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Meat, MS and the microbiome

A study by UConn Health and Washington University School of Medicine found that eating more meat correlates with worse MS symptoms, altered gut bacteria, and increased immune cells. The research identified key bacteria and metabolites associated with the disease, providing new insights into its causes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Rare Cambrian fossils from Utah reveal unexpected anatomical complexity in early comb jellies

Researchers describe two new species of fossil ctenophores from Utah with preserved nervous systems and up to 24 comb rows. These findings suggest that Cambrian ctenophores had more complex nervous systems than living species, with specific nerve tracks along the body and a ring around the mouth.

Unusual prey: Spiders eating snakes

Researchers found that spiders from 11 different families can catch and eat snakes, including species up to one meter in length. The venom of these spiders also has a similar effect on snake nervous systems as it does on humans.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Arachnology·DateJun 28, 2021

How octopus suckers "taste by touch"

Researchers have discovered how octopuses can taste objects by touch using their suckers, which include discrete populations of sensory cells. The study found that distinct chemotactile receptors form ion channel complexes that detect specific signals and send them to the nervous system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020

The value of pride

Research finds that pride serves an evolved function in human nature, helping individuals weigh self-interest against social approval. The study reveals a close link between pride and the values of those around us, suggesting it's a win-win rather than a sin.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018

Nervous system puts the brakes on inflammation

Research by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists reveals that the nervous system can dampen excessive inflammation in the gut and lungs, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The study also found that beta-adrenergic receptors play a crucial role in controlling the immune response.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2018

Nerves control the body's bacterial community

Researchers from Kiel University discovered that small molecules secreted by nerve cells influence the composition and colonization of specific types of beneficial bacteria in Hydra. The study found that these neuropeptides have antibacterial activity, which affects the balance of the microbiome.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2017

Venom becomes more potent as brown snakes age

Research led by University of Queensland scientist Associate Professor Bryan Fry reveals that brown snake venom attacks the nervous system in young snakes and circulatory system in older ones. This transformation allows the venom to become more potent and deadly, causing internal bleeding and death in humans.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateMay 16, 2017

Horse-riding can improve children's cognitive ability

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 2, 2017

Magnifying mistakes boosts motor skills past a performance plateau

A new study found that manipulating the perception of mistakes can further enhance motor skills after an initial performance peak. Exaggerating errors reduced neural 'noise' and allowed participants to break past their plateau. The findings challenge existing assumptions about noise reduction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 4, 2016

Gene cascade specifies 2 distinct neuron sets expressing Nplp1

Researchers identified two distinct neuronal cell lineages expressing Nplp1, driven by different spatiotemporal cues and converging on a common terminal selector cascade. The study provides new insights into neuronal cell fate specification and the role of feed-forward loops in regulating gene expression during development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

New drug against nerve agents in sight

Researchers at Umea University and Swedish Defence Research Agency develop a three-dimensional structure of the HI-6 nerve agent antidote, revealing its binding mechanism to acetylcholinesterase. The breakthrough provides new insights into designing effective antidotes against sarin and other nerve agents.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2016

Do differences in anatomy matter for achieving orgasm?

Differences in anatomy may affect an individual's ability to achieve orgasm, particularly for females where physical characteristics play a significant role. Research suggests that variations in clitoral migration and penis entry angle can influence sexual experiences.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateApr 7, 2016

UC recieves $1.9 million to study pain

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying the interacting roles of the sympathetic nervous system, sensory nervous system, and immune system in preclinical models of back pain and neuropathic pain. The goal is to understand how timing of a nerve block treatment affects chronic pain relief.

Closer look reveals nematode nervous systems differ

Researchers have discovered significant differences in the number of neurons in nematode ventral cords across various species, suggesting that neuron number and anatomy may have evolved multiple times. This variation could lead to the development of more targeted nematicides to control plant-parasitic nematodes.

You'd have to be smart to walk this lazy... and people are

A study published in Current Biology found that people subconsciously change their walking patterns to expend the least amount of energy possible. By wearing robotic exoskeletons and altering resistance levels, researchers showed that participants adapt their step frequency to converge on a new energetic optimum within minutes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 10, 2015

Speedy computation enables scientists to reconstruct an animal's development cell by cell

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus have created a computational method to rapidly track cell movements in data-rich images. This enables the automation of reconstructing an animal's developmental building plan cell by cell, with potential applications in understanding how the nervous system forms.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 20, 2014

Heart rate variability may predict risk of disease in premature infants

Researchers found that heart rate variability can predict the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The study showed that decreased high-frequency energy distribution was associated with increased risk, while higher values were linked to a lower risk. This discovery offers new hope for early detection and intervention.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateJun 12, 2014