#6 The Language of Fluorescence, Disease Associated Nanoparticles and The Carbon Map of Yesterday?
How single cell organisms can communicate through fluorescence, nanoparticles carry disease and the solution as well as carbon concentration mapped globally.
🔆Fluorescence is a Language?
Diatoms can communicate through synchronised fluorescence…
Diatoms are single celled alga which contain a silica cell wall. They are mostly planktonic and aquatic with the ability to photosynthesise and so convert dissolved carbon dioxide in the water into oxygen. They are fundamental organisms to the oceanic food web due to their role as a primary food source for higher organisms.
New research has suggested that these unicellular organisms are able to communicate and coordinate their behaviour with one another. It was previously believed that marine phytoplankton relied on the secretion of infochemicals that allowed population scale responses to environmental and abiotic stimuli.
The discovery occurred as a result of researchers wanting to understand the movement and orientation of individual members of a population. Whilst completing this research they discovered that the diatoms were not randomly organising themselves, rather arranging themselves and looking for a signalling mechanism. The study suggests that the diatom species Pseudonitzschia delicatissima can communicate with other members with the same physiological characteristic. The researchers stated that when a single diatom sank within the tank, the oscillations around the axis allowed it to move in a specific direction as it dropped. They also noted that previous research showed how diatoms have DNA producing photoreceptors in the red and infrared band. The diatom environment is predominantly blue which seemed unusual to the research team. However, following further testing it was shown that they held chlorophyll autofluorescence which suggest that they could emit red light signals as they sank and so solving the previous confusion.
To further test their research the scientists put a small community of the diatoms in a tank. They then shined a red light on the community to test their hypothesis, resultantly they incited the diatoms to synchronise oscillations and reform to create a uniform shape which then moved in unison. This showed that the diatoms definitely communicate as this phenomenon is not possible without coordination.
Whilst communication in microorganisms is a well known fact, it was believed to happen predominantly through chemical signalling. This form of communication through light in organisms which don’t have developed light sensing organelles is a new discovery. Furthermore, the autofluorescence of chlorophyll which is integral to this diatom communication, is present in most photosynthetic microorganisms. The researchers at the French Institute for Sea Research and the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies have said that further work and research is required to determine the true purpose of communication between organisms. One potential theory is that it aids in the choreographing of mating.
🦠Disease Curing Nanoparticle?
The “Supermere” nanoparticle that holds clues to numerous illnesses…
A new “nanoparticle” associated with multiple cancers, cardiovascular disease and more has been discovered. The nanoparticle named “supermere” contains enzymes proteins and RNA and is released from cells. A nanoparticle is simply a particle on a nanoscale.
This discovery is a significant advance in understanding the role of extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles in transporting chemical messages in both health and disease. Robert Coffey, the papers senior author stated that “We’ve identified a number of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer and potentially in a number of other disease states that are cargo in these supermeres”. The next step in terms of the teams research is to understand how the supermere particles are released from the cells.
Back in 2019 the team discovered the a small membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicle called the “exosomes”. Using techniques such as high-speed ultracentrifugation the team devised a relatively simple method to isolate a nanoparticle called an “exomere” that lacks a surface coat. In this current study conducted by the team, the supernatant that remained after the exomeres had been spun was a pellet of nanoparticles isolated from the supernatant of the exomeres. The supermeres. A lot of the “cargo” previously thought to be in the exosomes is actually in the supermeres.
The function of the supermeres include a substantial amount of RNA movement. Most of the extracellular RNA released by cells which is found in the bloodstream is carried by the supermeres. Amongst other functional properties held by the supermeres, cancer derived supermeres can “transfer” drug resistance to tumour cells, potentially through the RNA cargo they deliver.
Supermeres are associated with diseases such as multiple types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19. Supermeres are important carriers of TGFBI which is a protein that in established tumours promotes tumour progression. Resultantly researchers noted that TGFBI may be a useful marker in liquid biopsies for patients with colorectal cancer. Another important cargo of the supermere is that of APP, amyloid-beta precursor protein. This is implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Supermeres can cross the blood brain barrier. Early analysis of APP could improve early diagnosis or possible targeted treatment of the disease.
“The identification of this rich plethora of bioactive molecules raises interesting questions about the function of supermeres, and heightens interest in the potential of these particles as biomarkers for diseases.” Stated the research team.
🌎Carbon’s Supposed to Be Where?
New mapping shows the needed location of carbon to avoid climate disaster…
An international team of researchers have formed a map showing the location of high concentrations of carbon. The group noted that if the carbon in these areas is released, it would likely set off a climatic catastrophe with release from these areas triggering positive feedback loops worldwide.
Whilst scientists have known certain locations such as permafrost in the north or redwood trees in America highlighting the locations of carbon as well as the significant volume in each of these locations compared to other, demonstrates the importance of reducing emissions. It is believed that should carbon be released from some of the highly concentrated areas, that the store will likely never be restored due to the knock on effect that will occur as well as the fact that it could take centuries for the area to recover.
The research team recorded this environmental data and humans impact on ecosystems globally through satellite images collated with data estimations. The map was created highlighting the key sinks. Unfortunately what is not so easy is the action plan to prevent these areas changing colour.
Researches concluded that allowing substantial amounts of carbon from these sinks to be released would likely lead to catastrophe. Should it all be released 139 gigatons (gigaton = billion tonnes) of carbon would be released into the atmosphere. This would push the global temperature and universal goal well past 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Weekly Topics
As always, take some things with a pinch of salt and be analytical! 🧂
🏞️ Environmental
Temporal movement of fish and their response to environmental variables in Africa
Transparent butterflies demonstrating biodiversity hotspots in the Andes
Wildfire smoke ramping up toxic ozone production in Cities
🐼 Conservation
Fourteen new shrew species found in Indonesia
How climate change is wreaking havoc in the Arctic
Australia’s threatened species plan has failed on several counts…
🦠 Disease and Illness
The molecular mechanism and novel molecules in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
Experimental mRNA HIV vaccine safe - promise in animals
Scientists can efficiently screen billions of chemical compounss to find drug therapies
😷 COVID
COVID may have spread faster due to cough being first symptom
Genetic factor may explain Japan’s success in combatting COVID
Scientists tease apart the biology behind long COVID
🧪 Biochemistry
The ghrelin system in cocaine motivated behaviour
Robots use fear to fight off invasive species
What are healthy lymphocytes levels and what is their function
🔬 Evolution
Theropod dinosaur jaws grew in strength as they evolved
“Sexplanation” for men’s brilliance debunked
🧬 Genetics
Breakthrough in using CRISPR-Cas9 to target fat
Nasal vaccines may offer protection against different viral variants
Finding channels to selectively target pest insects
📷 Weekly Camera Roll
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