Articles tagged with Worms
A WPI biologist has discovered that a key component in a worm's communication system can be repurposed to take on a different function, providing insights into the workings of evolution. This finding could have significant implications for drug interaction research, agricultural bio-engineering, and our understanding of genetic inherit...
Scientists have used DNA tests in UK waters to detect non-native species, including a potentially fatal worm. The technique could help catch invasions early on and monitor eradication efforts.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that gall midge larvae use a hydrostatic legless jumping mechanism, which allows them to launch themselves through the air with incredible speed and efficiency. This remarkable behavior is made possible by sticky patches of skin on the larva's body, similar to those found on geckos' feet.
A mutant worm with a change in one mitochondrial gene produces more ROS, but lives twice as long due to a detoxification pathway. The study reveals that this pathway is conserved throughout the animal kingdom and essential for longevity.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a protein called TCER-1 that controls healthspan, not just lifespan. Removing TCER-1 made worms more resilient to stressors, while increasing it suppressed immune defenses.
A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.
A team of researchers has discovered a new way to target the unique metabolism of drug-resistant parasites, using a molecule called rhodoquinone. This approach could lead to the development of new drugs that selectively kill parasites without harming humans.
Researchers found genetic divergence between ice worm populations north and west of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and those south and east. Birds are believed to have transported eggs between glaciers, introducing new diversity to isolated ice worms.
A new study found nearly a third of Cambodian population infected with Strongyloides stercoralis. The threadworm is associated with increased risk in older individuals, open defecation, and lower knowledge about helminth infections.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit kill invasive jumping worm cocoons, potentially limiting their spread. This finding could inform strategies to slow or stop the worms' invasion through heat-treated compost and potted plants.
A team of researchers has discovered intestinal parasite infection in ancient faeces from the Çatalhöyük village, dating back to 7,100 BC. Whipworm eggs were found in two coprolites, providing early evidence of human disease in the Near East.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a new, genetically clean strain of the C. elegans worm, which will serve as a standardized baseline for future research studies. The new genome sequence reveals hidden genetic variations and highlights the need for accurate DNA sequencing in synthetic biology.
A new mathematical model developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that large collective of parasitic worms can kick-start a self-perpetuating cycle ensuring their survival. The study found that quantity of parasites alone determines whether they persist in a host, contrary to previous approaches.
LaViers' paper presents a simplified counting model that compares the expressive capabilities of robots and natural beings, revealing trends in robotic capacity. The research shows that robots perform similarly to a microscopic worm, highlighting the need for improvement in mimicking nature in robotics.
Researchers have identified two fast-acting compounds that kill parasite-supporting bacteria after a single dose in mouse models of filarial diseases, potentially eradicating the condition. The standard-of-care treatment is limited by its duration and availability to pregnant women and children.
Researchers discovered that worms can form associative memories and retrieve them to cope with future hardships, similar to humans with PTSD. The study found that certain neurons store these memories and triggering a specific scent can bring back distressing memories.
Scientists at Lancaster University discovered that a late-acting T-helper 17 response helps eliminate Trichinella spiralis, a round worm and causative agent of Trichinosis. This response increases intestinal contraction and restoring IL-17 levels rescues mice's ability to expel the parasite.
Dr. Kelly Dorgan received a CAREER grant to study ecosystem engineering and bioturbation rates in marine sediments. She aims to improve nutrient regeneration and predict bioturbation patterns, benefiting ocean health.
Researchers found that intestinal worms prevented weight gain on high-fat diets by boosting specific bacteria producing norepinephrine, leading to increased energy consumption and fat burning. This mechanism may lead to the development of new methods for weight loss.
A single bacterium supplies the gutless Paracatenula worm with lipids, proteins, sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and other substances for energy and biomass production. The bacteria use chemosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, which are then delivered to the host in small droplet-like vesicles.
Researchers used an algorithm to model the decision-making of C. elegans in response to a sensory stimulus, achieving predictions that matched experimental results. The Sir Isaac platform demonstrated improved accuracy compared to prior models, offering insights into the potential of artificial intelligence in scientific discovery.
