Universidad de Salamanca Facultad de Biología

Biblioteca

Bionoticias Octubre (3ª) de 2013

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

Para leer el texto completo de los artículos pulse en el título

Para agrandar el texto pulse cualquier otra parte de la página

Puede enviarnos sus noticias a bibbiol@usal.es

Suscribirse a Bionotias + BioEmpleo: dirección de correo electrónico y su nombre a bibbiol@usal.es

Boletines anteriores en http://issuu.com/bibliotecabiologia

índice

Biología 4

Biomedicina 15

Biotecnología 20

Células madre 32

Genética 37

Neurociencia 40

Política científica 48

.Biología

Los monos titíes respetan el turno de palabra durante las conversaciones Investigadores de la Universidad de Princeton han comprobado que los monos titíes no se interrumpen mientras mantienen una conversación. Estos primates se comunican principalmente mediante sonidos vocales y utilizan un conjunto de reglas en sus diálogos similares a las humanas. Los neandertales usaban palillos para calmar el dolor de algunas enfermedades bucales Una investigación del Instituto Catalán de Paleoecología Humana y Evolución Social, en colaboración con la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, documenta el caso más antiguo de tratamiento paliativo asociado a una enfermedad bucal, como la inflamación de las encías, realizado con palillos. Esto supone un paso más para caracterizar a los neandertales como una especie con un amplio abanico de adaptaci Revierten en animales déficits de aprendizaje similares a los del Síndrome de Down Se ha identificado un compuesto que refuerza de manera espectacular el aprendizaje y la memoria al administrarse a ratones que padecen un trastorno similar al Síndrome de Down de los humanos.En sus experimentos, un equipo de científicos de la Universidad Johns Hopkins en Maryland, Estados Unidos,...

A los chimpancés se les contagia el bostezo humano a medida que crecen La empatía que tienen los chimpancés puede influir en su capacidad de contagio para repetir el bostezo humano. Investigadores de la Universidad de Lund (Suecia) han comprobado que son susceptibles de emular estos bostezos cuando crecen.

El virus más grande del mundo Entrega del podcast Quilo de Ciencia, realizado por Jorge Laborda (catedrático de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, España), en Ciencia para Escuchar, que recomendamos por su interés.Los virus comunes, como los causantes de la gripe o del SIDA, son muy...

Descubren un nuevo hábitat subterráneo para fauna terrestre Investigadores de la Universidad de Alcalá, la Universidad de Valencia y del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales han descubierto un nuevo tipo de hábitat subterráneo para fauna terrestre. Lo han bautizado como “Medio Subterráneo Superficial Aluvial” (MSS Aluvial) y está asociado a los cursos fluviales de aguas temporales. Los primeros resultados de la investigación se publican en la revista PLoS Gusanos que no pierden la cabeza Entrega del podcast Quilo de Ciencia, realizado por Jorge Laborda (catedrático de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, España), en Ciencia para Escuchar, que recomendamos por su interés.Los gusanos planaria de algunas especies pueden ser seccionados en rodajas,... La organización del ADN influye en la evolución de las especies El Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG, centro mixto del CSIC y la Universidad de Salamanca, en España) ha inaugurado los seminarios de investigación del curso 2013-2014 con la intervención de Paco Antequera, científico de la unidad de Dinámica del Genoma y Epigenética de este...

Brasil, la NASA y la UE aplicarán en el Amazonas un sistema de información ambiental desarrollado en Granada El Gobierno de Brasil, la NASA y la Unión Europea utilizarán en la Selva Amazónica, el bosque tropical más grande del mundo, un sistema de información ambiental desarrollado en la Universidad de Granada. Investigadores pertenecientes al Laboratorio de Ecología del Centro Andaluz de Medio Ambiente (CEAMA) participan en este proyecto ambiental, que es uno de los más grandes de cuantos se han realiza Robo de nutrientes a una de las bacterias más grandes del mundo En el fondo del Pacífico, frente al litoral de México, habita una de las bacterias más grandes del mundo: la Thioploca. Es tan grande que puede notarse a simple vista como un puntito diminuto. Los individuos de esta especie suelen convivir con otros miembros de su estirpe, conformando así manojos...

Los científicos estudian el lenguaje químico de las plantas desde el cielo Un estudio llevado a cabo por científicos del CREAF y del CSIC ha demostrado que el índice de reflectancia PRI permite cuantificar los gases que emiten las plantas para comunicarse entre ellas o en situaciones de estrés. Este índice se calcula midiendo la luz que la vegetación refleja con la ayuda de foto sensores en aviones o mediante imágenes de satélite. ¿Qué tienen en común la ballena azul y el humano? El sistema inmune de la ballena azul del Golfo de México es tan bueno como el de los humanos y otros mamíferos terrestres; la especie es sana y podría resistir una epidemia de bacterias u hongos. Así lo da a conocer el primer estudio en su tipo que se lleva a cabo a nivel mundial por... Los árboles envían señales de auxilio a las aves cuando los insectos les atacan Una investigación de la Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas ha demostrado por primera vez que un ave, el carbonero común (Parus major), huele cuándo un árbol está infestado por orugas. Estos pájaros son capaces de identificar qué plantas están infectadas por insectos debido a unas señales olfativas que les lanzan.

Las áreas tropicales sufrirán antes los efectos del cambio climático Dentro de 35 años, incluso las mayores caídas de temperaturas serán más altas que las experimentadas en los pasados 150 años, según un nuevo y masivo análisis de modelos climáticos que publica la revista Nature. Este trabajo indica, por primera vez, que estos cambios serán más acusados en algunas de las zonas más pobres y con mayor biodiversidad del mundo, los trópicos.

Desarrollan modelos para detectar en tiempo real la introducción de especies invasoras como las algas rojas Investigadores del Departamento de Biología Vegetal de la Universidad de Málaga (UMA) desarrollan sistemas predictivos con el objetivo de diseñar estrategias eficaces para detectar en tiempo real la introducción de especies invasoras como las algas marinas en las costas de Andalucía. Asimismo, estos modelos también se pueden extrapolar a otro tipo de intrusiones que tienen lugar dentro del medio m Insertar ADN dentro de células vivas mediante láser y sin causar daños serios Las aplicaciones actuales o futuras de la terapia génica y la ingeniería genética son amplias: Desde campos de cultivo capaces de dar mayores cosechas, hasta la cura de muchas enfermedades que asolan a la humanidad. Pero la preparación de tales aplicaciones siempre empieza con la misma pregunta...

Investigadores españoles patentan en EE UU bacterias capaces de inyectar anticuerpos Investigadores del Centro Nacional de Biotecnología del CSIC (CNB), en España, han obtenido una patente en los Estados Unidos que les permite utilizar bacterias no patógenas como si de jeringuillas microscópicas se trataran.Las bacterias modificadas tienen en sus membranas unas proteínas a modo...

