Articles tagged with Worms
A double-blind study found that middle-aged mice treated with alpha-ketaglutarate had a significantly improved healthspan, experiencing fewer diseases and disabilities before death. The study suggests that AKG may suppress chronic inflammation, which is a major driver of aging.
Researchers discovered a single gene family controlling neuron type and function, with each type containing a unique set of homeobox proteins. This finding could provide insights into the evolution of nervous systems in animals, including humans.
A team of Japanese researchers has discovered a new species of sea worm in the Southern Ocean, expanding our understanding of the region's biodiversity. The newly identified species, Flabelligena hakuhoae, is one of six described species within the genus Flabelligena.
Researchers developed a model of metabolic pathways in parasitic worms and their bacterial endosymbionts, identifying critical reactions that slow growth and reproduction. The study suggests three potential drugs that can block these reactions, reducing worm numbers and reproductive ability.
A new invasive species, Polydora websteri, has been found in the Wadden Sea, posing a significant threat to oyster farming and the ecosystem. The worm, likely originating from Asia, causes damage to oysters' shells, weakening them and making them vulnerable to predators.
Researchers discovered an alternative splicing mechanism enabling parasites to thrive in the human gut's low oxygen environment. The unique enzyme variant allows for anaerobic metabolism, raising hopes for targeted treatments that are safe for humans.
A new study found three FDA-approved medications caused distinct physiological changes in microscopic nematode worms C. elegans, suggesting potential unrecognized effects in humans. The research highlights the need for continued evaluation of medications even after FDA approval.
Researchers developed ribosome tethering tools to image neural circuits with greater precision. This allows for direct visualization of neuronal activity, reducing background fluorescence and spurious signals from surrounding nerve fibers.
A new study found that specific gut bacteria in worms can modify their behavior, directing them to choose certain food sources. The bacteria influence neural circuit activity by producing chemicals like tyramine, which increase tolerance for certain smells.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have identified four criteria for understanding animal beliefs, including the ability to use information flexibly and recombine components in novel ways. These criteria are met by various species, such as crows, scrub jays, rats, chimpanzees, and border collies.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered that dopamine signaling plays a crucial role in coordinating distinct behavioral outputs in C. elegans, enabling the animals to disperse eggs efficiently across a nutrient-rich environment. By analyzing high-frame-rate videos of nematodes using a custom microscopy platform, the team ide...
Researchers discovered that superworms can degrade polystyrene plastic with the aid of a specific strain of bacteria in their gut. The bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, produce an enzyme called serine hydrolase that breaks down the plastic.
Research at Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing reveals that NFYB-1 regulates mitochondrial function through lysosomal prosaposin, a key factor in cellular longevity. The study used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism and found that restoring cardiolipins improved worm health.
A study at Harvard Medical School found that administering CoQ10 reverses damage to germinative cells caused by BPA exposure. The antioxidants reduced oxidative stress and cell death rates in worms exposed to BPA, suggesting a potential strategy for reversing BPA-induced fertility issues.
A team of scientists discovered a sensory circuit in worms that allows them to choose between spending energy on self-defence and relying on nearby bacterial protection. The discovery suggests that the presence of E. coli bacteria is crucial for peroxide resistance, which could lead to improved health and longevity in humans.
Researchers at KU Leuven discovered that Neuromedin U allows the brain to recall negative memories and learn from past experiences. The protein acts as a signalling molecule enabling neurons to communicate with each other, leading to the association of unpleasant stimuli with future avoidance.
Researchers discovered that tube worm slime contains an iron storage protein called ferritin, which acts as a molecular battery storing energy. Artificially adding iron to the mucus increases light production, enabling a self-sustaining bioluminescence process.
Researchers from TUM have identified a substance that worm larvae use to modulate the host's immune response, activating anti-inflammatory pathways and reducing inflammatory mediators. This active molecule shows promise as a new treatment for chronic airway inflammation in allergic asthma.
A new algorithm for segmenting biological objects in complex images has been developed by Skoltech researchers. The method uses a two-step neural network training algorithm that can learn from small datasets and achieve high accuracy in isolating individual cells, organisms, and parts of plants.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that excess weight can cause poor sleep in worms, not the other way around. Researchers genetically modified worms to lose their ability to sleep and observed a severe drop in energy levels, suggesting that sleep is an attempt to conserve energy.
