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Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Protecting rock-wallabies in Australia Last updated: 17/04/25, 11:11 Published: 17/04/25, 10:29 Rock-wallabies are adapted to occupy specific rocky habitats, like outcrops, cliffs and caves This is the final article (article no. 7) in a series on animal conservation. Previous article: Emperor penguins, kings of ice. First article: 55 years of vicuna conservation . Australia is home to many unique mammals because they have evolved in geographic isolation for millennia. Over 200 years ago, European colonists brought their own mammals to Australia, devastating this unique wildlife in ways that can still be seen today. One example is the rock-wallabies ( Petrogale spp. ), a group of 25 animal species and subspecies related to kangaroos. Australian scientists are monitoring rock-wallaby populations to ensure they remain safe from natural and human-caused threats. This article will describe those threats and how rock wallabies are being conserved. Rock-wallaby habitat As their name suggests, rock-wallabies are adapted to occupy specific rocky habitats, including outcrops, cliffs and caves. Since they are primarily nocturnal, these habitats provide shelter in the daytime. Rock-wallabies have modified foot pads to grip tricky surfaces and access places their predators cannot. Recent research found that for two rock-wallaby species, their abundance is associated with more complex and rocky habitats. Because their habitat type is so niche and they rarely migrate, one small disturbance could wipe out an entire rock-wallaby population. This is reflected by their protections under Australian law: five types of rock-wallaby are classified as ‘vulnerable’, six as ‘endangered’, and one as ‘critically endangered’. Thus, the complex habitat of rock-wallabies is both a blessing and a curse. Threats to rock-wallabies Rock-wallabies are vulnerable or endangered mainly because of invasive predators such as foxes, cats, and goats. After being introduced from Europe during colonisation, these predators have eaten many wallabies and scared the rest into foraging elsewhere. If predators live between two rock-wallaby populations, there will be less migration and interbreeding, reducing overall genetic health ( Figure 1 ). In addition, rock-wallabies will not forage if predators are in an area, so they have limited food sources under high pressure ( Figure 1 ). Combined with these indirect reasons, direct predation by invasive mammals is the biggest threat to rock-wallaby survival. Invasive predators are not the only threats to rock-wallaby populations. Wildfires kill the plants that wallabies rely on for food and shelter, such as rock figs. For example, one wildfire in the 2019/2020 season destroyed about 38% of brush-tailed rock-wallaby habitat. The already dwindling rock-wallaby populations may disappear if the climate crisis makes wildfires less predictable and more severe. Native herbivores like the euro and invasive herbivores like goats may also compete with rock-wallabies for food. There is evidence that euros out-compete rock-wallabies when food supplies are limited, but no evidence for goats yet. Thus, fires and competition combine with invasive predators to endanger rock-wallabies. Translocation and monitoring Monitoring existing rock-wallaby populations and creating new ones by translocation are reducing the threats of predation, fire, and competition. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies were translocated to Grampians National Park in 2008, but most animals died by 2013. Scientists thought manually handling wallabies might make them stressed and more vulnerable to predators. From 2014 onwards, non-invasive monitoring procedures like cameras and faecal DNA monitoring reduced predation and increased the survival rate of young rock-wallabies. Meanwhile, black-flanked rock-wallabies were being translocated from four different source populations to Kalbarri National Park, hoping they would interbreed and create a new genetically diverse population. The project was successful, as microsatellite genotyping found that the translocated population had more heterozygotes and more alleles per locus than the source populations ( Figure 2 ). This population is predicted to grow until at least 2028 because it is diverse enough to avoid the inbreeding mentioned earlier. The Grampians and Kalbarri translocations show the importance of careful monitoring and genetic considerations for conserving rock-wallabies. Conclusion After invasive mammalian predators have decimated rock-wallaby populations throughout Australia for over 200 years, wildfires and herbivore competition make survival even more difficult. Conservation efforts are made harder by the specific and limited habitats that rock-wallabies need. However, translocation efforts which consider genetic diversity and the stress of manual handling keep rock-wallaby populations afloat. Written by Simran Patel REFERENCES Campbell, I. & Woods, S. (2013) Wildlife of Australia . Princeton, UNITED STATES: Princeton University Press. Kleemann, S., Sandow, D., Stevens, M., Schultz, D.J., Taggart, D.A. & Croxford, A. (2022) Non-invasive monitoring and reintroduction biology of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) in the Grampians National Park, Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology . 69 (2): 41–54. Available from: https://www.publish.csiro.au/zo/ZO21009 (Accessed 10th December 2024). Lavery, T.H., Eldridge, M., Legge, S., Pearson, D., Southwell, D., Woinarski, J.C.Z., Woolley, L.-A. & Lindenmayer, D. (2021) Threats to Australia’s rock-wallabies (Petrogale spp.) with key directions for effective monitoring. Biodiversity and Conservation . 