Descubren en la costa mediterránea a la madre de los perfumes romanos Investigadores de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla han descrito una nueva planta en el Mediterráneo oriental, que crece principalmente cerca de la costa. La importancia de este hallazgo radica en que es el ancestro materno de una especie de origen híbrido, Reseda odorata, utilizada desde la época romana por la fragancia de sus flores y cuya esencia se empleó antiguamente en la industria

La acumulación de ácido sulfhídrico en el fondo marino amenaza las praderas de Posidonia Investigadores del CSIC han estudiado la relación de la temperatura con el estrés de la especie por este ácido. El calentamiento promueve la descomposición de materia orgánica, lo que favorece la acumulación del sulfhídrico.

¿Por qué en el sur de Europa tenemos la piel clara? Que tengamos una piel más o menos oscura y un determinado color de pelo es, en parte, determinado por el gen MC1R. Este gen, que regula la síntesis de la melanina, es mucho más diverso en las poblaciones euroasiáticas que en las africanas.Un estudio dirigido por Santos Alonso, investigador de la... Desvelada la estructura de la cola del virus bacteriófago T7 Una investigación, en la que participan científicos del Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), en España, ha desvelado la estructura de la cola del virus bacteriófago T7. El pasado año ya publicaron en la revista PNAS la estructura de una de las proteínas que permite a este virus anclarse sobre...

Las poblaciones de águila perdicera del norte de la península ibérica son las más amenazadas Un trabajo científico reciente analiza los principales indicadores demográficos de las poblaciones de águila perdicera en Europa occidental de 1980 a 2009, y alerta de que en el sector norte de la península ibérica se encuentran los núcleos poblacionales con más riesgo de desaparecer. Investigan las propiedades benéficas de los hongos comestibles Son silvestres, crecen en los bosques del sur y son apetecidos por la gastronomía local. Se trata de los populares hongos digüeñe (Cytaaria espinosae) y gargal (Grifola gargal), especies que son el foco de proyecto Fondef IDeA que ejecutan investigadores de la Universidades de La Frontera, en...

Ciudadanos y científicos se unen para adaptar las cuencas del mediterráneo al cambio climático El proyecto BEWATER promoverá procesos participativos entre ciencia y sociedad en once países para establecer planes de gestión sostenible del agua y de adaptación al cambio climático en cuatro cuencas hidrográficas del Mediterráneo. Crean nuevas herramientas para la mejora genética de microalgas Investigadores del Grupo de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de la Universidad de Huelva (UHU) han desarrollado nuevos métodos estandarizados de manipulación genética de microalgas con el objetivo de obtener tanto diferentes complementos dietéticos para alimentación animal, como una mejora en la rentabilidad de éstas a la hora de usarlas en sectores como el farmacéutico, agroalimentario o cosmético Trampas piramidales para atrapar al picudo rojo de las palmeras Una trampa contra el picudo rojo de las palmeras diseñada por investigadores de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia permite atrapar un 45% más de insectos que las convencionales de tipo cubo. Se trata de un diseño de trampa negra piramidal ideada para el tratamiento a gran escala –en grandes superficies- y dentro de una estrategia de actuación global contra esta plaga, de cara a reducir su pobl

La clasificación morfológica de especies subestima los niveles reales de riqueza biológica Un estudio del CSIC sugiere la necesidad de reformular el sistema tradicional de clasificación taxonómica según parámetros físicos. El análisis del ADN de cinco especies de invertebrados ha revelado que los resultados de este método de tipificación no se correspondían con los valores reales de biodiversidad. El ARN del ratopín rasurado esconde el secreto de su longevidad Investigadores de la Universidad de Rochester (Nueva York, EE UU) han comprobado que la estructura del ARN ribosómico de la rata topo desnuda o ratopín rasurado es distinta a la de otros roedores, lo que puede hacer más eficiente su síntesis de proteínas. Estas ratas topo pueden vivir 30 años y presentan una gran resistencia al cáncer. Las hembras de papamoscas emparejadas con machos atractivos reciben más ayuda en la crianza Investigadores españoles han observado que las hembras del pájaro papamoscas cerrojillo eligen pareja teniendo en cuenta la ayuda que les brindará en el cuidado de los polluelos, lo que reducirá su desgaste fisiológico. Hasta ahora se pensaba que la selección de pareja basada en el plumaje se fundaba en la calidad genética de la descendencia.

Buscan nuevas especies marinas para su explotación comercial En el noroeste de México la mayor parte de la producción pesquera se basa en unos pocos recursos como la sardina, el calamar, el atún y el camarón. Sin embargo, el Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noreste (Cibnor) identificó nuevas especies marinas capaces de incrementar el volumen de... Las habilidades sociales de un chimpancé dependen en buena parte de si se ha criado con su madre Los chimpancés huérfanos son menos competentes socialmente que los que fueron criados por sus madres. Tiene su lógica, y era bastante previsible, pero ahora lo ha demostrado científicamente un equipo de investigadores del Instituto Max Planck para la Psicolingüística, en Nijmegen, Países Bajos.En...

Cómo el animal terrestre más veloz persigue a sus presas El guepardo, también conocido como chita, es el animal terrestre más veloz del mundo, pero, en contra de lo que podría suponerse, su éxito al atrapar a una presa no depende solo de su formidable velocidad del orden de los cien kilómetros por hora, sino también de otra habilidad.Así lo revela un... Los recuerdos sociales de los delfines son tan duraderos como los del Ser Humano Los delfines pueden reconocer los "silbidos identificativos" emitidos por sus antiguos compañeros de acuario después de estar separados durante más de veinte años, el periodo más largo registrado hasta ahora de conservación de recuerdos sociales en una especie no humana.El reconocimiento social... Localizan una zona de apareamiento de ballenas en riesgo de extinción La ballena franca del Atlántico Norte (Eubalaena glacialis) es una de las especies de mamífero marino más amenazadas en el mundo y ha sido estudiada intensamente durante décadas. Mucho se ha aprendido acerca de su hábitat, conducta, y demografía de poblaciones. Pero hasta ahora, había pocos... Los mosquitos nos huelen mejor de noche Una investigación reciente revela que el principal vector (es decir, transmisor) de la malaria o paludismo en África, el mosquito Anopheles gambiae, es capaz de oler mejor por la noche las sustancias químicas del cuerpo humano que le sirven para identificarnos y localizarnos.El equipo de Giles...

Las "baladas románticas" de los murciélagos Los cantos de cortejo nupcial de ciertos murciélagos exhiben una llamativa complejidad, a juzgar por los resultados de una investigación. Los machos de la especie Tadarida brasiliensis han aprendido a vocalizar de un modo específico para atraer a las hembras, pero una vez que han captado su...

