scholarly journals Histochemistry as a versatile research toolkit in biological research, not only an applied discipline in pathology

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Pellicciari
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Field ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Dynamic Events ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Tissue Biology ◽  
Disease Specific ◽  
Methodological Refinement

The impressive progress of histochemistry over the last 50 years has led to setting up specific and sensitive techniques to describe dynamic events, through the detection of specific molecules in the very place where they exist in live cells. The scientific field where histochemistry has most largely been applied is histopathology, with the aim to identify disease-specific molecular markers or to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms. Numerous authors did however apply histochemistry to a variety of other research fields; their interests range from the microanatomy of animal and plant organisms to the cellular mechanisms of life. This is especially apparent browsing the contents of the histochemical journals where the articles on subjects other than pathology are the majority; these journals still keep a pivotal role in the field of cell and tissue biology, while being a forum for a diverse range of biologists whose scientific interests expand  the research horizon of histochemistry to ever novel subjects. Thus, histochemistry can always receive inspiring stimuli toward a continuous methodological refinement.

scholarly journals Bifunctionalized Silver Nanoparticles as Hg2+ Plasmonic Sensor in Water: Synthesis, Characterizations, and Ecosafety

Nanomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prosposito ◽  
Burratti ◽  
Bellingeri ◽  
Protano ◽  
Faleri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Plasmonic Sensor ◽  
Local Surface Plasmon Resonance ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
The Stability

In this work, hydrophilic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), bifunctionalized with citrate (Cit) and L-cysteine (L-cys), were synthesized. The typical local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at λ max = 400 nm together with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements (<2RH> = 8 ± 1 nm) and TEM studies (Ø = 5 ± 2 nm) confirmed the system nanodimension and the stability in water. Molecular and electronic structures of AgNPs were investigated by FTIR, SR-XPS, and NEXAFS techniques. We tested the system as plasmonic sensor in water with 16 different metal ions, finding sensitivity to Hg2+ in the range 1–10 ppm. After this first screening, the molecular and electronic structure of the AgNPs-Hg2+ conjugated system was deeply investigated by SR-XPS. Moreover, in view of AgNPs application as sensors in real water systems, environmental safety assessment (ecosafety) was performed by using standardized ecotoxicity bioassay as algal growth inhibition tests (OECD 201, ISO 10253:2006), coupled with determination of Ag+ release from the nanoparticles in fresh and marine aqueous exposure media, by means of ICP-MS. These latest studies confirmed low toxicity and low Ag+ release. Therefore, these ecosafe AgNPs demonstrate a great potential in selective detection of environmental Hg2+, which may attract a great interest for several biological research fields.

scholarly journals Integrating High Resolution Light Microscopy and Real Time Observation of Fluorescent Labels

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Hasling
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Nano Materials ◽  
Fluorescent Labels ◽  
The Past ◽  
Dynamic Events ◽  
Materials Research ◽  
Time Observation ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Real Time Observation

Fluorescence microscopy has experienced tremendous growth over the past four decades and has facilitated major advancements in science. The classic fluorescent techniques (which include epifluorescence and confocal) allow researchers to selectively observe labeled structures with great clarity and consistency. Historically, biological scientists have been the most prolific users of fluorescence imaging. However, growing numbers of nano-materials research initiatives are now incorporating quantum dots and other fluorescent labels into their imaging protocols. This is especially true in areas where nano-materials and biological research is overlapping such as drug delivery. This nano-bio convergence, along with other advancements, has generated the need to observe highly dynamic events involving labeled and unlabeled structures in real time.

scholarly journals Creation of Artificial Cell-Like Structures Promoted by Microfluidics Technologies

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Sato ◽  
Masahiro Takinoue
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Sample Volume ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Artificial Cells ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Artificial Cell ◽  
Biological Phenomena ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Oil Emulsions

The creation of artificial cells is an immensely challenging task in science. Artificial cells contribute to revealing the mechanisms of biological systems and deepening our understanding of them. The progress of versatile biological research fields has clarified many biological phenomena, and various artificial cell models have been proposed in these fields. Microfluidics provides useful technologies for the study of artificial cells because it allows the fabrication of cell-like compartments, including water-in-oil emulsions and giant unilamellar vesicles. Furthermore, microfluidics also allows the mimicry of cellular functions with chip devices based on sophisticated chamber design. In this review, we describe contributions of microfluidics to the study of artificial cells. Although typical microfluidic methods are useful for the creation of artificial-cell compartments, recent methods provide further benefits, including low-cost fabrication and a reduction of the sample volume. Microfluidics also allows us to create multi-compartments, compartments with artificial organelles, and on-chip artificial cells. We discuss these topics and the future perspective of microfluidics for the study of artificial cells and molecular robotics.

