Articles tagged with Worms
A new study reveals that animals and microorganisms work together to break down microbial PHAs, providing a previously overlooked way for animal food webs to access carbon. This discovery opens a new perspective on interactions between microorganisms and animals, highlighting the importance of studying unusual organisms.
A new worm model developed by Brown University researchers could play a key role in treating alternating hemiplegia of childhood, a disorder that causes paralysis in children. The genetically engineered C. elegans nematode model provides a fast and inexpensive way to evaluate potential drug treatments for AHC.
A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science discovered that disrupting a single gene alters serotonin signaling, leading to swarming behavior in worms. The study suggests that neuromodulatory control of social behavior might be evolutionarily conserved across species.
A collaborative effort by researchers from the University of Göttingen and other institutions is creating a genomic inventory of European marine annelids. The goal is to accelerate biodiversity research worldwide and counteract the 'silent extinction' of marine species.
Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans to model chemotherapy-induced neurological dysfunction and tested two compounds for improved recovery. Both sildenafil citrate and Resveramorph-3 significantly reduced seizure-like behaviors and duration, suggesting their potential as therapeutic candidates.
A study found that dogs and cats carry an invasive flatworm species, Caenoplana variegata, which is facilitated by their sticky mucus. This discovery highlights the role of household pets in spreading invasive species globally.
Researchers have developed a method to control protein levels inside different tissues of a whole, living animal for the first time. The technique uses a plant hormone called auxin to precisely regulate protein levels, allowing scientists to study the molecular underpinnings of ageing and disease.
A new species of roundworms, Diplolaimelloides woaabi, has been discovered in the Great Salt Lake, characterized by its unique features and potential role in the lake's ecosystem. The discovery raises questions about how the worms arrived in the lake and their adaptation to highly saline environments.
Researchers tracked the movement of fluorescent particles inside the cells of microscopic worms, providing unprecedented insights into cellular crowding. The study found that the cytoplasm inside the worms was significantly more crowded and compartmentalized than in single-celled yeast or mammalian tissue culture cells.
A study comparing two species of transparent worms reveals that gene expression patterns tend to remain unchanged in basic cell types, while diverging more rapidly in specialized cells involved in sensing and responding to the environment. The findings provide new insights into the pace of evolution in organisms.
A recent study documents the discovery of over 100 new ribbon worm species off Oman's coast, highlighting a significant underestimation of global marine biodiversity. The finding underscores the importance of exploring lesser-studied regions, such as the tropics, to uncover the full extent of oceanic diversity.
The study reveals over 107 species of ribbon worms, 98% of which are undescribed and unique to Arabian waters. The research also suggests that Oman's marine ecosystems may harbor approximately 200 additional undiscovered nemertean species.
Researchers created first complete genetic activity map of a branching worm, revealing how it controls reproduction across its multiple body branches. The study highlights the unique genetic toolkit and challenges understanding of animal bodies' organization.
A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.
A group of long-lasting compounds called PFAS are ubiquitous in everyday products and the environment. Researchers hope to learn which ones are more toxic, and for whom, by using tiny worms to test their health effects.
Researchers at the University of Amsterdam found that worms behave like 'active polymers' when navigating complex environments. In disordered obstacles, they spread faster as obstacle density increases, contradicting common sense. The study's findings suggest a crucial role for environmental geometry in dictating movement strategies.
Researchers found that male worms fail to learn from experience and prioritize risk-taking over survival. In contrast, female worms quickly learned to avoid a disease-causing bacterium. The study discovered a neural receptor responsible for this difference, also present in humans.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found that excessive neuronal activation over time leads to brain function decline, contradicting previous theories. Interventions targeting reduced neuronal hyperactivation, such as dietary changes, may mitigate age-related cognitive decline in humans.
