An innovative method for creating miniature brains has been created by Dr Tyler Wenzel from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in which the stem cells of human blood have been used and is likely to transform&nbsp;the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s&nbsp;disease.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think that our crazy idea would work. These could be used as a diagnostic tool, built from blood,” he said.

The idea of this one-in-a-kind mini-brain was developed by Wenzel, a postdoctoral fellow in the College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, while he was working under the supervision of Dr. Darrell Mousseau (PhD).

According to the research, it is possible to manipulate human stem cells and develop them into practically any other kind of cell in the human body.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-for-the-first-time-use-cells-of-multiple-people-to-create-minibrains-737954">Scientists for the first time use cells of multiple people to create 'minibrains'</a>

Wenzel used the stem cells from human blood and created a tiny artificial organ, which was around three millimetres and appeared like a piece of chewed gum.

After using the stem cells from a blood sample to create "mini-brains", they are transformed to function in the way brain cells do.&nbsp;

<h2>How are these human blood-based "mini-brains" unique?</h2>

It is not a novel concept to use small synthetic organoids for research, however, the “mini-brains” created in Wenzel’s lab were unique.&nbsp;

According to the recently published article by Wenzel in Frontiers of Cellular Neuroscience, these brains had four different types of brain cells in comparison to other brain organoids comprising of just only neurons.

As per the tests, the "mini-brains" created by Wenzel are more accurate in reflecting the developed adult human brain and can closely examine neurological conditions of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Watch:&nbsp;Microplastics found in human brain. What does this mean for you?

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“If stem cells have the capacity to become any cell in the human body, the question then came ‘could we create something that resembles an entire organ?’” said Wenzel.&nbsp;

“While we were developing it, I had the crazy idea that if these truly are human brains, if a patient had a disease like Alzheimer’s and we grew their ‘mini-brain,’ in theory that tiny brain would have Alzheimer’s," he added.

Wenzel has accepted that he is still finding it difficult to believe the astounding success of the early “mini-brains".

“I’m still in disbelief, but it’s also extremely motivating that something like this happened,” Wenzel said. “It gives me something that I think will impact society and have actual relevance and create some change … it has a strong potential to shift the landscape of medicine," said the scientists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An innovative method for creating miniature brains has been created by Dr Tyler Wenzel from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in which the stem cells of human blood have been used and is likely to transform the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

An innovative method for creating miniature brains has been created by Dr Tyler Wenzel from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in which the stem cells of human blood have been used and is likely to transform the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think that our crazy idea would work. These could be used as a diagnostic tool, built from blood,” he said. The idea of this one-in-a-kind mini-brain was developed by Wenzel, a postdoctoral fellow in the College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, while he was working under the supervision of Dr. Darrell Mousseau (PhD). According to the research, it is possible to manipulate human stem cells and develop them into practically any other kind of cell in the human body. Also Read: Scientists for the first time use cells of multiple people to create 'minibrains' Wenzel used the stem cells from human blood and created a tiny artificial organ, which was around three millimetres and appeared like a piece of chewed gum. After using the stem cells from a blood sample to create "mini-brains", they are transformed to function in the way brain cells do. How are these human blood-based "mini-brains" unique? It is not a novel concept to use small synthetic organoids for research, however, the “mini-brains” created in Wenzel’s lab were unique. According to the recently published article by Wenzel in Frontiers of Cellular Neuroscience, these brains had four different types of brain cells in comparison to other brain organoids comprising of just only neurons. As per the tests, the "mini-brains" created by Wenzel are more accurate in reflecting the developed adult human brain and can closely examine neurological conditions of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Watch: Microplastics found in human brain. What does this mean for you? “If stem cells have the capacity to become any cell in the human body, the question then came ‘could we create something that resembles an entire organ?’” said Wenzel. “While we were developing it, I had the crazy idea that if these truly are human brains, if a patient had a disease like Alzheimer’s and we grew their ‘mini-brain,’ in theory that tiny brain would have Alzheimer’s," he added. Wenzel has accepted that he is still finding it difficult to believe the astounding success of the early “mini-brains". “I’m still in disbelief, but it’s also extremely motivating that something like this happened,” Wenzel said. “It gives me something that I think will impact society and have actual relevance and create some change … it has a strong potential to shift the landscape of medicine," said the scientists. (With inputs from agencies)

Human blood-based mini-brains may revolutionise treatment of Alzheimer’s: Scientist

A palace&nbsp;used as a voodoo site built using the human blood of 41 sacrifice victims was discovered in the city of Abomey, Benin in West Africa.