Behavioural Economics, Neuroeconomics, and Corporate Law

2020 ◽  
pp. 269-291
Author(s):  
Julia Redenius-Hövermann
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Field ◽  
Behavioural Economics ◽  
Corporate Law ◽  
Standard Theory ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Homo Economicus ◽  
The Core ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Self Interest ◽  
A Minor

Behavioural economics is an established field. Still it carries the premises that the actions of corporate players are only to a minor degree led by self-interest, rationality, and self-discipline. Bias portrayed throughout behavioural economics offers an alternative to rational-theoretical standard theory as it allows predictions about the systematic deviation from the prognosis of the homo economicus’ actions. The reception of the findings of systematic research on the basis of human behaviour in modern psychology, neurology, or behavioural economics in corporate and capital market law enables its continuing development. The intention is to assume that non-legal arguments, complying with the standard of their respective scientific field, can be adopted for the development of corporate law. Therefore, the core of the chapter addresses the question of how the development of corporate law will occur under the consideration of findings from adjacent research fields such as behavioural economics.

scholarly journals Use of a translucent refuge for Xenopus tropicalis with the aim of improving welfare

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavan M Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Choice Experiments ◽  
Xenopus Tropicalis ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Refuge Use ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Minimal Stress

Xenopus tropicalis is an increasingly important animal model in a variety of biological research fields. In many countries legislation exists to promote and increase welfare wherever possible, including the ability to view animals during daily husbandry with minimal stress to the animal. X. tropicalis ( n = 16) refuge use was investigated; it was found that the animals significantly preferred black opaque overhead cover to open-ended pipes or closed-off ceramic plants pots in refuge choice experiments. This experiment was repeated by replacing the opaque black overhead cover with red filters. A significant preference for overhead cover was seen for the red translucent cover compared with other available refuges, suggesting that X. tropicalis may adopt translucent refuges due to their visual inabilities. The inability of frogs to see certain wavelengths of light may allow staff to view them whilst simultaneously providing the refuge of choice.

scholarly journals Pyrrole Hemithioindigo Antimitotics with Near-Quantitative Bidirectional Photoswitching Photocontrol Cellular Microtubule Dynamics with Single-Cell Precision

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Sailer ◽  
Joyce Meiring ◽  
Constanze Heise ◽  
Linda Pettersson ◽  
Anna Akhmanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Precision ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Biological Targets ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Visible Light Imaging

<div> <div> <div> <p>Photoswitchably bioactive reagents, known as “photopharmaceuticals”, promise powerful applications in high-precision biological research. Yet most photoswitch scaffolds cannot be quantitatively bidirectionally photoisomerised, so they suffer from residual background activity that can confound experiments. We rationally designed photopharmaceuticals using the emerging near-quantitative photoswitch pyrrole hemithioindigo (<b>PHTubs</b>), to isomer-specifically inhibit the cytoskeletal protein tubulin. These <b>PHTub</b> reagents allow simultaneous visible-light imaging and photoswitching in live cells, where they could be used for cell-precise photomodulation of microtubule dynamics, and photocontrol over cell cycle progression and cell death. This is, as far as we know, the first use of a hemithioindigo photopharmaceutical for high-spatiotemporal-resolution biological control in live cells. This work opens up new horizons for high-precision microtubule research using <b>PHTubs</b>; and shows the cellular applicability of the near-quantitative photoswitch pyrrole hemithioindigo as a valuable scaffold for photocontrol of a range of other biological targets. </p> </div> </div> </div>

scholarly journals The biomimetics potential of cave-dwelling animals

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Hesselberg
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Application ◽  
Visual Navigation ◽  
Engineering Problem ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
High Humidity ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Potential Target ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Morphological Adaptations ◽  
The Rich