30 (14): 4137–4161. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02315-3 (Accessed 9th December 2024). Morris, S.D., Johnson, C.N. & Brook, B.W. (2020) Roughing it: terrain is crucial in identifying novel translocation sites for the vulnerable brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale pencillata). Royal Society Open Science . 7 (12): 201603. Available from: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.201603 (Accessed 10th December 2024). Nilsson, K., Pearson, D., Paxman, M., Desmond, A., Kennington, J., Byrne, M. & Ottewell, K. (2023) Translocations restore a population of a threatened rock-wallaby and bolster its genetic diversity. Conservation Genetics . 24 (5): 547–561. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-023-01520-7 (Accessed 9th December 2024). Silcock, J.L., Gynther, I.C., Horsup, A., Molyneux, J., Wattz, T.L., Fairfax, R.J., Healy, A.J., Murphy, D. & McRae, P.D. (2024) Half a century of survey data reveal population recovery but persistent threats for the Vulnerable yellow-footed rock-wallaby in Queensland, Australia. Oryx . 1–13. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/half-a-century-of-survey-data-reveal-population-recovery-but-persistent-threats-for-the-vulnerable-yellowfooted-rockwallaby-in-queensland-australia/D976E61ABE458B9FADA059372117382E (Accessed 10th December 2024). Project Gallery

Scientia News is full of STEM blogs, articles and resources freely available across the globe for students. Browse all of our fascinating content written by students and professionals showing their passion in STEM and the other sciences. Log In Welcome to Scientia News DELIVERING INFORMATIVE CONTENT Scientia News is full of STEM blogs, articles and resources freely available across the globe for students. Browse all of our fascinating content written by students and professionals showing their passion in STEM and other sciences. We hope this platform helps you discover something that inspires your curiosity, and encourages you to learn more about important topics in STEM. Meet the Official Team NAVIGATE AND CLICK THE PHOTOS BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US! To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Latest Articles medicine Sleep less…remember less: the hidden link between sleep and memory loss View More psychology You're not a fraud: battling imposter syndrome in STEM View More biology Healthcare challenges during civil war in Sudan View More physics A love letter from outer space: Lonar Lake, India View More CONTACT CONTACT US Scientia News welcomes anyone who wants to share their ideas and write for our platform. If you are interested in realising your writing potential with us AND live in the UK; and/ or would like to give feedback: Email us at scientianewsorg@gmail.com or fill in our GET IN TOUCH form below and we'll be in contact... Follow us on our socials for the latest updates. Comment, like and share! Join our mailing list below for latest site content. You can also sign up to become a site member . SUBSCRIPTION Join our mailing list to receive alerts for new articles and other site content. Be sure to check your spam/ junk folders in case emails are sent there. Email Subscribe GET IN TOUCH First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Brain metastasis hacks brain activity and jams neuronal communication Last updated: 17/04/25, 10:50 Published: 17/04/25, 10:29 Unveiling the paradigm shift in cognitive impairment through machine learning Understanding the impact of brain metastasis on neuronal communication Introduction Researchers from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have made a ground-breaking discovery related to brain metastasis and its impact on brain activity and neuronal communication. This finding could potentially explain why half of all patients with brain metastasis experience cognitive impairment. Understanding the influence on neural circuits The research , published in Cancer Cell, aimed to comprehend how brain metastasis affects the functionality of neuronal circuits beyond the physical mass of the tumour. The researchers conducted multidimensional modelling of brain functional analyses in the context of brain metastasis and tested various preclinical models from different primary sources and oncogenic profiles. The study was able to separate the effect on local field potential oscillatory activity from cortical and hippocampal areas. This helped researchers learn more about the different ways that brain metastasis can affect people. The authors highlighted the importance of this comprehensive approach in unravelling the complex dynamics of brain metastasis. Detecting metastases through electrical activity Through the measurement of electrical activity in the brains of mice with and without metastases, the researchers discovered distinct electrophysiological differences between the two groups. The researchers used artificial intelligence to confirm that metastases were indeed to blame for these differences. Using an automatic algorithm trained with numerous electrophysiological recordings, the researchers developed a model that could accurately identify the presence of metastases. Furthermore, the algorithm demonstrated the ability to distinguish metastases originating from different primary tumours, such as skin, lung, and breast cancer. These findings provide clear evidence of the specific impact that metastasis has on the brain's electrical activity. Paradigm shift in understanding brain metastases The study represents a significant paradigm shift in the understanding of brain metastases. Traditionally, neurological