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Topic Review
Vertebrate Cutaneous Sensory Corpuscles
Vertebrate cutaneous sensory corpuscles are specialized sensory nerve formations located in the skin of all vertebrates and responsible for tactile sensation. Functionally, they are mechanoreceptors transducing external mechanical stimuli into electrical signals which will be later led to the Central Nervous System. The afferent innervation of vertebrate skin is supplied by nerve fibers (Aβ, Aδ, C) which are originated from peripheral neurons localized in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Aβ nerve fibers end at the dermis level forming several morphotypes of sensory corpuscles with capacity of detecting different stimuli: Merkel cell–neurite complexes, Ruffini corpuscles, Meissner’s corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles are present in the glabrous skin; while pilo-neural complexes are found in hairy skin. The structure of sensory corpuscles is formed by an axon, non-myelinating Schwann-like cells, a capsule of endoneurial and/or perineurial origin and extracelullar matrix molecules.  The vertebrate skin contains sensory corpuscles that are receptors for different qualities of mechanosensitivity like light brush, touch, pressure, stretch or vibration. These specialized sensory organs are linked anatomically and functionally to mechanosensory neurons, which function as low-threshold mechanoreceptors connected to peripheral skin through Aβ nerve fibers. Furthermore, low-threshold mechanoreceptors associated with Aδ and C nerve fibers have been identified in hairy skin. The process of mechanotransduction requires the conversion of a mechanical stimulus into electrical signals (action potentials) through the activation of mechanosensible ion channels present both in the axon and the periaxonal cells of sensory corpuscles (i.e., Schwann-, endoneurial- and perineurial-related cells). Most of those putative ion channels belong to the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (especially the family of acid-sensing ion channels), the transient receptor potential channel superfamilies, and the Piezo family.
  • 2.8K
  • 07 Sep 2020
Topic Review
One-Carbon Metabolism Modulates Ageing and Neurodegeneration
One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a network of biochemical reactions delivering one-carbon units to various biosynthetic pathways. The folate cycle and methionine cycle are the two key modules of this network that regulate purine and thymidine synthesis, amino acid homeostasis, and epigenetic mechanisms. Intersection with the transsulfuration pathway supports glutathione production and regulation of the cellular redox state. Dietary intake of micronutrients, such as folates and amino acids, directly contributes to OCM, thereby adapting the cellular metabolic state to environmental inputs. The contribution of OCM to cellular proliferation during development and in adult proliferative tissues is well established. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence reveals the pivotal role of OCM in cellular homeostasis of non-proliferative tissues and in coordination of signaling cascades that regulate energy homeostasis and longevity. 
  • 2.8K
  • 12 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Structure–Function Relationship
The molecular identity of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) was presented in 2012, forty years after the active transport of cytosolic pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix was first demonstrated. An impressive amount of in vivo and in vitro studies has since revealed an unexpected interplay between one, two, or even three protein subunits defining different functional MPC assemblies in a metabolic-specific context. These have clear implications in cell homeostasis and disease, and on the development of future therapies. Despite intensive efforts by different research groups using state-of-the-art computational tools and experimental techniques, MPCs’ structure-based mechanism remains elusive.
  • 2.8K
  • 27 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Cellular Senescence in Cancer
Cellular senescence is a state of stable cell cycle arrest that can be triggered in response to various insults and is characterized by distinct morphological hallmarks, gene expression profiles, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Importantly, cellular senescence is a key component of normal physiology with tumor suppressive functions.
  • 2.8K
  • 14 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Laser Transmission Welding of Polymers
Laser Transmission Welding of Polymers is a joining technique frequently selected by contemporary researchers to weld two thermoplastic surfaces.
  • 2.8K
  • 30 Mar 2021
Topic Review
From 5G to 6G
As the deployment of 5G mobile radio networks gains momentum across the globe, the wireless research community is already planning the successor of 5G.
  • 2.8K
  • 29 Apr 2022
Topic Review
The Feynman Lectures on Physics
The Feynman Lectures on Physics is a physics textbook based on some lectures by Richard P. Feynman, a Nobel laureate who has sometimes been called "The Great Explainer". The lectures were presented before undergraduate students at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), during 1961–1963. The book's co-authors are Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew Sands. The Feynman Lectures on Physics is perhaps the most popular physics book ever written. More than 1.5 million English-language copies have been sold; probably even more copies have been sold in a dozen foreign-language editions. A 2013 review in Nature described the book as having "simplicity, beauty, unity ... presented with enthusiasm and insight".
  • 2.8K
  • 27 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Photoprotection of Vanilla Orchid
Vanilla orchid is a shade-loving plant that is very sensitive to high radiation. We found that blue light treatment can induce photoacclimation and enhances vanilla orchid acquired photoprotection. Blue light induces chloroplast avoidance, increases antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhances photosynthesis rate when vanilla orchid is exposed to high light stress. This study found that acclimating vanilla orchid with blue light before transplantation to the field might eliminate photoinhibition and enhance vanilla growth and production. 
