mice – PossibleThreat Articles

Deep inside the brain: Unraveling the dense networks in the cerebral cortex

October 24, 2019 0 Comments Animal Learning and Intelligence, Biology, Brain Tumor, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Intelligence, mice, Nervous System, neuroscience, Psychology Research

Mammalian brains, with their unmatched number of nerve cells and density of communication, are the most complex networks known. While methods to analyze neuronal networks sparsely have been available for decades, the dense mapping of neuronal circuits is a major scientific challenge. Researchers have now succeeded in the dense connectomic mapping of brain tissue from the cerebral cortex, and quantify the possible imprint of learning in the circuit.

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For better research results, let mice be mice

October 24, 2019 0 Comments animals, Genetically Modified, Huntington's Disease, Language Acquisition, mice, Psychology, rodents, Social Psychology

Animal models can serve as gateways for understanding many human communication disorders, but a new study suggests that the established practice of socially isolating mice for such purposes might actually make them poor research models for humans, and a simple shift to a more realistic social environment could greatly improve the utility of the future studies.

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The pectin is protectin': Study uncovers a plant barrier against toxic aluminum

October 24, 2019 0 Comments Agriculture and Food, Botany, Endangered Plants, Genetics, mice, Pests and Parasites, Seeds, Soil Types

Aluminum toxicity is a major contributor to poor crop growth, especially in regions with acidic soils. How aluminum enters at the growing root tips of plants is not well understood. Researchers have found that pectin, a chemical component of the plant cell wall, may play a key role as a barrier to prevent aluminum from entering rice plants. The study sheds light on how rice plants may resist aluminum toxicity.

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A possible gut-brain connection to 'chemo brain'

October 23, 2019 0 Comments animals, Brain Tumor, Breast Cancer, Diseases and Conditions, Gastrointestinal Problems, Genetically Modified, mice, rodents

To test the possible relationship between the gut and chemo brain, a lab is examining chemo's effects on mice whose guts have been manipulated before treatment. One experiment involves feeding the mice antibiotics. The other relies on the universal practice among mice of eating their own and their roommates' feces.

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Reduced food intake in old mice can no longer improve health

October 23, 2019 0 Comments Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Diet and Weight Loss, Food, Healthy Aging, mice, Nutrition, rodents, Staying Healthy

Reduced food intake helps both animals and humans to improve health in old age and can prolong life. But when do you have to change your diet to achieve this benefit in old age? Scientists have now shown that mice only become healthier if they start food reduction early and eat less before entering old age. The scientists conclude that healthy behavior must be established earlier in life in order to improve health in old age and extend lifespan.

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Stressing cancer with spice

October 23, 2019 0 Comments Biology, Biotechnology, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Colon Cancer, Genetics, Lung Cancer, mice

A new study reports how an experimental drug agent stops cancer cells from growing. A little over a decade ago, scientists first reported pentagamavumon-1 (PGV-1), an analogue of a molecule found in turmeric and that has been since discovered to have anti-cancer effects. In the new study, tests on cancer cells and animals reveal that these anti-cancer effects come from PGV-1 inhibiting a series of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of reactive oxygen species. This finding is expected to clarify how modifications to PGV-1 will lead to its use for cancer treatment.

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No defects found in reproductive ability of male mice returning from short stay in space

October 23, 2019 0 Comments Fertility, Mating and Breeding, Medical Topics, mice, Monkeys, NASA, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Space Probes, Space Station

Male mice raised in space using specially developed cages were returned safely to Earth. The sperm production/fertilizing ability of the mice were normal and the reproduction ability of the offspring were not affected by their parents' stay in outer space. The findings on the effects of the environment in space on the male reproductive system will contribute to the accumulation of basic knowledge for humankind to expand the range of its activity to space.

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Animal study shows how stress and mother's abuse affects infant brain

October 21, 2019 0 Comments Animal Learning and Intelligence, Behavioral Science, Biology, Child Development, Child Psychology, Infant and Preschool Learning, mice, Parenting

A new study in rats shows the extent of brain damage in newborn rodents from even short-term abuse by their mother.

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Song-learning neurons identified in songbirds

October 21, 2019 0 Comments Animal Learning and Intelligence, Behavioral Science, Biology, Birds, mice, Nature, New Species, Zoology

A group of neurons called the corticobasal ganglia projecting neurons are important for vocal learning in young birds, but not in adult birds, according to a new study.

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How the mouse X and Y chromosomes compete with each other to control offspring

October 21, 2019 0 Comments Dolphins and Whales, Fertility, Genetics, Mating and Breeding, mice, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Prostate Cancer, Stem Cells

New research presents the first demonstration of a specific difference in sperm function associated with sex ratio skewing.

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