Articles tagged with Worms
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New research reveals that Asian jumping worms can strip forest floors and flood soil with nutrients at an alarming rate. This accelerated nutrient release may benefit plants initially, but also threatens to outcompete native species and contaminate groundwater sources.
Researchers found that a dramatic shift in the microbial community of planaria robs it of regenerative abilities, similar to observed shifts in human inflammatory disorders. The study provides a valuable model for understanding the interplay between immunity and regeneration.
A study by Duke University researchers found that manipulating dopamine signaling can control inflammation in the gut, providing a proof of principle for using drugs originally designed to target the nervous system to treat immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease.
Researchers have gained insights into the molecular mechanisms behind bioluminescence in fireflies, click beetles and glow worms. Mutations to an enzyme called luciferase produce red light in acidic conditions, while changes favoring green light emission occur under normal conditions.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered a genetic mutation in C. elegans that led to prioritization of adult survival over reproduction, revealing insights into life history trade-offs and their regulation. The study's findings have implications for understanding human genetics, particularly the NURF-1 gene involved in reproduction.
Research from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute shows that cell recycling in the intestine is crucial for healthy aging, leading to longer lifespans.
MIT biologists identify a key protein inhibited by lithium, leading to reduced worm activity, suggesting a mechanism for lithium's effects on the brain; the findings propose a new hypothesis linking BPNT1 inhibition to mood stabilization in humans
A new study reveals prehistoric sea worm Oesia built tube-like dwellings on the sea floor, inhabited by a filter feeder with gills. The findings confirm Oesia as a primitive hemichordate and provide evidence of a distant common ancestor shared with vertebrates.
PhD student Wang Yueyun and Dr Li Xinzheng discover two new species and a new genus of bamboo worms in the open access journal ZooKeys. The new genus is characterized by a unique collar-like glandular band on its sixth chaetiger, setting it apart from other Maldaninae subfamily members.
Researchers developed a novel robot microscope system to track freely moving small animals and manipulate their brain activity. The system, called OSaCaBeN, uses projection mapping to reveal functional diversification of dopamine-releasing nerve cells in the nematode C. elegans.
Researchers created a comprehensive metabolic model of C. elegans, linking over 2,000 processes to identify genes contributing to lifespan extension. The 'ElegCyc' model enables analysis of large datasets and will aid in understanding human diseases and microbiome interactions.
Researchers propose that DNA shape changes can produce strong forces, a new target for antiviral drugs. The 'scrunched' DNA mechanism could help block viral replication by invading viral shells.
Current World Health Organization guidelines may need to be revised to combat parasitic worm diseases, which afflict 1.5 million people worldwide. A new analysis suggests that treating schoolchildren annually in sub-Saharan Africa with low-cost drugs could largely knock out these infections.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a computational network model called iCEL1273, which enables the analysis of nutrient interactions in C. elegans. The study provides new insights into how different macro- and micronutrients contribute to energy generation and biomass production.
Researchers discovered that differences in male and female brains develop from a ground state containing features of both sexes. Sex-specific wiring in the brain results in dimorphic behavior, with distinct patterns emerging in males and females.
Researchers discovered that intestinal worm infections trigger a significant increase in lymph node size and B-cell production, leading to enhanced antibody response. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between the host and parasites.
Researchers exposed small worms to artificial climate change, finding that a half-degree warmer soil caused rapid genome changes. The study provides insight into evolution's ability to adapt to climate change, suggesting it may be more resilient than previously thought.
Parasitic worms, or helminths, have been found to beneficially influence the composition of gut microbiota in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. By infecting mice deficient in a gene that models Crohn's disease, researchers discovered that these parasites restore a compromised layer of mucus and intestinal cell morphology.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that female New Zealand freshwater snails that reproduce sexually are more resilient to parasitic worms than females that produce offspring asexually. The team tested the hypothesis in Lake Grasmere, finding that male snails were present even in areas with low parasite activity.
Researchers discovered that maple syrup, rich in polyphenols, can prevent the development of ALS in C. elegans worms by protecting neurons from toxic proteins. The study found that a combination of sugar and polyphenols may have a neuroprotective effect.
