A recent study published in eLife found that REM sleep loss leads to increased consumption of unhealthy foods, particularly sucrose and fat. The researchers discovered that inhibiting neurons in the prefrontal cortex reverses the effect of REM sleep loss on sucrose consumption.
Researchers identified mutations in genes controlling sleep in mice, revealing roles for NALCN and SIK3 proteins in regulating sleep need and maintaining REM sleep. The study used a genetic screening approach to isolate sleep phenotypes and mutated genes.
A University of Tsukuba-led research group has identified Pax6 as the protein regulator of retinal regeneration in newts. This discovery could lead to a new treatment approach for retinal problems, enabling the regeneration of damaged retinas.
A new study discovered that adenosine inhibits REM sleep by acting on specific receptors in the olfactory bulb. This finding suggests a link between REM sleep and odor perception, which may help treat diseases such as REM sleep behavior disorder. The research team hopes to explore adenosine as a potential treatment target for RBD.
Activation of estrogen receptor alpha in brain region necessary for adult mice to express typical male social behaviors. Inhibition before puberty affects both sexual and aggressive behavior in adulthood.
A study by University of Tsukuba researchers reveals that dioxin exposure disrupts AhR signaling, leading to slowed neuron migration and altered brain development. This mechanism may explain abnormal behavioral alterations caused by dioxin exposure in laboratory animals.
A research team at the University of Tsukuba identified a crucial role for spleen marginal zone B lymphocytes in exacerbating endotoxin shock through cytokine production. MZ B cells produce large quantities of IL-6 and other inflammatory chemokines in response to LPS, highlighting their strong pro-inflammatory role.
Researchers found that a gap phase in the cell cycle acts as a switch to mask asynchronous synthesis, enabling a mitotic wave to coordinate with neural tube formation. This study provides insight into the critical stage of animal embryonic development.
Bacteria's ability to form membrane vesicles and biofilms, crucial for disease-causing abilities and antibiotic resistance, has been linked to explosive cell lysis. The study reveals that a previously unknown enzyme disrupts the cell wall, releasing essential cellular components.
Researchers found that larval newts use stem/progenitor cells for muscle regeneration, while metamorphosed newts recruit skeletal muscle fiber cells. The study also revealed that skin, bone, muscle, and nerve tissues can regenerate faithfully in both stages of development.
A University of Tsukuba study found that astaxanthin promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus and elevates learning and memory capacity. The research discovered specific molecular pathways contributing to improved memory capacity, paving the way for targeted mechanisms in medical food development.
Researchers used the powerful x-ray pulses from SACLA to investigate excited-state induced transient lattice dynamics in phase-change materials. They observed non-thermal local structural rearrangements within a few picoseconds, followed by warming of the lattice and a 2 pm change in lattice spacing after 20 ps.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba discover that dying epithelial cells suppress proliferation of regulatory T cells, promoting inflammation. Beneficial bacteria in the gut can help Treg cell proliferation, but this effect is blocked by apoptotic epithelial cells.
Researchers explore internal and social behavior, using mathematical tools to analyze brain activity. The study reveals a substance that influences financial decisions, highlighting the need for guiding rules in brain function.
A new 'Ouija Board' protein in Drosophila melanogaster flies plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of a single gene required for biosynthesis of insect steroid hormones. This study provides new insights into animal steroid hormone biosynthesis and its evolution.
Researchers found that MAP1A connects NMDA glutamate receptors to microtubules, stabilizing receptor transport and preventing derailment. This discovery offers new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying memory and learning.
Researchers visualized the mechanism of cell polarity maintenance using a super-resolution microscope, revealing its relationship to exocytosis and microtubules. The study used a fungal model to clarify the behavior of polarity markers, shedding light on their role in site-specific growth and cell function.
Research by the University of Tsukuba's Hiroaki Ueda and Youichi Kamae group reveals a connection between tropical seawater temperatures and changes in East Asian monsoon patterns. The study found that specific trends in tropical sea surface temperatures can explain recent changes in the region's summer rainfall.
Researchers have discovered Landau levels on atomically flat surfaces without asymmetries, supporting the domain model for non-magnetic field generation. The study reveals unique properties of graphite-based carbon materials, such as graphene, for electronic devices and catalysis.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified the catalytic structure and proposed a mechanism for non-platinum oxygen reduction catalysts, showing that pyridinic nitrogen is key to its performance. The study's findings will enable optimization studies to focus on improving catalyst efficiency.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have successfully developed a new type of anticancer agent, gatastatin, targeting γ-tubulin. This γ-tubulin specific inhibitor has shed light on the importance of γ-tubulin function in microtubule stability during late stages of cell division.
A research group led by Makoto Kobayashi has shed light on the mechanism of hemangioblast differentiation into blood cells and vascular endothelia. LSD1 histone demethylase plays a crucial role in silencing Etv2, a transcription factor gene required for hemangioblast formation.
A research team from the University of Tsukuba found that the S-stroke is more efficient for middle and long distance swimming due to its ability to generate propulsive power with less physical exertion. In contrast, the I-stroke is better suited for short distances where speed over efficiency is prioritized.
A team of scientists has identified a key segment of DNA involved in the genomic imprinting process, which regulates gene expression based on an individual's parental origin. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders and may lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic diseases.
Researchers developed a system to analyze and improve running motions using big data and artificial intelligence, identifying key differences between high-rank marathon runners and beginners. The technology, called 'skill grouping,' converts movements into objective scores, enabling the development of healthcare tools and assisting tra...
Researchers found that fitter men performed better mentally than less fit men by using parts of their brains in the same way as in their youth. Aerobic fitness was associated with higher left-PFC activity and faster reaction times, indicating older adults who use a more youth-like brain perform better.
Researchers identify a neural circuit that regulates REM sleep and show that it controls the physiology of non-REM (NREM) sleep. They also found that REM sleep plays a crucial role in the generation of slow waves during NREM sleep.