Results of a new study by scientists at Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) suggest that passive viewing of spatial information (such as on television or computer screens) can activate learning mechanisms and may interfere with consolidation of information learned via active exploration. Anne Kemp and Denise Manahan-Vaughan, who carried out the study, speculate that increasing useContinueContinue reading “Passive spatial learning in rats”
Author Archives: monicascicom
Easing epilepsy associated with glioma
People with primary brain tumors called gliomas frequently suffer from epileptic seizures whose underlying cause is poorly understood. A research team from University of Alabama at Birmingham led by Harald Sontheimer sought to investigate the cause by recapitulating the seizures in female CB17 severe combined immunodeficient mice. Lab Anim. (NY) 40, 332 (2011). view fullContinueContinue reading “Easing epilepsy associated with glioma”
‘Switching on’ transcription
Controlling gene expression in vivo forms the basis for genetic engineering for research and therapeutic purposes. Recently, Haifeng Ye and Martin Fussenegger (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Basel, Switzerland) reported their success in developing a light-driven, synthetic biology mechanism to control transcription. To prove that the technique has therapeutic potential, they used it to control insulinContinueContinue reading “‘Switching on’ transcription”
New cytokine, new role in colitis
The cytokines are a large, varied group of signaling molecules involved in development, immune responses and cellular communication. Dysregulation of cytokines has been implicated in depression, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD, cytokines activate the immune system, causing chronic intestinal inflammation (colitis). But recent research led by Charles A. DinarelloContinueContinue reading “New cytokine, new role in colitis”
Gut bacteria ease anxiety
Benign bacteria such as Lactobacillus rhamnosa, a probiotic found in yogurt, can have mood-altering effects in healthy mice, according to a new study directed by John Bienenstock (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) and John F. Cryan (University College Cork, Ireland). There is much evidence that commensal gut bacteria influence physiology in various ways but, untilContinueContinue reading “Gut bacteria ease anxiety”
They may laugh, but can they count?
Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), or laughing hyenas, live in complex clans in which subgroups form and dissolve frequently and inter-group conflicts are common. This type of social structure is believed by some researchers to encourage the development of cognitive skills and has led them to wonder about cognition in hyenas. Sarah Benson-Amram (Michigan State University,ContinueContinue reading “They may laugh, but can they count?”
Neutralizing hospital-acquired infections
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) afflict as many as 5% of hospital patients, particularly those receiving antibiotic therapy. The antibiotics are thought to damage normal gut microflora, allowing pathogens to flourish. Clostridium difficile is one of the most common pathogens, causing diarrhea, intestinal inflammation (colitis) and even death in infected patients. Management of C. difficile incurs anContinueContinue reading “Neutralizing hospital-acquired infections”
Saffron offers protection from liver cancer
As a recipe ingredient, saffron’s golden color and bright flavor and aroma make it one of the world’s most popular seasoning agents. It’s also one of the costliest, collected from the stigmas and style of the flowering plant Crocus sativus, which is native to southwest Asia. In addition to its culinary qualifications, saffron has longContinueContinue reading “Saffron offers protection from liver cancer”
How dolphins heal
In a recent letter to the editor of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Michael Zasloff (Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC) describes the unique healing properties of dolphin species and proposes that further investigation of the underlying processes may lead to better wound care for injuries in humans. Lab Anim. (NY) 40, 264 (2011).ContinueContinue reading “How dolphins heal”
Sniffing out the cause of seizures
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children age 2–10 years. Childhood epilepsies are characterized by seizures that remit completely after age 10. The disorders are genetically complex, and little is known about the genetic underpinnings of seizure development or remission. Epilepsy syndromes are also common in dogs, especially in certain breeds. A researchContinueContinue reading “Sniffing out the cause of seizures”
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