YOUR TECHNIQUE FOCUSED ON ASTROCYTES. WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY?
Yichao Yu: They're a type of glial cell [non-neuronal cells that are found in the brain and spinal cord]. They're very abundant, they outnumber neurons (nerve cells] many times over. Traditionally they're viewed as support cells, they recycle the neurotransmitters that neurons release. They do many logistical maintenance jobs in the brain. But in recent years, as we've learnt more about these cells, we've found that they have many other functions, such as regulating cognitive behaviour.
Mark Lythgoe: For the last hundred years they've been the second-class citizen in the brain in terms of cells. Neurons have taken the limelight because they're electrically active (send electrical signals) and supposedly control all our functions. But astrocytes, although not electrically active in the same way, can communicate and sense and process and control bodily functions.
About 30 years ago, they were called the genius cell. This is because when Einstein died in 1955, his brain was taken out by the pathologist Thomas Harvey and it remained hidden for nearly 30 years. Harvey then started to release a couple of the sections to Marian Diamond, an amazing neuroscientist. She found that Einstein did not have more neurons in certain areas of his brain. He actually had more glial cells, and because of that they were known as the genius cell.
WHAT ARE THE MICRO MAGNETS THAT YOU USE MADE FROM?
YY: They're very simple magnetic particles. They have a core that is made of iron oxide and a polymer shell, which enables us to attach various things to their surface. For example, we attach the antibody to the surface of these magnetic particles so that they will be targeted to astrocytes specifically.
Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av BBC Science Focus.
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Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av BBC Science Focus.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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COULD MARINE CLOUD BRIGHTENING HELP US FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE?
The theory behind marine cloud brightening is that brighter or whiter clouds reflect more sunlight back into space.
IS IT SAFE TO RUN EVERY DAY, OR SHOULD I DITCH MY RUN STREAK TO SAVE MY KNEES?
A running streak, where you run every day without taking rest days, can be highly motivating and beneficial for overall fitness. Running is great cardiovascular exercise and isn't to be discouraged (and finding a routine with some consistency is great). Getting a bit of exercise as often as possible is also hugely beneficial for your mental health.
WHAT MAKES THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET SO GOOD FOR US?
The Mediterranean diet may help you live longer, especially if you also adopt the lifestyle of people living near the Med during the 1950s.
WHAT IS MEXICO'S BLUE HOLE?
The world's deepest blue hole (marine sinkhole) lies off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It's at least 420m (1,378ft) deep, but explorers still haven't found its bottom.
HOW CAN I TELL IF I'VE GOT HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by glands in our bodies called the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. It plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation and helping the body respond to stress. While essential for our health, chronic elevation of cortisol levels can lead to several issues.
THE LUNGFISH
In 1836, European scientists discovered a peculiar animal from the River Amazon that they struggled to identify. Its eel-like body was a few feet long and its air-filled lungs persuaded anatomists it must be a reptile.
ARE WE THE ONLY SPECIES TO HAVE BEEN THROUGH A STONE AGE?
The Stone Age might conjure up images of early humans, sitting around a campfire or hunting prehistoric beasts, but evidence shows that we're not the only species that has learned how to work with stone tools. Wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) use stone tools to crack open nuts.
Should we scrap daylight saving time?
Most of us look forward to the extra hour we get in bed every October, but researchers argue that changing the clocks twice a year harms our health
THE INTERNET OF ANIMALS
SCIENTISTS ARE USING ELECTRONIC TAGS AND SATELLITES TO TRACK WILD ANIMALS AND CREATE A DATA NETWORK THAT COULD HELP US ADDRESS THE BIODIVERSITY CRISIS
MUSIC FOR A DISTRACTED GENERATION
The number of things competing for our attention is often overwhelming. Can dreamy soundscapes created with neuroscience help our bewildered brains to concentrate?
