Researchers Shed New Light on Human Forebrain Development
A recent groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has provided fresh insights into the development of the human forebrain. Led by Changuk Chung, Ph.D., and Xiaoxu Yang, Ph.D., under the guidance of Joseph G. Gleeson, M.D., this research delves into understanding how our brains develop at a cellular level.
The team’s findings challenge existing assumptions about inhibitory neurons (dInNs) in humans compared to other species such as mice commonly used in brain studies. Their discoveries were recently published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature.
Unveiling Origins: Unique Inhibitory Neurons Found
The forebrain, or cerebral cortex, plays a critical role in various essential functions like cognitive thought, vision, attention, and memory. It houses neurons that function as individual circuits within our brains. Inhibitory neurons act as neural “off” switches rather than “on” switches like excitatory neurons.
In comparison to species like mice used extensively for scientific research purposes precisely due to their similarities to humans, humans possess a larger and more intricate cortex that likely supports higher cognitive functions.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers reveals unique inhibitory neurons in the human forebrain – AchieveX Images
According to Joseph G. Gleeson’s observations from mouse studies featuring inhibitory neurons originating deep within developing brains; this study sought to assess cellular lineage following an identical approach but with respect specifically to humans. The researchers discovered the existence of inhibitory neurons unique to humans (dInNs) absent in mice. This breakthrough discovery opens up new avenues of comprehending the distinctiveness of our human brains.
“We expect dInNs to support new, more accurate models of human brains. This updated brain model may help explain the origins of certain conditions like epilepsy, schizophrenia, or autism,” said Gleeson.
Unraveling Brain Structure and Cellular Lineage
The study focused on tracing mosaic variants of brain cells—a phenomenon where different types share a similar mother cell or lineage. Mosaic variants within cells parallel family names among people in this regard.
This research team obtained brains from two neurotypical donors who died naturally for their analysis. By examining mosaic variants and tracing their origins, they explored sister cells born in identical brain regions while determining the spread across multiple areas.
Through these investigations, they discovered that both inhibitory and excitatory neurons possess similar family names due to sharing lineages—insights that demonstrate late-branching moments during embryonic cerebral development unique specifically to humans.
A trio led by Xiaoxu Yang, Changuk Chung, and Joseph G. Gleeson advances understanding at a cellular level – UC San Diego Health Sciences
Promising Implications for Neurological Disease Research
Gleeson concluded by expressing hope that this newfound knowledge would assist fellow researchers in developing enhanced models of neurological diseases and understanding which specific brain conditions can result from impaired development.
With the potential to refine our comprehension of human brain function, these findings represent a significant contribution to neuroscience.
This remarkable study was generously supported by grants from reputable institutions such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Larry L. Hillblom Foundation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), as well as by merit-based awards like the 2021 NARSAD Young Investigator Grant from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and support from the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine.
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Frappia Introduces Revolutionary One-Touch Airtight Container ‘BLELAC’
Frappia, a kitchen appliance manufacturing company, announced that it has successfully launched the fully transparent one-touch airtight container “BLELAC” during the Hyundai Home Shopping Live broadcast on the 19th.
‘Biellac’, a newly developed sealed container introduced by Frappia, which has won recognition for its flexible and multi-purpose airtight container ‘Vitri’, is derived from the Italian words ‘Biella’, meaning lever, and ‘Lock’, meaning to lock . It is a compound word of ‘ and applies the one-touch lever method. Moving away from the existing cumbersome four-sided fastening method, you can easily close and open the container with just one touch with one hand.
Furthermore, it is characterized by high durability and transparency since it is made of “ECOZEN”, the new ecological material from SK Chemicals extracted from corn and wheat. It has the effect of reducing carbon emissions by reducing the carbon dioxide emitted during the container manufacturing process to approximately 1/3 compared to other plastics. It is a product that combines the advantages of a resistant plastic that is not only as transparent as glass, including the lid, but also shatterproof.
By adding a steam hole feature to the lid, you can use refrigerated or frozen foods in the microwave simply by opening the lid. It has excellent heat resistance, contamination resistance and chemical resistance, so it does not release odors or food colors and does not deform in use environments such as microwave ovens or dishwashers.
It can be stored both refrigerated and frozen from -20 degrees to 100 degrees and is presented as a system of modules that can be stacked on top of each other to increase space efficiency when organizing your refrigerator. Everything from the silicone to the handle is removable for thorough cleaning. BLAC consists of a total of 5 types (400m, 650ml, 900ml, 1400ml, 2200ml) and can be found in various channels such as the company’s mall, Naver Smart Store and Coupang Rocket.
A company official explained, “After its launch, it was offered at a special price only on Hyundai Home Shopping and received a lot of attention with a special discount of 10,000 won for all customers who purchased it only during the broadcast “.