Biomimetics or biologically inspired design is a relatively new interdisciplinary field that aims to harness the processes and mechanisms in nature that have been optimised over million of years’ evolution to improve our own technology. There are two main approaches to biological inspired design – the problem-driven approach starting with an engineering problem and searching through biological equivalents or the solution-driven approach which starts with a biological example or solution followed by the identification of a suitable engineering application (Lenau et al. 2018). While the former approach is the most popular and is favoured by engineers, the latter remains the most successful and is typically driven by fundamental biological research. However, no biomimetic solutions or concepts have so far been described from subterranean habitats despite the rich potential arising from the wonderfully diverse range of bizarre morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations that have arisen in response to the environmental constraints. In this presentation I give an outline of potential biomimetics examples arising from cave-dwelling animals in three technology fields. Biomaterials – the high humidity, lack of light and stable temperatures may have given rise to novel biomatarials. A promising study on the properties of silk from the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes is currently underway (Piorkowski et al. 2017). Adhesion devices. The high humidity and smooth wet surfaces underground may have given rise to unique morphological adaptations to adhere to and move on these surfaces. Potential target organisms include millipedes, springtails and cave angel fish. Biorobotics. Biomaterials – the high humidity, lack of light and stable temperatures may have given rise to novel biomatarials. A promising study on the properties of silk from the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes is currently underway (Piorkowski et al. 2017). Adhesion devices. The high humidity and smooth wet surfaces underground may have given rise to unique morphological adaptations to adhere to and move on these surfaces. Potential target organisms include millipedes, springtails and cave angel fish. Biorobotics. The characteristics of the subterranean habitats potentially offer rich inspiration for the design of exploration robots ranging from flexible movement in constrained spaces, flight in low light conditions and non-visual navigation. The hope is that this presentation will inspire experienced biospeleologists to consider and explore potential novel biomimetic applications in their own study organisms.

scholarly journals Genome assembly of Danaus chrysippus and comparison with the Monarch Danaus plexippus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumar Saurabh Singh ◽  
Rishi De-Kayne ◽  
Kennedy Saitoti Omufwoko ◽  
Dino J Martins ◽  
Chris Bass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Danaus Plexippus ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
The North ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Long Read ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract Milkweed butterflies in the genus Danaus are studied in a diverse range of research fields including the neurobiology of migration, biochemistry of plant detoxification, host-parasite interactions, evolution of sex chromosomes, and speciation. We have assembled a nearly chromosomal genome for Danaus chrysippus (known as the African Monarch, African Queen, and Plain Tiger) using long read sequencing data. This species is of particular interest for the study of genome structural change and its consequences for evolution. Comparison with the genome of the North American Monarch Danaus plexippus reveals generally strong synteny, but highlights three inversion differences. The three chromosomes involved were previously found to carry peaks of intra-specific differentiation in D. chrysippus in Africa, suggesting that these inversions may be polymorphic and associated with local adaptation. The D. chrysippus genome is over 40% larger than that of D. plexippus, and nearly all of the additional ∼100 Megabases of DNA comprises repeats. Future comparative genomic studies within this genus will shed light on the evolution of genome architecture.

537 Animal Growth and Development—A Scorecard and Recalibration

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 72-73
Author(s):  
Dave E Gerrard ◽  
Robert P Rhoads ◽  
Honglin Jiang ◽  
Samer El-Kadi ◽  
Elizabeth R Gilbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Grand Challenges ◽  
Animal Sciences

Abstract The ASAS Public Policy Committee (PPC) provides updates of Grand Challenges (GCs; www.asas.org/about/public-policy/asas-grand-challenges) to clearly articulate research priorities, to provide science-based information for shaping public policy, and to enhance future funding for research and education programs in animal sciences (AS). In this nexus symposium for 2021, PPC examines previous stated priorities and provides a progress report card and offers additional perspectives and recommendations for research needed to address some of the GCs continuing to face animal agriculture. Among the GC topics is growth and development, a rather broad field of inquiry focused on improving the overall growth efficiency of meat producing animals. The genesis of this discipline and its popularity grew mainly in response to heightened efforts by pharmaceutical companies to identify, develop and adopt novel new growth promotants. This included a myriad of work on the highly heralded technologies involving estrogenic and androgenic implants, somatotropin, and beta-adrenergic agonists. Because the potential application of these technologies was so broad, many disciplines within the animal sciences became involved in the process of creating knowledge around these drivers of productivity. In the process, our understanding of how tissues grow in response to these compounds, under a myriad of other conditions, and our fundamental understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating growth and development, expanded significantly. Areas of significant expansion included but were not restricted to: satellite cell biology and myogenesis, whole body and tissue-specific protein synthesis and degradation, growth factor biology, adipogenesis, and repartitioning of nutrients throughout the body. In our quest to increase productivity and product quality, coupled with advances in scientific techniques, long-existing and emerging genetic mutations with desirable traits were studied and mechanisms undergirding their biology began to develop. Applying the most innovative tools for the detailed manipulation of cellular processes, great strides were made during this time. However, this eclectic area of investigation is perhaps more important than ever given the inevitable replacement of growth promotant technologies with new and emerging genomic technologies. Many biological research challenges lie ahead such as applications of gene editing, RNA control, and epigenetic regulation through fetal programming. This presentation will review some of the significant advances made in the growth and development area and explore where significant gains may be possible in the future.

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