A UCL-led study reveals that certain organisms, like C. elegans roundworms, possess self-destruct programs to prevent overliving and benefit their colonies. This adaptive mechanism reduces food demand and increases reproductive success, providing a winning strategy for the community.
Scientists have discovered a unique symbiosis between deep-sea worms and methanotrophic bacteria that harnesses methane as a carbon source. The worms absorb the energy from methane by slowly digesting the bacteria, effectively becoming methanotrophs themselves.
A new study found a dramatic increase in the global abundance of Anisakis worms, also known as herring worms, which can be transmitted to humans through raw or undercooked seafood. The parasite's rise could have implications for human health and marine mammal populations.
Researchers developed a computer program to identify each nerve cell in fluorescent microscope images of living worms, overcoming previous challenges by creating unique genetic modifications. The program uses a mathematical algorithm to analyze images and assign neuron identities based on position variations between individual animals.
A new genus of Cambrian sea worm, Utahscolex, has been discovered after a partial fossil specimen was unearthed in Utah in 1969. The discovery, led by Anna Whitaker, sheds light on the evolution of life on Earth and provides insights into the diversity of ancient marine life.
Researchers discovered a temperature-sensing nerve cell that transmits signals activating or inhibiting receiving nerve cells, explaining how worms respond to good or bad temperatures. Genetic studies identified three conserved genes involved in this response, suggesting a similar mechanism may exist in higher organisms.
Researchers discovered a new master control region in alpha-synuclein protein that controls amyloid formation, leading to neurodegeneration and movement difficulties. This finding opens up new opportunities to develop therapies to slow down or prevent Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have successfully tested molecular motors that can destroy diseased cells in worms, plankton, and mice. The nanomachines caused various degrees of damage to tissues, showing their potential for treating skin diseases such as melanomas and eczema.
Researchers found that pesticide-contaminated freshwater bodies support larger snail populations, which can increase the risk of schistosomiasis. The study suggests reducing pesticide use near waterways and improving sewage systems as key measures to mitigate the disease.
Researchers use physics and technology to track animal movement, revealing key findings on flock behavior, neural network tracking, and burrowing forces. By analyzing animal motion, scientists gain a deeper understanding of collective behavior and individual animal actions.
A new study found that parasitic trematode worms produce greater standing armies in areas of greater threat, demonstrating for the first time that animal societies can adjust army size to meet threat levels. The research showed that snails collected in locations with high risk of invasion had larger numbers of soldier worms.
Researchers found that a mere four glial cells in the worm's brain control the stress response in cells throughout its body, increasing lifespan by 75%. This discovery suggests that brain cells may play a crucial role in protecting muscles from wasting away, and potentially lead to new treatments for muscle atrophy and obesity.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute will employ a nematode worm model to understand how serotonin modulates brain states and behavior. They aim to map out which combinations of serotonin receptors mediate its effects on behavior and analyze how serotonin alters whole-brain activity.
Researchers Alyssa Johnson and Adam Bohnert have discovered a new class of lysosomes, dubbed 'tubular lysosomes,' which can form complex networks that affect aging, disease, and stressors. Their findings could lead to medical therapies and treatments to extend health and longevity in humans and animals.
A study published in Genetics found that Coenzyme Q10 reversed most of the reproductive harms caused by exposure to BPA in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The antioxidant improved or reversed multiple types of damage, including lower rates of egg cell death and fewer chromosome abnormalities.
Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing to introduce human mutations into C. elegans worms, identifying genes that modify disease progression and pinpointing harmful drugs. The study found three candidate disease-modifier genes and demonstrated the importance of screening for potential harm in patients with genetic mutations.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new tool to identify molecular receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans worms involved in sensing pheromones. This breakthrough could speed up neuroscience research into pheromones by streamlining the process and identifying specific receptors in just a month.
Researchers found plants manipulate nematode pheromones to repel these pests, which cause more than $100 million in damage to crops every year. Plants metabolize ascarosides and secrete the metabolites back into the soil, broadcasting propaganda that 'this is a bad place'.
Researchers found that DEHP disrupts meiosis in worms, leading to defects during egg formation and early embryonic development. The chemical causes excessive DNA breaks and interferes with the system that repairs them, resulting in abnormal chromosomes and reduced embryo viability.
