Recent Comments

    Category Health/Medical

    Mimicking Deep Sleep Brain activity Improves Memory

    May 29, 2016, Categories  Biology/Biotechnology, Health/Medical

    Optogenetic inactivation of M2 axons impairs memory consolidation (A) Diagram of the miniature wireless LED device that was attached to S1 (or M2) in both hemispheres. AAV-ArchT or AAV-GFP was injected (inset) into M2 (or S1) in both hemispheres. (B) Examples of EEG and EMG recordings during the resting period. Brain states were identified with EEG recordings (see Methods). (C) Diagram of sleep-state specific optogenetics. (D) Summary for the task when M2 fibers were inactivated at S1 during the three periods. (E) Summary for the task when S1 fibers were inactivated at M2 during resting-NREM sleep (0-1h after sampling period). The cumulative illumination time was 30 min in each state. Statistical significance among more than 2 groups (**P < 0.01) was assessed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test, statistical significance between 2 groups was assessed by Student’s t-test, statistical significance from 50 % chance level (#P < 0.05, ##P < 0.01) was assessed by one-sample t-test.

    Optogenetic inactivation of M2 axons impairs memory consolidation (A) Diagram of the miniature wireless LED device that was attached to S1 (or M2) in both hemispheres. AAV-ArchT or AAV-GFP was injected (inset) into M2 (or S1) in both hemispheres. (B) Examples of EEG and EMG recordings during the resting period. Brain states were identified with EEG recordings (see Methods). (C) Diagram of sleep-state specific optogenetics. (D) Summary for the task when M2 fibers were inactivated at S1 during the three periods. (E) Summary for the task when S1 fibers were inactivated at M2 during resting-NREM sleep (0-1h after sampling period). The cumulative illumination time was 30 min in each state. Statistical significance among more than 2 groups (**P < 0...

    Read More

    Simpler way to keep Therapeutic Proteins where needed for Long Periods

    May 28, 2016, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    Adsorption may be rate-limiting for the release of positively charged proteins from PLGA np. (i) Initially, the protein is fully adsorbed to the negatively charged nanoparticle surface. (ii) As the nanoparticle begins to degrade, acidic components build up and decrease the local pH. (iii) At a certain threshold, the nanoparticle surface becomes neutral, weakening the electrostatic interactions with the positively charged proteins and initiating release.

    Adsorption may be rate-limiting for the release of positively charged proteins from PLGA np. (i) Initially, the protein is fully adsorbed to the negatively charged nanoparticle surface. (ii) As the nanoparticle begins to degrade, acidic components build up and decrease the local pH. (iii) At a certain threshold, the nanoparticle surface becomes neutral, weakening the electrostatic interactions with the positively charged proteins and initiating release.

    It’s a potential game-changer for Rx of chronic illnesses or injuries that often require multiple injections or daily pills. For decades, biomedical engineers have been painstakingly encapsulating proteins in nanoparticles to control their release...

    Read More

    Zika Virus Infects Human Placental Macrophages

    May 27, 2016, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    This visual abstract depicts the findings of Quicke et al., who demonstrate that a contemporary ZIKV strain infects and replicates in primary human placental macrophages and cytotrophoblasts, suggesting a route for ZIKV to cross the placental barrier. CREDIT Quicke and Bowen et al./Cell Host & Microbe 2016

    This visual abstract depicts the findings of Quicke et al., who demonstrate that a contemporary ZIKV strain infects and replicates in primary human placental macrophages and cytotrophoblasts, suggesting a route for ZIKV to cross the placental barrier. CREDIT Quicke and Bowen et al./Cell Host & Microbe 2016

    One of Zika’s mysteries is how the virus passes from an infected mother, through the placenta, to a developing fetus. The route may not be direct either – transmission via multiple cell types may be necessary. A study supports the possibility that placental immune cells called Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels, are one cell type involved.

    “One group has recently discovered viral antigen in Hofbauer cells collected from placental tissue of a fetus that unfort...

    Read More

    Vitamin Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Mice from Diabetes Complications

    May 27, 2016, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    Neuroprotective Activity of NR in DPN Can be Monitored by Corneal Confocal Microscopy.

    Neuroprotective Activity of NR in DPN Can be Monitored by Corneal Confocal Microscopy.

    A naturally occurring vitamin, nicotinamide riboside (NR), can lower BSL, reduce fatty liver, and prevent peripheral nerve damage in mouse models of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new study. The findings provide a scientific rationale for conducting human trials to test the effects of NR on metabolic disorders including prediabetes and T2D, as well as obesity, fatty liver disease, and neuropathies.

    NR is a vitamin precursor of NAD+, an important cellular metabolite that is required for cells to convert fuel into energy, but which declines with age. NR is currently attracting a great deal of attention for its potential role in improving metabolic health and healthy aging...

    Read More