Capturan por vez primera a un misterioso parásito exterminador de ostras La dolencia conocida como Enfermedad de la Isla Denman, cuyos primeros casos se documentaron en 1960, está causada por el Mikrocytos mackini, un parásito que infecta principalmente a ostras del Océano Pacífico, causándoles lesiones de color verdoso y finalmente la muerte.El Mikrocytos mackini ha...

Descubren "minidemonios" en el suelo boscoso Es común que, vistos bajo una lupa o microscopio, muchos insectos y arácnidos tengan un aspecto aterrador. Pero en algunos casos, cuando dicho aspecto recuerda al de criaturas mitológicas o monstruos de películas, la situación es mucho más llamativa. El descubrimiento reciente en América Central... Científicos colombianos y argentinos hallan una nueva especie de rana Tan paisa como la arepa, la Feria de las Flores o la bandeja paisa, así es la rana Hyloscirtus antioquia. Se trata de una nueva especie descubierta por investigadores de la Alma Máter, que ha sido vista especialmente en quebradas y riachuelos del corregimiento de San Félix, en Bello; el Cerro del... Hallan una nueva especie de gusano 'comehuesos' en la Antártida Un equipo de investigadores de la Universidad de Barcelona (UB) y del Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO) ha descrito una nueva especie de Osedax, un tipo de invertebrado marino que se alimenta de huesos, al que se ha denominado Osedax deceptionensis.Esta nueva especie, junto con la especie...

La insólita especie animal que se reproduce solo por clones desde hace 40 millones de años Una nueva investigación ha profundizado en el extraño caso de la especie animal, integrada exclusivamente por hembras, que se reproduce solo por clones desde hace unos 40 millones, y los resultados respaldan esta realidad, que para un sector de la comunidad científica resultaba difícil creer, y... Desentrañando el misterio de las esponjas vítreas Las esponjas vítreas (Hexactinellida) son un grupo de animales arcaico y extraño que ocupa un puesto en la base del árbol evolutivo del reino animal. Como su nombre popular sugiere, su aspecto parece el de hipotéticas esponjas que estuvieran hechas de vidrio. Las esponjas vítreas se alimentan del... Ranas que oyen por la boca Un trabajo de investigación que se inició en el Centro de neurociencias Paris-Sur –centro mixto del Centro Nacional para la Investigación Científica, la Universidad Jean Monnet Paris-Sur y la Universidad Saint- Etienne– y realizado en la Instalación Europea de Radiación Sincrotrón (ESRF, en sus... Descubren una nueva especie de pez diminuto Se ha descubierto una nueva especie de pez minúsculo en las aguas del río Paraíba do Sul, en Brasil.La nueva especie, Pareiorhina hyptiorhachis, pertenece a un género de peces acorazados nativos de América del Sur, presente solamente en Brasil.El individuo adulto normal de Pareiorhina...

Las ballenas azules se 'broncean' para protegerse de la radiación ultravioleta

Los científicos han demostrado que los rayos ultravioleta (UV) pueden causar lesiones en la piel de las ballenas. Investigadores de varias instituciones inglesas, estadounidenses y mexicanas han recogido ahora, en un artículo que publica Nature, los efectos genéticos de la exposición a rayos UV...

.Biomedicina

El cerebro ‘saca la basura’ mientras dormimos Dormir a pierna suelta cuenta desde hoy con un beneficio más. Un nuevo estudio realizado en ratones revela que durante el sueño el cerebro elimina ciertos residuos que acumula durante el día. Este hallazgo podría mejorar la comprensión de los efectos biológicos del sueño y apuntar nuevas formas de tratar los trastornos neurológicos. La contaminación del aire es una de las principales causas de muerte por cáncer La Agencia Internacional para la Investigación sobre el Cáncer ha anunciado hoy que ha clasificado la contaminación del aire como carcinógeno para los humanos, subiendo en su escala estándar hasta el grupo 1. Los resultados serán publicados en la revista The Lancet Oncology el próximo 24 de octubre. Una nueva terapia combinada aumenta hasta tres meses la vida de pacientes con cáncer de páncreas avanzado Investigadores internacionales han demostrado que una combinación de fármacos reduce el riesgo de muerte por cáncer de páncreas en un 30% en pacientes con metástasis. Anualmente se diagnostican 5.000 casos en España de los que 4.900 terminan en fallecimiento. La esperanza de vida media en estos casos es de apenas cinco meses. Células madre obtenidas de la piel combaten la destrucción neuronal Un fármaco logra bloquear en el laboratorio la neurodegeneración provocada por enfermedades como la esclerosis o la demencia. El compuesto, que podría servir como terapia cerebral personalizada, se ha creado mediante células madre de pluripotencia inducida generadas a partir de la dermis.

Un fragmento de anticuerpo actúa contra el alzhéimer en ratones Ratones modelo de la enfermedad de Alzheimer han sido tratados con éxito con un fragmento de anticuerpo diseñado por investigadores de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Con una sola inyección en el abdomen, y después de solo cinco días, los animales mejoran la memoria y la capacidad de aprendizaje como consecuencia de la retirada de los agregados tóxicos y del aumento del número de

neuronas.

Bioingeniería de tejidos para reconstruir la superficie ocular Investigadores españoles utilizan la bioingeniería de tejidos para desarrollar complejos formados por biomateriales como sustratos para el trasplante de células madre de epitelio limbar. Este hallazgo sería muy útil para sustituir la superficie ocular dañada por el síndrome de insuficiencia límbica.

Descubren que la inhibición de una proteína podría mejorar la aterosclerosis Un estudio realizado en ratones demuestra que la ya conocida asociación entre dietas ricas en grasa y colesterol y aterosclerosis estaría ligada a la inducción de la proteína Rcan1 en la pared de la arteria aorta. El equipo de investigadores ha iniciado contactos con la industria para desarrollar moléculas que inhiban la proteína en humanos. Investigan cómo mejorar la detección de la interacción entre fármacos Un grupo de investigadoras de la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid ha coordinado un concurso científico internacional sobre técnicas de extracción de información para detectar con mayor precisión las interacciones farmacológicas descritas en textos biomédicos.

El solapamiento de genes, posible nueva vía para luchar contra los virus de ARN Una nueva investigación analiza el papel del solapamiento de genes, la habilidad para codificar más de una proteína en el mismo espacio del genoma, para ralentizar la evolución de los virus de ARN. El hallazgo abre la puerta a su uso como dianas para nuevos fármacos y estrategias antivirales. Investigadores españoles secuencian el exoma de un tipo de cáncer de vejiga Una nueva investigación revela nuevas vías genéticas y nuevos genes implicados en el cáncer de vejiga. Los autores concluyen que la firma genética de las personas afectadas es un primer paso para entender la biología de esta enfermedad y alcanzar un mejor manejo de los pacientes. Descubierto un nuevo regulador para la liberación de toxinas en las drogas Investigadores del Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas han identificado la proteína Fra1 como un nuevo factor protector del daño hepático. El estudio, llevado a cabo en ratones, vincula el daño hepático producido por el alcohol o las drogas con enfermedades como la insuficiencia hepática aguda o el cáncer. Resuelta la estructura de un complejo proteico esencial en la defensa contra las infecciones bacterianas Científicos españoles han aportado nueva información sobre los mecanismos de destrucción de patógenos por el sistema inmune. El complejo descrito es un conjunto de proteínas que activa la respuesta inflamatoria ante infecciones bacterianas.