A new study reveals that nematode surfaces are predominantly oily or lipid-based, forming a complex chemical landscape. This discovery provides insights into how animals interact with their environment and each other, and could lead to strategies for overcoming parasitic infections and diseases caused by these worms.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed modular worm and jellyfish robots that harness 'embodied energy' to reduce weight and increase power density. These soft robots demonstrate improved battery capacity and can travel longer distances than previous models.
Researchers investigate how sex-specific immune responses affect disease outcomes in obesity and helminth infections, aiming to develop new treatments for metabolic disorders and parasitic infections. The study focuses on macrophage-eosinophil interactions and the role of RELMalpha protein.
Researchers discovered that skin-penetrating nematodes, like Strongyloides stercoralis, interact with human hosts through CO2-sensing pathways. The study found that infective larvae are repelled by CO2, while noninfective larvae and adults have a neutral reaction.
A new tablet combining albendazole and ivermectin is safe and more effective than albendazole alone in treating Trichuris trichiura and other soil-transmitted helminths. The ALIVE clinical trial showed higher cure rates for T. trichiura, hookworms, and improved egg reduction rates compared to albendazole alone.
Researchers from Jena have discovered how the soil fungus Mortierella alpina eliminates nematodes using natural products called malpinins. These malpinins accumulate in the digestive tract of nematodes and disrupt their function, leading to a slow but effective control of the pests.
Researchers have identified a molecular strategy employed by worm parasites to evade host immune defenses, offering promising solutions for addressing major infectious diseases, allergies, and asthma. By analyzing the unique immune-regulatory properties of helminths, scientists pinpointed key features essential to their activity.
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
Researchers found that in male worms, a memory of a positive association (sex) can override a negative one (starvation), influencing behavior. This finding has implications for understanding health conditions like PTSD, where conflicting memories impact behavior.
Research found that iron oxide nanoparticles reduce the lifespan, longevity, and reproductive ability of Enchytraeus crypticus in a 202-day study. Population density may influence nanoparticle toxicity, with lower-density groups experiencing greater harm.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study sheds light on why paternal mitochondrial DNA is eliminated during development. The research found that delaying this process can lead to lasting neurological and behavioral problems in adults. Treatments such as Vitamin K2 may offer new hope for preventing or treating these disorders.
Researchers create a complex model of nematode worm behavior, accurately mimicking its movements and offering insights into animal behavior. The findings have significant implications for medical research, particularly in the study of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, and could also improve robotics.
Scientists have discovered a new species of predatory flatworm in North Carolina and Florida, which has been detected in residential landscapes across the Southeast. The researchers found that the flatworm has brownish-black color and feeds on soft-bodied organisms like earthworms and slugs.
A recent study by FAU researchers links copper regulation to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. The team discovered that a specific gene, swip-10, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of copper in cells, which can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers has identified novel players in dopamine signaling using Caenorhabditis elegans. They found that mutations in the BBSome protein complex, which regulates transport and signaling in cells, can lead to rare genetic disorders like Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
A species of freshwater flatworm has been found to produce sterile soldiers that defend its colonies without reproduction. The discovery is significant as it sheds light on the evolution of complex animal societies.
A research team led by a CNRS scientist has observed that gut cells play a role in the regeneration of intestine and other tissues like muscle and epidermis. The study found that gut cell plasticity varies according to their location, with those closer to the posterior end rebuilding more diverse cell types.
A team at Stanford University has developed a DIY lab platform that can evaluate dozens of chemotaxis samples in minutes, allowing for rapid discovery of promising new molecules. The platform uses an off-the-shelf flatbed scanner and can prep 20 plates at a time, performing 80 chemical assays in about an hour.
A study by researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation found that changes in mRNA content between germline and somatic cells are the primary source of variation in lifespan. Knocking down specific genes increased life expectancy, suggesting randomness in gene activity affects ageing.
A team of researchers, including OHIO's Nate Szewczyk and students, published a comprehensive package of papers in Nature journals that transform our understanding of human space biology. The studies reveal how molecular biology and precision medicine can guide humanity into more challenging missions beyond Earth.
