Tools that allow neuroscientists to record and quantify functional activity within the living brain are in great demand. Traditionally, researchers have used techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, but this method cannot record neural activity with high spatial resolution or in moving subjects. In recent years, a technology called optogenetics has shown considerable success in recording neural activity from animals in real time with single neuron resolution.
Optogenetic tools use light to control neurons and record signals in tissues that are genetically modified to express light-sensitive and fluorescent proteins. However, existing technologies for imaging light signals from the brain have drawbacks in their size, imaging speed, or contrast that limit their applications in experimental neuroscience.
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Scientists pinpoint the start of aging, discover it is not a slow series of random events.
- Cellular and organismal slide begins during early adulthood at reproductive maturity
- Study indicates ‘aging is not a continuum of various events’
- Findings have implications for humans and quality of life
- Blocking the switch enhances stress resilience, protects aging cells and delays disease
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- Malnourished children who received a food supplement designed to boost normal gut microbes gained more weight than those given a standard nutritional supplement.
- The microbiome-targeted supplement also raised levels of proteins in the blood associated with bone, cartilage, and brain health.
- Longer studies are needed to see if these improvements lead to better physical and cognitive health as children age.
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According to a news release, in the first clinical trial of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that the compound previously demonstrated to counteract aspects of aging and improve metabolic health in mice also has clinically relevant effects in people. Further studies underway to determine the extent of clinical benefits.
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