All posts tagged: Mice

Scientists Intrigued by Nasal Spray That Reverse Brain Aging in Mice, Say It May Work on Humans as Well

Scientists Intrigued by Nasal Spray That Reverse Brain Aging in Mice, Say It May Work on Humans as Well

Published by José Betancourt

Sign up to see the future, today Can’t-miss innovations from the bleeding edge of science and tech A team of scientists at Texas A&M University say they’ve developed a nasal spray that improves the working memory of older lab mice. They believe the feat works by reducing markers of inflammation, a common feature of aging brains. And, with many caveats, say they suspect that it could one day be used on older humans, as a non-invasive method to tackle adult-onset brain fog and neurological diseases such as dementia. The spray is made up of special biological particles derived from stem cells, the scientists wrote in a new paper published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. An estimated 69.2 million people worldwide have dementia, and that figure is slated to increase to 82 million in 2030, making the development of this type of medicine urgent. “Our approach redefines what it means to grow old,” Ashok Shetty, neuroscience professor and the paper’s principal investigator, said in a university statement about the research. “We’re aiming for successful brain …

Scientists Intrigued by Microbe That That Makes Mice Swole

Scientists Intrigued by Microbe That That Makes Mice Swole

Published by José Betancourt

Sign up to see the future, today Can’t-miss innovations from the bleeding edge of science and tech A special gut microbe helped mice get jacked, researchers found. Because this microbe is found in humans, it raises the possibility that it could help us get stronger, too. For now, that remains unproven. But the work, a new study in the journal Gut, provides a compelling case for creating a probiotic that can help with maintaining strength and fitness as we age, the researchers argue, or combat muscle-wasting disorders. “Taken together, our findings provide solid evidence confirming the existence of an gut-muscle axis in which this identified bacterium positively modulates muscle metabolism and muscle strength,” said coauthor Jonatan Ruiz, a professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport at the University of Granada, in a statement about the work. Until now, the connection between muscle strength and gut microbiota was unclear, even though it’s well established that these bacteria influence our bodies in other ways, such as metabolism and cardiovascular health. The researchers began by exploring …

A single dose of DMT reverses depression-like symptoms in mice by repairing brain circuitry

A single dose of DMT reverses depression-like symptoms in mice by repairing brain circuitry

Published by José Betancourt

New research suggests that a single dose of the psychedelic compound DMT can reverse symptoms of depression, including loss of pleasure and cognitive decline, in mice subjected to chronic stress. The findings provide evidence that the drug helps repair brain circuitry by promoting the healthy growth and integration of new neurons. The study was published in the journal Translational Psychiatry. Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Conventional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors often take weeks to work and fail to help a significant portion of patients. This delay and lack of efficacy highlight a need for faster and more reliable therapeutic options. In recent years, scientists have noticed that classical psychedelics can rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms. One such compound is N,N-dimethyltryptamine, commonly known as DMT, which naturally occurs in various plants and animals. It is also the primary active ingredient in ayahuasca, a traditional brewed tea used in Amazonian ceremonies. When administered on its own, DMT produces an intense but very short-lived psychedelic experience that alters perception and mood. The …

Blocking a common brain gas reverses autism-like traits in mice

Blocking a common brain gas reverses autism-like traits in mice

Published by José Betancourt

A newly discovered biological chain reaction explains how high levels of a common brain chemical can lead to cellular overdrive in autism spectrum disorder. By tracing how nitric oxide disables a protective protein to accelerate cell growth pathways, researchers have identified a specific target that might one day yield new therapies. The findings were recently published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. Autism spectrum disorder involves differences in brain development that affect social communication and routine behavior. The biology behind these changes involves many genes and environmental factors. Researchers have observed that a signaling pathway called mTOR often runs unusually fast in the brains of autistic individuals. The mTOR pathway acts as a central control center for cell growth, protein production, and energy use. When it functions properly, it helps brain cells build the connections needed for learning and memory. Yet the exact steps connecting autism risk factors to this hyperactive growth pathway have remained a mystery. A team of scientists suspected that nitric oxide might be a missing link. Nitric oxide is a simple gas …

Corsair Sabre V2 Carbon Fiber and Magnesium Gaming Mice Review

Corsair Sabre V2 Carbon Fiber and Magnesium Gaming Mice Review

Published by skeptic

While this assembly works well and allows for the mouse to be incredibly lightweight and rigid, I found a few concerns with repairability. With both shells, there is a risk of repeated disassembly breaking the plastic clips. With the carbon fiber shell, there is also a risk of the threads in the upper shell becoming stripped if the screws are over-tightened, something that is made worse by the fact that the screws used are self-tapping. Typically, anything made from carbon fiber or lightweight plastic would use metal inserts inside of the material to prevent stripping, but this has not been done with this mouse—presumably also for weight savings. Because of this, half of the screws in this mouse already had material lodged between the threads during my initial disassembly, seemingly having already been over-tightened by the factory. This doesn’t impact usability, since the mouse is primarily held together by the plastic clips, but it could cause issues later down the line if the plastic clips fail. I did actually break one of these plastic clips …

