Universidad de Salamanca Facultad de Biología

Biblioteca

Bionoticias Diciembre (3ª) de 2013

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BioNoticias. Resumen de prensa semanal

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índice

Biología 4

Biomedicina 11

Biotecnología 16

Células madre 26

Neurociencia 28

.Biología

Hallado un dinosaurio de pico de pato con cresta de gallo Los dinosaurios son conocidos a menudo por sus cráneos adornados con crestas óseas y cuernos. En América del Norte, los más comunes hace entre 75 y 65 millones de años eran los hadrosaurios, o dinosaurios de pico de pato, que podían llegar a medir cerca de doce metros de longitud y tenían una... Repueblan el lago de Banyoles con centenares de juveniles de mejillones de agua dulce Investigadores del Proyecto Estany han conseguido criar náyades –mejillones de agua dulce– en cautividad. Los resultados del proyecto podrían exportarse a otros ecosistemas de agua dulce. Las náyades son especies bioindicadoras y la mayoría están en una situación crítica de amenaza. Analizan fósiles marinos para determinar cómo eran las costas de Cabo Verde en el pasado Científicos de las universidades de Huelva, Lisboa, Ensenada (Baja California), Columbia (Nueva York) y Massachussets han estudiado por primera vez cómo ha ido evolucionando el archipiélago de Cabo Verde a través del análisis de las especies marinas que lo poblaban. La novedad de la investigación radica en su estudio en islas volcánicas, donde los expertos han observado los avances y retrocesos hi Revelan el arma química que usa una bacteria para poder iniciar infecciones contundentes Cada año las enfermedades gastrointestinales tienen consecuencias letales para más de cinco millones de personas. Unos científicos han descubierto ahora lo que hace tan peligrosa a una cepa específica de Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, una de las principales responsables de esas infecciones. Las... Secuencian el genoma de la nuez de mar, el pariente más antiguo de los animales actuales Han secuenciado el genoma de una criatura marina conocida como nuez de mar. Ya se sabía que formaba parte de la base del árbol genealógico animal, pero con esta nueva información genética los científicos han descubierto que representa la primera rama de este árbol evolutivo.

Más pruebas de que los primeros pobladores de América llegaron de Siberia Los resultados de un minucioso análisis de ADN sobre los restos óseos de un muchacho, a los que se les calculan unos 24.000 años de antigüedad, han causado una honda sorpresa en la comunidad arqueológica y obligarán a reescribir páginas de la historia sobre los primeros pobladores del continente...

El rastreo optimiza la medición de las poblaciones de topillo campesino El nuevo sistema utiliza los signos de actividad de los roedores, en lugar de en capturas con trampas, para evaluar las poblaciones de topillo campesino. Este método mejora el seguimiento de los ejemplares y optimiza la gestión de las plagas. Esta especie causa importantes daños en la agricultura y puede provocar problemas de salud en personas. Descubren en Asturias una cría de mamut y uno de los mayores conjuntos de rinoceronte lanudo de la Península Investigadores asturianos han conseguido recuperar uno de los conjuntos faunísticos de clima frío más abundantes de la península ibérica. El yacimiento de Jou Puerta, oculto durante milenios, quedó al descubierto durante las obras de la Autovía del Cantábrico, y antes de que la obra continuase su...

Algunas microalgas sobreviven en aguas contaminadas por uranio Algunas microalgas han conseguido adaptarse y sobrevivir a las condiciones extremas de estanques mineros que presentan niveles elevados de uranio y otros metales pesados, procedentes de la contaminación provocada por las minas abandonadas de la provincia de Salamanca, según un artículo publicado en la revista científica Aquatic Toxicology. Uno de los aspectos más importantes de este hallazgo es qu Identifican una variante genética asociada con las pecas y la sensibilidad al Sol Un equipo internacional de científicos ha identificado una variante genómica fuertemente asociada con una sensibilidad mayor de lo normal al sol, y con las pecas, el cabello castaño y los ojos azules.El equipo de Andy McCallion, de la Universidad Johns Hopkins en Baltimore, Maryland, Estados... Un gen común en el sistema inmunitario actual de bastantes europeos proviene de los neandertales Se ha descubierto un receptor que permite al sistema inmunitario de los humanos modernos reconocer invasores microbianos peligrosos, y que a raíz de ello provoca una reacción inmunitaria. Lo llamativo es que el "patrón genético", o los "planos de construcción", de esta estructura biológica tan...

