Article
Biology
Catherine M. Ivy, Oliver H. Wearing, Chandrasekhar Natarajan, Rena M. Schweizer, Natalia Gutierrez-Pinto, Jonathan P. Velotta, Shane C. Campbell-Staton, Elin E. Petersen, Angela Fago, Zachary A. Cheviron, Jay F. Storz, Graham R. Scott
Summary: Genetic variants in haemoglobin associated with high-altitude adaptation in deer mice were found to also be linked to breathing phenotypes that enhance oxygen uptake in hypoxia, showing unexpected effects of adaptive variation in Hb on physiology beyond its traditional function in oxygen transport.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Claire M. West, Catherine M. Ivy, Renata Husnudinov, Graham R. Scott
Summary: Research on deer mice native to high altitude found that they have adapted lung structures that enhance oxygen uptake, with highlanders showing higher alveolar surface density. The study also revealed that lung development in highland deer mice is less affected by post-natal hypoxia compared to lowland mammals, with developmental plasticity potentially contributing to increased lung volume and total alveolar surface area.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jay F. Storz
Summary: Population genomic analyses have identified candidate genes for hypoxia adaptation in high-altitude humans and other vertebrates, with subsequent studies revealing associations between genotypes and hypoxia-responsive phenotypes. However, deciphering causal mechanisms is complicated by potential second-order consequences of selection-mediated changes in other traits, and manipulative experiments are critical for identifying causal relationships underlying genotype-phenotype associations.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Xuejing Zhang, Yonggang Niu, Haiying Zhang, Tisen Xu, Qiangcheng Zeng, Kenneth B. Storey, Qiang Chen
Summary: The research reveals the changes in antioxidant defense system of high-altitude frogs during long-term cold acclimation, indicating that cold acclimation leads to increased oxidative stress and damage, as well as an overall suppression of antioxidant enzyme activities.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelsey Jorgensen, Daisheng Song, Julien Weinstein, Obed A. Garcia, Laurel N. Pearson, Maria Inclan, Maria Rivera-Chira, Fabiola Leon-Velarde, Melisa Kiyamu, Tom D. Brutsaert, Abigail W. Bigham, Frank S. Lee
Summary: For over 10,000 years, Andeans have been living at high altitudes where the limited oxygen poses a challenge to human survival. Recent studies have discovered evidence of positive selection acting on the HIF2A locus in Andeans, which is associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway. However, the specific mechanism by which this allele leads to altitude adaptation remains unknown. By analyzing the genomes of 46 Peruvian Andeans, researchers confirmed the presence of positive selection on HIF2A and identified a unique variation pattern surrounding the Andean-specific single nucleotide variant (SNV) rs570553380. This variant is associated with increased nitric oxide biosynthesis, as shown in a Peruvian Andean population living at high altitude.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert T. Mallet, Johannes Burtscher, Vincent Pialoux, Qadar Pasha, Yasmin Ahmad, Gregoire P. Millet, Martin Burtscher
Summary: High-altitude illnesses result from acute exposure to high altitude/hypoxia. Understanding molecular mechanisms is essential for optimizing hypoxic acclimatization for efficient prophylaxis and treatment of these illnesses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Kathy Pham, Keval Parikh, Erica C. Heinrich
Summary: The article discusses the key regulators of transcriptional response to hypoxia and inflammation, as well as their evolutionary conservation and significant crosstalk. Inflammation can induce activity of hypoxia pathway genes, while hypoxia may modulate inflammatory signaling, showing mutual influence. The physiological consequences of maladaptive hypoxia-induced inflammation are not well established.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrew M. Luks, Peter H. Hackett
Summary: This article discusses the physiological changes and risks that individuals with medical problems may face when traveling to high altitude, including high-altitude headache, acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. It also mentions the pretravel evaluation for common medical conditions that these individuals should undergo.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Christoph Siebenmann, Johanna Roche, Maja Schlittler, Lydia L. Simpson, Mike Stembridge
Summary: Lowlanders staying at high altitude experience changes in plasma and red cell volumes, primarily driven by fluid redistribution and accelerated erythropoietic activity. Native highlanders from the Tibetan and Ethiopian plateaus show a different response, with normal or mildly elevated hemoglobin concentrations. Genetic adaptations and larger plasma volumes have been proposed as explanations for these differences.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinzhen Lv, Liqiu Tang, Xueying Zhang, Dehua Wang
Summary: This study explores the involvement of thermosensitive TRP channels in thermoregulation in small mammals. The results suggest that TRP channels may participate in BAT thermoregulation through CaMKII, AMPK, SIRT1, and UCP1 pathway in cold-acclimated Brandt's voles. The study highlights the potential role of TRP channels in the regulation of body temperature.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kadi T. Nguyen, Chloe A. Gates, James E. Hassell, Christine L. Foxx, Stephanie N. Salazar, Amalia K. Luthens, Andrea L. Arnold, Brooke L. Elam, Ahmed Elsayed, Mathias Leblanc, Sean C. Adams, Christopher A. Lowry, Jon D. Reuter