A new study reveals that glial cells play a dynamic role in shaping nerve endings, controlling neuron connections and functions. Glial cells use specific molecular mechanisms to regulate the shapes of different neuronal cell types, including those expressing temperature- or odor-sensing proteins.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a new way for cells to die in the linker cell of Caenorhabditis elegans, resembling neuronal death in humans. The discovery suggests that this process might be involved in neurodegenerative disorders and could serve as a target for future drugs.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified an immune protein called RELMalpha that protects the body from damage caused by hookworm infections. The protein is found in mice and is expected to function similarly in humans.
A new Tel Aviv University study reveals the rules that dictate which epigenetic responses will be inherited, and for how long. The research identifies specific genes, called MOTEK, that control the inheritance of epigenetic information.
Researchers found that bacteria in roundworms are loyal to their hosts, while those in segmented worms prefer local locations, with external tenants showing more long-term loyalty than internal cohabitants.
Researchers will investigate genetic mechanisms controlling polyphenism in nematode worms, a phenomenon where species develop different physical traits based on their environment. The study aims to understand how environmental inputs trigger developmental 'switches' that enable accelerated evolution.
Researchers at University of Oregon discovered a connection between brain activity in nematode worms and human sleep disorders, finding similar fragmentation patterns. This study provides a framework to understand genetic and physiological underpinnings of neural circuitry involved in sleep.
A molecule has been identified that promotes a sleep-like state in nematode worms, which is similar to the sleep of humans and other mammals. The protein VAV-1 regulates this process and is also involved in maintaining normal amounts of EGFR in the neuron.
A new study by the University of York investigates how commonly-prescribed pharmaceuticals like Prozac affect starlings when ingested through their natural prey. The research developed an in-vitro model to simulate a bird's digestive system, revealing that the drug behaves similarly in both birds and humans.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified ARGK-1 as a protein that can extend the natural lifespan of C. elegans by increasing energy regulation within cells. This finding may lead to new avenues for delaying human age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and California Institute of Technology has found a neural network in male worms that processes sex-specific sensory cues, allowing them to make decisions about pursuing mates. The network involves four male-specific sensory neurons that communicate with each other through synapti...
A recent Brown University-led study has resolved long-standing discrepancies in research on aging by identifying the human chemotherapy drug FUdR as a key factor. The study found that FUdR triggers stress response and DNA repair pathways in C. elegans worms, allowing them to better endure adverse conditions and lengthening their lifespan.
Researchers discovered a new species of extinct worm lizard in Texas, dubbed the 'Lone Star' lizard. The discovery sheds light on how certain animal groups responded to climate change in the past and provides insight into potential future adaptations.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a highly innovative research tool: a 2cm by 2cm 'chip' with 32 independent compartments, each holding a nematode. This device enables the monitoring of individual worms and allows for precise control over nutrient concentrations and temperature.
Researchers found two proteins that play a crucial role in axonal degeneration, the first part of neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery creates new avenues for finding ways to protect neurons from damage.
A new study led by TSRI scientists has found that oxygen sensing in the brain plays a role in metabolism and internal state sensing. The research discovered a connection between oxygen levels and fat reserves in animal models, suggesting a possible mechanism for regulating metabolism in humans.
Researchers have identified two new zoantharian species attached to eunicid worm tubes in the dark depths of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The species, Epizoanthus inazuma and E. beriber, were found in low-light environments and possess unique characteristics.
Researchers have discovered that young worms can form lasting memories of toxic bacteria smells, using a different set of neurons than adult worms. The study, published in Cell, sheds light on the neural circuits that drive early learning and memory formation.
Researchers found that Viking populations' genes developed protection from intestinal parasites, which can lead to emphysema in smokers. The inherited trait was previously unknown.
A new type of underwater adhesive developed at UCSB replicates the adhesion strategy of the Sandcastle worm, which is robust in wet conditions. The synthetic glue promotes adhesion between various surfaces and is more resistant to cracking due to its porous structure.