Probiotics and prebiotics restore appetite control in mice raised on unhealthy diets

Probiotics and prebiotics restore appetite control in mice raised on unhealthy diets

Published by José Betancourt

Consuming a diet heavy in fat and sugar during childhood can permanently alter how the brain regulates appetite later in life, even if healthy eating habits are adopted in adulthood. However, supplementing the diet with specific beneficial gut bacteria or dietary fibers can reverse these long-lasting brain changes and restore normal eating habits. These discoveries were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. The environment a child grows up in heavily influences their physical development. A diet filled with highly processed, sugary, and fatty foods is common in many modern households. Frequent consumption of these energy-dense, nutrient-poor meals can establish unhealthy eating patterns that last well into adulthood. The digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria and other microscopic organisms, collectively called the gut microbiome. These microbes help digest food, produce vitamins, and send chemical signals to the brain. This biological highway is often called the gut-brain axis. Through the gut-brain axis, bacteria influence the production of neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the nervous system. This communication network helps control feelings of …

Stanford’s New “Universal Vaccine Formula” Nasal Spray Protects Mice Against Stunning Range of Diseases

Stanford’s New “Universal Vaccine Formula” Nasal Spray Protects Mice Against Stunning Range of Diseases

Published by José Betancourt

Stanford Medicine researchers claim they’ve invented a “universal vaccine formula” that protects mice against a wide range of allergens, bacteria, and respiratory viruses. And instead of being administered by injection, the potential cure-all can be taken as a simple nasal spray.   If the formula, detailed in a recent study published in Science, could be applied to humans, it would be game-changer for people vulnerable to seasonal respiratory infections, the authors say. No more repeated trips to the doctor to get the jab; just a few whiffs of the stuff, and you’d be immune to all kinds of lung ailments for months at a time. “Imagine getting a nasal spray in the fall months that protects you from all respiratory viruses including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and the common cold, as well as bacterial pneumonia and early spring allergens,” study senior author Bali Pulendran, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford Medicine, said in a statement about the work. “That would transform medical practice.” Traditionally, vaccines work by mimicking a specific pathogen so that …

Does intermittent fasting live up to the hype? It works on mice – but does it work for us?

Does intermittent fasting live up to the hype? It works on mice – but does it work for us?

Published by Sam Flores

In 2013, a British journalist and a doctor introduced an obscure dietary protocol to the wider culture. The idea was simple: two days a week, eat almost nothing – fewer than 600 calories. The rest of the time, eat normally. The writers, Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer, claimed “The Fast Diet” could help you shed fat, reverse Type 2 diabetes and stave off age-related diseases of mind and body. Early studies had shown it had outsize benefits in lab mice, and scientists were enthusiastic about its prospects for humans. This simple intermittent fast (today referred as a 5:2 diet) was not the first of its kind to go mainstream, but it became an international sensation. Today there are dozens more variations, with books, apps, wearables and supplements to support them. And they’re very popular: The International Food Information Council, a nonprofit tied to the food industry, surveyed 3,000 American adults and found that 13 per cent have experimented with intermittent fasting in 2024. All intermittent fasts alternate periods when you’re allowed to eat with …

Low-dose psilocybin reduces weight gain and hyperglycemia in mice fed obesogenic diet

Low-dose psilocybin reduces weight gain and hyperglycemia in mice fed obesogenic diet

Published by José Betancourt

A study of mice fed a high-fat/high-fructose diet (designed to induce obesity) found that 12 weeks of treatment with low-dose psilocybin reduced weight gain, symptoms of fatty liver, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. It did not produce observable effects on the central nervous system. The paper was published in Pharmacological Research. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms.” In the body, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which affects brain function by acting primarily on serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors. These effects can alter perception, mood, cognition, and sense of self. Subjective experiences may include changes in visual perception, intensified emotions, and altered patterns of thought. Historically, psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been used in ritual and spiritual practices in several cultures. In contemporary science, psilocybin has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects. Clinical research suggests it may reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and existential distress, particularly in controlled, supportive settings. Psilocybin-assisted therapy typically combines the drug with psychological preparation and integration sessions. The compound is generally considered …

Sweating may naturally suppress hunger, scientists find

Sweating may naturally suppress hunger, scientists find

Published by Jenni Sidey

Sweat does more than burn calories. It also sparks chemistry that can quiet hunger, at least in mice. A new study from researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine and collaborating institutions shows how a small exercise-made compound can dial down appetite through a specific brain pathway. The work focuses on a molecule called Lac-Phe and explains, step by step, how it can lead to weight loss by changing how hunger neurons behave. “Regular exercise is considered a powerful way to lose weight and to protect from obesity-associated diseases, such as diabetes or heart conditions,” said co-corresponding author Dr. Yang He, assistant professor of pediatrics; neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and investigator at the Duncan NRI. “Exercise helps lose weight by increasing the amount of energy the body uses; however, it is likely that other mechanisms are also involved.” This study leans into that “other mechanisms” idea. The researchers did not challenge the basics of weight loss. Instead, …