Article
Biology
Alexander Davis, Matthew N. Zipple, Danae Diaz, Susan Peters, Stephen Nowicki, Sonke Johnsen
Summary: The colour signals of many animals are surrounded by a high-contrast achromatic background, which affects the ability to discriminate between different colour stimuli. Research on zebra finches showed that higher achromatic contrast with the background decreases their ability to differentiate between target and non-target stimuli, especially when the colour distances are small and the Michelson achromatic contrast with the background is high.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa P. Barrett, Jessica L. Marsh, Neeltje J. Boogert, Christopher N. Templeton, Sarah Benson-Amram
Summary: Individual differences in behavior and cognitive abilities have been shown to impact fitness. This study examines the connection between personality traits and problem-solving performance in zebra finches. The results indicate that certain personality traits, such as neophobia, dominance, and obstinacy, are related to successful problem-solving. Examining multiple measures over a long period is important to understand the coevolution of personality and innovation in non-model organisms.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Edwin J. C. van Leeuwen, Thomas J. H. Morgan, Katharina Riebel
Summary: The study found that zebra finches do not simply mimic the majority of individuals in social learning, but are influenced by the foraging activity of the demonstrators in an anti-conformist manner, indicating that they are not conformists but users of public information.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesse A. Fallon, Christopher Goodchild, Sarah E. DuRant, Thomas Cecere, D. Phillip Sponenberg, William A. Hopkins
Summary: Exposure to crude oil can cause various pathological effects in birds, but not all species develop Heinz bodies or anemia. In a study on zebra finches, high doses of oil led to increased reticulocyte percentage and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, as well as inflammation and lymphocyte proliferation, but no Heinz bodies were found. Further research is needed to understand factors contributing to anemia resulting from oil exposure in birds.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth L. Sheldon, Riccardo Ton, Winnie Boner, Pat Monaghan, Shirley Raveh, Aaron W. Schrey, Simon C. Griffith
Summary: The study revealed a negative correlation between increases in DNAm levels and telomere length changes during early life, while also confirming the effects of post hatch growth rate and clutch size on telomere length. No effect of ambient temperature on telomere length dynamics was detected. The absolute telomere length of wild zebra finches was found to be similar to that of captive birds, highlighting potential relationships between DNA based biomarkers of ageing and physiological reactions to environmental change.
Article
Biology
Kang Nian Yap, Donald R. Powers, Melissa L. Vermette, Olivia Hsin- Tsai, Tony D. Williams
Summary: Experimental manipulation of foraging effort in captive zebra finches showed that increased workload during reproduction resulted in lower fecundity, but final reproductive output was not significantly different from controls. Offspring of parents subjected to high workload during reproduction also exhibited higher levels of oxidative stress at 90 days of age. Overall, there was an increase in oxidative stress in response to training, which may explain the lower fecundity observed in birds with increased workload during reproduction.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Douglas R. R. Wylie, Andrea H. H. Gaede, Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, Pei-Hsuan Wu, Madison C. C. Pilon, Sarina Azargoon, Douglas L. L. Altshuler
Summary: This study characterized the organization of optic flow pathways in zebra finches, finding that they show specializations in this aspect which may be reflected in the organization of optic flow pathways to the IO.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Andrea H. Gaede, Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, Pei-Hsuan Wu, Madison C. Pilon, Douglas L. Altshuler, Douglas R. Wylie
Summary: This study reveals the organization and functional implications of sensory-motor inputs to the pontine nuclei in birds.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Praveen Kumar, Ulrike Redel, Tatjana Lang, Sigrun I. Korsching, Maik Behrens
Summary: Despite previous assumptions about the inferior bitter tasting abilities of birds, recent studies have shown that zebra finches exhibit strong bitter tasting capabilities. By investigating a specific bitter taste receptor in zebra finches, researchers have identified several new bitter agonists, suggesting that the bitter recognition profile of zebra finches is more diverse than previously thought. The most potent bitter agonist found in this study is cucurbitacin I, highlighting the ecological importance of this compound for zebra finches.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Kyle Coughlan, Edyta T. Sadowska, Ulf Bauchinger
Summary: This study investigated the changes in hematological variables with age in zebra finches. The researchers found a significant decline in hematocrit due to aging, while hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte size, and number did not show significant changes. The decline in hematocrit may be related to differences in water homeostasis potential in older birds.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Zhi-Yuan Ning, Henkjan Honing, Carel ten Cate
Summary: Zebra finches rely on syllable phonology rather than sequence when discriminating between songs, but they can also discriminate different syllable sequences. The relationship between learning about phonological characteristics and sequence is not fully understood. This study compares the sensitivity of zebra finches to phonology and sequence depending on the differences between syllable strings.
