Comment

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on Saturday

'Microbial Noah's Ark' ramps up to save Earth's invisible life forms

A global effort to create a "microbial Noah's Ark" to preserve the world's diverse collection of healthy microbes before they disappear is now entering an active growth phase.

In a perspective article published in Nature Communications, a team of 25 scientists involved in the formation of the Microbiota Vault Initiative reported their successes and also laid out an ethical framework to ensure equitable collaboration and depositor sovereignty. This set of principles is designed to guide the initiative in its mission to safeguard microbial diversity for future generations.

The announcement, which coincides with World Microbiome Day on June 27, marks a significant step forward in a global effort. Scientists founding the initiative in 2018 were inspired by The Seed Vault within the Arctic Circle in Svalbard, Norway, where seeds collected worldwide are safeguarded to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity in the event of a global crisis.

The Microbiota Vault Initiative represents a proactive effort to protect and preserve the microbial life that is essential for the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

Microbes—tiny living organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi—exist everywhere, including in our bodies, where they form communities known as microbiomes. Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of "good microbes" in maintaining human health by aiding digestion, bolstering the immune system and protecting against harmful invaders.

Part 1

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on Saturday

How a faulty transport protein in the brain can trigger severe epilepsy

Citrate is essential for the metabolism and development of neurons. A membrane transport protein called SLC13A5 plays a central role in this process and has previously been linked to a particularly severe form of epileptic encephalopathy.

Building on data from the recently completed RESOLUTE and REsolution flagship projects, scientists at CeMM have comprehensively studied the function and structure of the membrane transporter SLC13A5, experimentally investigating 38 mutant variants.

Their findings, published in Science Advances, shed new light on the mechanisms of this disease and lay the foundation for further research into epilepsy and other disorders.

Citrate, the negatively charged ion of citric acid, is a key component in the metabolism of every cell. In the citric acid cycle—often referred to as the "hub" of cellular metabolism—organic substances are broken down to generate chemical energy, while also producing various precursors for the biosynthesis of fatty acids and critical signaling molecules involved in inflammation and cell development. In neurons, citrate plays an especially important role. As a so-called "neuromodulator," it influences neuronal activity and is therefore present in relatively high concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Accordingly, neurons express high levels of the SLC13A5 transporter to facilitate citrate uptake. When this transporter is not fully functional, it can lead to SLC13A5 Citrate Transporter Disorder—a severe form of epilepsy associated with impaired brain development (scientifically referred to as developmental epileptic encephalopathy, DEE).

This condition is caused by mutations in the SLC13A5 gene.

To address this knowledge gap, scientists  performed a technique called "deep mutational scanning" (DMS), analyzing the effect of nearly 10 thousand different genetic mutations on the function of the SLC13A5 transport protein.

The dataset was further enriched by computational analyses of protein stability, and 38 mutated SLC13A5 variants were selected for experimental investigation. This approach revealed several molecular mechanisms linked to the manifestation of the disease. These included differences in transporter production levels in neurons, their precise localization in the cell membrane, and the actual rate of citrate transport.

Wen-An Wang et al, Large-scale experimental assessment of variant effects on the structure and function of the citrate transporter SLC13A5, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx3011. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx3011

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 27, 2025 at 3:01pm

Scientists 3D-print part of human femur as strong as real bone

A group of  doctors and scientists printed part of a human femur—the longest and strongest bone in the body—that mimics the strength, flexibility and overall mechanics of a real femur. The findings were published in 2024 in a study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research.

Recreating bones and organs like the heart or blood vessels is an emerging field. 3D-printed organs are far from replicating the functionality of a flesh-and-blood organ. 3D-printed bones, however, are being leveraged to various degrees.

 In scientific studies assessing how different forces stress and contort bone, these skeletal replicas offer scientists and physicians an accessible alternative to what is typically used: cadaver bones.

The printed bones  have the same strength or maybe even better strength than the human femur.

The 3D-printed bone is made with a low-cost biodegradable polymer called polylactic acid. In total, the bone costs about $7 to make, which is much cheaper than making other synthetic bones or obtaining cadaver bones.

