910 posts · 583,054 views
I have big dreams [don't we all?], I want to change the world. That is why I started Lunatic Laboratories, a little project that I hope will one day be a household name. Who knows, maybe it will work out, but even if it doesn't, at least it will be fun to try.
Lunatic Laboratories
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- February 11, 2016
- 03:18 PM
- 783 views
Synthetic biology breakthrough creates biosensors on demand
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Biosensors are powerful tools in synthetic biology for engineering metabolic pathways or controlling synthetic and native genetic circuits in bacteria. Scientists have had difficulty developing a method to engineer "designer" biosensor proteins that can precisely sense and report the presence of specific molecules, which has so far limited the number and variety of biosensor designs able to precisely regulate cell metabolism, cell biology, and synthetic gene circuits.
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Taylor, N., Garruss, A., Moretti, R., Chan, S., Arbing, M., Cascio, D., Rogers, J., Isaacs, F., Kosuri, S., Baker, D.... (2015) Engineering an allosteric transcription factor to respond to new ligands. Nature Methods, 13(2), 177-183. DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3696
- February 10, 2016
- 03:07 PM
- 606 views
Starting age of marijuana use may have long-term effects on brain development
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
The age at which an adolescent begins using marijuana may affect typical brain development, according to researchers at the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas. In a paper recently published, scientists describe how marijuana use, and the age at which use is initiated, may adversely alter brain structures that underlie higher order thinking.
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Filbey, F., McQueeny, T., DeWitt, S., & Mishra, V. (2015) Preliminary findings demonstrating latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use onset on cortical architecture. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 16-22. DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2015.10.001
- February 9, 2016
- 02:41 PM
- 689 views
Brain power: Wirelessly supplying power to the brain
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Human and animal movements generate slight neural signals from their brain cells. These signals obtained using a neural interface are essential for realizing brain-machine interfaces (BMI). Such neural recording systems using wires to connect the implanted device to an external device can cause infections through the opening in the skull. One method of solving this issue is to develop a wireless neural interface that is fully implantable on the brain.
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Okabe, K., Jeewan, H., Yamagiwa, S., Kawano, T., Ishida, M., & Akita, I. (2015) Co-Design Method and Wafer-Level Packaging Technique of Thin-Film Flexible Antenna and Silicon CMOS Rectifier Chips for Wireless-Powered Neural Interface Systems. Sensors, 15(12), 31821-31832. DOI: 10.3390/s151229885
- February 8, 2016
- 01:59 PM
- 852 views
We can build it better: Synthetic biopathway turns agriculture waste into ‘green’ products
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have engineered a new synthetic biopathway that can more efficiently and cost-effectively turn agricultural waste, like corn stover and orange peels, into a variety of useful products ranging from spandex to chicken feed.
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Tai, Y., Xiong, M., Jambunathan, P., Wang, J., Wang, J., Stapleton, C., & Zhang, K. (2016) Engineering nonphosphorylative metabolism to generate lignocellulose-derived products. Nature Chemical Biology. DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2020
- February 7, 2016
- 03:07 PM
- 621 views
The molecular link between psychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
There may be a genetic connection between some mental health disorders and type 2 diabetes. In a new report, scientists show that a gene called “DISC1,” which is believed to play a role in mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and some forms of depression, influences the function of pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
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Jurczyk A, Nowosielska A, Przewozniak N, Aryee KE, DiIorio P, Blodgett D, Yang C, Campbell-Thompson M, Atkinson M, Shultz L.... (2016) Beyond the brain: disrupted in schizophrenia 1 regulates pancreatic β-cell function via glycogen synthase kinase-3β. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 30(2), 983-93. PMID: 26546129
- February 6, 2016
- 03:49 PM
- 678 views
Brain plasticity assorted into functional networks
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Plasticity of the brain, what does that even mean? Well the good news is that it isn’t just a marketing ploy, the brain needs to be “plastic” because we need to be able to adapt. Frankly speaking, the brain still has a lot to learn about itself. Scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have made a key finding of the striking differences in how the brain’s cells can change through experience.
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Saez, I., & Friedlander, M. (2016) Role of GABAA-Mediated Inhibition and Functional Assortment of Synapses onto Individual Layer 4 Neurons in Regulating Plasticity Expression in Visual Cortex. PLOS ONE, 11(2). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147642
- February 5, 2016
- 03:27 PM
- 798 views
Man-made underwater sound may have wider ecosystem effects
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Underwater sound linked to human activity could alter the behaviour of seabed creatures that play a vital role in marine ecosystems, according to new research from the University of Southampton. The study found that exposure to sounds that resemble shipping traffic and offshore construction activities results in behavioural responses in certain invertebrate species that live in the marine sediment.
