technology shows promise for delivery of therapeutics to the brain
Researchers have created “a tool for blood-barrier-brain disruption that
uses bursts of sub-microsecond bipolar pulses to enhance the transfer of
large molecules to the brain.” According to the authors, the current
Pair bonding reinforced in the brain: Zebra finches use their specialized
song system for simple communication
In addition to their song, songbirds also have an extensive repertoire of
calls. While the species-specific song must be learned as a young bird,
most calls are, as in the case of all other birds, innate. Researchers have
now discovered that in zebra finches the song control system in the
Self-reported sleep disturbances linked to higher risk for Alzheimer's
disease in men
Elderly men with self-reported sleep disturbances run a higher risk of
developing Alzheimer’s disease than men without self-reported sleep
disturbances, studies show. The researchers followed more than 1,000
Preventative action prior to brain surgery: Ultra-high-field MRI reveals
language centers in brain in much more detail
It is now possible, for the first time, to demonstrate that the areas of the
brain that are important for understanding language can be pinpointed
much more accurately using ultra-high-field MRI (7 Tesla) than with
Meditation makes you more creative, study suggests
Certain meditation techniques can promote creative thinking, even if
you have never meditated before. The study is a clear indication that
you don't need to be an experienced meditator to profit more from
PET scans reveal how psychodynamic therapy for depression may
change brain function
A study has identified for the first time changes in the metabolic activity
of a key brain region in patients successfully treated for depression with
psychodynamic psychotherapy, suggesting a mechanism of action
behind an important and widely practiced form of therapy. They also
found evidence that pretreatment metabolism in a different brain
Real-time readout of neurochemical activity
Scientists have created cells with fluorescent dyes that change color in
response to specific neurochemicals. By implanting these cells into
living mammalian brains, they have shown how neurochemical
Traumatic brain injury associated with increased dementia risk in older
adults
Traumatic brain injury appears to be associated with an increased risk of
dementia in adults 55 years and older, according to a study. "Whether a
person with TBI recovers cognitively or develops dementia is likely
Whites of their eyes: Infants respond to social cues from sclera, study
finds
Infants at 7 months old are able to unconsciously pick up on eye cues,
based on the size of the whites of a person’s eyes – a vital foundation
for the development of social interactive skills, a new psychology study
Synapses always on the starting blocks: Neurotransmitter rapid-fire
release better understood
Vesicles filled with neurotransmitters touch the cell membrane, thereby
enabling their rapid-fire release, scientists report. They have succeeded
in demonstrating that fusionable vesicles have a very special
Blood vessel growth in brain relies on a protein found in tumor blood
vessels
Fourteen years ago, several genes were discovered that are more active
in tumor-associated blood vessels than in normal blood vessels. New
research now reveals the normal function of one of those genes and
Brain development in utero observed by researchers
New investigation methods using functional magnetic resonance
tomography (fMRT) offer insights into fetal brain development. These
"in vivo" observations will uncover different stages of the brain's
Heart drug may help treat ALS, mouse study shows
Digoxin, a medication used in the treatment of heart failure, may be
adaptable for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a
progressive, paralyzing disease, suggests new research.
Activity in dendrites critical in memory formation
Researchers have discovered how neurons in the brain might allow
some experiences to be remembered while others are forgotten. Using a
unique microscope, they peered into the brain of a living animal
.Células madre y Epigenética
Breast cancer recurrence: Study provides insight
Scientists have explored what allows some cases of Ductal Carcinoma
in Situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer, to resist treatment
and come back, as well as identifying a potential new target to improve
NSAIDs prevent colon cancer by inducing death of intestinal stem cells
that have mutation
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
protect against the development of colorectal cancer by inducing cell
suicide pathways in intestinal stem cells that carry a certain mutated and
How stem cells can be activated to help immune system respond to
infection
Scientists show that two genes not previously known to be involved
with the immune system play an active role in directing stem cells to
fight infection. This discovery lays the groundwork for a better
Decoding the emergence of metastatic cancer stem cells
In the first study of its kind, researchers have mapped how information
flows through the genetic circuits that cause cancer cells to become
metastatic. The research reveals a common pattern in the decision-
Identifying the source of stem cells
When most animals begin life, cells immediately begin accepting
assignments to become a head, tail or a vital organ. However, mammals,
including humans, are special. The cells of mammalian embryos get to
Reconstruction of patterned piece of spinal cord in 3D culture
The central nervous system in vertebrates develops from the neural
tube, which is the basis for the differentiation in spinal cord and brain.
Researchers have demonstrated for the first time the in vitro growth of a
Mechanism that allows differentiated cell to reactivate as a stem cell
revealed
A study, performed with fruit flies, describes a gene that determines
whether a specialized cell conserves the capacity to become a stem cell
again. Unveiling the genetic traits that favor the retention of stem cell
Why targeted drug doesn't benefit patients with early-stage lung cancer
The drug erlotinib is highly effective in treating advanced-stage lung
cancer patients whose tumors have a particular gene mutation, but when
the same drug is used for patients with early-stage tumors with the same
Effects of poor eating habits persist even after diet is improved
Scientists use mice to show that even after successful treatment of
atherosclerosis, including lowering of blood cholesterol and a change in
dietary habits, the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle still affect the way
Size matters: Baby's size at birth may predict risk for disease later in life
Being overweight might be better in the long term than being
underweight, at least when it comes to infants. "These findings support
the hypothesis that common long-term variation in the activity of genes
Epigenome of cardiac muscle cell mapped
Pharmacologists have succeeded in mapping the epigenome of cardiac
muscle cells. They hope the findings will lead to new insights into the
development of congenital heart defects and chronic heart failure. The
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