Aurora magazine

A molecular mechanism that regulates memory in bees could help combat neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers at the University of Queensland have found that molecular deficiency may trigger a series of physical changes, which affect the formation of new memories in insects. A phenomenon that some human diseases and thus helps to understand them better and to combat them.

Bees have a memory and a capacity for exceptional learning. They can count to four, they are oriented along routes learned by heart and mind maps. In addition they can interact with their peers, to act as teachers and pupils. They can show to their companions where are the best food sources and how to return to the hive. These processes resemble their human analogues, although they are so to say "summaries" in a smaller genome and simple. That is why the bees are a perfect model to study the evolution of neurodegenerative diseases.

The new memories are formed by molecular changes, which alter neural connections and their activities. Regulate some genes mediated process called epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation. These regulate the expression of genes through DNA modifications or associations with protein, without changing the genes themselves. When the researchers tried to block the process, the bees have begun to show memory problems.

Scientists have taught to two groups of bees the connection between a particular odor and the presence of sugar. To the first group showed the connection a large number of times, the second only once. Then they took a sample of bees from both groups and they used on them an inhibitor, which has altered methylation of DNA. They then tried to teach a new connection, always with the previous method. From observations it showed that the treated bees had more difficulty learning new things.

Understand changes in the epigenome, how it manifests itself and how it affects brain function, can help to understand the evolution of a large number of diseases. Given the presence of a genetic predisposition, environmental factors may in fact determine when and how force manifest diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

Source: eurekalert.org

A research from Brasil developed a technology that creates a 3D model of the fetus. It uses data got trough MRI and ultrasound, that give a hi resolution image of the fetus and of placenta.

Technology allows to make evaluations impossible to get with regular ultrasound, that cannot provide images sufficiently detailed. If it would expanse, I could allow to improve prenatal test techniques.

The 3D models of the fetus exploit immersive virtual reality technologies. Increase the understanding of fetal anatomic features, recreating even the internal structure and facilitate prenatal screening. Allow you to view details of the respiratory tract, for example, helping to identify any abnormalities. A possible application of the technology includes the detection of obstructions in the airway. It is in fact important to verify the correct development of the apparatus and, in particular, of the ways of connection between the outside and the lungs.

The new technology has potential in a clinical setting. It displays the condition of the fetus in order to show them comprehensively to any team. The presence of details in 3D of the internal structure also facilitates the exchange of morphological and multidisciplinary discussions information. This could bring considerable benefits to the patients themselves, which would provide a more comprehensive service.

For the moment, the researchers used the new technology in a clinic in Rio de Janeiro. In some cases, the 3D models were able to identify defects that required surgery. In happier cases, they allowed parents to track the growth of their child more clearly. It is a major breakthrough in prenatal screening, which takes its place alongside other innovative prenatal tests such as fetal DNA testing.

Source: eurekalert.org