Philosophy of Developmental Biology

Опубликована: Март 16, 2022

The history of developmental biology is interwoven with debates as to whether mechanistic explanations development are possible or alternative explanatory principles even vital forces need be assumed. In particular, the demonstrated ability embryonic cells tune their fate precisely relative position and overall size embryo was once thought inexplicable in terms. Taking a causal perspective, this Element examines what extent how biology, having turned molecular about four decades ago, has been able meet vitalist challenge. It focuses not only on nature but also usefulness knowledge – including classical experimental embryology for further scientific discovery. shows perspective allows us understand significance some key concepts, organizer, signal morphogen. This title available Open Access Cambridge Core.

Язык: Английский

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Health and environment from adaptation to adaptivity: a situated relational account

History & Philosophy of the Life Sciences, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 44(3)

Опубликована: Авг. 18, 2022

Abstract The definitions and conceptualizations of health, the management healthcare have been challenged by current global scenarios (e.g., new diseases, geographical distribution effects climate change on etc.) ongoing scholarship in humanities science. In this paper we question mainstream definition health adopted WHO—‘a state complete physical, mental social well-being not merely absence disease or infirmity’ (WHO Preamble to constitution World Health Organization as international conference, Organization, 1948)—and its role providing tools understand what is contemporary context. More specifically, argue that context requires take into account environment both medical theory practice. To do so, analyse WHO documents dated 1984 1986 which define ‘coping with environment’. We develop idea environment’, focusing two cardinal concepts: adaptation public adaptivity philosophy biology. notions can be major benefit for characterization practical implications. explore some these implications discussing recent case studies valuable further adaptive strategies pandemic scenario: community-centred care microbiologically healthier buildings.

Язык: Английский

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Genetic Variability in Molecular Pathways Implicated in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 13

Опубликована: Март 18, 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, affecting significant part of the population. The majority AD cases occur in elderly with typical age onset above 65 years. presents major burden for healthcare system and since population rapidly aging, will increase future. However, no effective drug treatment full-blown has been developed to date. genetic background extensively studied; numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified genes associated increased risk development. This review summarizes more than 100 loci. Many them may serve as biomarkers progression, even preclinical stage disease. Furthermore, we used GWAS data identify key pathways pathogenesis: cellular processes, metabolic biological regulation, localization, transport, regulation neurological processes. Gene clustering into molecular can provide identification novel targets support development tailored personalized AD.

Язык: Английский

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Photosynthesis dynamics and regulation sensed in the frequency domain

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 187(2), С. 646 - 661

Опубликована: Июль 7, 2021

Foundations of photosynthesis research have been established mainly by studying the response plants to changing light, typically sudden exposure a constant light intensity after dark acclimation or flashes. This approach remains valid and powerful, but can be limited requiring before time-domain measurements often assumes that rate constants determining photosynthetic do not change between acclimation. We show these limits overcome measuring plant responses sinusoidally modulated varying frequency. By its nature, such frequency-domain characterization is performed in light-acclimated with no need for prior Amplitudes, phase shifts, upper harmonic modulation extracted from data wide range frequencies target different kinetic domains regulatory feedbacks. The occurrence reflects nonlinear phenomena, including regulation. To support claims, we measured chlorophyll fluorescence emission green alga Chlorella sorokiniana was frequency 1000-0.001 Hz. Based on experimental numerical as well analytical mathematical models, propose become versatile tool sensing.

Язык: Английский

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Insights on the regulation of photosynthesis in pea leaves exposed to oscillating light

Journal of Experimental Botany, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 73(18), С. 6380 - 6393

Опубликована: Авг. 29, 2022

Abstract Plants growing in nature often experience fluctuating irradiance. However, the laboratory, dynamics of photosynthesis are usually explored by instantaneously exposing dark-adapted plants to constant light and examining dark-to-light transition, which is a poor approximation natural phenomena. With aim creating better approximation, we exposed leaves pea (Pisum sativum) oscillating measured changes functioning PSI PSII, proton motive force at thylakoid membrane. We found that depended on oscillation period, revealing information about underlying regulatory networks. As demonstrated for selected period 60 s, regulation tries keep reaction centers PSII open. present an evaluation data obtained, discuss involvement particular processes photosynthesis. The forced oscillations provided information-rich fingerprint complex expect future progress understanding these networks from experiments involving chemical interventions plant mutants, using mathematical modeling systems identification control tools.

Язык: Английский

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