Investigan contaminación por cadmio y arsénico en la producción de soja Artículo-entrevista escrito por Silvina ChavesDesde 2003, un equipo interdisciplinario de investigadores estudia cómo influye la contaminación por cadmio y arsénico sobre la producción de soja. Sus conclusiones indican que la planta reacciona activando sus mecanismos de defensa antioxidante...

Que treinta años no es nada... si lo que promete el futuro es algo mucho mejor Los días 18 y 19 de noviembre se celebró en la Royal Society de Londres un encuentro sobre ADN antiguo (aDNA o ancient DNA para los angloparlantes). El investigador español Antonio García Valdecasas, del Museo nacional de Ciencias Naturales, comparte sus apuntes sobre este encuentro donde “tecnología, bioinformática y conservación afinan la respuesta a preguntas sobre nuestros orígenes”.

Las plantaciones de pino ofrecen condiciones óptimas para que bajo ellas se desarrolle el bosque natural El grupo de Paisaje, Biodiversidad y Servicios de Ecosistemas de la Universidad del País Vasco ha estudiado la capacidad del bosque autóctono para recolonizar las plantaciones de pino. En el caso de que haya alrededor algún bosque autóctono, las especies de árbol, helecho y algunas herbáceas típicas de dichos bosques penetran debajo de las plantaciones de pino, sin necesidad de actuación alguna.

Descubren en Asturias una cría de mamut y uno de los mayores conjuntos de rinoceronte lanudo de la Península Investigadores asturianos han conseguido recuperar uno de los conjuntos faunísticos de clima frío más abundantes de la península ibérica. El yacimiento de Jou Puerta, oculto durante milenios, quedó al descubierto durante las obras de la Autovía del Cantábrico, y antes de que la obra continuase su curso los investigadores han recuperado más de mil restos pertenecientes a individuos de diez especies Descubren un dinosaurio carnívoro que fue uno de los tres más grandes de Norteamérica Una nueva especie de dinosaurio carnívoro, uno de los tres más grandes descubiertos en América del Norte, convivía con tiranosaurios de cuerpo pequeño y competía con ellos, hace 98 millones de años. Se considera que esta especie recién descubierta, Siats meekerorum, fue el depredador supremo de... Un nuevo método reduce el tiempo de elaboración del vino dulce y aumenta su efecto antioxidante Investigadores del Departamento de Química Agrícola de la Universidad de Córdoba han desarrollado un nuevo método de elaboración de vinos tintos dulces a partir de las variedades de uva Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah y Merlot. ¿La obesidad altera el sentido del gusto? En un nuevo estudio, se ha comprobado que unos ratones con sobrepeso tenían menos células gustativas capaces de detectar el sabor dulce.Las autoras de esta investigación han llegado a la conclusión de que el sobrepeso afecta severamente a la capacidad de los ratones para saborear lo dulce. En... Marte albergó un lago de agua dulce con el cóctel químico perfecto para la vida Los sedimentos examinados por el rover Curiosity en el cráter marciano Gale indican que hace más de 3.000 millones de años hubo un lago con elementos biológicos clave como carbono, hidrógeno, oxígeno y nitrógeno que proporcionarían las condiciones idóneas para la vida microbiana. Las investigaciones, en las que han participado científicos españoles, se publican hoy en la revista Science.

Los peces actúan de centinelas de la calidad de agua Una investigación realizada por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid y el Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria concluye que la calidad de las aguas que alimentan las piscifactorías puede monitorizarse mediante el análisis de sus peces, lo que sirve como herramienta para detectar la contaminación de ríos y masas de agua. Descubren un nuevo género de escarabajo canario El investigador Miguel A. Alonso Zarazaga, del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, ha descubierto un nuevo género de coleóptero en las islas Canarias, que ha denominado Moreiba. Estos escarabajos se incluyen dentro de la familia de los gorgojos, un grupo que causa numerosas plagas en los cultivos.