  • 2.8K
  • 11 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Nap Pods
Nap pods also known as sleep pods, napping pods or nap capsules are special types of structures or chairs, often used in corporate/ workplace environments, hospitals and universities, that allow people to nap. Users use the pods to take private sleep breaks, often aided by technology and ambient features. Nap pods have emerged in corporate environments, hospitals, universities, airports and other public places. Their supposed efficacy is rooted in research that suggests that 20-minute naps could reduce signs of fatigue, boost energy levels, improve focus, boost productivity, improve mood, enhance learning, reduce stress and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • 2.8K
  • 04 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Pectin-Based Material for Applications in Water Treatment
Climate change and water are inseparably connected. Extreme weather events cause water to become more scarce, polluted, and erratic than ever. Pectin is a biodegradable polymer, extractable from vegetables, and contains several hydroxyl and carboxyl groups that can easily interact with the contaminant ions. In addition, pectin-based materials can be prepared in different forms (films, hydrogels, or beads) and cross-linked with several agents to change their molecular structure. Consequently, the pectin-based adsorbents can be tuned to remove diverse pollutants such as divalent metals. 
  • 2.8K
  • 22 Mar 2023
Topic Review
NAC Transcription Factors
The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family of proteins is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor (TF) families and its members play varied roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses.
  • 2.8K
  • 08 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers
Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) is a bottom-up approach to nanofabrication based on the ability of BCPs to phase separate spontaneously. It is an attractive technique for the fabrication of nanoscale structures thanks to its high resolution, low cost, ease of integration and scalability.
  • 2.8K
  • 16 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Non-Invasive Electrode Materials for Brain–Computer Interface
The brain–computer interface (BCI) has emerged in recent years and has attracted great attention. As an indispensable part of the BCI signal acquisition system, brain electrodes have a great influence on the quality of the signal, which determines the final effect. Due to the special usage scenario of brain electrodes, some specific properties are required for them.
  • 2.8K
  • 22 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Kazakhstan’s Fisheries Sector
Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic that is now independent, lies near the center of arid Eurasia. Its sparse hydrographic network includes a small number of large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, many ponds and smaller streams, as well as littoral zones bordering the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. A diverse fisheries sector, initially based on wild fish capture and later including aquaculture, developed in these waters during the Soviet era, when animal agriculture was unable to meet the protein needs of Soviet citizens. The sector, which was originally centered on the Volga–Caspian basin, was tightly managed by Moscow and benefitted from coordinated investments in research, infrastructure, and human resources, as well as policies to increase the consumption of fish products. Independence in 1991 administered a political and economic shock that disrupted these relationships.
  • 2.8K
  • 07 May 2022
Topic Review
Tarantula
Tarantulas comprise a group of large and often hairy spiders of the family Theraphosidae. Currently, 1,010 species have been identified. The term "tarantula" is usually used to describe members of the family Theraphosidae, although many other members of the same infraorder (Mygalomorphae) are commonly referred to as "tarantulas" or "false tarantulas". Some of the more common species have become popular in the exotic pet trade. Many New World species kept as pets have setae known as urticating hairs that can cause irritation to the skin, and in extreme cases, cause damage to the eyes.
  • 2.8K
  • 28 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Cook-Medley Hostility Scale
The Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (Ho) is a standard in psychology designed to measure an individual's personality and temperament, specifically degrees of hostility. Initially developed as a scale for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), scores from the hostility scale represent the individual's disposition towards cynicism and chronic hate. Scores from the scale have been used by studies as a predictor of the measured individual's risk of developing certain health problems as well as the success of their interpersonal relationships. Published by Walter W. Cook and Donald M. Medley in 1954, the scale has found extensive applications in defining hostility and aggression as a potential factor contributing to health and mortality. The scale's validity and reliability as a diagnosis, however, is still considered with a certain degree of controversy.
  • 2.8K
  • 05 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Heterogeneous Catalysis for Selective Hydrogenation of Oximes
The synthesis of many biologically active compounds is not complete without transforming the carbonyl group into an amino group, carried out by the reaction of nucleophilic substitution with hydroxylamine at the carbonyl carbon atom and further reduction of the C–N and N–O bonds. This method eliminates nitrating agents that exhibit oxidizing properties and may cause undesirable effects on other structural fragments of complex molecules. Selective hydrogenation of oximes over heterogeneous catalysts is still one of the most useful and challenging reactions in synthetic organic chemistry to obtain amines and hydroxylamines since the 1920s when the Adam’s catalyst was first used for this reaction. 
  • 2.8K
  • 28 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor, Latin for "Lesser Bear," is a constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is best known for containing the North Star, Polaris, which marks the position of the north celestial pole and aids in navigation. Despite its small size and dim stars, Ursa Minor holds significant cultural and navigational importance throughout human history.
  • 2.8K
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Fungal Degradation of Wood
Wood durability researchers have long described fungal decay of timber using the starkly simple terms of white, brown and soft rot, along with the less destructive mold and stain fungi. These terms have taken on an almost iconic meaning but are only based upon the outward appearance of the damaged timber. Long-term deterioration studies, as well as the emerging genetic tools, are showing the fallacy of simplifying the decay process into such broad groups.
  • 2.8K
  • 17 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Fungal Proteases
Proteases are obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plants and animals’ proteases are more complex as compared to microorganisms. Fungal proteases are used as detergents for the removal of stains by hydrolyzing the peptide bond among the protein molecules.
  • 2.8K
  • 14 Mar 2022
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