#BELAC #Fully #Transparent #Frappia #OneTouch #Airtight #Container #launched #Hyundai #Home #Mall
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Frappia Introduces Revolutionary One-Touch Airtight Container ‘BLELAC’
Work and Travel or year abroad: This is what you should consider | > – Guide
As of: April 17, 2024 3:11 p.m
From international health insurance to visas: If you want to go abroad for a longer period of time after school, you have a lot to organize. Tips and advice on the so-called gap year.
Seeing the world, getting to know new cultures, deepening language skills and gaining exciting experiences: This is what many young people in Germany hope to achieve from a stay abroad – and after graduating from school they decide to take a break before starting training or studying. But if you want to stay abroad for longer than just a few weeks of vacation, there are a few things you have to consider. What should you consider when moving? What documents and insurance are required? What happens to current contracts in Germany? How should the finances be regulated? The Hamburg Consumer Center provides answers to these questions.
Online checklist for your stay abroad
The consumer advocates offer an interactive checklist that covers all important topics related to rent, money, contracts, health and authorities. It provides a quick and comprehensive overview of the necessary to-dos for your stay abroad, so that nothing important is forgotten. The free online offer also provides legal information and shows savings options and cost traps. The Hamburg consumer advice center provides all information online.
Free online lectures on the topic of staying abroad
On May 13th, 15th and 16th, 2024, the consumer advice centers are also offering three free online lectures to prepare for a stay abroad. Those interested receive tips for planning work and travel, au pairing, language trips or volunteer work. All dates and registration links are on the central page of the nationwide “Focus Week Goals. New Ways. After School.” in the paragraph “Going abroad: how to prepare?” to find.
Visa, insurance, credit card: you should take care of that
The gap year abroad should be prepared well in advance and well in advance. Whether it’s about official papers, vaccinations, insurance or financial matters – what exactly needs to be done depends on the location abroad, the age of the traveler and the planned activities in the country. You should definitely take care of these topics:
A view: If you want to stay and work abroad for a longer period of time, you need a visa in many countries. The Foreign Office provides information about the entry requirements of the countries and embassies responsible for the applications.
Health insurance: If you are staying for a longer period of time, you should take out health insurance for the respective country for the duration of the trip. In the event of illness, it should also include the transport costs for returning to Germany. If you travel through an organization, they will often do the closing. Anyone planning and organizing a stay abroad in the EU should clarify with their health insurance company which health services are reimbursed and over which period of time in the respective European country. Although statutory insurance coverage also applies in other European countries, additional international health insurance with repatriation makes sense. Those with private health insurance should contact their insurer; they may offer their own insurance cover in the form of a premium surcharge.
Further information
Sick on vacation: This is often a problem abroad. The most important tips for finding a doctor, sick leave and vacation days. more
Liability insurance: Private liability insurance is one of the most important types of insurance. Especially when people are injured, the person responsible can face claims for damages running into the millions. Children are usually insured with their parents, but this can change depending on their age or other circumstances. You should therefore check carefully whether you still have coverage through family insurance and whether the protection applies worldwide and for a longer period of time. If necessary, you must take out your own liability insurance.
Vaccinations and medications: Allow enough time for vaccinations. The Federal Foreign Office provides information about which is necessary for each travel country. Tip for your stay: Take a first aid kit with you and know your own blood type. Anyone taking medication should carry a corresponding certificate from the treating doctor in English or in the local language.
Account and credit card: Within Europe, a current account can usually continue to be used. However, it may make sense to also set up an account abroad in order to be able to carry out banking transactions cost-effectively. Be sure to clarify with the bank in advance which services can be used abroad and under what conditions. When it comes to credit cards in particular, the details of the conditions are important, as there are sometimes significant differences, especially when it comes to costs. Therefore, choose a checking and credit card that does not incur fees with every payment.
mobile phone contract: There are no roaming fees within the EU, which means that making calls costs as much as in Germany. However, the provider may charge additional fees if you primarily make calls on a foreign network. However, he must inform about surcharges in advance. In non-European countries, using the German mobile phone contract is usually out of the question because it is too expensive. It is therefore advisable to buy a prepaid card on site. If necessary, have the cell phone contract canceled or deactivated. The latter is usually only possible with proof of your stay abroad, such as a certificate of study for a semester abroad. The mobile phone provider provides information about the conditions.
International driving licence: The German driving license is usually recognized in the EU member states. More detailed information can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website under the travel information for the respective country. In non-European countries, an international driving license must be applied for at the place of residence. It is only valid together with the national driving license.
Further information
If you become ill shortly before departure or in the hotel, you need the right insurance. The consumer advice center also gives tips on this. more
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the northern story | Oct 27, 2023 | 8:15 p.m
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Work and Travel or year abroad: This is what you should consider | > – Guide