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Neural circuits are refined by experience with higher plasticity at younger ages. Non-neuronal brain cells, known as astrocytes, were previously seen as passive support cells, but recent research has shown that they play an important role in shaping brain circuitry. How astrocytes in the brain maintain these differing plasticity levels with age, and whether they stabilize the properties of sensory circuits in adulthood, has remained unclear.  In a new study published in Nature titled, “Astrocyte CCN1 stabilizes neural circuits in the adult brain,” researchers from the Salk Institute have identified the astrocyte secreted protein, CCN1, as key for stabilizing brain circuits in adulthood, offering a new therapeutic target for neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression,…

Credit: filo / Getty Images / DigitalVision Vectors For Premal Shah, PhD, CEO of clinical whole-genome analysis company MyOme, the idea that he might be at high risk for a heart attack is not abstract—it is personal history. “My dad had a heart attack at 50 and is alive, my uncle dropped dead at 50, and my cousin dropped dead at 50,” Shah told Inside Precision Medicine. “I’m 49. It’s real. It’s absolutely real.” Even in Shah’s case, traditional clinical risk calculators painted a reassuring picture. Standard cardiovascular assessments, based on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and age, suggested little cause…

Chronic gastrointestinal pain conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), are well known to impact women more often than men. While some work has connected gastrointestinal pain with estrogen, little has been done to clarify the mechanism behind this physiological phenomenon. “Instead of just saying young women suffer from IBS, we wanted rigorous science explaining why,” said co-senior author Holly Ingraham, PhD, professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Just how they have answered this question is described in their study entitled, “A cellular basis for heightened gut sensitivity in females,” is published in Science. The team used a combination…

Scientists studied snake color patterns, their excretions, and venom chemistry, hoping to understand the creatures better and use some of the insights to develop effective antivenoms.Image credit:© iStock.com, dwi septiyanaSnakes slither across diverse landscapes all over the planet, ranging from dry scrublands to forests drenched in rain and rocky plains to urban colonies. These creatures have long-captured the interest of scientists, who sought to understand these serpents—including their appearance and venom chemistry—as well as to develop better antivenoms to neutralize the toxins they inject. Glide across this article to learn more about snakes’ skin patterns, their excretions, and venoms. Tzika…

Survey finds C-suite sentiment improving, dealmaking rebounding, and hiring plans warming, even as the FDA clouds the outlook. Biotech executives are not declaring a comeback. But compared with the despair that gripped the sector last spring, the mood in the C-suite has lifted. The latest Endpoints 100 survey, drawing responses from 77 senior biotech executives, largely CEOs, suggests the industry may have passed its emotional and financial rock bottom. Years of falling valuations, frozen IPOs and capital flight have left deep scars. Yet renewed deal activity, a rebound in public biotech indices, and clearer signals from large pharma that it…

Credit: selvanegra/Getty Images A drug developed at Northwestern University, called NU-9, has shown promise to prevent early brain damage leading to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In a study published today in the Alzheimer’s and Dementia journal, the drug was found to target a newly discovered type of highly-toxic amyloid beta oligomer that drives the onset of Alzheimer’s.  “Alzheimer’s disease begins decades before its symptoms appear, with early events like toxic amyloid beta oligomers accumulating inside neurons and glial cells becoming reactive long before memory loss is apparent,” said Daniel Kranz, PhD, researcher at Northwestern University and first author of…

Dyadic Applied BioSolutions expanded its collaboration with Fermbox Bio, a biotech research & manufacturing company developing and delivering bio-based products through precision fermentation and advanced biotechnology tools. The agreement will enable Fermbox Bio to manufacture and commercialize a growing portfolio of Dyadic-developed proteins and enzymes using both the Dapibus™ and C1 expression systems. Dyadic officials say the company will co-commercialize these products globally to bring scalable, animal-free solutions to life science, food and nutrition, and bioindustrial sectors. The agreement also allows both parties to incorporate products developed on Fermbox Bio’s proprietary microbial platforms into the joint portfolio. “Fermbox will be…

Scientists share their ideas on how to improve several aspects of research.Image credit:©iStock.com, olaserAcademic researchers become experts in their fields through years of hard work and dedication. However, academia and the research community at large are constantly evolving, sometimes calling for changes to longstanding traditions and other times leaving seasoned scientists in uncharted territory. From publishing highs and lows to rethinking how to succeed in academia, explore the many facets of institutional research and how academics hope to improve it.This past summer, Nature joined many other journals in a transparent review process, making publication of peer review reports automatic. While…

Credit: PonyWang/Getty Images As more younger women are diagnosed and the profile of older women at risk is refined, experts are saying that breast cancer screening can be better targeted. A large study has shown that a stratified approach to screening worked as well in detecting tumors as universal yearly screening. Another study found that the number of younger women getting breast cancer suggests more should be getting regular screening. Current guidelines are that all women of average risk have a mammogram every year, starting at 40 and lasting until age 74.  “There’s no downside to screening besides the fact…

Thai cuisine is a global favorite, renowned for its explosive balance of five fundamental flavors: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter, and salty. But as you stare at a menu filled with rich curries, fried noodles, and fresh salads, a common question arises: Is Thai food healthy? The answer is not a simple yes or no—it depends entirely on what you order and how it is prepared. Generally speaking, is Thai food healthy for you? Yes. Traditional Thai cuisine is rooted in fresh vegetables, lean proteins, seafood, and arguably the most potent arsenal of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices in the world. Dishes…