Confirmado: adiós al adenovirus 5 en la vacuna preventiva del sida Con el reciente intento fallido del ensayo HVTN 505, ya son dos veces en las que se comprueba la no utilidad del adenovirus 5 para el desarrollo de vacunas preventivas. La primera vez fue con los ensayos STEP y Phambili, parados en 2007 por un aumento del riesgo de infección del VIH. Hoy, la noticia del día en el congreso Aids Vaccine 2013 ha sido la presentación de los resultados del metanálisis

Desvelada la estructura de la cola del virus bacteriófago T7 Un nuevo estudio sugiere la existencia de vínculos evolutivos en la estructura y función de todos los virus. El trabajo, con participación del CSIC, ha sido publicado en The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Más de la mitad de la población posee diferentes tipos de ADN mitocondrial Un estudio sobre la evolución del ADN mitocondrial, realizado por investigadoras de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, ha determinado la frecuencia y el patrón de heteroplasmia en todo el genoma mitocondrial de una muestra representativa de la población europea. Los datos concluyen que muchas de las mutaciones identificadas acaban por no fijarse en la población, debido a la actuación de mecanis La firma genética de los tumores iniciales de pulmón permite pronosticar su agresividad El análisis del ADN tumoral realizado en el Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Bellvitge predice la agresividad de los cánceres pulmonares de pequeño tamaño de forma temprana para adecuar el tratamiento. En Europa se diagnostican cada año más de 150.000 casos de cáncer de pulmón, un 90% de ellos a causa del tabaco. Descubren la firma genética de los tumores de pulmón iniciales muy agresivos Un trabajo dirigido por expertos del Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Bellvitge permite identificar marcadores para pronosticar la agresividad de los cánceres pulmonares de pequeño tamaño de forma temprana y adecuar el tratamiento. En Europa se diagnostican cada año más de 150.000 casos de cáncer de pulmón, un 90% de ellos a causa del tabaco.

.Biotecnología

Researchers advance toward engineering 'wildly new genome' In two parallel projects, researchers have rewritten the genetic code of the bacterium E. coli. In the first study they created a genetically and biochemically novel organism by erasing every example of a single codon from the entire genome. In the second, they tested whether all codons could be swapped to a synonymous codon in 42 separate genes, while eliminating every instance of 13 codons throu Mutation in NFKB2 gene causes hard-to-diagnose immunodeficiency disorder CVID Researchers discovered that a mutation in the NFKB2 gene impairs a protein from functioning properly, which interferes with the body's ability to make antibodies and fight infection. Statin, osteoporosis drug combo may help treat parasitic infections Researchers have discovered that a combination of two commonly prescribed drugs used to treat high cholesterol and osteoporosis may serve as the foundation of a new treatment for toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Gene regulation differences between humans, chimpanzees very complex Changes in gene regulation have been used to study the evolutionary chasm that exists between humans and chimpanzees despite their largely identical DNA. However, scientists have discovered that mRNA expression levels, long considered a barometer for differences in gene regulation, often do not reflect differences in protein expression -- and, therefore, biological function -- between humans and c

Mysterious ancient human crossed Wallace's Line Scientists have proposed that the most recently discovered ancient human relatives – the Denisovans – somehow managed to cross one of the world’s most prominent marine barriers in Indonesia, and later interbred with modern humans moving through the area on the way to Australia and New Guinea. Stem cell transplant repairs damaged gut of inflammatory bowel disease A source of gut stem cells that can repair a type of inflammatory bowel disease when transplanted into mice has been identified by researchers. Complex diseases traced to gene copy numbers Researchers have connected very rare and precise duplications and deletions in the human genome to their complex disease consequences by duplicating them in zebrafish. Bird study finds key info about human speech-language development A study has shown for the first time how two tiny molecules regulate a gene implicated in speech and language impairments as well as autism disorders, and that social context of vocal behavior governs their function. Activating proteins in brain by shining LED light on them With the flick of a light switch, researchers can change the shape of a protein in the brain of a mouse, turning on the protein at the precise moment they want. This allows the scientists to observe the exact effect of the protein's activation. The new method relies on specially engineered amino acids -- the molecules that make up proteins -- and light from an LED. Now that it has been shown to wo Genetically modified bacteria became efficient sugar producers The production of rare sugars has been very costly until now. A recent study indicates that their production can be made significantly more efficient with the help of genetically modified bacteria. This reduces prices and allows for their more versatile use in medicine, the study suggests. Glacial history affects shape and growth habit of alpine plants During the Ice Ages the European Alps were covered by a thick layer of ice. Climate fluctuations led to great changes in the occurrences of

plants: They survived the cold periods in refugia on the periphery of the Alps which they then repopulated after the ice had drawn back. Such processes in the history of the earth can be detected by molecular analysis as genetic fingerprints: refugia and colon Elusive secret of HIV long-term immunity Scientists have discovered a long sought, critical new clue about why some people are able to control the HIV virus long term without taking antiviral drugs. The finding may be useful in shortening drug treatment for everyone else with HIV. These rare individuals have an extra helping of an immune protein that blocks HIV from spreading within the body by turning it into an impotent wimp. Earlier t New way to treat chronic kidney disease and heart failure Researchers are using adult bone marrow stem cells as they investigate a completely new way of treating chronic kidney disease and heart failure in rats.

Drug activates virus against cancer Scientists have discovered that a drug called valproic acid increases the effectiveness of parvoviruses that are used against cancer. In some cases, pancreatic and cervical tumors that had been transplanted to rats completely regressed after treatment with a combination of the virus and an agent. The drug makes the viruses replicate more rapidly and improves their capacity to kill cancer cells.

Can thermodynamics help us better understand human cancers? Researchers analyzed gene expression profiles of more than 2,000 patients and identified cancer-specific gene signatures for breast, lung, prostate and ovarian cancers. Light triggers death switch in cancer cells Researchers have created a peptide (a small piece of protein), linked to a light-responsive dye, capable of switching 'on' death pathways in cancer cells. The peptide remains inactive until exposed to external light pulses which convert it into a cell death signal.