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a life-extension pathway in C. elegans worms that modulates a cannabinoid biological pathway, extending lifespan by up to 45%. The study introduces a powerful method for applying chemical probes to lab animals like worms to discover biology relevant to humans.
Research suggests that parasitic worms cause majority of cancers in poor countries due to chronic inflammation and toxic egg excretions. However, some species of helminths, like the 'hyper tapeworm', inhibit cancer growth and may even enhance host's immune response to tumors.
Researchers have identified the lin-41 mRNA as a crucial target of the let-7 microRNA, driving the transition to adulthood and sexual organ formation in C. elegans. This finding may provide insights into human puberty disorders linked to genetic variations affecting let-7 activity.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a mechanism linking caloric restriction to immune system regulation, leading to increased longevity. Caloric restriction reduces innate immunity by decreasing p38 activity, triggering a chain reaction effect.
A team of researchers from Harvard University has discovered genetic switches that control the process of whole-body regeneration in animals. Using three-banded panther worms, they found that a non-coding DNA section activates a 'master control gene' called early growth response (EGR), which controls various processes by switching othe...
A Rice University study found that a B12-deficient diet harms nematodes' health, reducing their ability to metabolize branched-chain amino acids and leading to mitochondrial damage. This increase in mitochondrial toxicity also enhances resistance to multiple stressors and pathogens.
Researchers discovered that C. elegans neurons fire action potentials, a more digital type of signaling, rather than analog signals previously thought. This finding opens doors to improved neural mapping and insights into how complicated brains operate.
Researchers found that reducing DAF-2 gene expression increased worm lifespan and improved offspring fitness, challenging the idea that ageing is linked to energy allocation. The study suggests that suboptimal gene expression in adulthood can lead to premature ageing.
Researchers have discovered fossilized worm tunnels dating back to the Cambrian period, suggesting animal life was more widespread than previously thought. The finding reveals evidence of large populations of worms living in sedimentary rocks, which were once believed to be barren.
Researchers discovered a new species of bacterium, Chryseobacterium nematophagum, that can digest roundworm parasites from the inside out. The bacteria produce specific enzymes that break down chitin and collagen, making them effective against various parasitic nematodes.
A new study reveals neural mechanisms responsible for local search in C. elegans, showing that smell and touch responses function independently. The researchers also found that altering brain activity can trigger extended search periods, potentially related to short-term memory.
Researchers at KAUST created a library of fluorescently marked, GPR-1-overexpressing strains to interrogate gene function and study transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This tool allows scientists to generate worms with recoded genomes for synthetic biology applications.
A 500-million-year-old ancient worm, Amiskwia, has been linked to modern arrowworms through DNA analysis and anatomical features. The study found that Amiskwia possessed a jaw apparatus similar to gnathiferans, which are microscopic worms with a distinctive internal jaw apparatus.
Scientists studied memory blocking in worms to understand how memories form and retrieve. They found that blocking is related to memory recall, not formation, and identified key cells and molecules involved.
A recent study by Osaka University found that increased expression of Rubicon in tissues from aged animals contributed to reduced levels of autophagy. This reduction in autophagy may lead to progression of aging and diseases. Suppression of Rubicon led to improved age-related factors and increased lifespan in worm and fly models.
Scientists have discovered biologically active compounds in marine invertebrates that exhibit strong antitumor and antimicrobial properties. These compounds show potential as new treatments for cancer and can also be used to develop effective insecticides.
Researchers have developed a community-agreed model of worm metabolism, which has been re-optimised for relevance to metabolic changes during ageing. The model predicts that Oxaloacetate production becomes limiting in aged worms, potentially leading to extended lifespan by up to 20%.
Scientists parse animal behavior into digestible chunks using an adaptive model, spotting subtleties that would have otherwise been missed. The study found that complex dynamics can be broken down into simple linear patterns, allowing for the quantification of brain states and movement behaviors in various organisms.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered an intracellular pathway that regulates metabolic adjustments promoting health and longevity in C. elegans worms. This discovery reveals how lysosomes communicate with mitochondria to extend lifespan.