.Biomedicina

Un acelerador para la reprogramación celular Un equipo internacional de científicos ha descubierto un mecanismo por el cual la reprogramación de células adultas a células madre pluripotentes inducidas es mucho más rápida y eficiente. El descubrimiento permite que la reprogramación de células pase de un par de semanas a pocos días. Mejoran el diagnóstico en niños en estado crítico Un estudio desarrollado en las UCI pediátricas vincula el nivel de varios biomarcadores con el riesgo de mortalidad. Los resultados revelan que un análisis de sangre realizado en las primeras horas tras el ingreso en cuidados intensivos pediátricos ayuda a pronosticar la gravedad de los niños. Una nueva técnica despliega biomoléculas a alta velocidad La revista Science publica un experimento que permite manipular una molécula individual a la misma velocidad que se realiza la simulación en el ordenador. Los pioneros resultados revelan que esto equivale a 2,5 órdenes de magnitud más rápido que las medidas convencionales. Un modelo matemático predice la expansión de los virus en función de los vuelos entre ciudades Madrid puede estar más cerca de Londres que de Málaga si el que se desplaza entre las urbes es un virus. Investigadores alemanes han desarrollado un método basado en los sistemas complejos que se basa en el tamaño de las ciudades y la frecuencia de sus conexiones aéreas para predecir el avance de una enfermedad contagiosa. En 2012 hubo más de 14 millones de nuevos casos de cáncer La Organización Mundial de la Salud ha presentado hoy los datos de un informe sobre la incidencia global del cáncer: más de 14 millones de nuevos casos y más de 8 millones de fallecimientos relacionados. Además, la institución subraya la importancia de medidas de prevención y control del cáncer de mama y de cuello de útero. Desde 2008 estos casos han aumentado un 20%.

Descubren una alteración en el feto y la placenta que provoca cardiopatías congénitas Investigadores del Vall d’Hebron han detectado una expresión anómala de ciertos factores en el tejido cardíaco de fetos afectados por cardiopatías. Identificarlos en la sangre materna puede ayudar a la detección precoz. Identifican nuevas variantes genéticas raras que aumentan el riesgo de alzhéimer Un investigador español lidera un estudio que describe nuevas variantes genéticas infrecuentes, pero que hacen a sus portadores mucho más proclives a sufrir alzhéimer. En el trabajo, publicado esta semana en Nature, participan expertos del Centro de Investigación Clínica Aplicada y la Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Un trabajo español, descubrimiento del año en medicina regenerativa La revista Nature Medicine escoge una investigación dirigida por el investigador español Manuel Serrano como la más importante del año en el campo de las células madre. El estudio demuestra por primera vez que los organismos vivos presentan grados insospechadamente altos de plasticidad celular. Un trabajo español, seleccionado descubrimiento del año en medicina regenerativa La revista Nature Medicine escoge una investigación dirigida por el investigador español Manuel Serrano como la más importante del año en el campo de las células madre. El estudio demuestra por primera vez que los organismos vivos presentan grados insospechadamente altos de plasticidad celular. Los estudios domiciliarios de apneas del sueño son menos costosos que los hospitalarios Por primera vez, un estudio demuestra que los estudios domiciliarios de apneas del sueño son, a igualdad de eficacia, un 20% menos costosos que los estudios hospitalarios. Este síndrome se caracteriza por oclusiones repetidas de la faringe al dormir.

Las madres adolescentes y las mayores de 35 tienen mayor riesgo de hijos prematuros y de bajo peso Investigadores españoles han demostrado que las madres menores de 19 años y las mayores de 35 tienen un mayor riesgo de tener hijos prematuros y de bajo peso. Los resultados se publican en la revista Nutrición Hospitalaria.

Describen un mecanismo de señalización celular semejante al que utilizan las neuronas Investigadores del Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), han descrito el mecanismo de señalización celular de una proteína que es esencial en tejidos en desarrollo. El mecanismo de señalización recuerda al que utilizan las neuronas para comunicarse entre sí. Crean minigenes para diagnosticar y prevenir el cáncer de mama y ovario hereditarios Un equipo internacional de investigadores ha desarrollado una herramienta que identifica alteraciones del splicing, una etapa esencial de la expresión génica. Para ello, han creado minigenes de BRCA1 y BRCA2, los dos principales genes de predisposición al cáncer de mama.

Captan pulmones sanos y con patologías de difícil acceso para la investigación Contar con muestras de pulmones procedentes de donantes sin patología respiratoria y muestras de pacientes enfermos en estadios muy avanzados a disposición de la comunidad científica es el objetivo de la Plataforma Biobanco Pulmonar, dependiente del Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

Europa financia dos ensayos clínicos de una vacuna terapéutica contra el VIH La estrategia iHIVARNA contra el VIH, que emplea una vacuna terapéutica basada en ARN mensajero, ha sido financiada por la Comisión Europea con seis millones de euros para los próximos cuatro años. El proyecto está coordinado por el centro de investigación biomédica Idibaps, en Barcelona. Una técnica basada en el consumo de glucosa detecta el cáncer en fase precoz Un investigador portugués ha desarrollado un procedimiento pionero para evaluar en ratones la respuesta al tratamiento de tumores. Los resultados, publicados en la revista Nature Medicine, confirman la precisión de este método.

