Category Biology/Biotechnology

Scientists discover Unexpected Link between Genes involved in Human Brain Evolution and Developmental Disorders

Scientists discover unexpected link between genes involved in human brain evolution and developmental disorders
A dendrite—an extension of a neuron—from a 12-month-old human cerebral cortex neuron, grown from human stem cells and transplanted into a mouse cerebral cortex. Two human-specific genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, were turned off, causing the neuron’s synapses to mature faster. The number of small protrusions on the dendrite, called dendritic spines, resembles what is typically seen in a five to ten-year-old child. Credit: Baptiste Libé-Philippot, 2024

The human brain’s remarkably prolonged development is unique among mammals and is thought to contribute to our advanced learning abilities. Disruptions in this process may explain certain neurodevelopmental diseases.

Now, a team of researchers led by Prof...

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Chronic Stress Accelerates Colorectal Cancer Progression by Disrupting the Balance of Gut Microbiota, study shows

intestine
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Cutting-edge research has uncovered how chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut microbiota to speed up the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), opening new avenues for CRC prevention and treatment.

By eliminating certain gut bacteria and inducing stress, researchers were able to conclude a relationship between stress and gut microbiota in the progression of CRC, identifying a particular bacterial species as a potential therapeutic target.

Presenting the study at UEG Week 2024, lead researcher Dr...

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Stem Cell Discovery Highlights importance of DNA Methylation in Cancer

A study led by Umeå University, Sweden, presents new insights into how stem cells develop and transition into specialized cells. The discovery can provide increased understanding of how cells divide and grow uncontrollably so that cancer develops.

“The discovery opens a new track for future research into developing new and more effective treatments for certain cancers,” says Francesca Aguilo, associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at UmeÃ¥ University and leader of the study in collaboration with various institutions including the University of Pavia, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Universidad de Extremadura, and others.

All cells in the body arise from a single fertilized egg...

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Study Probes how Eating Less Can Extend Lifespan

Eat less, live longer? Cutting calories may extend life span

Researchers tracked the health of nearly one thousand mice on a variety of diets to see if these diets would extend the mice’s lifespan. The study was designed to ensure that each mouse was genetically distinct, which allowed the team to better represent the genetic diversity of the human population. By doing so, the results are made more clinically relevant, elevating the study to one of the most significant investigations into aging and lifespan to date.

For nearly a century, laboratory studies have shown consistent results: eat less food, or eat less often, and an animal will live longer. But scientists have struggled to understand why these kinds of restrictive diets work to extend lifespan, and how to best implement them in humans...

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