In BulletsThe sleep-wake cycle, similar to the circadian rhythm — an internally driven biological clock that resets by the sun's light/dark circle — controls the behavioral rhythm and synaptic functions. But the underlying molecular mechanism that controls our sleep and wake state remains ambiguous. Now researchers at the University of Tokyo, Japan, demonstrate how protein kinases — enzymes that catalyze reactions by adding a phosphate group to the substrate — regulate sleep duration. The protein kinase, CaMKIIβ, acts on excitatory neurons, promoting sleep, which comes from its enzymatic activity. The team found that CaMKIIβ is the core sleep regulator.
More information: Tone et al. (2022). Distinct phosphorylation states of mammalian CaMKIIβ control the induction and maintenance of sleep. PLOS Biology. DOI:10.1371/journal.pbio.3001813
Journal information: PLOS Biology
With the help of the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory, astronomers recently identified the heaviest element in an exoplanet's atmosphere. The team discovered barium in the atmospheres of the exoplanets WASP-76 b and WASP-121 b — extremely hot gas giants outside our solar system. This unexpected finding prompts speculation about the potential characteristics of these strange environments.
More information: Silva et al. (2022). Detection of barium in the atmospheres of the ultra-hot gas giants WASP-76b and WASP-121b. Astronomy & Astrophysics. DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202244489
Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics
Scientists created a hybrid brain by infusing lab-grown miniature human-brain-like structures into rat brains. These tiny brains, grown from human stem cells, can send signals and respond to the environment. They injected these brains into the brains of the newborn rat pups, and it took six months to integrate into the rat brains. The research may help human brain disorders, but loom ethical concerns about creating such rodent-human hybrids could produce rodents with human-like brains.
More information: Reardon Sara (2022). Human brain cells implanted in rats prompt excitement — and concern. Nature. DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-03238-x
Journal information: Nature