A scientist in Norway has been successful in reversing the ageing process in the brain of a bee. Professor Gro Amdam found that although older bees already have the responsibility of gathering food outside the hive for the rest of the colony, they do have the ability to learn new tasks and improve their memory. Believe it or not, the structure and inner-workings of a bee's brain is remarkably similar to that of a human being's, so Prof. Amdam believes that if she can crack bee brain ageing, she might be able to unlock the key to human dementia.
Professor Amdam is based at two universities: Arizona State in the US and Norway's University of Life Sciences. Part of the experiment involved placing the older bees inside hives to tend to the larvae, normally the work of younger bees. The older bees took to their new tasks well, though.
There was also a higher level of eight particular proteins that contribute to the growth, repair and maintenance of cells in the brains of those bees who had improved their learning when given the task within their colony.
The next stage in the research could be to create a substance that acts like the bee proteins, for use in humans and other animals, but Professor Amdam is currently waiting to hear from potential partners in furthering the research.
Friday, March 25, 2011
OLL LEWIS: Yesterday's News Today
http://cryptozoologynews.blogspot.com/
On this day in 1931 Leonard Nimoy was born.
And now the news:
Baby dolphin saved after dumped in rice field by t...
First humans in Americas: prehistoric Texans?
And what is Nimoy most famous for? Oh yeah, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC73PHdQX04
On this day in 1931 Leonard Nimoy was born.
And now the news:
Baby dolphin saved after dumped in rice field by t...
First humans in Americas: prehistoric Texans?
And what is Nimoy most famous for? Oh yeah, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC73PHdQX04
Thursday, March 24, 2011
GLEN VAUDREY: Trail Cameras for Sumatra Part 2
Many of you asked to see more of the CFZ fund raising mascot, Trevor the Trail Cam, and as you can see from the picture he has escaped his prison; as if a few cocktail sticks and cardboard were ever going to hold him back. It’s less than two weeks since the launch of the CFZ Trail Cam funding campaign and I have to say the response has been very promising. Many thanks to those who have so far donated; your contributions are very welcome and much appreciated. I would like also to thank all those who have contacted me regarding the trail cam plans; again many thanks for your interest. Don’t despair if you haven’t yet donated, or if you wish to contact me about the trail cams; the campaign still has many more weeks to run.
Just to recap: to sponsor a trail cam will cost £100. If that seems a little steep why not get a group together to sponsor one of these trail cams? A group of five will pay just £20 each. Sponsors will get an update on any pictures and when something exciting is spotted your name will go up in lights alongside the photo.
Don’t despair if you miss out on Trevor, he has plenty of friends who also need help in breaking free.
Your sponsorship will pay for the release and upkeep of Trevor and kin, but sadly you will have no rights to take him home.
Now doesn’t that sound like a good deal? Armchair cryptozoology at its best. All the fun of an expedition without being bitten by scary tropical insects.
If you like the sound of this then please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.
For further information you can contact me at glen@cfz.org.uk or tel 0161 777 6586.
Donations can be made via PayPal to Trailcams@CFZ.org.uk
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