Everest would be a real “bank” of viruses and microbes ● How does the fact that Chinese scientists created horned mice help us? ● How to get rid of the consequences of drinking with a simple injection

Everest would be a real “bank” of viruses and microbes

This is stated by a group of microbiologists from the University of Colorado in the journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. According to American researchers, tens of thousands of climbers who climb Mount Everest leave behind viruses that can persist there for decades or even hundreds of years.

In fact, it is a human signature, say experts who have analyzed samples of precipitation, removed from a height of more than 7,900 meters. The surprise was not the discovery of viruses. Any sneeze can release something like this, so no big deal. But the fact that some viruses have adapted to survive in conditions where they would normally disappear.

Previous studies have shown that germs and viruses carried by humans do not survive in the extremely cold regions of Antarctica, the Himalayas or even the Andes. However, it seems that effective enough methods were not used for their detection. And because in the new analyzes bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were found.

Normally, such microorganisms would be destroyed either by low temperatures or by ultraviolet rays. But some managed to survive in stasis in areas where they had never done so before. The quoted experts admit that the danger is not very great, but it is useful to know for future studies of microorganisms and their survival rate in extreme conditions. Until then, if you’re going on vacation, avoid Everest too!

How does the fact that Chinese scientists created horned mice help us?

A team of scientists from Xi’an Polytechnic University, China, claims to have just discovered a solution that allows bone regeneration in mammals and, by extension, in humans.

Their research, published in the journal Science (see here and here ), shows that the implantation of stem cells taken from newly regenerated reindeer antlers in laboratory mice led to the appearance of cartilaginous protrusions on the skulls of guinea pigs. Mainly some opening horns.

According to Chinese scientists, this is a great achievement, which indicates that they managed to isolate the cells responsible for bone regeneration. A discovery that in the future can be successfully used for bone regeneration in humans.

To reach the above conclusion, the Chinese researchers started from the idea that the reindeer and the mouse have something in common. Namely, the ability to regenerate bone structures. In the case of the reindeer, it’s about the antlers and the fastest regeneration rate among mammals. In the case of mice, the tips of the fingers. Studying the cases, scientists claim to have discovered those stem cells that ensure the regeneration process.

The next step will be to figure out how to apply this discovery to humans. And, they say, they are not very far.

How to get rid of the consequences of drinking with a simple injection

A discovery that really matters in the world of science (and only) came to us from Texas. More precisely, from the university there. According to a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, it is about the development of a possible injectable drug that will counteract the unwanted effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

American scientists have now identified a hormone (FGF21) that increased vigilance in guinea pigs and reduced the effects of intoxication, such as lack of coordination and drowsiness. And this without fundamentally changing the way the body processes alcohol.

It is currently known that this hormone is secreted by the liver in both guinea pigs and humans. And this means that it works for us and not only for laboratory mice. All that needs to be done, the researchers say, is to increase the concentration of FGF21.

Previous studies have shown that the hormone FGF21 triggers a protective response in the body against alcohol consumption. In particular, it increases the desire to drink water and suppresses the desire to drink alcohol.

During laboratory tests, scientists bred guinea pigs whose ability to produce FGF21 was suppressed. Then they were given doses of sugar containing ethanol. Finally, they were given a dose of FGF21. As a result, the mice recovered their motor abilities twice as fast as mice that produced the hormone naturally.

One conclusion is that the hormone in question appeared as a reaction of the animal’s body, by means of which it tries to stop the consumption of ethanol in too large quantities. The next step is human studies. Eventually, Texas researchers say, we’ll also have an injectable drug to treat severe cases of alcohol poisoning.

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