.Biotecnología

Effects of migrations, 'closed holdings' on DNA of Alpine peoples A genetic study sheds light on the history of the populations, indicating that the genetic make-up of human beings is a result of their biological evolution, which is also influenced by geographical and socio-cultural factors such as environmental features and marriage customs. This is the outcome of a study that reconstructed the genetic structure of the populations of the eastern Italian Alps on Evolution on molecular level Researchers describe the evolution of various forms of the enzyme “dihydrofolate reductase” as it occurred from bacteria to humans. Their paper may prove useful to scientists in the design of future drugs and catalysts. Zebrafish help decode link between calcium deficiency, colon cancer A tiny, transparent fish embryo and a string of surprises led scientists to a deeper understanding of the perplexing link between low calcium and colon cancer. 60 ScienceDaily: Biotechnolo... / 2d In search of treatment for rare bone cancer Researchers say that a drug approved to treat lung cancer substantially shrank tumors in mice that were caused by a rare form of bone cancer called chordoma. A stop sign for cancer A particularly aggressive form of leukemia is the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is especially common among children and very difficult to treat. Researchers have now discovered completely new targets for the treatment of blood cancers. Studying the cancer protein STAT5, the scientists found new opportunities for the development of effective anti-cancer drugs. Rare gene variants double risk for Alzheimer's disease A team of researchers has identified variations in a gene that double a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. The newly identified variations occur rarely in the population, making them hard for researchers to identify. But they’re important because individuals who carry them are at substantially increased risk.

Helping cancer researchers make sense of deluge of genetic data A web research tool is helping cancer researchers and physicians make sense out of genetic data from nearly 100,000 patients and more than 50,000 mice. The Gene Expression Barcode 3.0 is a vital resource in the new era of personalized medicine. Newly discovered gene interaction could lead to novel cancer therapies Scientists have revealed how two genes interact to kill a wide range of cancer cells. The genes known as mda-7/IL-24 and SARI could potentially be harnessed to treat both primary and metastatic forms of brain, breast, colon, lung, ovary, prostate, skin and other cancers. First step of metastasis halted in mice with breast cancer Cell biologists have identified a unique class of breast cancer cells that lead the process of invasion into surrounding tissues. Because invasion is the first step in the deadly process of cancer metastasis, the researchers say they may have found a weak link in cancer's armor and a possible new target for therapy. Speeding up gene discovery Researchers develop a new gene-editing system that enables large-scale studies of gene function. Blind cavefish offer evidence for alternative mechanism of evolutionary change In a blind fish that dwells in deep, dark Mexican caves, scientists have found evidence for a long-debated mechanism of evolutionary change that is distinct from natural selection of spontaneously arising mutations, as reported this week in the journal Science. Scientists discover double meaning in genetic code Scientists have discovered a second code hiding within DNA. The second code contains information that changes how scientists read the instructions contained in DNA and interpret mutations to make sense of health and disease. Genomes use the genetic code to write two separate languages. One describes how proteins are made, and the other instructs the cell on how genes are controlled. One language i

New type of immune cell discovered that helps tumors to grow A cross-institutional, international team of scientists recently discovered a new, important step of the process that grows new blood vessels, a discovery that could lead to a new way to combat cancer.

Combining mutants results in 5-fold lifespan extension in C. elegans What are the limits to longevity? Scientists combined mutations in two pathways well-known for lifespan extension and report a synergistic five-fold lifespan extension in the nematode C. elegans. The worms lived to the human equivalent of 400 to 500 years. The research introduces the possibility of combination therapy for aging and could help explain why scientists are having a difficult time iden One protein, two personalities: Team identifies new mechanism of cancer spread A new finding has identified key steps that trigger the disintegration of cellular regulation that leads to cancer. The discovery -- that a protein called Exo70 has a split personality, with one form keeping cells under tight control and another contributing to the ability of tumors to invade distant parts of the body -- points to new possibilities for diagnosing cancer metastasis. Geme mutation potential target for diagnosis, treatment of insulinoma Chinese researchers have identified the recurrent T372R mutation in the transcription factor YY1 (Yin Yang 1) are related with insulinoma oncogenesis, implicating a potential marker for the diagnosis and treatment of functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs).