Researchers discover, treat toxic effects of ALS mutation in neurons using patients' skin cells Researchers have discovered how the most common genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia kills neurons, and have successfully developed a therapeutic strategy to block this neurodegeneration in neurons made from the skin cells of ALS patients. The findings have important implications for treating patients with these debilitating, currently incurable ne Pushing and shoving – a cost factor in protein synthesis When cells grow and proliferate, they need to produce large amounts of protein. All this protein is made by ribosomes, therefore rapid growth requires many ribosomes. Because ribosomes are expensive machines for the cell, the cell needs to use them efficiently. In a new study, a team of researchers investigates how the bacterium Escherichia coli solves this problem and shows that its economic stra

Tracking viral DNA in the cell: New method to generate virus particles containing labeled viral DNA genomes Cell biologists and chemists reveal how viral DNA traffics in human cells. They have developed a new method to generate virus particles containing labeled viral DNA genomes. This allowed them to visualize, for the first time, single viral genomes in the cytoplasm and the nucleus by using fluorescence microscopy in regular or superresolution mode. The new findings enhance our understanding of how v Study shows how Staph toxin disarms the immune system Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which the deadly Staphylococcus aureus bacteria attack and kill off immune cells. Their findings explain a critical survival tactic of a pathogen that causes more skin and heart infections than any other microbe, and kills more than 100,000 Americans every year. Tracking viral DNA in the cell Cell biologists and chemists reveal how viral DNA traffics in human cells. They have developed a new method to generate virus particles containing labeled viral DNA genomes. This allowed them to visualize, for the first time, single viral genomes in the cytoplasm and the nucleus by using fluorescence microscopy in regular or superresolution mode. The new findings enhance our understanding of how v

Genetic fingerprinting of pearls developed For the first time, a group of researchers has succeeded in isolating DNA from pearls and used their genetic material to identify the specific species of oyster that produced the pearl. In a parallel project, researchers used radiocarbon dating to analyze the age of pearls,

opening up new avenues for determining the origin and age of pearl jewellery. Overexpressed protein to be culprit in certain thyroid cancers A specific protein once thought to exist only in the brain may play a crucial role in a deadly form of thyroid cancer, as well as other cancers, and provide a fresh target for researchers seeking ways to stop its progression New evidence that aging tumor cells may be an effective cancer treatment Scientists have shown that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may be susceptible to treatment by re-activating the normal aging program in tumor cells so they can no longer divide. Non-hallucinogenic cannabinoids are effective anti-cancer drugs New research has shown that the non-hallucinogenic components of cannabis could act as effective anti-cancer agents. Understanding Inflammation Scientists for the first time have solved the 3-dimensional structure of the protein LBP and it´s genetic variant. This finding may help certain patients to better survive severe infectious diseases. Beyond antibiotics: 'PPMOs' offer new approach to bacterial infection, other diseases Researchers today announced the successful use of a new type of antibacterial agent called a PPMO, which appears to function as well or better than an antibiotic, but may be more precise and also solve problems with antibiotic resistance. The new PPMOs offer a fundamentally different way to attack bacterial infection. New 3-D method used to grow miniature pancreas An international team of researchers has successfully developed an innovative 3-D method to grow miniature pancreas from progenitor cells. The future goal is to use this model to help in the fight against diabetes.

Device speeds concentration step in food-pathogen detection Researchers have developed a system that concentrates foodborne salmonella and other pathogens faster than conventional methods by

using hollow thread-like fibers that filter out the cells, representing a potential new tool for speedier detection. New micro water sensor can aid growers Researchers have developed a microfluidic water sensor within a fingertip-sized silicon chip that is a hundred times more sensitive than current devices. The researchers are now completing soil tests and will soon test their design in plants, embedding their “lab on a chip” in the stems of grape vines, for example. They hope to mass produce the sensors for as little as $5 each. The new sensor will Mammalian body cells lack ancient viral defense mechanism, study suggests Scientists have the first positive evidence that RNA interference does not play a role as an antiviral in most body, or "somatic," cells in mammals. Football-shaped particles bolster body's defense against cancer Researchers have succeeded in making flattened, football-shaped artificial particles that impersonate immune cells. These football-shaped particles seem to be better than the typical basketball-shaped particles at teaching immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells in mice.

Pandoravirus: Missing link discovered between viruses and cells With the discovery of Mimivirus ten years ago and, more recently, Megavirus chilensis, researchers thought they had reached the farthest corners of the viral world in terms of size and genetic complexity. With a diameter in the region of a micrometer and a genome incorporating more than 1,100 genes, these giant viruses, which infect amoebas, had already largely encroached on areas previously thoug

Printable biotechnology Cells, biological circuits, and individual biomolecules organize themselves and interact with the environment. Use of these capabilities in flexible and economically efficient biotechnological production systems is in the focus of the “Molecular Interaction Engineering” (MIE) project. It is the objective to develop printed biological circuits and catalysts for biologico-technical hybrid systems. Genetically modified tobacco plants are viable for producing biofuels An agricultural engineer has demonstrated, for the first time, the viability of using specific tobacco proteins (known as thioredoxins) as biotechnological tools in plants. Specifically, she has managed to increase the amount of starch produced in the tobacco leaves by 700% and fermentable sugars by 500%. Choreographed origami: Exploring how an RNA molecule folds Like a budding origami artist penciling in the folds, the cell uses tags called methyl groups to help mark where and how an RNA molecule should be folded. Scientists have now discovered that, to build ribosomes, pairs of these tags are added in a specific order. People born with certain gene more likely to suffer cognitive decline after heart surgery Long-term memory loss, difficulty understanding verbal or written communication or impaired ability to pay attention may still occur five years after heart surgery if a patient has a certain gene variation, according to a study. This gene was found to be related to a decline in cognitive capabilities compared to those who do not have the variation. Super-enhancers improve dialog between genes, disease Having recently discovered a set of powerful gene regulators that control cell identity in a few mouse and human cell types, scientists are now showing that these regulators — which they named “super-enhancers” — act across a vast array of human cell types and are enriched in mutated regions of the genome that are closely associated with a broad spectrum of diseases. How a worm became a swim model One might wonder why researchers would care about the nuances of the one-millimeter long nematode worm, let alone study them. But the

answer is simple: they can provide powerful insights into human health and disease. By studying how this worm swims, researchers hope to provide insights into applications from drug screening to setting the stage for designing smart soft robots. Packaging stem cells in capsules for heart therapy In many studies of stem cell therapy for heart disease, most of the cells wash away in the first hour. Researchers encapsulate mesenchymal stem cells in alginate so that the cells stay alive and in the heart. In rats, the capsules promote healing after a heart attack. Alginate has several biomedical uses already so the path to translation looks good.