dysfunction in patients with brain metastasis was attributed solely to the physical mass effect of the tumour. However, this research indicates that changes in brain activity resulting from tumour-induced biochemical and molecular alterations also contribute to these symptoms. The implications of this paradigm shift are far-reaching and have potential implications for the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of brain metastasis. By recognising that neurological symptoms are not solely due to the physical presence of the tumour, medical professionals can explore novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Potential therapeutic targets Looking ahead, the researchers are eager to explore potential therapeutic targets that can protect the brain from cancer-induced disruptions in neuronal circuits. They aim to identify molecules involved in metastasis-induced changes in neuronal communication, intending to evaluate them as possible therapeutic targets. The researchers want to create strategies that might stop or lessen the neurological dysfunction that patients frequently experience by understanding the biochemical and molecular changes brought on by brain metastasis. This could lead to advancements in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of brain metastasis, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Conclusion The groundbreaking studies carried out by the Spanish National Research Council and the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre have shed light on how brain metastasis affects brain activity and neuronal communication. By dissociating the effects of tumour mass from changes in brain activity, the study has revealed the complex dynamics of brain metastasis and its contribution to cognitive impairment in patients. The discovery of distinct electrophysiological differences and the development of an algorithm to detect metastases offer promising opportunities for early diagnosis and personalised treatment. This paradigm shift in understanding brain metastases opens the door for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as the exploration of potential therapeutic targets to protect the brain from cancer-induced disruptions. With further research, it is hopeful that advancements in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of brain metastasis will improve patient outcomes and lead to a better understanding of neurological dysfunction in these patients. Written by Sara Maria Majernikova Related articles: Cancer on the move / Cancer magnets / Latent space transformations / Uploading brain to a computer REFERENCE Sanchez-Aguilera A, Masmudi-Martín M, Navas-Olive A, Baena P, Hernández-Oliver C, Priego N, Cordón-Barris L, Alvaro-Espinosa L, García S, Martínez S et al : Machine learning identifies experimental brain metastasis subtypes based on their influence on neural circuits . Cancer Cell 2023, 41 (9):1637-1649.e1611. Project Gallery

An extensive collection of insightful reviews on the best STEM books available. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your knowledge or something to aid your revision and research, an educator seeking great resources for your classroom, or simply a curious mind passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more, you'll find something here to inspire and inform you.  Discover Your Next Great Read Deep Dive into STEM Books Here you can explore an extensive collection of insightful reviews on the best STEM books available. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your knowledge or something to aid your revision and research, an educator seeking great resources for your classroom, or simply a curious mind passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more, you'll find something here to inspire and inform you. Our Curated Selections: Intern Blues by Robert Marion, M.D. The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

In today's fast-paced and often overwhelming world, taking care of our mental well-being is more crucial than ever. In this article, we will explore practical strategies that can easily be incorporated into our day-to-day lives, allowing us to establish a solid foundation for our mental well-being and sustain it in the long run. Go Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Empowering your mental health journey with practical strategies Last updated: 30/01/25 Published: 18/05/23 In today's fast-paced and often overwhelming world, taking care of our mental well-being is more crucial than ever. In this article, we will explore practical strategies that can easily be incorporated into our day-to-day lives, allowing us to establish a solid foundation for our mental well-being and sustain it in the long run. 1. Embracing mindfulness Mindfulness is a powerful practice that helps us stay present, cultivate awareness, and manage stress. Imagine starting your day by dedicating a few minutes to mindful breathing or meditation, allowing yourself to set a calm and focused tone for the day. Engage in activities with a mindful mindset, whether it's taking a peaceful walk in nature, relishing a cup of tea, or fully immersing yourself in the present moment. 2. Exercise Physical activity is another essential self-care strategy that not only benefits our physical health but also plays a profound role in nurturing our mental well-being. Find an exercise routine that that brings you joy and that easily fits into your life. Whether it's walking, jogging, yoga, or any other form of movement that resonates with you, the key is to find something you enjoy and can stick to. Even small bursts of exercise throughout the day, like a short walk during your lunch break or opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. 