Salmonella jams signals from bacteria-fighting mast cells A protein in Salmonella inactivates mast cells -- critical players in the body’s fight against bacteria and other pathogens -- rendering them unable to protect against bacterial spread in the body, according to researchers. Missing molecule in chemical production line discovered It takes dozens of chemical reactions for a cell to make isoprenoids, a diverse class of molecules found in every type of living organism. Cholesterol, for example, an important component of the membranes of cells, is a large isoprenoid chemical. The molecule that gives oranges their citrusy smell and taste is an isoprenoid, as is the natural antimalarial drug artemisinin. Cancer 'avalanche effect' refuted First, the number of chromosomes in a cell changes, then an avalanche of further mutations occur that transform the cell into a cancer cell, according to a well-known - but untested - theory. A research group in Sweden has now shown that the theory is not correct and constitutes a dead end for research.

Environment drives genetics in 'Evolution Canyon': Discovery sheds light on climate change Researchers studying life from a unique natural environment in Israel discover heat stress seems to influence a species' genetic makeup, a finding that may influence understanding of climate change. Silver Banksia plants excel at phosphate saving Plants in the leached soils of Western Australia have developed a special strategy for coping with the scarcity of phosphorus. Plants from the Banksia genus of the Proteaceae family make severe cutbacks, in particular to the RNA found in the ribosomes (rRNA). The cell’s protein factories are the biggest consumers of phosphorus; in this way, the plants save on both phosphorus and water. As global p Gut microbes affect MicroRNA response to bacterial infection When it comes to fighting off pathogens like Listeria, your best allies may be the billions of microorganisms that line your gut, according to new research. The study reveals that germ-free mice are more susceptible to infection with the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes than mice with conventional intestinal microbiota. Liquid to gel to bone: Temperature-sensitive gelling scaffolds made to regenerate craniofacial bone Bioengineers have developed a hydrogel scaffold for craniofacial bone tissue regeneration that starts as a liquid, solidifies into a gel in the body and liquefies again for removal. More powerful approach to analyze melanoma's genetic causes There may be a better way to analyze the genetic causes of cutaneous melanoma according to a study published. A statistical analysis using the natural and orthogonal interaction model showed increased power over existing approaches for detecting genetic effects and interactions when applied to the genome-wide melanoma dataset. Fight against cancer: The anti-tumor activity of immune cells can be restored Researchers have revealed a mechanism that explains why the anti-tumor activity of specific immune cells called macrophages is suppressed during tumor growth. They have also demonstrated that blocking the protein Nrp1 can restore this anti-tumor immune response.

This is a first, and may provide an important hub for the development of new therapies against cancer.

New strain of bird flu packs a punch even after becoming drug-resistant Researchers have reported that a virulent new strain of influenza -- the virus that causes the flu -- appears to retain its ability to cause serious disease in humans even after it develops resistance to antiviral medications. Key role of protein in segregation of genetic material during cell division Researchers have reported the regulator mechanisms of mitosis, a key stage of the cell-cycle for the correct transmission of genetic information from parents to sons. Novel cancer cell DNA damage repair mechanism unveiled Cancer cells have an exceptional ability to repair damage to their DNA caused during uncontrolled cell division. Scientists have now unveiled a novel piece of the puzzle of cancer cell DNA repair mechanisms that explain the mechanistic changes in the genetic code of cancer cells.

New gene therapy proves promising as hemophilia treatment Researchers have found that a new kind of gene therapy led to a dramatic decline in bleeding events in dogs with naturally occurring hemophilia A, a serious and costly bleeding condition. Older Dads: Possible links to autism, schizophrenia in offspring Advanced paternal age has been associated with greater risk for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. With an increase in paternal age, there is a greater frequency of certain types of mutations that contribute to these disorders in offspring. Recent research, however, looks beyond the genetic code to "epigenetic effects," which do not involve changes in the genes them XXI Jornadas Científicas del CNB La vigésima primera edición de las tradicionals Jornadas Científicas del CNB se celebrará este año los días 17 y 18 de diciembre de 2013. Como se puede apreciar en el programa, 23 científicos del CNB explicarán sus investigaciones, siendo una magnífica oportunidad de ponerse al día de las investigaciones que se llevan a cabo en la actualidad en el campo de las ciencias de la vida. Como en años an Decoding viral puzzles The genome of viruses is usually enclosed inside a shell called capsid. Capsids have unique mechanic properties: they have to be resistant and at the same time capable of dissolving in order to release the genome into the infected cell. Scientists have coordinated a study on the mechanic properties of viruses that have improved their understanding, so much that they were able to make conjectures o From common colds to deadly lung diseases, one protein plays key role An international team of researchers has zeroed in on a protein that plays a key role in many lung-related ailments, from seasonal coughing and hacking to more serious diseases such as MRSA infections and cystic fibrosis. The finding advances knowledge about this range of illnesses and may point the way to eventually being able to prevent infections such as MRSA. The key protein is called MUC5B. Ice-cold methods decode bacterial infection systems When attacking body cells, bacteria, such as salmonellae or Yersinia (plague pathogens), inject specific bacterial proteins through hollow,