It is common knowledge that essential materials for construction include cement, mortar, bricks,&nbsp;etc. But researchers say that&nbsp;the people of West Africa&nbsp;added human blood to the list as well. According to research, the walls of the palace are made of red oil and lustral water mixed with human blood. Since&nbsp;41 is a sacred number in voodoo, researchers concluded that the blood of 41 victims was used in the making of the palace.

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<h2>How did researchers determine there was human blood on palace walls?</h2>

The researchers used high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to understand the proteins present in the mortar. Moreover, the proteomic results also found traces of immunoglobulins and haemoglobin from humans and chickens present in the walls of the palace.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Displaced Israelis wonder if schools will open, forced to leave due to Hezbollah fire

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<h2>History behind the palace</h2>

The city of Abomey was ruled by 12 kings between the 17th to early 20th centuries. The king who ruled the city from 1818 to 1858, Ghezo was infamous for his brutal nature.

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Based on the research conducted, it is believed that the way to Ghezo's house was paved with the bones and skulls of the enemies he had defeated. Additionally, his throne rested on four skulls of the leaders he had defeated.

<h2>The tale behind the presence of blood</h2>

Studies suggest that the death of the kings of that area was followed by a sacrifice of 500 victims owing to a ritual known as the "Great Customs". Researchers are yet to determine whether the blood found in the walls was from such an event or whether people involuntarily gave up their lives to build the palace.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A palace used as a voodoo site built using the human blood of 41 sacrifice victims was discovered in the city of Abomey, Benin in West Africa. It is common knowledge that essential materials for construction include cement, mortar, bricks, etc.

A palace used as a voodoo site built using the human blood of 41 sacrifice victims was discovered in the city of Abomey, Benin in West Africa. It is common knowledge that essential materials for construction include cement, mortar, bricks, etc. But researchers say that the people of West Africa added human blood to the list as well. According to research, the walls of the palace are made of red oil and lustral water mixed with human blood. Since 41 is a sacred number in voodoo, researchers concluded that the blood of 41 victims was used in the making of the palace. Also read | Forest fires triggered by Hezbollah rockets spread through northern Israel How did researchers determine there was human blood on palace walls? The researchers used high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to understand the proteins present in the mortar. Moreover, the proteomic results also found traces of immunoglobulins and haemoglobin from humans and chickens present in the walls of the palace. Watch | Israel war: Displaced Israelis wonder if schools will open, forced to leave due to Hezbollah fire History behind the palace The city of Abomey was ruled by 12 kings between the 17th to early 20th centuries. The king who ruled the city from 1818 to 1858, Ghezo was infamous for his brutal nature. Also read | Congressman's young son lightens mood in the House with funny antics Based on the research conducted, it is believed that the way to Ghezo's house was paved with the bones and skulls of the enemies he had defeated. Additionally, his throne rested on four skulls of the leaders he had defeated. The tale behind the presence of blood Studies suggest that the death of the kings of that area was followed by a sacrifice of 500 victims owing to a ritual known as the "Great Customs". Researchers are yet to determine whether the blood found in the walls was from such an event or whether people involuntarily gave up their lives to build the palace. (With inputs from agencies)

The gory past of a voodoo palace in West Africa with human blood in the walls

A new trait has been found among bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, called 'bacterial vampirism', by the researchers at Washington State University (WSU). These bacteria are known to&nbsp;cause foodborne illnesses. &nbsp;

For years, scientists have not been able to understand how these microorganisms can move from the gut to the blood, where they can act deadly. Also, they have not been able to understand why they move from the gut to the blood.

As per the team, these bacteria get attracted to the serum or blood, which is filled with nutrients that can be used as food by the bacteria.

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The pathogens are easily able to trace where the serum is and gain entry to the bloodstream via small cuts present in the digestive system, which at times also leads to death from sepsis if a person is suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.&nbsp;

<h2>Vampire bacteria is attracted to small amounts of blood: Scientists</h2>

As per the scientists, even a small amount of blood is enough to attract vampire bacteria and can detect a single drop of blood in 10 billion drops of water.

