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Originally published by University of Sheffield , on September 2, 2024   Swimming bacteria experience larger changes in concentration over time, whereas twitching bacteria experience larger changes in concentration over the lengths of their bodies. Credit: Nature Microbiology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01729-3 Scientists from the University of Sheffield have discovered a new sensory capability in bacteria which c ould transform treatments for bacterial infections . It was previously thought that bacteria are too small to directly sense differences in chemical concentration . However, contrary to decades of established scientific belief, a new study has shown bacteria can in fact directly sense their chemical environment across the length of their cell bodies with an unprecedented degree of precision . The research , published on September 2, 2024, in Nature Microbiology , is a key step towards the development of innovative treatments t hat manipulate bacterial...

Originally published by Eötvös Loránd University on August 26, 202   N 6 -methyladenine levels in the C. elegans mitochondrial genome gradually increase with age. (A) The 6mA progressively accumulates at different mtDNA sites (mito 3 and mito 4) during aging. (A’) Quantification of the relative mtDNA 6mA levels at different adult stages. Bars indicate ±S.D.; each comparison reveals ***: p < 0.001 significance. Credit: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914858 Building on their work on epigenetics of aging and transposable elements, researchers Dr. Ádám Sturm and Dr. Tibor Vellai from Eötvös Loránd University have made another advance in understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging . Their latest study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , reveals a novel epigenetic mechanism in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that could transform our approach to aging research and diagnostics . In their previous articles , " T...

Originally published by Tejasri Gururaj , Medical Xpress, on August 26, 2024 Neural activity gives information about how fruit flies respond to various sensory stimuli, revealing insights into how they process and encode these experiences into short-term and long-term memories. Credit: Cheng Huang. Fly image credit: https://prints.sciencesource.com/featured/6-fruit-fly-drosophila-melanogaster-oliver-meckes-eye-of-science.html . In a recent study published in Nature , researchers from Stanford University and Yale University have explored the interplay between short-term and long-term memory in animals. Learning and memory in insects are controlled by a structure known as the mushroom body, analogous to the hippocampus in mammals . While previous studies have explored this in insects, the researchers wanted to understand how pre-existing, innate responses to stimuli influence learning new associations and how these memories are formed and maintained over time . Medical Xpress...

 Originally published by University of Vienna, on August 19, 2024 A single Nematostella polyp. Credit: Yulia Kraus The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is potentially immortal . Using molecular genetic methods , developmental biologists led byUlrich Technau from the University of Vienna have now identified possible candidates for multipotent stem cells in the sea anemone for the first time. These stem cells are r egulated by evolutionary highly conserved genes , which in humans are usually only active in the formation of egg and sperm cells , but give ancient animal phyla such as cnidarians a high degree of regenerative capacity to even escape aging . The results are published in Science Advances and could also provide insights into the human aging process in the future. " We live as long as our stem cells " is a somewhat bold but essentially accurate statement. Stem cells contribute to the constant renewal of various cells and tissues in humans, e.g. blood ...

O riginally published by Lena Björk Blixt, Lund University , on August 14, 2024 In the study, each bumblebee had a small tag attached to its back so that the researchers could distinguish the various individuals when testing their navigation ability. Credit: Rickesh Patel Bumblebees have a great capacity to navigate despite their small brain size. This is borne out of new research conducted at Lund University in Sweden. The research results can potentially benefit the development of navigation robots in crisis situations where GPS does not work, for example. Read more

Originally published by Lisa Marshall, Nicholas Goda, University of Colorado at Boulder , on August 1, 2024 Laboratory tests show this 3D-printed material molds and sticks to organs. Pictured is a porcine heart. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder In the quest to develop life-like materials to replace and repair human body parts , scientists face a formidable challenge: Real tissues are often both strong and stretchable and vary in shape and size . A CU Boulder -led team, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania , has taken a critical step toward cracking that code. They've developed a new way to 3D print material that is at once elastic enough to withstand a heart 's persistent beating, tough enough to endure the crushing load placed on joints , and easily shapable to fit a patient's unique defects . Better yet, it sticks easily to wet tissue . Their breakthrough, described in the Aug. 2 edition of the journal Science , helps ...