In today’s newsletter, discover how a marine virus infiltrates cells, whether menopausal hormone therapy is good for the brain, and the link between compulsive behaviour and needing reminders to do certain tasks. Plus, read about a promising new treatment for the genetic disorder 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

– Julia Deathridge, Associate Features Editor

Brain image from a mouse model of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, in which antisense oligonucleotides (green and yellow) have been introduced. Credit: Pratibha Thakur and Martin Lackinger (CC BY 4.0)

Menopausal hormone therapy under the spotlight

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is believed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women, in addition to alleviating the symptoms of menopause. However, a study analysing data from over 20,000 women suggests that the relationship between MHT and brain health may need to be re-evaluated.

2-minute read

A dopamine bond

Some animals, including humans, form strong, long-lasting social bonds with a partner. New research on mandarin voles sheds light on how monogamous relationships reshape the brain’s response to dopamine, a chemical that is involved in reward and motivation.

2-minute read

Will I remember this?

Why do some people set themselves reminders for tasks like sending a birthday card, while others trust their memory? Now, an online study of 600 adults from the general public has found that people with higher levels of compulsivity tend to be less likely to use reminders, even if they might need them.

2-minute read

Targeting 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome – who are missing a small segment of DNA on chromosome 22 – are at higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. In mice, this deletion leads to elevated levels of a protein called EMC10. Now, new research that uses both mouse models and patient cells suggests that blocking EMC10 with antisense oligonucleotides could offer a promising approach for treating the syndrome.

2-minute read

Reflect to deflect

Leafhopper insects are covered in tiny particles called brochosomes, which help them hide from jumping spiders and other visual predators. But how does this specialised coating actually stop them from being detected? A recent study provides some clues. You can also read more in this Insight article – Camouflage: Tiny particles help insects evade predators.

2-minute read

Consciousness: Did you see it?

The human brain can register a stimulus (like an image or an object) either consciously or unconsciously – but different people have different levels of confidence in whether or not they have actually witnessed a stimulus. A study published in eLife suggests that this variability in judgement has an influence on experiments that analyse the neuronal signals caused by unconscious and conscious experiences. In this Insight article, Ling Liu explains the computational models that led to this conclusion, and why variations in confidence need to be controlled for.

4-minute read

Cell Surface Receptors: Virus attacks fish by muscling its way into cells

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) can wipe out whole fish populations, causing major financial losses for aquaculture farms. As well as entering cells via the conventional pathway used by most viruses, NNV also sneaks inside cells via an alternative route called macropinocytosis. In this Insight article, Ping-Ping Liu, Zhe Wei, and Xian-Wei Wang describe how a group of researchers discovered a receptor best known for its role in muscle contraction that plays a key role in this unorthodox mode of entry.

4-minute read

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