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Solan, M., Hauton, C., Godbold, J., Wood, C., Leighton, T., & White, P. (2016) Anthropogenic sources of underwater sound can modify how sediment-dwelling invertebrates mediate ecosystem properties. Scientific Reports, 20540. DOI: 10.1038/srep20540
- February 4, 2016
- 03:27 PM
- 559 views
Taser shock disrupts brain function, has implications for police interrogations
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
More than two million citizens have been Tased by police as Taser stun guns have become one of the preferred less-lethal weapons by police departments across the United States during the past decade. But what does that 50,000-volt shock do to a person's brain?
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Kane, R., & White, M. (2015) TASER Exposure and Cognitive Impairment: Implications for Valid Miranda Waivers and the Timing of Police Custodial Interrogations . Criminology . DOI: 10.1111/1745-9133.12173
- February 3, 2016
- 03:06 PM
- 653 views
Investigating potential fetal exposure to antidepressants
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Depression is a serious issue for expecting mothers. Left untreated, depression could have implications for a fetus’s health. But treating the disease during pregnancy may carry health risks for the developing fetus, which makes an expecting mother’s decision whether to take medication a very difficult one. To better understand how antidepressants affect fetuses during pregnancy, scientists studied exposure in mice.
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Velasquez, J., Goeden, N., Herod, S., & Bonnin, A. (2016) Maternal Pharmacokinetics and Fetal Disposition of (±)-Citalopram during Mouse Pregnancy. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00287
- February 2, 2016
- 03:03 PM
- 664 views
Depressed or inflamed? Inflammation attacks brain’s reward center
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Inflammation is a good thing, it helps the body fight disease, and without it we wouldn't survive. Unfortunately, when inflammation isn't kept under control it can wreak havoc on the body. From potentially causing alzheimer's to arthritis it seems that unchecked inflammation can cause all sorts of issues. In fact, a new study adds to the list of issues out of control inflammation causes in the body.
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Dowell, N., Cooper, E., Tibble, J., Voon, V., Critchley, H., Cercignani, M., & Harrison, N. (2016) Acute Changes in Striatal Microstructure Predict the Development of Interferon-Alpha Induced Fatigue. Biological Psychiatry, 79(4), 320-328. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.05.015
- February 1, 2016
- 03:41 PM
- 548 views
Blood pressure medicine may improve conversational skills of individuals with autism
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
An estimated 1 in 68 children in the United States has autism. The neurodevelopmental disorder, which impairs communication and social interaction skills, can be treated with medications and behavioral therapies, though there is no cure. Now, University of Missouri researchers have found that a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats may have the potential to improve some social functions of individuals with autism.
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Zamzow, R., Ferguson, B., Stichter, J., Porges, E., Ragsdale, A., Lewis, M., & Beversdorf, D. (2016) Effects of propranolol on conversational reciprocity in autism spectrum disorder: a pilot, double-blind, single-dose psychopharmacological challenge study. Psychopharmacology. DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4199-0
- January 31, 2016
- 02:57 PM
- 832 views
The brains of patients with schizophrenia vary depending on the type of schizophrenia
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
I have a friend who lost an eye to his brother. Yes, you read that correctly, his brother tried to kill him and in the process he lost his eye. I’ve told this story before, but whenever new schizophrenia research comes out I feel the need to tell it again. While he has forgiven his brother (partly because not long after, he was diagnosed as schizophrenic), he will not be able to see him again until he is released from prison. A tragedy that could’ve been avoided had he been diagnosed sooner......... Read more »
Arnedo, J., Mamah, D., Baranger, D., Harms, M., Barch, D., Svrakic, D., de Erausquin, G., Cloninger, C., & Zwir, I. (2015) Decomposition of brain diffusion imaging data uncovers latent schizophrenias with distinct patterns of white matter anisotropy. NeuroImage, 43-54. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.06.083
- January 30, 2016
- 03:21 PM
- 551 views
Neurological adaptations to the presence of toxic HIV protein
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Nearly half of HIV infected patients suffer from impaired neurocognitive function. The HIV protein transactivator of transcription (Tat) is an important contributor to HIV neuropathogenesis because it is a potent neurotoxin that continues to be produced despite treatment with antiretroviral therapy.