3. Sleep Hygiene Adequate sleep is vital for mental and emotional wellbeing. Establishing good sleep hygiene is crucial. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that signals to your body that it's time to unwind. Consider reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretches to prepare your mind and body for restful sleep. Ensure your bedroom provides an optimal sleep environment by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool, and minimize exposure to screens before bed. 4. Online mental health platforms In our digital age, online mental health platforms have become invaluable resources for supporting our mental well-being. Platforms like Headspace , Better Help , and Calm offer a range of services, including meditation exercises, therapy sessions with licensed professionals, and stress reduction tools. Exploring these platforms can provide the support and guidance needed on your mental health journey. Self-care apps that can be installed on phones Prioritising self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can nurture your mind, body, and soul. By investing time and energy into yourself, you are fostering a stronger foundation for a happier and healthier life. Written by Viviana Greco Related articles: Stress and neurodegeneration / Physical and mental health / Imposter syndrome in STEM

Psychology delves into the human mind and behaviour. Read on for compelling articles ranging from reward sensitivity to evolutionary, and empathy-altruism theories. Discover the psychology of emotions: embarrassment, and aggression. Psychology Articles Psychology delves into the human mind and behaviour. Read on for compelling articles ranging from reward sensitivity to evolutionary, and empathy-altruism theories. Discover the psychology of emotions: embarrassment, and aggression. You may also like: Biology, Medicine Motivating the mind Effect of socioeconomic status on reward sensitivity The evolutionary theory by Darwin vs empathy-altruism Explaining altruism through different theories A perspective on well-being Hedonic vs eudaimonic: based on the principles of Aristotle and Aristippus Nature vs. nurture in childhood intelligence What matters most? The psychology of embarrassment Why do we feel this emotion? Models and theories A primer on the Mutualism theory of intelligence A detailed review on different studies Unmasking aggression Is this fierce emotion the result of personal, or social triggers? Mental health strategies Raising awareness to look after mental health Imposter syndrome in STEM Have you ever had this feeling in your STEM education or job?

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A deep dive into the hallmarks defining Alzheimer’s disease 17/04/25, 10:20 Last updated: Published: 06/11/24, 12:02 Exploring the distinctive features that define and disrupt the brain The progressive decline in neurocognition, resulting in a detrimental effect on one’s activities of daily living, is referred to as dementia. It typically affects people over the age of 65. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in cells. Understanding the pathophysiology of AD is imperative to the development of therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this article will outline the major hallmarks and mechanisms of AD. Hallmark 1: amyloid plaques One of the most widely accepted hypotheses for AD is the accumulation of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in the brain. Aβ is a 4.2 kDa peptide consisting of approximately 40–42 amino acids, originating from a precursor molecule called amyloid precursor protein. This process, defined as amyloidosis, is strongly linked to brain aging and neurocognitive decline. How do the amyloid plaques form? See Figure 1 . Reasons for the accumulation of amyloid plaques: Decreased autophagy: Amyloid proteins are abnormally folded proteins. Autophagy in the brain is primarily carried out by neuronal and glial cells, involving key structures known as autophagosomes and lysosomes. When autophagy becomes downregulated, the metabolism of Aβ is impaired, eventually resulting in plaque buildup. Overproduction of acetylcholinesterase (AChE): Acetylcholine (Ach) is the primary neurotransmitter involved in memory, awareness, and learning. Overproduction of ACHE by astrocytes into the synaptic cleft can lead to excessive breakdown of Ach, with detrimental effects on cognition. Reduced brain perfusion: Blood flow delivers necessary nutrients and oxygen for cellular function. Reduced perfusion can lead to “intracerebral starvation”, depriving cells of the energy needed to clear Aβ. Reduced expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1: Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) receptors are abundant in the central nervous system under normal conditions. They are involved in speeding up the metabolic pathway of Aβ by binding to its precursor and transporting them from the central nervous system into the blood, thereby reducing buildup. Reduced LRP1 expression can hinder this process, leading to amyloid buildup. Increased expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE): RAGE is expressed on the endothelial cells of the BBB, and its interaction with Aβ facilitates the entry of Aβ into the brain. Hallmark 2: neurofibrillary tangles See Figure 2 Neurofibrillary tangles are excessive accumulations of tau protein. Microtubules typically support neurons by guiding nutrients from the soma (cell body) to the axons. Furthermore, tau proteins stabilise these microtubules. In AD, signalling pathways involving phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cause tau proteins to detach from microtubules and stick to each other, eventually forming tangles. This results in a disruption in synaptic communication of action potentials. