Ionizing radiation‐induced long‐term expression of senescence markers in mice is independent of p53 and immune status

Exposure to IR has been shown to induce the formation of senescence markers, a phenotype that coincides with lifelong delayed repair and regeneration of irradiated tissues. We hypothesized that IR‐induced senescence markers could persist long‐term in vivo, possibly contributing to the permanent reduction in tissue functionality. Here, we show that mouse tissues exposed to a sublethal dose of IR display persistent (up to 45 weeks, the maximum time analyzed) DNA damage foci and increased p16^INK4a expression, two hallmarks of cellular senescence and aging. BrdU‐labeling experiments revealed that IR‐induced damaged cells are preferentially eliminated, at least partially, in a tissue‐dependent manner. Unexpectedly, the accumulation of damaged cells was found to occur independent from the DNA damage response modulator p53, and from an intact immune system, as their levels were similar in wild‐type and Rag2^?/? γC^?/? mice, the latter being deficient in T, B, and NK cells. Together, our results provide compelling evidence that exposure to IR induces long‐term expression of senescence markers in vivo, an effect that may contribute to the reduced tissue functionality observed in cancer survivors.     

Heterochronic phenotypic plasticity with lack of genetic differentiation in the southeastern Pacific squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon

Two forms of the squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon can be found along the Pacific coast of South America: a smaller pelagic and a larger benthic form that live respectively in the northern and southern areas of the geographic distribution of the species. The morphological and life history differences between the pelagic and benthic forms could be explained either by genetic differentiation or phenotypic plasticity. In the latter case it would correspond to a heterochronic phenotypic plasticity that is fixed in different environments (phenotype fixation). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the two forms are genetically differentiated or not; and thus to infer the underlying basis-heritable or plastic-of the existence of the two forms. Based on barcoding data of mitochondrial DNA (the COI gene), we show that haplotypes from individuals of the pelagic and benthic forms comprise a single genetic unit without genetic differentiation. Moreover, the data suggest that all studied individuals share a common demographic history of recent and sudden population expansion. These results strongly suggest that the differences between the two forms are due to phenotypic plasticity.     

Tracing hotspots of soil erosion in high mountain environments: how forensic science based on plant eDNA can lead the way. An opinion

Plant and Soil - High mountain environments are among the most fragile on Earth. Due to anthropogenic disturbances and the exposure to extreme weather events, the rates of soil erosion have...     

A Src inhibitor regulates the cell cycle of human pluripotent stem cells and improves directed differentiation

Driving human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into specific lineages is an inefficient and challenging process. We show that a potent Src inhibitor, PP1, regulates expression of genes involved in the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle, activates proteins in the retinoblastoma family, and subsequently increases the differentiation propensities of hPSCs into all three germ layers. We further demonstrate that genetic suppression of Src regulates the activity of the retinoblastoma protein and enhances the differentiation potential of hPSCs across all germ layers. These positive effects extend beyond the initial germ layer specification and enable efficient differentiation at subsequent stages of differentiation.     

Antimicrobial activities of Saudi honey against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Five types of imported and local honey were screened for both their bacteriocidal/bacteriostatic activities against both Imipenem resistant and sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both Brain Heart infusion broth and Mueller–Hinton agar. The results indicated that the effect was concentration and type of honey dependant. All types of honey tested exerted a full inhibition of bacterial growth at the highest concentration tested of 50% at 24 h of contact. The inhibitory effect of honey on bacterial growth was clear with concentrations of 20% and 10% and this effect was most evident in the case of Manuka honey as compared to Nigella sativa honey and Seder honey. Manuka honey UMF +20 showed a bacteriocidal activity on both Imipenem resistant and sensitive P. aeruginosa, while Seder honey and N. sativa honey exerted only a bacteriostatic effect. Manuka honey UMF +10 showed most effect on antimicrobial resistance. Manuka honey UMF +10 had an effect on modulation of Imipenem resistant P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The results indicated that various types of honey affected the test organisms differently. Modulation of antimicrobial resistance was seen in the case Manuka honey UMF +10.     

New Insights to Self‐Aggregation in Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for High‐Energy Electrochemical Devices

Some cations of ionic liquids (ILs) of interest for high‐energy electrochemical storage devices, such as lithium batteries and supercapacitors, have a structure similar to that of surfactants. For such, it is very important to understand if these IL cations tend to aggregate like surfactants since this would affect the ion mobility and thus the ionic conductivity. The aggregation behaviour of ILs consisting of the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion and different N‐alkyl‐N‐methyl‐pyrrolidinium cations, with the alkyl chain varied from C₃H₇ to C₈H₁₇, was extensively studied with NMR and Raman methods, also in the presence of Li⁺ cations. ²H NMR spin‐lattice and spin‐spin relaxation rates were analyzed by applying the “two step” model of surfactant dynamics. Here we show that, indeed, the cations in these ILs tend to form aggregates surrounded by the anions. The effect is even more pronounced in the presence of dissolved lithium cations.