In a statement, WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine professor and co-author Arden Baylink said, "Bacteria infecting the bloodstream can be lethal. We learned some of the bacteria that most commonly cause bloodstream infections actually sense a chemical in human blood and swim toward it."

As per the new study which was published in the journal eLife, 0.0000000000001 millilitres of serum can be detected by enterobacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists welcome new antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria CRAB

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After finding the cut through which the blood is leaking into the gut, the bacteria crowd around it and enter it.&nbsp;

A high-powered microscope system is being used by the team to simulate intestinal bleeding by injecting human serum in microscopic amounts and observing the bacteria navigate towards the source.&nbsp;

The scientists watched as the microbes detected the serum in less than a minute. The strategy, in this scenario, is known as 'chemotaxis,' where bacteria shift towards higher concentrations of specific substances.

The scientists also found that Salmonella has a special protein receptor known as Tsr which helps bacteria move towards the serum.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new trait has been found among bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, called 'bacterial vampirism', by the researchers at Washington State University (WSU). These bacteria are known to cause foodborne illnesses.

A new trait has been found among bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, called 'bacterial vampirism', by the researchers at Washington State University (WSU). These bacteria are known to cause foodborne illnesses. For years, scientists have not been able to understand how these microorganisms can move from the gut to the blood, where they can act deadly. Also, they have not been able to understand why they move from the gut to the blood. As per the team, these bacteria get attracted to the serum or blood, which is filled with nutrients that can be used as food by the bacteria. Also Read: Hand sanitisers may be damaging your brain cells, says study The pathogens are easily able to trace where the serum is and gain entry to the bloodstream via small cuts present in the digestive system, which at times also leads to death from sepsis if a person is suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. Vampire bacteria is attracted to small amounts of blood: Scientists As per the scientists, even a small amount of blood is enough to attract vampire bacteria and can detect a single drop of blood in 10 billion drops of water. In a statement, WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine professor and co-author Arden Baylink said, "Bacteria infecting the bloodstream can be lethal. We learned some of the bacteria that most commonly cause bloodstream infections actually sense a chemical in human blood and swim toward it." As per the new study which was published in the journal eLife, 0.0000000000001 millilitres of serum can be detected by enterobacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Watch: Scientists welcome new antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria CRAB After finding the cut through which the blood is leaking into the gut, the bacteria crowd around it and enter it. A high-powered microscope system is being used by the team to simulate intestinal bleeding by injecting human serum in microscopic amounts and observing the bacteria navigate towards the source. The scientists watched as the microbes detected the serum in less than a minute. The strategy, in this scenario, is known as 'chemotaxis,' where bacteria shift towards higher concentrations of specific substances. The scientists also found that Salmonella has a special protein receptor known as Tsr which helps bacteria move towards the serum. (With inputs from agencies)

'Vampire' bacteria: Some common pathogens are now feasting on human blood

Have you ever heard about the vampire bacteria that feast on human blood? Researchers at Washington State University identify this new trait among bacteria like Salmonella and E Coli.

Scientists discover 'Vampire bacteria' that feasts on human blood

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are mainly attracted to human blood over other animals?

The scientists from Princeton University in the US believe that it has a lot to do with our ‘citrusy’ scent.

According to the study published in the journal Nature, mosquitoes evolved to bite humans by solely relying on odour molecules which are distinct from those emitted by other creatures in a particular environment.

These Aedes aegypti&nbsp;mosquitoes, which act as carriers for diseases like Zika, dengue and yellow fever, strongly prefer human odour over animals, The Independent reported citing the study.

The scientists arrived at this conclusion by scanning mosquito brains at a very high resolution to see how they would react to different types of scent.

To achieve this, they genetically engineered the mosquitoes to make their brains light up when they were active, and expose them to different types of scent.

To test how these blood-sucking flying insects differentiated between mammal and human scent, scientists collected hair, fur and wool samples and used odour from 16 humans, two rats, two guinea pigs, two quails, one sheep and four dogs.

They then collected human and animal odours non-destructively and designed a system which allowed them to pass human odour at the mosquitoes in the imaging setup, the UK-based newspaper reported.

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The scientists then found out that mosquitoes have been using just two of their 60 glomeruli (nerve centres) to detect the human odour.