Summary: Each year, over 16 million people in the United States suffer from a depressive episode, with females being twice as likely to be affected as males. Exposure to high altitude may increase the risk of developing major depressive disorder, leading to an increase in endophenotypes of self-directed suicidal violence, with a sex-specific manner. Exposure to moderate-high altitude induces increased inflammation, anhedonia, and depressive-like behavioral responses in both male and female rats.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wondossen Ayalew, Min Chu, Chunnian Liang, Xiaoyun Wu, Ping Yan
Summary: The yak is a multipurpose domesticated animal that serves as a protein source for local herders and a sacred carrier of culture and religion. The yak has special morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic adaptations for tolerance to high-altitude stress, allowing it to survive in harsh environmental conditions. Through long-term natural selection, the yak has developed stable and unique genetic characteristics that enable adaptations to high altitudes.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Liviu Macovei, Carmen Mirela Macovei, Dragos Cristian Macovei
Summary: The aim of this review is to identify a preventive strategy to minimize the risk of adverse events in coronary syndromes patients exposed to high altitude. Stable coronary artery disease patients can tolerate traveling up to 3500 m, but unstable angina or recent myocardial infarction patients should avoid high-altitude activities. Air-travel is contraindicated for patients with recent myocardial infarction, angioplasty, intracoronary stent placement, unstable angina, or coronary artery bypass grafting.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
K. P. Mishra, Jyotsana Bakshi
Summary: This article introduces the effects of high altitude on the gastrointestinal tract and the importance of Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria, which can maintain intestinal integrity and protect against inflammatory diseases.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kathy Pham, Shyleen Frost, Keval Parikh, Nikhil Puvvula, Britney Oeung, Erica C. Heinrich
Summary: Acute high-altitude exposure upregulates inflammatory signaling pathways and may sensitize the TLR4 signaling pathway to subsequent inflammatory stimuli. These results provide insight into how hypoxia-induced inflammation may contribute to high-altitude pathologies and exacerbate inflammatory responses in critical illnesses associated with hypoxemia.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Ian R. G. Black, Laura K. Aedy, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: Research has shown that animals use multiple thermoregulatory behaviors to regulate body temperature, including habitat selection, sun-shade shuttling, posture, orientation, gaping, and panting. While some theories suggest that gaping and postural behaviors should coordinate with microhabitat selection, other studies indicate that gaping and panting in lizards may also be indicators of stress. Observations in the wild have shown that bearded dragons adjust their posture to better absorb heat, but little is known about the sensory drivers behind these behaviors.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Nuria Playa-Montmany, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: Infrared thermography is increasingly used in thermal ecology research for providing rapid temperature information, but inaccuracies may occur if key factors like spot size, distance, and emissivity are not carefully considered. This study emphasizes the importance of these factors in achieving accurate temperature measurements and provides methodological advice for ecologists using thermography.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Patrick D. Moldowan, Glenn J. Tattersall, Njal Rollinson
Summary: The study found that in a northern population of fossorial salamanders in Canada, breeding body condition declined with warmer summer and autumn temperatures, and population-level reproduction was weakly influenced by autumn temperatures. Salamander breeding phenology was mainly correlated with lake ice melt, with no long-term temporal trend observed. Climate warming in the region is predicted to lead to a decline in salamander body condition, highlighting the sensitivity of fossorial salamanders to a warming climate.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Nicholas B. Sakich, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: The study examined whether scales reduce cutaneous evaporative water loss in lepidosaur reptiles and found differences in water loss rate and thermal preference among different phenotypes, but lacked plasticity in thermal preference in response to an increase in the rate of evaporative water loss.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Vlad Demartsev, Marta B. Manser, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: Vocal emission requires coordination with the respiratory system, and monitoring changes in respiration can help identify preparation for vocalization and examine the probability of vocal production. It can also be used to study coordination and avoidance of jamming in vocal interactions.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Ecology
Sara Ryding, Marcel Klaassen, Glenn J. Tattersall, Janet L. Gardner, Matthew R. E. Symonds
Summary: Animal appendages are used to dissipate excess body heat, with larger appendages facilitating more efficient heat exchange in warmer climates. Endotherms exhibit widespread evidence of 'shape-shifting' in response to climate change. Temperature is a strong predictor of morphological change independently or in combination with other environmental changes.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Simon Tapper, Joshua K. R. Tabh, Glenn J. Tattersall, Gary Burness