Researchers discovered a mechanism involving protein alteration that controls cell response to stress, boosting immunity and extending lifespan. The discovery highlights the importance of unfolded protein response (UPR) and its regulation by ULP-4 enzyme in mitigating mitochondrial stress.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified arrow worms as a new group of animals, challenging the classical view that complex organisms evolved from simple ancestors. The study reveals important evolutionary trends and sheds light on the phylogenetic position of these bizarre creatures.
Researchers have developed a highly specific anti-Wolbachia drug candidate that could provide a safe oral treatment for worm infections in just 7 days. The new therapy has superior efficacy and favorable drug properties compared to existing options, which typically take 4-6 weeks to treat similar conditions.
Researchers have identified a molecule called SLO-1 that regulates motor function and lifespan in tiny aging worms. Targeting this molecule may slow down aging in humans and other animals by improving motor function and increasing lifespan.
A new study reveals how the worm's digestive tract signals the brain when to linger in a plentiful spot. Researchers found that specialized nerve cells detect bacteria and release neurotransmitters to slow down or speed up locomotion.
A Rutgers study suggests that a protein produced in response to parasitic intestinal worms can suppress harmful inflammation linked to emphysema and control its progression. The study provides new insights into possible treatments for the deadly disease, which currently has no cure but can be managed through treatment.
A study published in eLife reveals that minocycline can increase the lifespan of aged roundworms by preventing the build-up of proteins, a mechanism that could be exploited to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. The antibiotic also reduces protein aggregation and extends lifespan in animals with impaired proteostasis.
Researchers from McMaster University have discovered a novel genetic control of lipid maintenance that links to lifespan. The study found that the WNT signalling pathway plays a key role in regulating lipid production, which is essential for healthy living.
A CWRU-led study shows a single dose of the new triple-drug therapy is significantly more effective at killing microscopic larval worms in people diagnosed with lymphatic filariasis. This finding has led to changes in WHO treatment guidelines, offering promise for eliminating this disease from global health threats.
Invasive Asian jumping earthworms alter US soil composition by creating nutrient-rich aggregates that lock up essential nutrients. Research by Jenelle Wempner reveals the physical effects of worm droppings on soils, with implications for controlling worm populations and understanding land use implications.
The largest genomic study of parasitic worms has identified hundreds of thousands of new genes and predicted many new potential drug targets. The research could lead to new de-worming treatments to help prevent and treat the diseases caused by parasitic worms worldwide.
Researchers have discovered that two types of motor neurons die in ALS patients through distinct mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of more targeted treatments. The study used worm models to investigate the degeneration of spinal and brain neurons in ALS, revealing new insights into the complex nature of the disease.
A root extract of Fallopia multiflora has been shown to extend the lifetime of nematodes by almost 19% and protect them from oxidative stress. The primary component of the extract, similar in structure to resveratrol, activates sirtuins that control ageing.
Nematodes transmitted during copulation and from mothers to offspring alter brood ball communities, boosting plant-digesting bacteria. This discovery supports the notion that nematodes are mutualists rather than parasites.
Researchers found that DEET interferes with Caenorhabditis elegans' neural circuitry, jumbling their response to certain odors. This knowledge could help develop more effective DEET alternatives.
Scientists find DEET confuses critters by messing with neurons that help sense surroundings. Researchers also discover genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying response to the chemical.
A team at Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics has produced new resources for studying the biology of multicellular organisms. The researchers analyzed gene activity patterns in four major tissues and developed a tool to predict gene expression across cell types.
A recent study published in Nature found that stress caused by starvation before sexual maturation can prevent normal changes in the wiring patterns of key neuronal circuits in male worms. As a result, adult male worms act immaturely during behaviors controlled by these circuits. The study suggests that environmental stress can permane...
A study led by Paul Brindley is examining the cellular link between liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. The research aims to understand why worm infections cause liver cells to transform into cancer.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a non-invasive urine test to detect the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, causing river blindness. The new lateral flow assay uses a biomarker in human urine to identify active infections, offering a crucial tool for tracking outbreaks and treating current infections.