Fish that fly and Birds that swim

Nausicaa fan art by Moebius

This reminds me. There’s a Studio Ghibli film fest on at the Belcourt theatre this week (June 1st - June 6th). Just wish I had he money to go see it. 

(Source: gladiatorcop)

logicianmagician:

Study Reveals Secret of Zebrafish: 

Scientists at Monash University in Australia have found how the zebrafish heals its spinal cord after injury.

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is a tropical fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. This species is a popular aquarium fish and is also an important model organism in scientific research. It has the amazing ability to regenerate fins, skin, the heart and the brain.

A new study in the describes the role of a protein in the remarkable self-healing ability of the fish. The finding could eventually lead to ways to stimulate spinal cord regeneration in humans.

“When the spinal cord is severed in humans and other mammals, the immune system kicks in, activating specialized cells called glia to prevent bleeding into it,” explained study co-author Prof Peter Currie.

“Glia are the workmen of nervous system. The glia proliferate, forming bigger cells that span the wound site in order to prevent bleeding into it. They come in and try to sort out problems. A glial scar forms.”

However, the scar prevents axons, threadlike structures of nerve cells that carry impulses to the brain, of neighboring nerve cells from penetrating the wound. The result is paralysis.

“The axons upstream and downstream of the lesion sites are never able to penetrate the glial scar to reform. This is a major barrier in mammalian spinal cord regeneration,” Prof Currie said.

In contrast, the zebrafish glia form a bridge that spans the injury site but allow the penetration of axons into it. The fish can fully regenerate its spinal cord within two months of injury. “You can’t tell there’s been any wound at all,” Prof Currie said.

(Source: autarque)

soloproject:

sairobee:

ren-ne-rei:

Now that’s just creepy

I love the perspective and lighting in this so much.

UGLY CRIES

sciencenote:

Pollen A new process could one day keep millions allergy-free. Wellcome Images

The antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) works as the sneezy gatekeeper for allergies: it causes your white blood cells to release histamine, which in turn causes all of your favorite allergic responses, from a watery eyes to hay fever. Now, a team of scientists led by Professor Juhu Rouvinen have found a means of genetically modifying allergens so they won’t bind with IgE, while still allowing them to interact with immunoglobulin G. IgG is the friendly cousin of IgE; it keeps allergies out by stopping the IgE-allergen complex from forming. That could block histamine from coming out of white blood cells, and thus block that runny nose. After that, it’s simple, at least in theory: Just load a modified version in a shot and let the immune system take care of the rest.

memosfromfury:

[Submitted by: the-wilhelm-scream

Whoever began circulating the petition concerning modifications to a certain Agent’s uniform is asked to cease and desist. “Pimp Suit Purple” is not an appropriate color for S.H.I.E.L.D. uniforms, regardless of whether Agent Barton approves of the idea.]