syringe-like structures – called injectisomes – into the host cells. These substances reprogram the cells and can thus overcome their defense. From then on, they can infiltrate the cells unhindered in large numbers, and trigger diseases such as typhus, plague,

Boosting immune system to treat brain cancer Researchers have made a discovery that could lead to better treatment for patients suffering from brain cancer. They looked at human brain tumor samples and discovered that specialized immune cells in brain tumor patients are compromised. The researchers took this discovery and, in an animal model, identified a drug that is able to re-activate those immune cells and reduce brain tumor growth, ther Breakthrough in treating leukemia, lymphoma patients with umbilical cord blood stem cells Donated umbilical cord blood contains stem cells that can save the lives of leukemia and lymphoma patients. A multi-center study has found that growing cord blood stem cells in a laboratory before transplantation significantly improves survival. First kidney-specific, mechanism-based drug design underway Changes to a key protein amplified its natural ability to counter kidney disease, according to a study published. Advances in stem cell transplantation strategies show promise to improve availability, success Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, once considered an effective yet risky alternative to drug therapy for blood cancer, has become more accessible and successful in a wide range of patients as a result of major advances in transplant strategies and technologies.

New insight into the genetic causes of epilepsy Scientists screening the DNA of large cohorts for known and suspected epilepsy associated genes are finding that, while some genes are implicated in discrete phenotypes or forms of epilepsy, other genes are implicated in a wider range of phenotypes. Although ion channel genes are a common cause of epilepsy, the researchers also report a significant number of epilepsy patients with mutations in non Genetic studies of breast cancer in dogs Mammary tumours (breast cancer) are the most common form of cancer in female dogs. Now a PhD project has led to the identification of genetic changes associated with these types of tumor. These findings can help to improve our understanding of the development of breast cancer in both dogs and humans. Who's patenting whose genome? An international project has developed a free and open public resource that will bring much-needed transparency to the murky and contentious world of gene patenting. In surprise finding, blood clots absorb bacterial toxin Blood clots play an unexpected role in protecting the body from the deadly effects of bacteria by absorbing bacterial toxins, researchers have found. The discovery may shed light on the pathology of septic shock. Gene sequencing project finds drugs with promise for treating childhood tumor Drugs that enhance a process called oxidative stress were found to kill rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells growing in the laboratory and possibly bolstered the effectiveness of chemotherapy against this aggressive tumor of muscle and other soft tissue.

.Células madre

Researchers study stem cell treatments for children with CP A first-of-its-kind clinical trial studying two forms of stem cell treatments for children with cerebral palsy (CP) has begun.

Researchers show optimal framework for heartbeats There is an optimal amount of strain that a beating heart can generate and still beat at its usual rate, once per second. Researchers have now shown that this "sweet spot" depends on the stiffness of the collagen framework that the heart's cells live within. Step closer to muscle regeneration Muscle cell therapy to treat some degenerative diseases, including Muscular Dystrophy, could be a more realistic clinical possibility, now that scientists have found a way to isolate muscle cells from embryonic tissue. Breakthrough in treating leukemia, lymphoma patients with umbilical cord blood stem cells Donated umbilical cord blood contains stem cells that can save the lives of leukemia and lymphoma patients. A multi-center study has found that growing cord blood stem cells in a laboratory before transplantation significantly improves

.Neurociencia

Poverty influences children's early brain development Poverty may have direct implications for important, early steps in the development of the brain, saddling children of low-income families with slower rates of growth in two key brain structures, according to researchers. Scientists improve human self-control through electrical brain stimulation If you have ever said or done the wrong thing at the wrong time, you should read this. Neuroscientists have successfully demonstrated a technique to enhance a form of self-control through a novel form of brain stimulation. Scientists, practitioners don't see eye to eye on repressed memory Skepticism about repressed traumatic memories has increased over time, but new research shows that psychology researchers and practitioners still tend to hold different beliefs about whether such memories occur and whether they can be accurately retrieved. Study breaks blood-brain barriers to understanding Alzheimer's A study in mice shows how a breakdown of the brain's blood vessels may amplify or cause problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that blood vessel cells called pericytes may provide novel targets for treatments and diagnoses. Medical mystery solved An international team has identified a new disease related to NKH, a finding that resolves previously baffling cases, including the death of a Colorado girl. Brain structure shows affinity with numbers The structure of the brain shows the way in which we process numbers. People either do this spatially or non-spatially. A study shows for the first time that these individual differences have a structural basis in the brain. Combat-related injuries: Brain imaging differences in veterans with TBI A recent study used diffusion tensor imaging, a type of highly sensitive magnetic resonance image (MRI), to examine the way water moves throughout the brain’s white matter.

