Neurodegenerative disorders

Scientists reveal sex-specific cognitive effects of astrocyte receptors

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Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered groundbreaking evidence that astrocyte receptors can have opposite effects on cognitive function in male and female preclinical models. This finding highlights the significant role of astrocytes—brain cells that support and regulate neurons—in sex-specific brain mechanisms. Traditionally, studies have focused on the behavioral effects of astrocytic receptors, predominantly in … Read more

Systems Biology: Integrating Biological Processes into Complex Systems

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Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand biological systems as integrated networks of components, processes, and interactions, rather than isolated parts. It combines principles from biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and other disciplines to analyze complex biological phenomena at multiple scales, from molecular and cellular levels to tissues, organs, organisms, populations, and … Read more

Cellular Respiration: Energy Production in Cells

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Cellular respiration is a fundamental biological process that occurs in living cells to generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process involves the breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, through a series of biochemical reactions that release energy stored in chemical bonds. Cellular respiration is essential for the survival and functioning … Read more

Modern buildings may harm our microbiome, study suggests

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Over the last 20 years, the life sciences have come to realize that all living beings—from the simplest animal and plant organisms to humans—live in close association with a multitude of microorganisms. Together with the multicellular host organism, these symbiotic bacteria, viruses and fungi, which colonize on and in their tissues and form the so-called … Read more

Study reveals how daughter cells protect themselves from inherited RNA damage

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During the process of cell division, new daughter cells inherit a mix of genetic material and other molecules from their mother cells. This inheritance includes both beneficial components, which can help them for a robust start in life, and potentially harmful mutations or damaged molecules, posing significant challenges for the newly born daughter cells. How … Read more

New drug delivery platform utilizes helical amyloid fibers for targeted release

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Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have pioneered a novel drug delivery system centered on helical amyloid fibers engineered to release medications upon reaching body temperatures. Their recent study, published in Nature Communications on January 26, delves into the intricate structural intricacies underlying diseases like Alzheimer’s, potentially unlocking a mechanism to … Read more

Protein chaperone targets hotspots to block Alzheimer’s fibril formation

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A new study published in Nature Communications gives insights into the underlying mechanisms of the formation of protein clumps in Alzheimer’s disease. The study, led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet, could pave the way for new treatments for this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, causing memory loss, confusion, and cognitive … Read more

How does RNA differ from DNA in terms of structure and function?

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RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are both essential nucleic acids found in living cells, playing crucial roles in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Despite sharing some similarities, they exhibit key differences in terms of structure and function, reflecting their distinct roles within cellular processes. Structure At a fundamental level, both RNA … Read more

How do neurotransmitters function in the nervous system?

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Neurotransmitters are essential signaling molecules in the nervous system, playing a central role in transmitting information between neurons and facilitating communication throughout the intricate neural networks. These chemical messengers enable the transmission of signals across synapses, the junctions between neurons, allowing for the precise and rapid communication necessary for various physiological processes. Understanding how neurotransmitters … Read more

Structure and function of the nervous system

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The nervous system is a complex and intricate network that plays a crucial role in coordinating and regulating the functions of the human body. Comprising the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, the nervous system serves as the body’s command center, responsible for processing information, initiating responses, and maintaining homeostasis. Understanding the structure and function … Read more

Process of transcription in molecular biology

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The process of transcription is a fundamental molecular mechanism that plays a central role in the flow of genetic information within living cells. Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, and it is a crucial step in gene expression. This intricate process involves a series of molecular events that ensure the accurate … Read more

Chaperone molecule reverses memory impairment in Alzheimer’s mice model

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Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered promising results using a “chaperone” molecule called 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) to counter Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, including memory deficits, in a mouse model. Published in Aging Biology, the study underscores PBA’s efficacy as a chemical chaperone, inhibiting harmful protein accumulation that contributes to … Read more

What is biotechnology?

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Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, genetics, and other scientific disciplines to harness biological systems and organisms for the development of useful products and technologies. It encompasses a wide range of applications, from healthcare and agriculture to industrial processes and environmental management. The core principle of biotechnology is the manipulation of living … Read more

What is mitochondria?

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Mitochondria are dynamic and vital organelles found in the cells of eukaryotic organisms, playing a central role in energy production and numerous cellular processes. These double-membraned structures are often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell” due to their primary function of generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular currency for energy. However, their significance … Read more

Eye scans can detect Parkinson’s disease 7 years before symptoms

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Researchers from UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital has identified markers indicating the presence of Parkinson’s disease in patients about seven years before clinical symptoms appear. This groundbreaking discovery, made possible by the largest study of its kind on retinal imaging in Parkinson’s, utilized AI to analyze eye scans. The study, published in Neurology, found these … Read more

Scientists discover potential diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer’s disease, often associated with old age, is a condition that actually begins developing long before symptoms become apparent. The underlying cause involves the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides, which form plaques in the brain leading to inflammation and ultimately neuronal cell death. However, the exact triggers for these pathological changes remain uncertain. A lack of … Read more