Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that often leads to difficult-to-treat epilepsy. This condition affects the way nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in the brain, making it challenging for drug therapy to be effective. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn, in collaboration with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), has shed light on profound changes in the dopamine system associated with FCD type 2.

The research team, led by doctoral student Norisa Meli, found that the dopaminergic supply in the affected brain areas is altered. Furthermore, an increased expression of certain dopamine receptors was observed both in human tissue and a corresponding mouse model. These findings suggest a disrupted dopaminergic system in FCD type 2.

The changes in the dopamine system could play a crucial role in the development of epileptic seizures, which often accompany this condition. Moreover, many individuals with FCD type 2 experience concentration problems or mood swings, highlighting the complex neuropathology involved.

Professors Sandra Blaess and Albert Becker emphasized that dopamine modulates the excitability of neuronal networks and their formation in the developing cortex. Their results demonstrate that this modulation may be disturbed in FCD type 2, a previously underinvestigated aspect of the condition.

The study combines comprehensive molecular analyses of human tissue samples with a preclinical mouse model replicating the genetic changes in FCD type 2. The researchers hope that these findings will contribute to more targeted and effective treatment strategies in the long term.

The work was funded by the German Research Foundation, the BONFOR program of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn, the iBehave project (Netzwerke 2021 — an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia). Additionally, the work was supported by the Epilepsy Surgery Biobank of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn and the Open Access funding of the University of Bonn.

The world has long been aware of the importance of protein in our diets. However, research has shown that not all proteins are created equal when it comes to longevity. A groundbreaking study by experts at the University of Sydney has found that countries which consume more plant-based proteins have longer adult life expectancies.

Published in Nature Communications, Dr. Alistair Senior and his team analyzed food supply and demographic data from 101 countries between 1961-2018. They corrected the data to account for population size and wealth, revealing a fascinating mixed picture when it comes to comparing the health impacts of meat versus plant-based protein at a population level.

For infants under five, a diet rich in animal-based proteins and fats resulted in lower rates of mortality. However, for adults, the reverse was true – a higher consumption of plant-based proteins led to increased overall life expectancy. This finding has significant implications for public health policies and individual dietary choices.

The researchers used publicly available data on food supply from 101 countries over a 60-year period. They analyzed the availability of calories, proteins, and fats in each country’s food system, taking into account differences in wealth and population size. Their results showed that countries with higher availability of plant-based proteins had relatively longer life expectancies.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based protein sources like legumes, nuts, and whole grains have been linked to improved overall mortality rates and longevity in some of the world’s longest-lived communities.

As we consider the impact of our diets on both human health and the planet, it is essential to recognize the importance of plant-based protein as a crucial part of a healthy diet. By making informed choices about where we get our protein from, we can contribute to a longer, healthier life for ourselves and future generations.

The concept of muscle memory has long been debated among fitness enthusiasts and scientists. While it’s often thought that the effects of exercise are short-lived, new research from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, reveals a possible explanation for muscle memory at the protein level.

In a study published in the Journal of Physiology, researchers investigated the quantities of thousands of muscle proteins after ten weeks of resistance training followed by a two-month break and then another ten weeks of resistance training. Using advanced mass spectrometry equipment, they found that muscles “remember” previous resistance training for over two months at the protein level.

The study identified two types of change profiles in muscle proteins: one group returned to their pre-training state during the break, only to change again during the new training period, similar to the first training period. These included proteins related to aerobic metabolism.

Another group of proteins changed as a result of training and remained changed during the break and after the new training period. Among these proteins were several calcium-binding proteins, such as calpain-2, whose gene has recently been identified to retain a memory trace even after a training break.

“This study shows that muscles ‘remember’ previous resistance training at the protein level for at least two and a half months,” says lead researcher Professor Juha Hulmi from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. “Even though muscles eventually shrink back to their original size during a long training break, a memory trace of previous training remains in the muscles, making it easier to start training again.”

The research has significant implications for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who may be concerned about muscle loss during periods of rest or injury. By understanding the mechanisms behind muscle memory, individuals can develop strategies to maintain their gains and make the most out of their training efforts.

The study is part of a larger TraDeRe research project funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by Associate Professor of Coaching Science Juha Ahtiainen (PI) in collaboration with Juha Hulmi (Co-PI). The data collection was carried out at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, and proteomic analyses were conducted on 116 muscle samples at the University of Helsinki.