Foreign-body material identified at site of fatal brain hemorrhage Researchers hypothesize about the role that polyvinylpyrrolidone may play in fatal hemorrhages several days after successful cerebral aneurysm treatment. Sniffing out danger: Fearful memories can trigger heightened sense of smell Neuroscientists studying the olfactory -- sense of smell -- system in mice have discovered that fear reaction can occur at the sensory level, even before the brain has the opportunity to interpret that the odor could mean trouble. Muting the Mozart effect Though it has been embraced by everyone from advocates for arts education to parents hoping to encourage their kids to stick with piano lessons, two new studies show no effect of music training on the cognitive abilities of young children. Researchers study stem cell treatments for children with CP A first-of-its-kind clinical trial studying two forms of stem cell treatments for children with cerebral palsy (CP) has begun. Picturing pain could help unlock its mysteries, improve treatments Understanding the science behind pain, from a simple "ouch" to the chronic and excruciating, has been an elusive goal for centuries. But now, researchers are reporting a promising step toward studying pain in action. In a study published, scientists describe the development of a new technique, which they tested in rats, that could result in better ways to relieve pain and monitor healing Groundbreaking discovery in deadly childhood cancer A new study by Canadian researchers may pave the way for more effective treatment of an aggressive and deadly type of brain tumor, known as ETMR/ETANTR. The tumor, which is seen only in children under four, is almost always fatal, despite aggressive treatment. The study proposes a new model for how this brain tumor develops and suggests possible targets to investigate for novel therapies.

Neuroscience method of optogenetics as good as electrical stimulation Researchers have shown that optogenetics -- a technique that uses pulses of visible light to alter the behavior of brain cells -- can be as good as or possibly better than the older technique of using small bursts of electrical current. Optogenetics had been used in small rodent models. Research has shown that optogenetics works effectively in larger, more complex brains. Establishing the basis of humor The act of laughing at a joke is the result of a two-stage process in the brain, first detecting an incongruity before then resolving it with an expression of mirth. Interestingly, the brain actions involved in understanding humour differ between young boys and girls. Dietary amino acids improve sleep problems in mice with traumatic brain injury Scientists have discovered how to fix sleep disturbances in mice with traumatic brain injuries -- a discovery that could lead to help for hundreds of thousands of people who have long-term and debilitating sleep and wakefulness issues after they suffer concussions.

Nonconcussion head impacts in contact sports linked to brain changes and lower test scores Repeated blows to the head during a season of contact sports may cause changes in the brain's white matter and affect cognitive abilities even if none of the impacts resulted in a concussion. Conflict zone contractors suffer high rates of PTSD, depression Private contractors who worked in Iraq, Afghanistan or other conflict environments over the past two years report suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression more often than military personnel who served in recent conflicts, according to a new study. Researchers found that among the contractors studied, 25 percent met criteria for PTSD, 18 percent screened positive for depression

Brain's never-before-seen cellular response to concussions could lead to therapy A biology student spent the past few summers developing an experiment for observing the brain's cellular response to a concussion. The never-before-seen action could one day lead to therapies that mitigate brain damage following mild traumatic brain injuries. Even when test scores go up, some cognitive abilities don't In new research, neuroscientists find that even high-performing schools don't influence their students' abstract reasoning. Researchers uncover mechanism controlling Tourette Syndrome tics A mechanism in the brain that controls tics in children with Tourette Syndrome has been discovered by scientists.

