Category Biology/Biotechnology

The dentate gyrus of the mouse hippocampal formation which contributes to the formation of new episodic memories stained for neurons (green) and stem cells (red). Credit: Andrew L Bashford and Vasanta Subramanian University of Bath

Scientists identify 2 regions of mouse brains where C9orf72 is expressed. For the first time novel expression sites in the brain have been identified for a gene which is associated with Motor Neuron Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. Many people who develop Motor Neuron Disease, also called Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and/or Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) have abnormal repeats of nucleotides within a gene called C9orf72 which causes neurons to die.

A team from the Department of Biology & Biochemistry at the University of Bath discovered for the first ti...

A midbrain organoid in a petri dish. The black pigment is neuromelanin, a hallmark of the human midbrain. Credit: Image courtesy of The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

Scientists in Singapore have made a big leap on research on the ‘mini-brain’. These advanced mini versions of the human midbrain will help researchers develop treatments and conduct other studies into Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and aging-related brain diseases. These mini midbrain versions are 3D miniature tissues grown in the lab and have certain properties of specific parts of the human brains. This is the first time that the black pigment neuromelanin has been detected in an organoid model. The study also revealed functionally active dopaminergic neurons.

The human midbrain, which is the information sup...

Comparison of plasma antibody responses. When compared with the A.Control group, the A.bnAb group had higher binding to HIV-1 Env gp120 (A) and gp41 (B) but similar binding (C) to TIV2008. Binding was similar between the B.bnAb and B.Control groups for the same three antigens (D to F). NS, not significant. Each symbol represents data from an individual participant; group medians, range, and quartiles are shown.

Findings provide insight for vaccine development. People living with HIV who naturally produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that may help suppress the virus have different immunological profiles than people who do not...

The chemical structure of newly discovered antibiotic Lugdunin. Also in the photograph: the two lead authors Alexander Zipperer (left) and Martin Christoph Konnerth (right). Credit: Martin Christoph Konnerth

A potential lifesaver lies unrecognized in the human body: Scientists have discovered that Staphylococcus lugdunensis which colonizes in the human nose produces a previously unknown antibiotic. As tests on mice have shown, the substance, Lugdunin is able to combat multiresistant pathogens, where many classic antibiotics have become ineffective.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria – like the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which colonizes on human skin – are among the leading causes of death worldwide...