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies suggest an interaction between Aβ and tau, where Aβ can cause tau to misfold and aggregate, forming neurofibrillary tangles inside brain cells. Both Aβ and tau can self-propagate, spreading their toxic effects throughout the brain. This creates a vicious cycle, where Aβ promotes tau toxicity, and toxic tau can further exacerbate the harmful effects of Aβ, ultimately causing significant damage to synapses and neurons in AD. Hallmark 3: neuroinflammation Microglia are the primary phagocytes in the central nervous system. They can be activated by dead cells and protein plaques, where they initiate the innate immune response. This involves the release of chemokines to attract other white blood cells and the activation of the complement system which is a group of proteins involved in initiating inflammatory pathways to fight pathogens. In AD, microglia bind to Aβ via various receptors. Due to the substantial accumulation of Aβ, microglia are chronically activated, leading to sustained immune responses and neuroinflammation. Conclusion The contributions of amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and chronic neuroinflammation provide a framework for understanding the pathophysiology of AD. AD is a highly complex condition with unclear mechanisms. This calls for the need of continued research in the area as it is crucial for the development of effective treatments. Written by Blessing Amo-Konadu Related articles: Alzheimer's disease (an overview) / CRISPR-Cas9 to potentially treat AD / Sleep and memory loss REFERENCES 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. (2024). Alzheimer’s & dementia, 20(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13809. A, C., Travers, P., Walport, M. and Shlomchik, M.J. (2001). The complement system and innate immunity. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27100/ . Bloom, G.S. (2014). Amyloid-β and tau: the Trigger and Bullet in Alzheimer Disease Pathogenesis. JAMA neurology, [online] 71(4), pp.505–8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5847. Braithwaite, S.P., Stock, J.B., Lombroso, P.J. and Nairn, A.C. (2012). Protein Phosphatases and Alzheimer’s Disease. Progress in molecular biology and translational science, [online] 106, pp.343–379. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-396456-4.00012-2. Heneka, M.T., Carson, M.J., El Khoury, J., Landreth, G.E., Brosseron, F., Feinstein, D.L., Jacobs, A.H., Wyss-Coray, T., Vitorica, J., Ransohoff, R.M., Herrup, K., Frautschy, S.A., Finsen, B., Brown, G.C., Verkhratsky, A., Yamanaka, K., Koistinaho, J., Latz, E., Halle, A. and Petzold, G.C. (2015). Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. The Lancet. Neurology, 14(4), pp.388–405. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(15)70016-5. Kempf, S. and Metaxas, A. (2016). Neurofibrillary Tangles in Alzheimer′s disease: Elucidation of the Molecular Mechanism by Immunohistochemistry and Tau Protein phospho- proteomics. Neural Regeneration Research, 11(10), p.1579. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.193234. Kumar, A., Tsao, J.W., Sidhu, J. and Goyal, A. (2022). Alzheimer disease. [online] National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499922/. Ma, C., Hong, F. and Yang, S. (2022). Amyloidosis in Alzheimer’s Disease: Pathogeny, Etiology, and Related Therapeutic Directions. Molecules, 27(4), p.1210. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041210. National Institute on Aging (2024). What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? [online] National Institute on Aging. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-happens-brain- alzheimers-disease. Stavoe, A.K.H. and Holzbaur, E.L.F. (2019). Autophagy in Neurons. Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, 35(1), pp.477–500. doi: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100818-125242 . Project Gallery

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Can you erase your memory? 17/04/25, 10:22 Last updated: Published: 23/11/23, 11:08 The concept of memory erasure is huge and complex What is memory? Our brain is a wiggly structure in our skull, made up of roughly 100 billion neurones. It is a wondrous organ, capable of processing 34 gigabytes of digital data per day, yet being able to retain information, and form memory – something that many would argue, defines who we are. So.. what is memory? And how does our brain form them? Loosely defined, memory is the capacity to store and retrieve information. There are three types of memory: short-term, working, and long-term memory (LTM). Today, we will be focusing on LTM. In order to form LTM, we need to learn and store memory. This follows the process of encoding, storage, retrieval, and consolidation. In order to understand the biochemical attributes of memory in our brain, a psychologist, Dr Lashley, conducted extensive experiments on rats to investigate if there were specific pathways in our brain that we could damage to prevent memory from being recalled. His results showed that despite large areas of the brain being removed, the rats were still able to perform simple tasks ( Figures 1-2 ). Lashley’s experiment transformed our understanding of memory, leading to the concept of “engrams”. Takamiya et al., 2020 defines “memory engrams” as traces of LTM consolidated in the brain by experience. According to Lashley, the engrams were not localised in specific pathways. Rather, they were distributed across the whole of the brain. Can memory be erased? The concept of memory erasure is