A team of biologists discovered a group of annelid worms that have remained largely unchanged for 275 million years, despite their distinct genetic makeup. The Stygocapitella worms' slow evolution is attributed to their adaptation to stable environments, with changes potentially linked to population crashes or developmental constraints.
Researchers have found that suppressing MSUT2, a gene involved in tau regulation, may protect against Alzheimer's disease. The study also highlights the importance of preserving PABPN1 activity to prevent brain degeneration.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that excess levels of a protein, p62 or SQSTM1, increase lifespan in worms. This discovery could help uncover treatments for age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that oxidative stress in early life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life. Oxidative stress, which occurs when cells produce more oxidants than they can deal with, is part of the aging process but can also arise from stressful conditions.
Researchers identified a potential new therapy for lymphatic filariasis, a disabling parasitic disease, using innovative RNA sequencing techniques. The experimental cancer drug JQ1 effectively kills adult worms in laboratory settings and may be more effective than standard treatments.
The Devil Worm's genome reveals an unusually large number of heat-shock proteins and extra copies of cellular survival genes, suggesting its evolutionary adaptation to lethal environmental conditions. The discovery may provide lessons for humans on how to adapt to a warming climate, with potential applications in understanding life bey...
Researchers found that the nervous system controls a worm's skin-like barrier against bacterial infections, challenging traditional views on innate defense. The discovery may have implications for human health and longevity by regulating collagen production, a key protein in maintaining tissue structure.
Researchers at Cornell University describe how cells initiate and perform endocytosis, a process crucial for everyday cell functioning. They found that NECAP acts like a chip clip to clamp shut the AP2 protein complex, preventing endocytosis.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to mimic human SF3B1 mutations in C. elegans worms, identifying three splicing factors as potential targets for cancer therapy. The study also humanized a region of the SF3B1 protein binding site, enabling testing of Pladienolide B-derived molecules.
Researchers identify previously unknown proteins that suppress trypsin activity, protecting tapeworms from digestive enzymes. The discovery sheds light on the molecular diversity of tapeworms and their ability to evade host immune systems.
A research team has isolated a potent compound that paralyzes parasitic worms causing devastating health problems. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight schistosomiasis, a disease with no alternative treatment besides praziquantel.
Researchers found metabolic defects precede amyloid-beta protein accumulation in Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with Metformin reversed these defects and improved healthspan and lifespan in a tiny worm model.
Researchers found that natural selection acts on signal-sensing receptors, influencing a worm's decision to stay or enter dauer based on the availability of resources. The study provides evidence that artificial and natural selection work similarly, supporting Darwin's hypothesis.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that tapeworm regeneration is dependent on stem cells located near the head. Researchers found that severing the head did not prevent regrowth, but signals from the neck are necessary to activate stem cells.
Researchers have discovered a new bioluminescence mechanism in railroad worm Phrixothrix hirtus, emitting red light through the size of its luciferase cavity. This discovery has potential for biomedical applications like imaging muscles and blood tissue.
A study on Soay sheep reveals that their immune responses to parasitic worms decline through adulthood, leading to increased mortality rates. The findings provide the first evidence linking declining immune function and survival in wild animals, highlighting a critical issue for human health as well.
The RIS neuron in threadworms serves both to induce sleep after shedding its cuticle or recovering from stress, and to halt movement during locomotion, enabling the worm to change direction or avoid danger. This dual function highlights the complexity of simple life forms like worms.
A new Cochrane review consolidates the results of 50 trials involving over 84,000 participants, showing little to no effect of deworming on haemoglobin, cognition, school performance, and mortality. The review suggests that donors and countries should reassess policies for mass treatment.
Research from the Alkema lab reveals that the 'fight-or-flight' response triggers tyramine release, which stimulates insulin pathways to satisfy energy demands but down-regulates cellular protection against environmental stress. This dynamic regulation negatively impacts health and aging in nematode worms.
Researchers have identified a receptor protein that can detect extreme cold temperatures in creatures. The study found that the glr-3 gene, responsible for making the GLR-3 receptor protein, is required for worms to sense cold temperatures and is evolutionarily conserved across species.
A study by the University of Bonn found that parasitic worms, such as Pomphorhynchus laevis, use bright orange coloring to attract specific host fish like barbels and sticklebacks. This strategy increases infection rates in these species, which are suitable for the parasite's reproduction.