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New study links autism spectrum disorder to disrupted developmental dopamine

Researchers discovered a link between disrupted developmental dopamine signaling and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting the importance of studying neural development pathways. The study found that dopaminergic signaling disruptions led to neural circuit abnormalities and behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of autism in zebrafish larvae.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Can’t stop binging on fries and BBQ?

Buck Institute researchers discover that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in processed foods increase hunger and test willpower, contributing to overeating and obesity. By understanding the biochemical signaling pathway behind AGEs, scientists may develop strategies to limit their accumulation and promote healthy eating.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2023

Mosquito hearing could be targeted by insecticides

A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2023

Cell biology: How cellular powerhouses call for help when under stress

A team of researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt has discovered a central switch point in the mitochondrial signaling chain under misfolding stress. The mitochondria send two chemical signals to the cell when protein misfolding stress occurs, triggering a protective response that reduces misfolded proteins and stabilizes membranes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Automated detection of embryonic developmental defects

Researchers developed EmbryoNet, an automated image analysis software that uses AI to detect and classify developmental defects in fish embryos. The software outperforms human experts in terms of speed and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of drug action and studying embryonic development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 8, 2023

Impact of cortactin in cancer progression

Researchers discuss cortactin's impact on cancer progression by modulating the Wnt5a/ROR1 signaling pathway. Cortactin expression is found in various cancers, including breast and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, suggesting its potential role in promoting metastasis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 4, 2023

Post-COVID syndrome visible in DNA

Researchers found epigenetic changes in post-COVID patients, including genes associated with taste and smell, as well as cell metabolism. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic tools for this and similar diseases.

SourceLinköping University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Improving CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumours through inhibition of conventional signalling pathway

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting conventional signalling pathway by disrupting LCK allows more efficient tumour cell killing, using FYN protein instead. This approach enhances T-cell function and reduces graft-versus-host disease, making CAR-T therapy more accessible to patients.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

When bugs swipe left

Researchers discovered a single protein called Gr8a that plays an inhibitory role in mating decision-making, helping flies avoid inter-breeding with the wrong partner. The findings provide insight into how signal production and perception are tied together, shedding light on pheromone communication.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

Honey bee metabolic pathway discovered with strong connections to winter colony losses

A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists has identified a specific metabolic pathway controlling energy and immune response in honey bees under cold stress. This pathway is strongly connected to large overwintering colony losses, making it a promising avenue for new therapeutic strategies to mitigate these losses.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalJournal of Advanced Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Dartmouth study offers new insights into genetic mutations in autism disorders and points to possible treatments

A Dartmouth study reveals that disruptions in the mTORC1 pathway can rescue neuronal overgrowth and synapse function dysregulated by Pten loss, potentially offering new treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The research team also found that administering Rapamycin to children showed some benefit to symptoms of autism.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Hickory dickory dock, the bean bug brain’s biological clock

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that glutamate signaling regulates the seasonal response of bean bugs' reproduction, controlled by circadian rhythm genes. The researchers found that extracellular glutamate levels were higher under short-day conditions and disrupted when reduced or increased.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Glowing tags reveal split-second activity of pathogenic circuitry

Researchers at Rice University have created a new optical tool called homo-FRET that allows them to observe the real-time activity of two-component systems in bacteria. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the behavior of deadly pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential targe...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Hidden genes may be tapped for new antibiotics

Rice University bioscientists have developed a novel approach to control the expression of 'silent' genes in bacteria using CRISPR technology. This strategy could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and has potential applications in antifungal and anticancer agents, as well as agriculture.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

When it comes to ADHD and ASD, the eyes could reveal all

New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022