Intellectual pursuits may help prevent Alzheimer’s
- Intellectual pursuits on a daily basis over the course of a lifetime could help prevent the formation of amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Daily Dose of Science: Ferroelectric Switching Discovered for First Time in Soft Biological Tissue
Engineers at the University of Washington have found that the Aorta in mammals may posses ferroelectric properties. Ferroelectricity is a property exhibited widely in synthetic and inorganic substances, but never before seen in biological tissue. “ A ferroelectric material is an electrically…
(Source: sciencedaily.com)
Avalanche of Reactions at the Origin of Life
Mechanism of evolution of the primordial metabolism discovered
Volcanic-hydrothermal flow channels offer a chemically unique environment, which at first glance appears hostile to life. This environment is defined by cracks in the crust of the earth through which water flows. This water, laden with volcanic gases, contacts a diversity of minerals. It is precisely this extreme environment where the two mechanisms could have emerged that are at the root of all life: The multiplication of biomolecules (reproduction) and the emergence of new biomolecules on the basis of previously-formed biomolecules (evolution).
Effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) on immune parameters
SIT modifies cellular and humoral responses to allergen. The ratio of T helper 1 (TH1)-cell cytokines to TH2-cell cytokines is increased after SIT, and functional regulatory T (TReg) cells are induced. The production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) by monocytes, macrophages, B cells and T cells is increased. The production of transforming growth factor-B (TGFB) is increased and, together with IL-10, TGFB might contribute to TReg-cell function and immunoglobulin class-switching to IgA, IgG1 and IgG4. These immunoglobulins compete with IgE for allergen binding, thereby decreasing the allergen capture and presentation that is facilitated by IgE in complex with the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcERI) or the low-affinity receptor for IgE (FcERII, CD23). In addition, SIT decreases the number of mast cells and the ability of mast cells to release mediators. The recruitment of eosinophils and neutrophils to sites of allergen exposure is also decreased.
this is the sternocleidomastoid muscle, i love this muscle. its the reason i like the neck so much. it’s where the beautiful definition of the neck comes from, that amazing curve from the base of the neck to the back of the head.
In me omnis spes mihi est.
Publius Terentius Afer
This is a Toll like receptor binding some RNA and what I should be studying tonight. Toll-like receptors recognize general “classes” of pathogens (“antigens”) such as bacteria cell walls or virus DNA.
Vaccines that are the most effective in conferring immunity engage a TLR response in the immune system.
(Source: sprech4)
The secret life of proteins: Researchers discover dual role of key player in immune system
That protein, STIM1, was previously known to sense a change in calcium within immune cells, a process that occurs when the body confronts a pathogen. Upon sensing this change, STIM1 opens a type of pore in the cell membrane, called a CRAC channel, to allow the flow of calcium ions — a vital step in activating the immune system.
“People have generally thought that selectivity of ion channels is fixed and that selectivity and opening are separate processes; this is a fundamental shift in the way scientists believe ion channels operate,” says Prakriya, referring to the ‘pores’ that STIM1 regulates. “CRAC channels and STIM1 are absolutely vital to activating the immune system. As is observed in some human patients, you can block key parts of the system by blocking these molecules in immune cells. These finding reveal not only a novel mechanism by which CRAC channels operate, but also new ways in which it encodes biological information. This represents exciting new possibilities to develop therapeutics to treat a broad range of conditions.”