huge and complex. In order to simplify this, let’s divide them into two categories: unintentional, and intentional. Let’s take amnesia for example. This is a form of unintentional memory ‘erasure’. There are two types of amnesia: retrograde amnesia, and anterograde amnesia. Retrograde amnesia is the loss of memory that was formed before acquiring amnesia. On the other hand, anterograde amnesia is the inability to make new memories since acquiring amnesia. Typically, a person with amnesia would exhibit both retrograde, and anterograde amnesia, but at different degrees of severity ( Figure 3 ). Can we ‘erase’ our memory intentionally? And how would this be of use to us? This is where things get really interesting. Currently, the possibility of intentional memory ‘erasure’ is being investigated in patients for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these clinical trials, patients with PTSD are given drugs that block these traumatic memories. For example, propranolol, an adrenergic beta receptor blocker impairs the acquisition, retrieval, and reconsolidation of this memory. Incredible, isn’t it? Although this is not the current standard treatment for PTSD, we can only imagine how relieving it would be for our fellow friends who suffer from PTSD if their traumatic memories could be ‘erased’. However, with every step ahead, we must always be extremely cautious. What if things go wrong? We are dealing with our brain, arguably one of the most important organs in our body after all. Regardless, the potential for memory ‘erasure’ in treating PTSD seems both promising and intriguing, and the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding such advancements underscore the need for careful and responsible exploration in the realm of neuroscience and medicine. Written by Joecelyn Kiran Tan Related articles: Synaptic plasticity / Boom, and you're back! (intrusive memories) / Sleep and memory loss Project Gallery

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Life under occupation: the health and well-being of Palestinians Last updated: 17/04/25, 10:19 Published: 13/03/25, 08:00 Impact of war and geopolitics on health in Palestine This is article no. 1 in a series about global health injustices. Next article: Civil war in Sudan . Introduction Welcome to the Global Health Injustices Series, which will focus on critically examining the health inequalities and inequities faced by vulnerable populations within different countries and regions worldwide and even put forward actionable steps to improve their health and wellbeing. This series will begin with Palestine, as it has been an enduring crisis that should be addressed to include long-lasting benefits and outcomes for the Palestinians. Palestine: from a rich history to current occupation Palestine is a country in the Middle East (West Asia) mainly bordered by Israel. Palestine is unique in its various cultures and knowledge, moulded by multifaceted events and geopolitical shifts over centuries. The multidimensional cultural landscape of Palestine illustrates the impact of civilisations, such as the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, who each had their religions, languages, and cultures, which still exist in various forms today. The resilience of the Palestinians is evident through their distinct traditions, art, food and environment, which are essential to their identity. With these testaments in mind, Palestinians are facing consistent strife because they are under constant occupation, blockade and cutting off of needed supplies carried out by Israel, as noted by several humanitarian and human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Amnesty International and Save the Children. These actions are facilitated by nations, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, through arms and weapons trade. Hence, the struggle for the Palestinians to have autonomy and freedom, among other human rights within their own homeland, is a consistent fight that requires ongoing international cooperation and solidarity. Geopolitics: its detrimental impacts on the Palestinians Given the currently divisive geopolitical landscape, it is essential to bring attention to the health outcomes of the Palestinian population, especially since at least half of them are children. A report from the Global Nutrition Cluster called “Nutrition Vulnerability and Situation Analysis / Gaza” had several key findings and tables (see Tables 1 and 2 ). Firstly, more than 90% of children less than a year old, along with pregnant and breastfeeding women, encounter high under-nutrition due to poverty. Another finding was that approximately 90% of children under five are impacted by at least one infectious disease, and 81% of households in Gaza lack clean and safe water. However, the authors noted limitations in their analysis, such as limited data sources because collecting it is difficult within the context of Gaza, and this was true for screening. Another report from the organisation Medical Aid For Palestinians (MAP), titled “Health Under Occupation” from 2017, discussed healthcare access and outcomes more broadly. For example, they noted that in 2016, up to one-third of patients’ permits to exit Gaza for healthcare access were either denied or delayed. Moreover, they stated that 40% of people in Gaza live below the poverty line. Given the recent geopolitical shifts in power, these findings from both reports will likely be higher now. This brings forthcoming uncertainty about whether the health outcomes of Palestinians will improve. In a recent qualitative study involving the views of Palestinian physicians in the West Bank, they shared their experiences of violence, threats of