Cell growth discovery has implications for targeting cancer The way cells divide to form new cells -- to support growth, to repair damaged tissues, or simply to maintain our healthy adult functioning -- is controlled in previously unsuspected ways, researchers have discovered. The findings, they said, may lead to new ways to fight cancer. Observing the living in real time and in a new light Fluorescence imaging, an important technique in biology and medicine, makes it possible to observe the living while in movement. However, the labels used in this domain are often in competition with the natural fluorescence of the biological medium and can hinder observation. On the other hand, under near-infrared light it is virtually zero. The first stable, non-toxic labels that are sufficiently

Scientists help identify possible botulism blocker Scientists have decoded a key molecular gateway for the toxin that causes botulism, pointing the way to treatments that can keep the food-borne poison out of the bloodstream. Immune system discovery could lead to vaccine to prevent mono, some cancers Development of a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has taken a step forward with the Canadian discovery of how EBV infection evades detection by the immune system. Spinning-disk microscope offers window into the center of cell A new method of imaging cells is allowing scientists to see tiny structures inside the "control center" of the cell for the first time. Analysis of herbal products shows contamination is common Most herbal products, available to buy as alternative medicines, may be contaminated. Researchers demonstrate the presence of contamination and substitution of plant species in a selection of herbal products using DNA barcoding. Innate virus-killing power discovered in mammals Scientists have a promising new approach to combating deadly human viruses thanks to an educated hunch by a microbiology professor, and his 20 years of research on plants, fruit flies, nematodes and mice. Researchers have discovered that, like plants and invertebrate animals, mammals use the RNA interference process to destroy viruses within their own cells. Until now, scientists were unable to pr Stomach cells naturally revert to stem cells New research has shown that the stomach naturally produces more stem cells than previously realized, likely for repair of injuries from infections, digestive fluids and the foods we eat. New antiviral response discovered in mammals Researchers have discovered a part of the innate immune system in mice that had only been known in plants and invertebrates. This system seems more visible in stem and progenitor cells, which it protects from viral infection. ALS stem cell trial begins with first two patients receiving injections

Two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have received stem cell injections to their spinal cords – the first two to receive the experimental injections in Michigan as part of a national clinical trial. How microbes survive in freezing conditions Most microbial researchers grow their cells in petri dishes to study how they respond to stress and damaging conditions. But researchers tried something almost unheard of: Studying microbial survival in ice to understand how microorganisms could survive in ancient permafrost, or perhaps even buried in ice on Mars. Discovery should save wheat farmers millions of dollars The global wheat industry sometimes loses as much as $1 billion a year because prolonged rainfall and high humidity contribute to grains germinating before they are fully mature. This phenomenon, known as pre-harvest sprouting or PHS, has such important economic repercussions for farmers around the world that scientists have been working on finding a solution to the problem for at least a couple o Genes protect themselves against being silenced Researchers have settled a century-old debate over whether occurrence of DNA methylation acts to silence gene expression, or if genes are turned off by other means before they are methylated. Gene movements observed in vivo Certain parts of DNA are highly mobile and their dynamic motion participates in controlling gene expression. Scientists have just developed a method of observing the organization and movements of the genome in time and space. The researchers succeeded in marking then monitoring parent genes during cell division. Direct 'writing' of artificial cell membranes on graphene Graphene emerges as a versatile new surface to assemble model cell membranes mimicking those in the human body, with potential for applications in sensors for understanding biological processes, disease detection and drug screening.

.Células madre

Stem cell transplant repairs damaged gut of inflammatory bowel disease A source of gut stem cells that can repair a type of inflammatory bowel disease when transplanted into mice has been identified by researchers. New way to treat chronic kidney disease and heart failure Researchers are using adult bone marrow stem cells as they investigate a completely new way of treating chronic kidney disease and heart failure in rats. New 3-D method used to grow miniature pancreas An international team of researchers has successfully developed an innovative 3-D method to grow miniature pancreas from progenitor cells. The future goal is to use this model to help in the fight against diabetes. Adult stem cells help build human blood vessels in engineered tissues Researchers have identified a protein expressed by human bone marrow stem cells that guides and stimulates the formation of blood vessels. Their findings could help improve the vascularization of engineered tissues. Stem cell breakthrough could set up future transplant therapies A new method for creating stem cells for the human liver and pancreas, which could enable both cell types to be grown in sufficient quantities for clinical use, has been developed by scientists. Packaging stem cells in capsules for heart therapy In many studies of stem cell therapy for heart disease, most of the cells wash away in the first hour. Researchers encapsulate mesenchymal stem cells in alginate so that the cells stay alive and in the heart. In rats, the capsules promote healing after a heart attack. Alginate has several biomedical uses already so the path to translation looks good. Maintenance mechanism prevents stem cells from aging A team of researchers has just published the results of research that may shed light on the maintenance of stem cells in the adult brain, and their activity to produce new neurons throughout life. Amniotic stem cells show promise in repair of cardiac birth defects

Researchers have begun testing an alternative to embryonic stem cells that could one day regenerate muscle tissue for babies with congenital heart defects.

Stomach cells naturally revert to stem cells New research has shown that the stomach naturally produces more stem cells than previously realized, likely for repair of injuries from infections, digestive fluids and the foods we eat. Circadian rhythms in skin stem cells protect us against UV rays Human skin must cope with the sun and other environmental factors that fluctuate in a circadian manner. A study reveals that human skin stem cells deal with these cyclical threats by carrying out different functions depending on the time of day. By activating genes involved in UV protection during the day, these cells protect themselves against radiation-induced DNA damage. The findings could pave New antiviral response discovered in mammals Researchers have discovered a part of the innate immune system in mice that had only been known in plants and invertebrates. This system seems more visible in stem and progenitor cells, which it protects from viral infection.

ALS stem cell trial begins with first two patients receiving injections Two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have received stem cell injections to their spinal cords – the first two to receive the experimental injections in Michigan as part of a national clinical trial. Gene and stem cell therapy combination could aid wound healing Researchers, working with elderly mice, have determined that combining gene therapy with an extra boost of the same stem cells the body already uses to repair itself leads to faster healing of burns and greater blood flow to the site of the wound. Blood vessel cells can repair, regenerate organs Damaged or diseased organs may someday be healed with an injection of blood vessel cells, eliminating the need for donated organs and transplants. Battling defiant leukemia cells Two gene alterations pair up to promote the growth of leukemia cells and their escape from anti-cancer drugs. Study identifies essential molecule in formation of differentiated blood cells New research identifies a protein that controls the formation of different types of mature blood cells -- a finding that could be important to developing new treatments for blood diseases and helping realize the potential of regenerative medicine. The authors of the newly published article on these findings focus on a protein that serves as a molecular switch in the cytoplasm of cells to control c Creating 're-specified' stem cells for disease modeling A team of researchers reports a new approach for turning induced pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for in vivo disease modeling. Generating human induced pluripotent stem cell banks Establishing well-characterized panels of induced pluripotent stem cells lines that reflect the diversity of the human population and include samples from patients with a range of diseases will be key to tapping into the potential of iPSCs. Experts in the field have published several

opinion pieces on emerging issues related to generating such iPSC banks, and they provide practical recommendations

Stem cells help repair traumatic brain injury by building 'biobridge' Researchers suggest a new view of how stem cells may help repair the brain following trauma. How binge drinking impairs healing of broken bones Physicians have long observed that binge drinking impairs healing of broken bones. A new study is providing insights into how alcohol slows healing on the cellular and molecular levels. The findings could lead to better treatments to improve bone healing.

