A new way for the heart and brain to ‘talk’ to each other, and Earth’s future weather written in ancient coral reefs
Feb 1, 2024
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Veronica Egger, a professor of neurophysiology, discusses her research on how the pulse of blood affects neurons in the brain. They explore the potential for mechanical pulses as a communication method within the body. Also, the podcast explores drilling on a hazardous reef terrace for climate research in Vanuatu to study coral records of past climate patterns.
Studying ancient corals from Vanuatu can provide valuable insights into the behavior of El Niño and improve climate predictions.
Neurons in the brain can detect and respond to the mechanical pulses of blood, opening new possibilities for studying brain-body communication.
Deep dives
Unlocking the Past: How Ancient Coral Samples Shed Light on El Nino's Behavior
Researchers are studying ancient corals from the Pacific island of Vanuatu to better understand the behavior of El Nino. By examining corals that have been pushed above sea level due to geological activity, scientists have been able to extract valuable climate records from the last ice age. These records can provide insight into how El Nino may change in the future and help improve long-term climate predictions. Despite facing challenges such as hazardous drilling conditions and unpredictable weather, researchers have managed to collect promising coral samples and are planning to continue their efforts in May to further strengthen the climate record.
Mechanical Drumming: How Neurons in the Brain Respond to the Pulse of Blood
Recent research has revealed that neurons in the brain have the ability to detect and respond to the mechanical pulses of blood. This discovery suggests that the heartbeat may serve as a fast and direct communication pathway from the body to the brain. The mechanical oscillations generated by the heartbeat are transmitted to nearby neurons, which have sensors in their membranes that respond to pressure changes. This novel pathway provides a quicker means of conveying information about the heartbeat compared to the traditional nervous system pathways. While further research is needed to understand the full implications, this finding opens up new possibilities for studying the brain-body connection and its influence on various physiological processes.
The Science Podcast: Bringing Insights from Morgan State University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine
In this episode of the Science Podcast, the discussion covers various topics, including the research initiatives and accomplishments of Morgan State University, a doctoral research institution in Baltimore. The podcast also highlights the partnership between the ICON School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Science Magazine in exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in medical research and care. Additionally, the podcast features interviews with researchers who conducted an expedition to Vanuatu to collect ancient coral samples for studying El Nino's behavior, as well as a conversation with neurophysiology expert Veronica Edgar about the fascinating discovery of neurons in the brain responding to mechanical pulses from the blood.
A remote island may hold clues for the future of El Niño and La Niña under climate change, and how pressure in the blood sends messages to neurons
First up, researchers are digging into thousands of years of coral to chart El Niño’s behavior over time. Producer Kevin McLean talks with Staff Writer Paul Voosen about his travels to the Pacific island of Vanuatu to witness the arduous task of reef drilling.
Next on the show, host Sarah Crespi talks with Veronica Egger, a professor of neurophysiology at the Regensburg University Institute of Zoology, about an unexpected method of signaling inside the body. Egger’s work suggests the pulse of the blood—the mechanical drumming of it—affects neurons in the brain. The two discuss why this might be a useful way for the body to talk to itself.
This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.