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Krogh, K., Green, M., & Thayer, S. (2015) HIV-1 Tat-Induced Changes in Synaptically-Driven Network Activity Adapt During Prolonged Exposure. Current HIV Research, 12(6), 406-414. DOI: 10.2174/1570162X13666150121110402
- January 29, 2016
- 01:51 PM
- 528 views
How to unlock inaccessible genes
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
An international team of biologists has discovered how specialized enzymes remodel the extremely condensed genetic material in the nucleus of cells in order to control which genes can be used. It was known that the DNA in cells is wrapped around proteins in structures called nucleosomes that resemble beads on a string, which allow the genetic material to be folded and compacted into a structure called chromatin.
... Read more »
de Dieuleveult, M., Yen, K., Hmitou, I., Depaux, A., Boussouar, F., Dargham, D., Jounier, S., Humbertclaude, H., Ribierre, F., Baulard, C.... (2016) Genome-wide nucleosome specificity and function of chromatin remodellers in ES cells. Nature. DOI: 10.1038/nature16505
- January 28, 2016
- 02:36 PM
- 552 views
It’s complicated: Benefits and toxicity of anti-prion antibodies in the brain
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Immunotherapy to ameliorate neurodegeneration by targeting brain protein aggregates with antibodies is an area of intense investigation. A new study examines seemingly contradictory earlier results of targeting the prion protein and proposes a cautionary way forward to further test related therapeutic approaches.
... Read more »
Reimann, R., Sonati, T., Hornemann, S., Herrmann, U., Arand, M., Hawke, S., & Aguzzi, A. (2016) Differential Toxicity of Antibodies to the Prion Protein. PLOS Pathogens, 12(1). DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005401
- January 27, 2016
- 02:36 PM
- 706 views
The music of the mind: throwing light on human consciousness
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
UNSW Australia scientists have shown that complex human brain activity is governed by the same simple universal rule of nature that can explain other phenomena such as the beautiful sound of a finely crafted violin or the spots on a leopard. The UNSW team has identified a link between the distinctive patterns of brain function that occur at rest and the physical structure of people's brains.
... Read more »
Atasoy, S., Donnelly, I., & Pearson, J. (2016) Human brain networks function in connectome-specific harmonic waves. Nature Communications, 10340. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10340
- January 26, 2016
- 03:20 PM
- 549 views
Why you should never use the term ‘the mentally ill’
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Even subtle differences in how you refer to people with mental illness can affect levels of tolerance, a new study has found. In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that participants showed less tolerance toward people who were referred to as "the mentally ill" when compared to those referred to as "people with mental illness."
... Read more »
Granello, D., & Gibbs, T. (2016) The Power of Language and Labels: “The Mentally Ill” Versus “People With Mental Illnesses”. Journal of Counseling , 94(1), 31-40. DOI: 10.1002/jcad.12059
- January 25, 2016
- 02:06 PM
- 533 views
Scientists shed new light on workings of genetic regulation
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
A team of scientists has uncovered greater intricacy in protein signaling than was previously understood, shedding new light on the nature of genetic production.
... Read more »
Cheng, Z., Teo, G., Krueger, S., Rock, T., Koh, H., Choi, H., & Vogel, C. (2016) Differential dynamics of the mammalian mRNA and protein expression response to misfolding stress. Molecular Systems Biology, 12(1), 855-855. DOI: 10.15252/msb.20156423
- January 24, 2016
- 01:52 PM
- 529 views
60 genetic disorders affect skin and nervous system
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
One of the most common genetic disorders is a condition called neurofibromatosis, which causes brown spots on the skin and benign tumors on the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system. Neurofibromatosis is one of at least 60 genetic diseases called neurocutaneous disorders that involve the skin, central nervous system, and/or peripheral nervous system.
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Figueiredo, A., Mata-Machado, N., McCoyd, M., & Biller, J. (2016) Neurocutaneous Disorders for the Practicing Neurologist: a Focused Review. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 16(2). DOI: 10.1007/s11910-015-0612-7
- January 23, 2016
- 02:26 PM
- 584 views
When the music stops: Intensive instrument playing can lead to movement disorders
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
A musician takes up his/her violin and starts to play, but rather than gripping the strings, the fingers seize up--and this happens every time he/she takes up the instrument. Such a movement disorder--the so-called focal dystonia-- is a dramatic disease for those affected, which has thus far barely been studied.
... Read more »
Rozanski VE, Rehfuess E, Bötzel K, Nowak D. (2015) Task-specific dystonia in professional musicians—a systematic review of the importance of intensive playing as a risk factor. Dtsch Arztebl Int. info:/10.3238/arztebl.2015.0871
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