Robert C. Weinschenk et al, Three‐dimensional‐printed femoral diaphysis for biomechanical testing—Optimization and validation, Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jor.25954

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 27, 2025 at 2:48pm

Study shows sleeping brain remains alert to harsh, urgent sounds

During sleep, the brain must achieve a delicate balance: disconnecting from sensory input to allow restorative functions, while remaining alert enough to wake if danger arises. How does it sort through external stimuli—particularly sounds—during sleep? Scientists have studied how the brain responds to so-called "rough" sounds, such as screams or alarms.

They discovered that these sounds are systematically processed, unlike other sounds, triggering specific brain waves. These results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, provide a better understanding of certain perceptual disorders, such as hyperacusis (hypersensitivity and/or intolerance to certain sounds), as well as the impact of repeated nighttime disturbances on brain function.

Roughness is an acoustic property characterized by rapid modulations of sound intensity, between 40 and 100 times per second. Unlike speech, where syllables occur at a rate between 4 and 8 Hz, rough sounds hit the auditory system at much higher frequencies, producing a shrill and often unpleasant sensation.

This quality—typical of audible alarms, human screams and infant cries—is precisely what makes them so effective: They automatically capture our attention to signal imminent danger. These sounds directly activate the amygdala, a brain region involved in emotional responses and attention.

In the research conducted, the roughness—regardless of whether the sound was high- or low-pitched—that activated the brain's alert systems. The research team also observed two key phenomena. First, rough sounds consistently triggered a brain response, unlike other types of sounds. Second, sound roughness correlated with an increase in sleep spindles. These are short bursts of brain activity elicited in response to a sensory, and potentially disturbing, stimulus during sleep.

Sound roughness is not commonly encountered in everyday environments. In both humans and animals, it's typically reserved for urgent, high-stakes communication.

 Guillaume Y. T. Legendre et al, Scream's roughness grants privileged access to the brain during sleep, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-01560-8

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 27, 2025 at 2:37pm

Exercise sends 'mechanical messages' to cells, unlocking new energy pathways

Scientists  have made a breakthrough in understanding how cells in our body respond to physical activity and exercise.

Researchers discovered a direct mechanical signal that travels from outside the cell into the energy-producing parts of the cell, which could change the way we think about exercise and its benefits.

Researchers found a protein production factory in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum, can sense external mechanical forces, such as stretching or strain and transmit them deep into the cell.

The process helps regulate energy production in the cell and maintains tissue health.

Cells constantly experience physical forces, especially in load-bearing tissues such as tendon, muscle and lung. Researchers found that the endoplasmic reticulum plays a central role in converting these mechanical cues into metabolic responses, controlling how cells produce energy and prevent tissue damage.

They discovered that while moderate physical activity and exercise could enhance energy production in cells, excessive strain or injury could disrupt this process, leading to cellular damage.

 Ziming Chen et al, External strain on the plasma membrane is relayed to the endoplasmic reticulum by membrane contact sites and alters cellular energetics, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads6132

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 27, 2025 at 2:10pm

Tech giants' net zero goals verging on fantasy: Researchers

The credibility of climate pledges by the world's tech giants to rapidly become carbon neutral is fading fast as they devour more and more energy in the race to develop AI and build data centers, researchers warned this week.

Apple, Google and Meta said they would stop adding CO₂ into the atmosphere by 2030, while Amazon set that target for 2040.

Microsoft promised to be "net negative"—pulling CO₂ out of the air—by the end of this decade.

But those vows, made before the AI boom transformed the sector, are starting to look like a fantasy even as these companies have doubled down on them, according to independent analysts.

"The greenhouse gas emissions targets of tech companies appear to have lost their meaning", the researchers say.