A new atlas provides a detailed map of how cells and tissues age in roundworms, shedding light on the aging process and potential treatments. The study reveals unique aging features of different tissues and identifies key mechanisms underlying cellular aging.
Researchers used pyrite to study the relationship between sediment mixing and oxygen levels in ancient oceans. They found that small amounts of sediment mixing can expose buried minerals to enough oxygen to start oxygen buildup. This challenges conventional wisdom about the role of oxygen in oxygen accumulation.
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine, discovering epigenetic modifications that alter gene and protein expression. This leads to increased susceptibility to amphetamine-induced behaviors in adult animals.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
Researchers have developed a novel platform for modeling human muscle diseases in C. elegans worms using patient-derived extracellular vesicles, revealing muscle atrophy similar to human symptoms. The innovation enables versatile and scalable disease modeling with potential applications beyond genetic disorders.
Researchers discovered that the regeneration process of certain marine worms is controlled by a common transcription factor called runt, which also regulates the communication with the algae living inside them. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions between species in symbiotic relationships.
Researchers have found that a parasitic worm, Eleaophora schneideri, is likely contributing to the decline of moose populations in some regions. The study found microfilariae scattered throughout the brains of infected animals, leading to potential increased morbidity and mortality.
Bristle worms use specialized cells called chaetoblasts to form bristles, similar to a technical 3D printer. The microvilli on these cells produce chitin, the primary building material for the bristles.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a family of natural compounds that stall the unique metabolic process used by parasites to survive in the human gut. The discovery offers potential as new and more effective treatments for parasitic worm infections, which cause debilitating symptoms and developmental defects.
A UT Arlington student has made a groundbreaking connection between worm behavior and brain disease in humans. Through her research, she found that worms with mutations in neurodegeneration genes exhibit abnormal reactivity to stimuli, similar to those affected by schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
A team of scientists has created a single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm Pristina leidyi, revealing new insights into its regenerative abilities. The study characterizes all major annelid cell types and provides molecular signatures that could inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
A recent study found that even simple marine polychaete worms, such as Platynereis dumerilii, have unique daily rhythms and behavioral patterns. The researchers discovered that these individual differences can provide an evolutionary edge and increase the resiliency of the species.
Researchers developed an AI system to spot parasitic worm infections in children's stool samples using digital mobile microscopy. This innovation improves diagnosis in resource-limited settings where manual microscopy may miss light intensity infections.
A Mediterranean marine worm has evolved massive eyes, rivaling those of mammals, to see in the dark. The worms use their exceptional vision to detect bioluminescent signals and may have a secret language through light communication.
A study analyzing canned salmon from 1979 to 2021 found stable anisakid worm levels in coho and sockeye salmon, while pink and chum salmon showed a rise. This suggests that the marine food web has adapted to changing conditions, with rising parasite levels indicating potential ecosystem shifts.
Two anti-inflammatory molecules, TGFβ1 and HpTGM, reduce the inflammatory response within the injured heart and scarring. Treatment with these proteins at the time of reperfusion reduces infarct size and mature scar size.
Nematode worms can learn to avoid harmful bacteria by exposure to bacterial RNA, and pass on this behavior to future generations. This phenomenon, known as transgenerational inheritance, persists for four generations.
Researchers found large individual differences in roundworm neural activity despite conserved neural circuits. Computer simulations including noise accurately model whole-brain activity, shedding light on neuronal connectivity and essential role of noise in brain function.
A potentially fatal parasite has been discovered in the Colorado River in California, affecting dogs and causing liver and intestinal illness. Researchers confirm the presence of Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm that can be transmitted through snails and water, highlighting the need for awareness and precautions among dog owners.
Scientists have discovered a new species of deep-sea worm, Pectinereis strickrotti, living near a methane seep off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The worm has an elongated body with feathery appendages and was named after Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Bruce Strickrott.