Category Biology/Biotechnology

Comparing volume and activity of the cells that break down bone density in the upper and lower jaw bones of Medaka fish after 56 days spent aboard the International Space Station with those on the ground. Credit: Chatani et al, Sci. Rep. 5, 14172 (2015)

During spaceflight, astronauts lose bone mineral density, but it is not clear exactly what causes this loss. They reared small freshwater fish aboard the International Space Station for 56 days and examined the animals’ jawbones and teeth for any effects from microgravity. Previous studies suggest that microgravity activates osteoclasts, cells that control the breakdown of bone tissue, and the Medaka fish investigation examined the relationship between this increased osteoclast activity and reduced bone mineral density.

Investigators found ...

Highlights •The three isoforms of mammalian Tet3 include Tet3FL, Tet3s, and Tet3o •The CXXC domain of Tet3 is a specific reader of 5-carboxylcytosine at CcaCG sequences •The crystal structure of the CXXC domain-5caC complex was solved •Tet3FL in neurons targets genes of the lysosome and base excision repair pathways

Stopping disruptions in cellular “trash removal” brought on by errors in molecular marks on DNA may guard against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Novel findings from a team led by Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) Professor Gerd Pfeifer, Ph.D., implicate certain epigenetic modifications in the development of some neurodegenerative diseases...

Salmeterol

Looking at birth records from Denmark dating between 1997 and 2007, it was determined that “This study adds to a body of recent research suggesting that medications used for certain common health conditions like asthma, when taken in pregnancy, may influence a newborn’s neurodevelopment,” Newschaffer said.

B2AR agonist drugs – which include salmetereol and formoterol – are used to relax the bronchial passages in a person’s lungs, providing a release from the constricting nature of asthma. According to the study, B2AR drugs can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, which may have an effect on its developing neurons.

Using Denmark’s Civil Registration System, Gidaya and the research team drew their sample from births in Denmark between Jan. 1, 1996 and Dec. 31 2006...

This series of images shows the transformation of a 4D-printed hydrogel composite structure after its submersion in water. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

Materials science, mathematics combine to enable the printing of shapeshifting architectures that mimic the natural movements of plants. Inspired by natural structures like plants, which respond and change their form according to environmental stimuli, the team has unveiled 4D-printed hydrogel composite structures that change shape upon immersion in water.

Mimicking shape changes by plant organs eg tendrils, leaves, and flowers in response to environmental stimuli like humidity and/or temperature, the 4D-printed hydrogel composites developed by Lewis and her team are programmed to contain precise, localized swelling behavior...