On Monday, my elder sister's husband went to the ED and was admitted to the hospital due to symptoms of stroke, which may instead be seizures from sepsis. Either way, he's fairly miserable. Hoping they get some answers within a day or two.
This gene tweak in mice offers clues to what sets us apart from Neanderthals Wapo: Scientists have a new clue in the long quest to decipher what makes us uniquely human: tiny changes in brain chemistry that set us apart from our closest hominin cousins.
In a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, an international team of researchers scrutinized a version of a gene, ubiquitous in humans today, that is not present in Neanderthals or Denisovans – the hominins that lived alongside our ancestors.
In a lab dish, the modern form of the gene in humans today made an enzyme less stable than the one found in hominin relatives. When researchers introduced that version into mice, they found that in females, it triggered a behavioral change – the mice were more adept at seeking water. -- nordy
I have lately read about changes in the human y-chromosome frequencies in Eurasia that took place coincident with the change from hunter-gatherers too farmers (about 3500 years ago, or 3500 BC?). About 85% of the extant y-chrosomes disappeared, and a number of bone beds have been found that contain only the remains of males with those y-chromosomes. Also, Neanderthals had their own y-chromosomes, but they were displaced by H. sapiens ones well before the two [sub] species began to interbreed significantly. -----Alan
This morning, as I was finishing my bagel and coffee, Priscilla Kitty came in to get a drink of water. The feeding station is close to my place at the table. So, I leant my hand down and waited, watching her.
When she finished, she looked around. Then she came right up to me and briefly touched her nose to my hand before strolling out of the kitchen.
I was thrilled! That's by far the most trust or affection she has ever shown me! It really made my day. Sometimes it's the little things that get you through.
Thanks for the oxygen, Cat!
ReplyDeleteOn Monday, my elder sister's husband went to the ED and was admitted to the hospital due to symptoms of stroke, which may instead be seizures from sepsis. Either way, he's fairly miserable. Hoping they get some answers within a day or two.
Small choice in rotten apples; but a good cartoon. each day a little better here.
Delete----Alan
Turns out he has a very serious case of cellulitis in his right leg! He may also have had a mini stroke.
DeleteHere's hoping he recovers soon and completely.
Delete----Alan
Scientists identify bacterium behind devastating wasting disease in starfish [Click]
ReplyDelete---Alan
That's great! The more we know, the more creatures we can help, the better.
DeleteYes!!
DeleteI read about this, this morning, and the chain reaction of issues that have taken place from lack of starfish!
This gene tweak in mice offers clues to what sets us apart from Neanderthals
ReplyDeleteWapo: Scientists have a new clue in the long quest to decipher what makes us uniquely human: tiny changes in brain chemistry that set us apart from our closest hominin cousins.
In a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, an international team of researchers scrutinized a version of a gene, ubiquitous in humans today, that is not present in Neanderthals or Denisovans – the hominins that lived alongside our ancestors.
In a lab dish, the modern form of the gene in humans today made an enzyme less stable than the one found in hominin relatives. When researchers introduced that version into mice, they found that in females, it triggered a behavioral change – the mice were more adept at seeking water. -- nordy
Wow!
DeleteThis makes one wonder what tweak in brain chemistry may currently be occurring due to climate change.
DeleteI have lately read about changes in the human y-chromosome frequencies in Eurasia that took place coincident with the change from hunter-gatherers too farmers (about 3500 years ago, or 3500 BC?). About 85% of the extant y-chrosomes disappeared, and a number of bone beds have been found that contain only the remains of males with those y-chromosomes. Also, Neanderthals had their own y-chromosomes, but they were displaced by H. sapiens ones well before the two [sub] species began to interbreed significantly.
Delete-----Alan
This morning, as I was finishing my bagel and coffee, Priscilla Kitty came in to get a drink of water. The feeding station is close to my place at the table. So, I leant my hand down and waited, watching her.
ReplyDeleteWhen she finished, she looked around. Then she came right up to me and briefly touched her nose to my hand before strolling out of the kitchen.
I was thrilled! That's by far the most trust or affection she has ever shown me! It really made my day. Sometimes it's the little things that get you through.
Oh, how sweet! Keep offering.
DeleteAww!
Delete