Tiny salamanders can teach us about brain regeneration

+ how fish sleep; why ancient people could spend all day in sun US Edition - Today's top story: Axolotls can regenerate their brains – these adorable salamanders are helping unlock the mysteries of brain evolution and regeneration [View in browser]( US Edition | 7 September 2022 [The Conversation]( A small aquatic salamander known as the axolotl has long fascinated scientists because of its ability to regenerate brain cells. In a study published last week, researchers [built an atlas of part of the axolotl brain to help compare it with other species]( and gain insight into treating brain diseases in people. “Examining the genes and cell types that allow axolotls to accomplish nearly perfect regeneration may be the key to improve treatments for severe injuries and unlock regeneration potential in humans,” writes researcher Ashley Maynard. These days we’re all taught to be very careful not to get too much sun exposure, but our prehistoric ancestors were [well-adapted to spending all day in the sun]( and didn’t need to concern themselves with skin protection, writes Penn State biological anthropologist Nina Jablonski. Her research into the evolution of skin pigmentation shows that people’s “skin adapted to subtle, seasonal changes in sunlight and UV conditions.” The article also traces the development of methods to protect skin with the advent of farming and food storage as people spent more time inside. With an upcoming work trip for the first time in over two years, my first order of business this week was getting the latest COVID-19 booster, which was recently authorized for use. Immunologists Prakash Nagarkatti and Mitzi Nagarkatti from the University of South Carolina [provide some insight into how these bivalent vaccines]( – meaning, they’re designed to protect against both the original coronavirus and the omicron variant – were developed, and what these new vaccines show about the flexibility and speed of mRNA vaccine technology. Also in this week’s science news: - [Researcher uses algae to lower concrete’s carbon footprint]( - [Why designing robots for the home is so tough]( - [New techniques for tracking bird migrations]( If there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate, please reply to this email. Martin La Monica Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters Axolotls are a model organism researchers use to study a variety of topics in biology. Ruben Undheim/Flickr [Axolotls can regenerate their brains – these adorable salamanders are helping unlock the mysteries of brain evolution and regeneration]( Ashley Maynard, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Axolotls are amphibians known for their ability to regrow their organs, including their brains. New research clarifies their regeneration process. The sun’s rays often feel good on your skin, but can cause serious damage. Maksim Chernyshev/EyeEm via Getty Images [Human skin stood up better to the sun before there were sunscreens and parasols – an anthropologist explains why]( Nina G. Jablonski, Penn State Our ancient ancestors didn’t have clothes or houses – but that constant exposure to the sun helped their skin protect itself from the worst sun damage. In a matter of days, eligible people will be lining up to receive the newly formulated booster shot. filadendron/E+ via Getty Images [Will omicron-specific booster shots be more effective at combating COVID-19? 5 questions answered]( Prakash Nagarkatti, University of South Carolina; Mitzi Nagarkatti, University of South Carolina The CDC’s endorsement of the reformulated COVID-19 booster shots represents a major step in the effort to get more Americans boosted. - [People think they should talk less to be liked, but new research suggests you should speak up in conversations with strangers]( Quinn Hirschi, University of Chicago The common advice to let the other person talk more might backfire if you want to make a positive first impression. - [Fears of a polio resurgence in the US have health officials on high alert – a virologist explains the history of this dreaded disease]( Rosemary Rochford, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Health officials say the new case of polio in New York state and the presence of poliovirus in the municipal wastewater suggests that hundreds more could already be infected with the disease. - [Most human embryos naturally die after conception – restrictive abortion laws fail to take this embryo loss into account]( Kathryn Kavanagh, UMass Dartmouth Human embryos are far more likely to die than come to term, an evolutionary trait seen across species. Laws granting personhood at conception ignore built-in embryo loss, with potentially grave consequences. - [Sleeping fish? From sharks to salmon, guppies to groupers, here’s how they grab a snooze]( Michael Heithaus, Florida International University Just about every creature on Earth needs to grab some Zs from time to time. Imagine trying to doze while dodging great whites and killer whales. - [Tiny algae could help fix concrete’s dirty little climate secret – 4 innovative ways to clean up this notoriously hard to decarbonize industry]( Wil Srubar, University of Colorado Boulder Cement is responsible for more than 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Its emissions doubled over the past two decades, and demand is still rising fast. - [Birds migrate along ancient routes – here are the latest high-tech tools scientists are using to study their amazing journeys]( Tom Langen, Clarkson University Satellite telemetry, tiny geolocation tags and passive acoustic recording are providing new insights into bird migration and vital data for conservation. - [Why household robot servants are a lot harder to build than robotic vacuums and automated warehouse workers]( Ayonga Hereid, The Ohio State University Videos of humanoid robots dancing and performing backflips in the lab notwithstanding, robots that wash your dishes and fold your laundry are still years away. A roboticist explains why. - Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly emails: [Politics Weekly]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Global Economy & Business]( - - About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. [Donate now to support research-based journalism]( [The Conversation]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]( 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 [Forward to a friend]( • [Unsubscribe](