violence, issues with healthcare access for themselves and patients, financial difficulties to support their families, struggle to help their patients and limited access to education due to harsher life under occupation. Thinking more largely about emergency care in Palestine, one scoping review reported the depletion of healthcare resources such as medical equipment and medications. The authors even related how human rights violations and the destruction of the Palestinian healthcare system, including emergencies, have exacerbated outcomes; the most notable were stroke, myocardial infarction and traumatic injury, among other non-infectious diseases. Although the authors included this information from a human rights standpoint, they called for additional interventions and research to fill in and learn gaps within emergency care to enhance health outcomes for Palestinians. This review was published in 2022, and again, many geopolitical shifts in power have taken place within a few years. Therefore, it can be deduced that emergency care is drastically needed for the Palestinians; this is primarily compelled by the blockade in Gaza and occupation in the West Bank. Focusing on the mental health outcomes among Palestinians, they have become worse. In another scoping review, researchers focused on trauma among young Palestinian people in Gaza; the authors noted that events, such as exposure to devastation and violence, as well as the death or loss of friends and family, have contributed to mental health outcomes ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to depression. Nevertheless, the authors stated that further qualitative research is vital to addressing gaps in knowledge and enhancing mental health outcomes among the Palestinian youth and the wider population. Connecting back to how the modern geopolitical landscape is very dynamic, the poorer mental health outcomes among Palestinians have conceivably increased. Urgent calls to action: recommendations from NGOs to upholding human rights Given all of these detrimental impacts on the health and wellbeing of Palestinians, there are recommendations from organisations, notably the United Nations (UN), for ways forward towards upholding the human rights of Palestinians: Immediately end all practices of collective punishment, including lifting its blockade and closures – and the “complete siege”- of Gaza, and urgently ensure immediate access to humanitarian and commercial goods throughout Gaza, commensurate with the immense humanitarian needs. Ensure that all Palestinians forcibly displaced from Gaza are allowed to return to their homes creating safe conditions and fulfil its responsibilities as an occupying Power in this regard. End the 56-year occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem as part of a broader process towards achieving equality, justice, democracy, non-discrimination, and the fulfilment of all human rights for all Palestinians. These recommendations, among others mentioned in the report from the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, were divulged in 2024; the year had been a challenging time, particularly in Gaza, due to the complete blockade of food, water and essentials like medical supplies; in addition to this, many explosives were dropped on Gaza, killing thousands of men, women and children. Finally, buildings, such as hospitals and homes, were destroyed. Conclusion: moving forward towards a equitable and equal future for Palestinians Reflecting on everything discussed in this article, the numerous injustices happening to Palestinians must not go on; they have been suppressed for nearly 75 years by governments and the mainstream media before receiving closer attention, examination and debate within Western society recently. Therefore, we need to take actionable steps by initiating more open discussions of justice and advocacy involving the voices of Palestinians, such as myself and others. Furthermore, it is crucial always to nudge those in positions of power worldwide to fulfil their responsibilities as civil servants and defend human rights for everyone. Both of these actions uphold the health and wellbeing of Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank, especially as enabling the recommendations from the UN and other NGOs. As for the wider international community, we must continue upholding human rights to maintain our health and wellbeing. In my next article, I will discuss Sudan because this population has also encountered many injustices, primarily the civil war that has been occurring since 2023. This has impacted the health and wellbeing of the Sudanese population, which requires thorough attention and discussion. Written by Sam Jarada Related articles: A perspective on well-being / Gentrification and well-being REFERENCES Human rights in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Amnesty International. 2022. Available from: https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/report-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/ Occupied Palestinian Territory. Save the Children International. 2024. Available from: https://www.savethechildren.net/occupied-palestinian-territory Nutrition Vulnerability and Situation Analysis / Gaza. 2024. Available from: https://www.nutritioncluster.net/sites/nutritioncluster.com/files/2024-02/GAZA-Nutrition-vulnerability-and-SitAn-v7.pdf HEALTH UNDER OCCUPATION. Medical Aid For Palestinians. 2017. Available from: https://www.map.org.uk/downloads/health-under-occupation---map-report-2017.pdf Husam Dweik, Hadwan AA, Beesan Maraqa, Taher A, Zink T. Perspectives of Palestinian physicians on the impact of the Gaza War in the West Bank. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health. 