Article
Physiology
Riccardo Ton, Antoine Stier, Christine E. Cooper, Simon C. Griffith
Summary: Exposure to high ambient temperature during early life induces programming effects on cellular-level and thermal physiology in zebra finches, while not significantly impacting whole-animal metabolism.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Madeline P. Choi, Alexander M. Rubin, Haruka Wada
Summary: This study investigates the long-term effects of embryonic incubation temperature on beak color maturation and stress sensitivity in zebra finches. The results reveal that periodic cooling during incubation leads to lower beak color in females, and eggs laid later in a clutch have lower beak color saturation throughout life. Furthermore, handling and restraint stress have different effects on beak color in males and females, with males subjected to low incubation treatment showing higher activity levels during restraint.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Melvin L. Rouse, Kavanaugh Kaji
Summary: The study found that antibiotic exposure during the perinatal period may affect affiliative behaviors in zebra finch offspring, thereby influencing their social behaviors. The immune system, possibly through the gut microbiome, plays a role in influencing certain aspects of social behaviors in birds.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Pablo Salmon, Caroline Millet, Colin Selman, Pat Monaghan, Neal J. Dawson
Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage are important mechanisms in the ageing process. Our study found that muscle mitochondria in old zebra finches are less efficient and exhibit increased leak-state respiration. We also observed increased mitochondrial ROS release rates in both muscle and liver tissues of old birds, with the liver showing a greater increase than muscle. These findings suggest tissue-specific changes in cellular function during ageing in zebra finches.
Article
Cell Biology
Lubos Molcan, Andreas Maier, Anna Zemancikova, Katharina Gelles, Jozef Torok, Michal Zeman, Isabella Ellinger
Summary: Melatonin modulates vascular smooth muscle contraction via MT1 receptor, while stimulating the release of relaxing factors from perivascular adipose tissue, suggesting a complex regulatory role in vascular tone control.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jana Horvathova, Roman Moravcik, Miroslava Matuskova, Vladimir Sisovsky, Andrej Bohac, Michal Zeman
Summary: The inhibition of glycolysis by targeting PFKFB3 with PFK15 shows promising results in suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in tumor and endothelial cells. Both in vitro experiments and animal studies demonstrate a reduction in tumor size with PFK15 treatment, with its effectiveness being circadian-dependent.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stan Moaraf, Rachel Heiblum, Monika Okuliarova, Abraham Hefetz, Inon Scharf, Michal Zeman, Anat Barnea
Summary: The study shows that artificial light at night can increase cell proliferation and recruitment of new neurons in the male zebra finch brain, indicating that males may be more resilient to these effects compared to females.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jana Zlacka, Michal Zeman
Summary: The review discusses the circadian regulation of metabolic reprogramming and key steps of glycolysis in highly proliferative cells. It suggests that inhibiting metabolic reprogramming in a circadian manner can provide advantages in inhibiting oxidative glycolysis, and a chronopharmacological approach may be a promising way to treat diseases associated with up-regulated glycolysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hana Sutovska, Katarina Babarikova, Michal Zeman, Lubos Molcan
Summary: Prenatal hypoxia can lead to hypertension in adulthood by affecting cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms, which may vary depending on circadian variability and phase.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Monika Okuliarova, Zuzana Dzirbikova, Valentina Sophia Rumanova, Ewout Foppen, Andries Kalsbeek, Michal Zeman
Summary: This study investigates the underlying mechanisms of disruption of the circadian timing system caused by low-intensity artificial light at night (ALAN). The findings show that ALAN suppresses the molecular clockwork in the SCN and disturbs the rhythmic expression of clock genes in hypothalamic nuclei, leading to disrupted hormonal output pathways and altered feeding and drinking behaviors.
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Valentina Sophia Rumanova, Monika Okuliarova, Ewout Foppen, Andries Kalsbeek, Michal Zeman
Summary: Nocturnal light pollution can disrupt daily patterns of behavior and energy metabolism, as well as disturb the rhythms of genes involved in metabolism, leading to an increased risk for metabolic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jana Zlacka, Miroslav Murar, Gabriela Addova, Roman Moravcik, Andrej Bohac, Michal Zeman
Summary: Inhibition of glycolysis in endothelial cells combined with growth factor receptor blockade shows promise as an antiangiogenic treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zuzana Dzirbikova, Katarina Stebelova, Katarina Kovacova, Monika Okuliarova, Lucia Olexova, Michal Zeman
Summary: Artificial light at night (ALAN) during pregnancy can disrupt hormonal and biochemical rhythms and interfere with the normal development of offspring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viera Jerigova, Michal Zeman, Monika Okuliarova
Summary: Circadian rhythms are crucial for immune system function, and disruption of these rhythms can have adverse health effects. This article discusses the impact of genetic and light-induced circadian disruption on the immune system, highlighting the importance of further research in understanding the relationship between circadian disruption and immune status.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Zeman, Monika Okuliarova, Valentina Sophia Rumanova
Summary: Circadian rhythms are disrupted by artificial light at night, which can lead to negative health consequences. Low levels of artificial light interfere with the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms and disrupt hormonal signals, leading to disturbed metabolic and behavioral patterns. Effective strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of light pollution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
A. Bohm, V. Lauko, K. Dostalova, I. Balanova, I. Varga, B. Bezak, N. Jajcay, R. Moravcik, L. Lazurova, P. Slezak, V. Mojto, M. Kollarova, K. Petrikova, K. Danova, M. Zeman
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on platelet aggregation in healthy individuals and patients with type 2 DM. The results showed that melatonin significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in healthy individuals, but had no effect in patients with diabetes mellitus.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