Summary: Fever and hypothermia are well-characterized components of systemic inflammation, but the mechanisms underlying such temperature changes in birds are not well understood. This study found that injection of LPS in zebra finches resulted in a slight increase in body temperature and reduced peripheral heat loss, particularly in the legs.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Ecology
Sara Ryding, Marcel Klaassen, Glenn J. Tattersall, Janet L. Gardner, Matthew R. E. Symonds
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra McQueen, Marcel Klaassen, Glenn J. Tattersall, Robyn Atkinson, Roz Jessop, Chris J. Hassell, Maureen Christie, Matthew R. E. Symonds
Summary: The size and shape of shorebirds show patterns along latitudes, which can be best explained by their adaptation to warm climates. This pattern is consistent across diverse species and environments, with birds in tropical regions having longer bills and smaller bodies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Gary J. Pickering, Nicholas Anger, Julia Baird, Gillian Dale, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether 2D:4D ratios could be determined using participant-submitted hand images, and to examine the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and pro-environmental behaviors, attitudes, and empathy. Participants were asked to submit hand images and complete questionnaires assessing demographics, empathy, and environmental attitudes and behavior. The study found that the 2D:4D ratios fell somewhat outside of previously reported ranges, but showed acceptable consistency. There was a sex by ratio interaction for both empathy and engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, with males reporting lower empathy and less engagement, and females reporting more engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. These findings were contrary to expectations. Overall, this study provides a preliminary examination of the utility of measuring digit ratio with online samples, and sheds light on the complex relationship between sex and pro-environmental behaviors.
Article
Biology
Glenn J. Tattersall, Kevin L. Campbell
Summary: The star-nosed mole has specialized star-like rostrum for tactile sensation, but it does not actively regulate its surface temperature when exposed to cold water and thermally conductive soil, which may help reduce conductive heat loss.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Erich R. Eberts, Glenn J. Tattersall, Peter J. Auger, Maria Curley, Melissa I. Morado, Eric G. Strauss, Donald R. Powers, Noemi C. Soveral, Bret W. Tobalske, Anusha Shankar
Summary: This study uses thermal imaging to investigate how nesting female hummingbirds maintain energy balance while incubating their eggs and brooding their chicks. The research found that nesting females usually avoid torpor and instead reduce their own energy requirements by utilizing the warm nest environment and possibly shallow torpor, prioritizing the needs of their offspring.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jussara N. Chaves, Glenn J. Tattersall, Denis Andrade
Summary: Body temperature regulation in the toco toucan involves adjustments in heat production and exchange rates between the bird and its environment. The bill of the toco toucan has been hypothesized to play a role in thermal homeostasis. This study directly evaluated the contribution of heat exchange through the bill and found that while it doesn't significantly widen the thermal neutral zone, it may be important in regulating body temperature at higher temperatures.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Alexandra McQueen, Ryan Barnaby, Matthew R. E. Symonds, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: This study used infrared thermography to investigate the physiological control of heat loss via bird bills and legs. The results showed that birds are less able to regulate heat loss via their bills compared to their legs. In cold conditions, birds lower their leg surface temperature to retain heat, while in warm conditions, they increase their leg surface temperature to expel heat. By contrast, bill surface temperature remains consistently higher than the plumage surface temperature, indicating consistent heat loss. This poor physiological control of heat loss via bird bills likely leads to stronger selection for shorter bills in cold climates and has implications for predicting shape-shifting responses to climate change.
Article
Zoology
Nicholas B. Sakich, Glenn J. Tattersall
Summary: Many lepidosaur reptiles can behaviorally regulate their exposure to UV light. In the case of Bearded Dragons, scaleless individuals have a preference for lower levels of UV light exposure. Regardless of their scale phenotype, Bearded Dragons receive higher UV irradiation when in the cold section of a UV gradient apparatus compared to the hot section.
ICHTHYOLOGY AND HERPETOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Aref Maddahi, Adel Saberivand, Hossein Hamali, Farnoosh Jafarpour, Maryam Saberivand
Summary: Heat stress affects the fertility of dairy cattle, but supplementing vitamins E and coenzyme Q10 can alleviate its adverse effects on oocyte maturation and embryo development. Vitamin E was found to be more effective than vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 in improving maturation and cleavage rates, as well as increasing the count of blastocyst cells.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2024)