Source: News agencies

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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 26, 2025 at 11:47am

Synthetic protein jams up diseased cells
A synthetic ‘killswitch’ protein, just 17 amino acids long, can jam droplet-like structures that coordinate key cellular processes such as cancer, viral replication, gene expression and more. The droplet-like structures have no membranes and help to organize proteins and RNA molecules so that they can perform specific tasks efficiently and precisely. The killswitch infiltrates the droplets and fixes them in place. In a pair of experiments, researchers found that the killswitch could reduce leukaemia cell proliferation in mice and also curtail the production of viral particles in infected cells.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09141-5?utm_source=Live+...

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 26, 2025 at 10:55am

Cold drinks may trigger irregular heartbeat in some people with atrial fibrillation (Afib)

It may sound strange, but for some people, cold drinks may be to blame for sudden episodes of atrial fibrillation (Afib), a common heart rhythm disorder.

A recent survey sheds light on this phenomenon, dubbed "cold drink heart" (CDH). Researchers found that a surprising number of people with Afib report cold beverages as a trigger for their irregular heartbeats. In fact, for half of the survey participants who identified cold ingestion as an Afib trigger, avoiding cold drinks and foods completely eliminated their episodes. Others found relief by modifying their habits, such as letting drinks warm up, skipping the straw, or avoiding gulping.

Why might a cold drink send your heart out of rhythm?

While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, it's likely related to the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating heart rate. The sudden temperature change from a cold drink might stimulate this nerve, leading to changes in heart rhythm in susceptible individuals, say experts.

It's important to remember that not everyone with Afib will experience this trigger. However, if you notice a connection between cold drinks and your Afib episodes, it's worth discussing with your doctor. Simple lifestyle changes, like avoiding very cold beverages or letting them warm up, could make a significant difference.

This doesn't replace the need for medical evaluation and treatment for Afib. If you experience any symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly.

The survey, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, is the first to systematically explore the link between cold drinks and Afib. While more research is needed, the findings suggest that for some, a simple change in drinking habits could be a key to managing their condition.

Daniel D. DiLena et al, Characterizing Patients With Cold Drink‐Triggered Atrial Fibrillation, Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/jce.16753

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 26, 2025 at 10:17am

Global study links severe bleeding after childbirth to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Women who experience severe bleeding after giving birth face elevated risks to their cardiovascular health that can persist for up to 15 years—a new analysis of data from over 9.7 million women across Europe, North America and Asia shows.

The findings, which follow a review of research data, some of which date back to 1986, suggest that women who experience postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) have an increased risk to both cardiovascular conditions—such as heart failure, stroke, and ischemic heart disease—and thromboembolic events, such as blood clots.

Published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, the results reveal these cardiovascular conditions are 1.76 times more likely, while thromboembolic incidents are 2.10 times more likely.

While this increased risk is particularly acute in the first year after giving birth, it can persist for up to 15 years, especially among women with complications that lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

PPH has long been seen as an emergency that ends once the bleeding stops. But these new findings show it may have lasting effects on a woman's heart health, even years after childbirth.

Postpartum hemorrhage and long-term cardiovascular disease risk: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2025.2507103

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on June 26, 2025 at 9:58am

How diverse brain cells reach a decision together

Every decision begins invisibly. Long before someone acts, the brain is already hard at work gathering evidence, weighing options, and gradually committing to a choice. But even when faced with the same evidence, people can arrive at different outcomes, especially when the decision is difficult.

How the brain, made up of billions of specialized cells, makes these split-second decisions has largely been a mystery, though.

Now, new findings  shed light on how diverse brain cells come together to guide a unified decision. The researchers found that while individual neurons have perplexingly complex responses, their activity is shaped by a shared structure that ultimately guides the brain toward a unified choice.

Though each neuron had a different individual response, they all appeared to share the same underlying potential landscape.

Think of it like a group of skiers descending a mountain. Each prefers a slightly different path, but all are shaped by the same slope beneath them. Similarly, each neuron has its own preference and activity, but the group of cells collectively in the premotor cortex takes a coordinated journey and gradually settles into a stable state that represents the decision, say the researchers.

Tatiana Engel, The dynamics and geometry of choice in the premotor cortex, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09199-1. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09199-1

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