Stem cells engineered to become targeted drug factories

A group researchers have found a way to use stem cells as drug delivery vehicles. The researchers inserted modified strands of messenger RNA into connective tissue stem cells -- called mesenchymal stem cells -- which stimulated the cells to produce adhesive surface proteins and secrete interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory molecule.

.Genética

Novel way discovered to 'switch on' tumor suppressors that have been silenced Scientists have found that a novel noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) offers the potential for "switching on" of tumor suppressors that have been shut off. Epigenetic markers show promise in Alzheimer's disease New evidence links epigenetic regulation with Alzheimer’s disease, which may one day lead to new early diagnostic tests and even novel treatment options for the most common form of dementia. Genetic markings could spot cancer before it develops Scientists analyzed clinical specimens of malignant tissue from 93 cancer patients from Norway and the UK and compared them with healthy tissue samples. They concluded that unique DNA markings on certain genes may 'predict' the risk of developing head and neck cancer. Sequencing studies help pinpoint gene in Prader-Willi syndrome As so many genome studies do, a new study began with a single patient and his parents who were in search of a diagnosis. Folic acid deficiency can affect the health of great, great grandchildren A study reveals that a mutation in a gene necessary for the metabolism of folic acid not only impacts the immediate offspring but can also have detrimental health effects on the next several generations. Epigenetic changes observed in blood may point to early stages in Parkinson disease Researchers have now shown that a distinctive pattern of epigenetic modifications is observed in specific genes associated with Parkinson Disease. Even more interesting, these changes could be easily analyzed in blood samples from patients, which appear to replicate the "epigenetic status" of brain tissue cells, potentially simplifying early diagnosis of the disease. Recent highlights in molecular biology and evolution Research has found a greater number of "escaping genes" on the X chromosome than have been previously detected, with implications for the understanding of mental impairment in humans.

Cancer-killing cells controlled by epigenetic process Natural killer cells are white blood cells that can kill and contain cancer and infectious diseases. Scientists have identified a specific enzyme that controls the development of natural killer cells in the body. Understanding how that enzyme affects the natural killer cell may help focus future drug development in the fight against cancer. Chronic aggressive behaviour in boys: Epigenetic sources? Chronic aggressive behaviour exhibited by some boys from disadvantaged families may be due to epigenetic changes during pregnancy and early childhood. Lifestyle Influences Metabolism via DNA Methylation An unhealthy lifestyle leaves traces in the DNA. These may have specific effects on metabolism, causing organ damage or disease. Scientists have now identified 28 DNA alterations associated with metabolic traits. This is a world-first epigenome-wide association study of modified genes and metabolites.

.Neurociencia

Brain may flush out toxins during sleep Using mice, researchers showed for the first time that the space between brain cells may increase during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins that build up during waking hours. These results suggest a new role for sleep in health and disease. Psychologists report new insights on human brain, consciousness A study by psychologists is a step toward neuroscience research on consciousness. "The difference between being conscious and unconscious is a bit like the difference between driving from Los Angeles to New York in a straight line versus having to cover the same route hopping on and off several buses that force you to take a 'zig-zag' route and stop in several places," said lead author o Brain scans may aid in diagnosis of autism The investigators found that brain connectivity data from 19 paths in brain scans predicted whether the participants had autism, with an accuracy rate of 95.9 percent. Bird study finds key info about human speech-language development A study has shown for the first time how two tiny molecules regulate a gene implicated in speech and language impairments as well as autism disorders, and that social context of vocal behavior governs their function. Brain scans show unusual activity in retired American football players A new study has discovered profound abnormalities in brain activity in a group of retired American football players. Although the former players in the study were not diagnosed with any neurological condition, brain imaging tests revealed unusual activity that correlated

with how many times they had left the field with a head injury during their careers. How Do ADHD Medications Work? There is a swirling controversy regarding the suspicion that medications prescribed for the treatment of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) primarily act to control disruptive behavior as opposed to having primary effects on the ability to attend to the environment. A new study now provides evidence that methylphenidate and atomoxetine, two FDA-approved medications for the treatment o Veterans with Gulf War Illness show brain changes linked to memory deficits New research illuminates definitive brain alterations in troops with Gulf War Illness thought to result from the exposure to neurotoxic chemicals, including sarin gas, during the first Persian Gulf War. Activating proteins in brain by shining LED light on them With the flick of a light switch, researchers can change the shape of a protein in the brain of a mouse, turning on the protein at the precise moment they want. This allows the scientists to observe the exact effect of the protein's activation. The new method relies on specially engineered amino acids -- the molecules that make up proteins -- and light from an LED. Now that it has been shown to wo Ghrelin, a stress-induced hormone, primes the brain for PTSD Study finds that ghrelin, produced during stressful situations, primes the brain for post-traumatic stress disorder. Protective pathway identified to counter toxicity associated with Alzheimer's disease New research has identified a pathway used by the brain to try to protect itself from toxicity that occurs with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers have done extensive work on the role of prion protein. They found that toxicity of amyloid-² peptides, one of the major culprits in AD, can be decreased by preventing it from interacting with the prion protein. Blood pressure drugs decrease risk of Alzheimer's disease An analysis of data previously gathered on more than 3,000 elderly Americans strongly suggests that taking certain blood pressure

medications to control blood pressure may reduce the risk of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Worldwide database of brain images for chronic-pain conditions A new database featuring hundreds of brain scans and other key clinical information will help researchers tease out similarities and differences between these and many other chronic-pain conditions, helping to accelerate research and treatment development. Brief memory test 'ages' older adults You're only as old as you feel, or so the saying goes. Now, research suggests that a simple memory test can have a noticeable impact on just how old some older adults feel, aging them about five years in the span of five minutes. The brain's neural thermostat Scientists observed in vivo that neocortical neurons, cells that control higher functions such as sight, language and spatial reasoning, have a set average firing rate and return to this set point even during prolonged periods of sensory deprivation. Furthermore, the average firing rate is so well regulated by this neural thermostat that the rates do not change between periods of sleep and wakeful

Working to the beat Scientists have contributed significantly towards a first explanation for the development of music. Contrary to what was previously suspected, music does not simply distract us when physically working hard by making the work seem a lot easier, but actually the music reduces the effort. This new insight permits on the one hand a conclusion to human’s historical development of music, and on the othe 'Individualized' therapy for the brain targets specific gene mutations causing dementia, ALS Scientists have developed new drugs that — at least in a laboratory dish — appear to halt the brain-destroying impact of a genetic mutation at work in some forms of two incurable diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and dementia.