Balancing old and new skills A new model explains how the brain can learn novel tasks while still remembering what it has already learned. The smoking gun: Fish brains and nicotine In researching neural pathways, it helps to establish an analogous relationship between a region of the human brain and the brains of more-easily studied animal species. New work hones in on one particular region of the zebrafish brain that could help us understand the circuitry underlying nicotine addiction. Prolonged viewing of Boston Marathon bombings media coverage tied to acute stress Stepping away from the television, computer screen or smartphone in the aftermath of terrorist attacks or mass shootings may be beneficial to your mental health. A new study shows that six or more daily hours of exposure to coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings in the week afterward was linked to more acute stress than having been at the event. Acute stress symptoms increased with each addition Older Dads: Possible links to autism, schizophrenia in offspring Advanced paternal age has been associated with greater risk for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. With an increase in paternal age, there is a greater frequency of certain types of mutations that contribute to these disorders in offspring. Recent research, however, looks beyond the genetic code to "epigenetic effects," which do not involve changes in the genes them Motivating women to forget the message: When do breast cancer ads backfire? After a traumatic experience, the details we remember surrounding the event are sometimes foggy. According to a new study, consumers remember the least when they feel the most threatened. Study shows exercise improves depression in Parkinson's patients A new study by a movement disorder neurologist found that depression improved among patients with Parkinson’s disease who participated in a long-term group exercise program.

Boosting immune system to treat brain cancer Researchers have made a discovery that could lead to better treatment for patients suffering from brain cancer. They looked at human brain tumor samples and discovered that specialized immune cells in brain tumor patients are compromised. The researchers took this discovery and, in an animal model, identified a drug that is able to re-activate those immune cells and reduce brain tumor growth, ther Survey: Impact of surgery on lives of people with epilepsy Resective surgery is an effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. To investigate the effect of epilepsy surgery on patients lives, researchers conducted a long-term retrospective follow up of surgical patients and correlated post-surgical psychosocial outcomes with seizure outcome and brain area surgically treated. Epilepsy surgery effect on mood, behavior in children differs by surgical site Children with epilepsy are at high risk for depression, anxiety, and behavioral functioning disorders. Mood and behavior are known to change or improve in children following epilepsy surgery, but research is inconsistent concerning the extent of the change. Pediatric patients most likely to have long-term damage from prolonged seizures A long-standing hypothesis holds that prolonged febrile (fever induced) seizures (PFS), the most common form of childhood convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), cause mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Whether prolonged convulsions lead to long-term damage to hippocampus or MTS is uncertain. A team of investigators looking into this question has found that a subgroup, and not all, children who experie Variability in olfactory receptors affects human odor perception Researchers have found that as much as 30 percent of the large array of human olfactory receptor differs between any two individuals. This substantial variation is in turn reflected by variability in how each person perceives odors.

Post-operative change in AED therapy may not affect long-term outcome after temporal lobe surgery Surgery for drug–resistant epilepsy is performed with the dual aim of obtaining seizure freedom and potential for reducing or discontinuing anticonvulsant drugs (AEDs). Most epilepsy patients become seizure free with surgery. But there are no criteria for the timing of AED withdrawal following the procedure, and the long-term effect of post-operative AED withdrawal is unclear. Brain stimulation device demonstrates safety, seizure reduction The findings from a 2-year multicenter randomized double blinded controlled clinical study, and a 7 year long-term treatment study of the NeuroPace RNS System are now available. The RNS System is a novel, implantable therapeutic device that delivers responsive neurostimulation, an advanced technology designed to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain and respond by delivering imperceptib Music brings memories back to the injured brain In the first study of its kind, two researchers have used popular music to help severely brain-injured patients recall personal memories. Home testing devices could monitor epilepsy, drug levels, reduce clinical visits Medications remain the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, and to date there are no FDA-approved devices that provide an accurate means of detection for generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), or convulsions, during activities of daily living. Two new studies provide data that warrants the development of non-invasive devices with the capability to signal the onset of an epileptic seizure and could b Personal antidepressant for every genome Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, but they don't work for everyone. Now researchers have discovered a gene that may reveal whether people are likely to respond well to SSRI antidepressants, both generally and in specific formulations. The new biomarker, once validated in clinical trials, could be used to create a genetic test, allowin

How concussion can lead to depression years later A head injury can lead immune-system brain cells to go on “high alert” and overreact to later immune challenges by becoming excessively inflammatory – a condition linked with depressive complications, a new animal study suggests.

Neural prosthesis restores behavior after brain injury Scientists have used a neural prosthesis to restore motor function in a rat model of brain injury. The technology is promising for TBI and stroke patients.

Biblioteca. Facultad de Biología

Universidad de Salamanca. Campus Miguel de Unamuno

c/Donantes de Sangre s/n 37007 Salamanca

angelpoveda@usal.es

http://campus.usal.es/~bibliotecabiologia/