A study published in Nature suggests that aging does not have a single molecular cause but is rather a systemic process. Researchers found a statistical regularity in how genetic and environmental factors affect the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms, revealing an unexpected uniformity among life span distributions.
A new study reveals that blocking the production of a naturally occurring protein responsible for transporting fats around the body increases life span in nematodes and mice. The research suggests that this protein, VIT, hinders essential cell functions and prevents the reuse of fats for healthier purposes.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified allantoin, a common skin care ingredient, as a compound that can mimic the life-extending effect of calorie restriction in worms by over 20%. This discovery could lead to the development of new human therapies for age-related diseases.
A team of researchers from Princeton University has discovered new genes that regulate memory and neuron repair in adult worms, which could have implications for human cognitive decline and traumatic brain injury. The study provides a more complete picture of how insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway controls gene expression in neurons.
Researchers developed a new 3D software to track the embryonic development and movement of neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The program creates a straightened image of the worm, allowing scientists to follow individual cells as they move and grow, revealing complex neuronal structures in unprecedented 3D clarity.
A Rutgers study links a protein in sperm to its counterpart in roundworms, providing clues to human infertility. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments and better contraceptives.
A new test, xWORM, uses the xCELLigence E-Plate to measure parasite motility, reducing time-consuming microscope checks and costs, offering a promising solution for treating parasitic worm diseases. The technology has potential applications in global health, particularly in tropical regions where such parasites infect millions of peopl...
A newly discovered mechanism in worms suggests that mothers sacrifice their health for future generations, fueling egg cell development with fats. This phenomenon raises the possibility of a similar trait in humans, potentially impacting reproductive success and lifespan.
Researchers have found that infertile animals appear to be protected from neurodegeneration in a study using C. elegans worms. The study, which appears online now, showed that infected worms display hallmarks of neurodegeneration similar to those seen in humans, but infertile animals resist this process.
Researchers discover regulatory mechanism that extends 'healthspan', the time an organism is at its optimal health, using C. elegans roundworms. Maximum velocity (MV) of wild-type worms at day 9 adulthood reliably predicts longevity and physical decline.
The acorn worm's genome has revealed the origin of the human pharynx, showing how gill slits evolved into the jaw and throat. The study found that humans and other terrestrial vertebrates retain vestigial gills in embryos, a trait shared with marine animals.
A fossilized muscle-worm, discovered by University of Bristol scientists, was named Rollinschaeta myoplena in honor of punk musician Henry Rollins. The discovery highlights exceptional preservation of soft tissues in fossils, providing details about extinct animals.
Researchers sequenced acorn worm genomes to find similarities with human genes, establishing a distant connection. The study identified 8,600 shared gene families across deuterostomes, including humans, starfish, and frogs, suggesting a common ancestor that lived half a billion years ago.
Biologists from KU Leuven discovered that nematode eggs can hatch without egg yolk, defying the rule that no yolk means no offspring. The finding opens new avenues for deworming products without side effects on humans.
Researchers studying a mutant worm found that the absence of a gene altered dopamine signaling, leading to changes in how nerve cells respond to stimuli. This discovery may open new treatment avenues for diseases such as Parkinson's and schizophrenia.
A team of researchers has developed a C. elegans worm model with mutations that cause Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare blindness subtype affecting over 1 million people worldwide. The study reveals the disease's specificity in the retina and proposes a new hypothesis based on genomic instability.
A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology identifies molecular similarities between environmental allergens and parasitic worm proteins, suggesting that allergy is a flawed immune response. The research provides tools for predicting protein molecules that may cause allergic reactions and could lead to new treatments.
Researchers found that intestinal worm infections can increase short-chain fatty acid production, activating receptors that influence the immune system. This discovery highlights the microbiome as a new pathway for helminths to modulate host immune function.
Researchers discover halloysite clay tubes with potential for drug delivery, antimicrobial materials and regenerative medicine. However, they are not biodegradable and cannot be injected intravenously.
Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to develop a method to predict lifespan based on metabolic profiles. The study found that middle age was a key turning point in aging, with normal lifespan worms aging 40% faster than long-lived counterparts at this stage.