2024 Nov 14;6:100504–4. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321524001136 Rosenbloom R, Leff R. Emergency Care in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: A Scoping Review. Health and Human Rights. 2022 Dec;24(2):255. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9790939/ Abdallah Abudayya, Fugleberg T, Nyhus HB, Radwan Aburukba, Tofthagen R. Consequences of war-related traumatic stress among Palestinian young people in the Gaza Strip: A scoping review. Mental Health & Prevention. 2023 Nov 25;32:200305–5. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212657023000478 M.I. Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - Advance unedited version (A/HRC/55/28) - Question of Palestine. United Nations. Available from: https://www.un.org/unispal/document/human-rights-situation-in-opt-unohchr-23feb-2024/ Project Gallery

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Exploring My Role as a Clinical Computer Scientist in the NHS 17/04/25, 10:23 Last updated: Published: 06/05/24, 13:03 What my role entails When we think about career choices, we’re often presented with singular choices. Clinical Scientific Computing is a field that combines healthcare and computing. Despite it being relatively unknown, it is an important cog in the healthcare machine. When I applied for the Scientific Training Program in 2021, the specialism I applied for (Clinical Scientific Computing) had one of the lowest application rates out of approximately 27 specialisms. Awareness of this area has now improved, both thanks to better advertisement and exponential advancements in technology and healthcare. According to the NHS, there are now 26.8 thousand full-time equivalent healthcare scientists in England's NHS. As a clinical computer scientist, one's expertise can be applied in diverse settings, including medical physics laboratories and clinical engineering departments. My role in radiotherapy involves overseeing the technical aspects of clinical workflows, ensuring the seamless integration of technology in patient care. Training is a crucial part of being a proficient computer scientist. Especially with the growth of scientific fields in the NHS, there's always an influx of juniors and trainees, and that in turn, warrants the need for excellent trainers. A clinical scientist is someone who is proficient in their craft and able to explain complex concepts in layman's terms. As Einstein famously said: If you can't explain it to a 6-year-old, you can't understand it yourself. Although I am still technically a trainee, I am expected to partake in the training of the more junior trainees in my schedule. On a typical day, this may be as simple as explaining a program and demonstrating its application, or I may dismantle a PC and go through each component, one by one. At the core of clinical science is research. You won't go a day without working on at least one project and sometimes these may not even be your own. Collaboration with others is a huge part of the job. Every scientist has a different way of thinking about a problem, and this is exactly what keeps the wheels spinning in a scientific department. There are numerous times when I seek the help of others and vice versa. It is difficult to talk about 'typical' projects because they are often so varied in scientific computing, but it is likely that you will find yourself working on a variety of programming tasks. Having clinical know-how is crucial when working on projects in this field, and that aspect is exactly what separates the average computer scientist from the clinical computer scientist. A project I am currently working on involves radiation dose calculations, which naturally involves understanding the biological effects of radiation on the human body. This isn't a typical software development project so having a passion for healthcare is absolutely necessary. The unpredictability of technology means that troubleshooting is a constant aspect of our work. If something goes wrong in the department (which it often does), it is our responsibility as technical experts to quickly but effectively diagnose and fix the problems. The clinical workflow is highly sensitive in healthcare especially the cancer pathway where every minute counts. If a radiographer is unable to access patient records or there is an error with a planning system, this can have detrimental effects on the quality of patient care. Addressing errors, like those in treatment planning systems, necessitates a meticulous approach to diagnosis, often leading us from error code troubleshooting to on-site interventions. For example, I may be required to physically attend a treatment planning room and resolve an issue with the PC. This narrative offers a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a clinical computer scientist in the NHS, highlighting the critical blend of technical skill, continuous learning, and the profound impact on patient care. Through this lens, we can hopefully appreciate the essential role of clinical scientific computing in advancing healthcare, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. This narrative offers a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a clinical computer scientist in the NHS, highlighting the critical blend of technical skill, continuous learning, and the profound impact on patient care. Through this lens, we can hopefully appreciate the essential role of clinical scientific computing in advancing healthcare, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. For more information on this specialism . Written by Jaspreet Mann Related articles: Virtual reality in healthcare / Imposter syndrome in STEM Project Gallery