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The mosquitoes use these brain centres to detect two chemicals – decanal and undecanal – which have a slightly orangey, citrusy smell and are enriched in human odour, the study concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are mainly attracted to human blood over other animals? The scientists from Princeton University in the US believe that it has a lot to do with our ‘citrusy’ scent.

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are mainly attracted to human blood over other animals? The scientists from Princeton University in the US believe that it has a lot to do with our ‘citrusy’ scent. According to the study published in the journal Nature, mosquitoes evolved to bite humans by solely relying on odour molecules which are distinct from those emitted by other creatures in a particular environment. These Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which act as carriers for diseases like Zika, dengue and yellow fever, strongly prefer human odour over animals, The Independent reported citing the study. The scientists arrived at this conclusion by scanning mosquito brains at a very high resolution to see how they would react to different types of scent. To achieve this, they genetically engineered the mosquitoes to make their brains light up when they were active, and expose them to different types of scent. To test how these blood-sucking flying insects differentiated between mammal and human scent, scientists collected hair, fur and wool samples and used odour from 16 humans, two rats, two guinea pigs, two quails, one sheep and four dogs. They then collected human and animal odours non-destructively and designed a system which allowed them to pass human odour at the mosquitoes in the imaging setup, the UK-based newspaper reported. Also read | Mysterious ‘phantom island’ keeps appearing and disappearing on Google Maps, scientists stumped The scientists then found out that mosquitoes have been using just two of their 60 glomeruli (nerve centres) to detect the human odour. Also read | Man doesn't get high after two bottles, complains to home minister The mosquitoes use these brain centres to detect two chemicals – decanal and undecanal – which have a slightly orangey, citrusy smell and are enriched in human odour, the study concluded. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE

Scientists reveal why mosquitoes prefer human blood over other animals

In a first, microplastics have been found in human blood. 22 blood samples were studied, 17 were found 'polluted' with plastic. Experts say the microplastics likely belong to water bottles, food packaging, carry bags. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Microplastics found in human blood

Tiny particles of plastic, called microplastic- have been found in human blood for the first time, raising fears about their long-term health effects.

Amsterdam researchers discover microplastics in human blood

For the first time, microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood. The tiny particles have been found by scientists in almost 80% of the people tested. &nbsp;

The particles can travel around the body, shows the finding. These particles may also enter organs. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the impact of it on health is yet unknown, the researchers are concerned as microplastics can cause damage to human cells in the laboratory. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Blood samples of 22 anonymous donors were analysed by the scientists. All of these people were healthy adults and plastic particles were found in 17. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Almost half samples contained PET plastic used in making bottles, while one third contained polystyrene, utilised for packaging food and other products and a quarter of the blood samples contained polyethylene, which is used to come up with plastic carrier bags. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/to-show-coolness-orangutans-like-humans-use-slang-says-study-464507" hreflang="en">To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study</a>

Prof Dick Vethaak, ecotoxicologist, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, said, “Our study is the first indication that we have polymer particles in our blood – it’s a breakthrough result. But we have to extend the research and increase the sample sizes, the number of polymers assessed, etc.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is certainly reasonable to be concerned. The particles are there and are transported throughout the body,” Vethaak told the Guardian. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The research has been published in the journal 'Environment International'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood. The tiny particles have been found by scientists in almost 80% of the people tested.

For the first time, microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood. The tiny particles have been found by scientists in almost 80% of the people tested. The particles can travel around the body, shows the finding. These particles may also enter organs. Although the impact of it on health is yet unknown, the researchers are concerned as microplastics can cause damage to human cells in the laboratory. Also Read: Artificial sweeteners increase risk of cancer by up to 13%, says study Blood samples of 22 anonymous donors were analysed by the scientists. All of these people were healthy adults and plastic particles were found in 17. Almost half samples contained PET plastic used in making bottles, while one third contained polystyrene, utilised for packaging food and other products and a quarter of the blood samples contained polyethylene, which is used to come up with plastic carrier bags. Also Read: To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study Prof Dick Vethaak, ecotoxicologist, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, said, “Our study is the first indication that we have polymer particles in our blood – it’s a breakthrough result. But we have to extend the research and increase the sample sizes, the number of polymers assessed, etc.” “It is certainly reasonable to be concerned. The particles are there and are transported throughout the body,” Vethaak told the Guardian. The research has been published in the journal 'Environment International'. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, microplastic pollution gets detected in human blood

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