Rare gene mutation sheds light on protein's role in brain development Though worlds apart, four unrelated families have been united in a medical mystery over the source of a rare inherited disorder that results in their children being born with abnormal brain growth and severe functional impairments.

Empathy? Surprising study shows that brains process the pain of villains more than the pain of people we like A counterintuitive findings from a new study show that the part of the brain that is associated with empathizing with the pain of others is activated more strongly by watching the suffering of hateful people as opposed to likable people.

Researchers discover, treat toxic effects of ALS mutation in neurons using patients' skin cells Researchers have discovered how the most common genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia kills neurons, and have successfully developed a therapeutic strategy to block this neurodegeneration in neurons made from the skin cells of ALS patients. The findings have important implications for treating patients with these debilitating, currently incurable ne When neurons have less to say, they speak up The brain is an extremely adaptable organ – but it is also quite conservative. That’s in short, what scientists are now able to show. Researchers have found that neurons in the brain regulate their own activity in such a way that the overall activity level in the network remains as constant as possible. This remains true even in the event of major changes.

Recovery from childhood ADHD may depend on pattern of brain development Some people grow out of their childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some don't. In fact, around 50% of individuals diagnosed as children continue to suffer from ADHD as adults. Researchers are trying to understand the reasons why, and whether there are any differences that distinguish the two groups. Gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and symptom severity have already Participation in cardiac rehab program improves recovery in stroke patients Stroke patients who participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program for six months make rapid gains in how far and fast they can walk, the use of weakened limbs and their ability to sit and stand. Taking stock of research on sleepless soldiers Various behavioral treatment options are helping to treat the sleeplessness experienced by American soldiers who have been deployed in recent military operations. A review of research has been done on deployment-related insomnia among military personnel and veterans, conducted since 2010.

Schizophrenia linked to abnormal brain waves: Neurological hyperactivity produces disordered thinking Schizophrenia patients usually suffer from a breakdown of organized thought, often accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. For the first time, neuroscientists have observed the neural activity that appears to produce this disordered thinking.

Brain connections underlying accurate introspection revealed The human mind is not only capable of cognition and registering experiences but also of being introspectively aware of these processes. Until now, scientists have not known if such introspection was a single skill or dependent on the object of reflection. Also unclear was whether the brain housed a single system for reflecting on experience or required multiple systems to support different types o Overexpressed protein to be culprit in certain thyroid cancers A specific protein once thought to exist only in the brain may play a crucial role in a deadly form of thyroid cancer, as well as other cancers, and provide a fresh target for researchers seeking ways to stop its progression People with depression may struggle with parenthood An article by researchers has shed light on the link between depression and poor parenting. The article identifies the symptoms of depression that are likely to cause difficulties with parenting. The findings could lead to more effective interventions to prevent depression and other psychological disorders from being passed from parent to child. Study shows difference in cognitive ability between low-income rural, urban children Studies have long shown a difference in cognitive ability between high- and low-income children, but for the first time, scientists have found a difference between low-income children growing up in rural areas and those growing up in urban environments. Teachers more likely to have progressive speech, language disorders Researchers have found a surprising occupational hazard for teachers: progressive speech and language disorders. The research found that people with speech and language disorders are about 3.5 times more likely to be teachers than patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Genetic identification of neural circuit that suppresses appetite Scientists have used genetic engineering to identify a population of neurons that tell the brain to shut off appetite. Scientists unravel mechanisms in chronic itching

New research shows that chronic itching, which can occur in many medical conditions, is different from the urge to scratch a mosquito bite. Chronic itching appears to incorporate more than just the nerve cells that normally transmit itch signals. In chronic itching, neurons that send itch signals also co-opt pain neurons to intensify the itch sensation. Poetry is like music to the mind, functional magnetic resonance imaging reveals Scientists use functional magnetic resonance imaging technology to visualize which parts of the brain are activated to process various activities. But until now, no one had ever looked specifically at the differing responses in the brain to poetry and prose. Method of recording brain activity could lead to mind-reading devices, Stanford scientists say A brain region activated when people are asked to perform mathematical calculations in an experimental setting is similarly activated when they use numbers -- or even imprecise quantitative terms, such as "more than" -- in everyday conversation, according to a new study. To live and learn: Making memories has to be a speedy business Researchers have discovered that nerve cells have a special "pre-assembly" technique to expedite the manufacture of proteins at nerve cell connections (synapses), enabling the brain to rapidly form memories and be plastic. Suited for treatment of brain damage For those with brain damage or neurological disorders - such as MS or Parkinson's - treatment could be as close as the wardrobe. Happiness lowers blood pressure A synthetic gene module controlled by the happiness hormone dopamine produces an agent that lowers blood pressure. This opens up new avenues for therapies that are remote-controlled via the subconscious.

.Política científica

La Universidad de Granada es la mejor de España en investigación informática La Universidad de Granada (UGR) es la mejor institución académica de toda España en informática de acuerdo con el nuevo 'Ranking de Taiwán' (NTU Ranking 2013), que realiza la National Taiwan University a partir de los datos de publicaciones científicas de las bases de datos Web of Science de Thomson Reuters y que se acaba de hacer público. La Universidad de Granada es la mejor para estudiar informática en España según el ranking de Taiwan La Universidad de Granada (UGR) es la mejor institución académica de toda España en informática de acuerdo con el nuevo 'Ranking de Taiwan' (NTU Ranking 2013), que realiza la National Taiwan University a partir de los datos de publicaciones científicas de las bases de datos Web of Science de Thomson Reuters y que se acaba de hacer público. Un falso estudio científico pone en entredicho los filtros de 157 revistas de ‘open access’ ¿Quién teme a la revisión por pares? Así comienza un artículo que publica esta semana la revista Science protagonizado por John Bohannon, biólogo, periodista, bailarín y científico de la Universidad de Harvard. Bohannon explica cómo un trabajo ficticio enviado a varias publicaciones de acceso abierto fue aceptado en más de 150 revistas, un tercio de ellas con sede en la India. Una ecuación predice el impacto futuro de los artículos científicos Un equipo de investigadores estadounidenses ha desarrollado un modelo capaz de predecir el impacto que tendrán los artículos científicos. El método analiza la dinámica de citas de trabajos publicados en diferentes revistas y disciplinas. Los autores del estudio, publicado en Science, señalan que estos documentos tienden a seguir los mismos patrones temporales universales y que con su modelo es pos

Además… pulse aquí para ver

NATURE & SCIENCE NEWS !!!

http://www.google.com/reader/shared/user%2F11097107119414458496%2Flabel%2FNature%20and%20Science%20News

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/