Are We In the Midst of a Silent Mass Extinction?
A new modeling technique aims to help scientists and policymakers detect declines in genetic diversity based on habitat loss. ABOVE:Genetic diversity in deer mice creates differences in coat color.NICOLE BEDFORD Nearly one fifth of the genetic diversity of the planet’s most vulnerable species may already be lost, an analysis published today (September 22) in Science finds. If […]
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Opinion: Harnessing Microglia Cells to Stave Off Neurodegeneration
Dialing up the activity of a protein called SYK in the brain’s “janitors” could provide an avenue to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. ABOVE:Microglia (black) in grey matter© ISTOCK.COM, JOSE LUIS CALVO MARTIN & JOSE ENRIQUE GARCIA-MAURIÑO MUZQUIZ Many neurodegenerative diseases, or conditions that result from the loss of function or death of brain cells, […]
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Opioids Recruit the Immune System to Cause Withdrawal Symptoms
A study finds that T cells induced by heroin cross the blood-brain barrier to wreak havoc on the brain, hinting at new ways to prevent withdrawal. ABOVE:© ISTOCK.COM, D-KEINE Researchers have uncovered one way that opioid use seems to result in withdrawal symptoms, identifying a previously unknown pathway in the immune system that results in unstable […]
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