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Recent research has called into question the traditional understanding of axons, the message-sending fibres of neurons, suggesting that these structures may not always be smooth and cylindrical. A study published on December 2 in Nature Neuroscience observed that axons can resemble strings of beads rather than uniform lines. This discovery was made by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine using a high-pressure freezing method for imaging axons from mouse brains.
According to Dr Shigeki Watanabe, a cell biologist and neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins, traditional preservation techniques often alter the shape of tissues, leading to discrepancies in observations. As per a report by ScienceNews, he explained that the freezing method they employed better preserves the natural structure, likening the process to freezing grapes instead of drying them into raisins. Electron microscopy revealed rotund blobs connected by thin tubes, a feature not previously studied systematically.
Physical Mechanics Behind Axonal Pearling
Reportedly, the beaded structure of axons, also known as nanoscopic varicosities, was explained by Watanabe as a result of physical mechanics. Creating this shape requires less energy than maintaining a smooth cylindrical structure. The researchers believe that the shape of axons might influence the speed of signal transmission and vice versa. Preliminary data also suggest that myelinated axons, which are coated in insulating material, may exhibit similar patterns.
Scepticism and Future Investigations
Pramod Pullarkat, a physicist from the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru, expressed caution regarding these findings. In his statement, he emphasised that while the data is compelling, more evidence is needed to confirm this phenomenon across different conditions. He highlighted that axons grown in laboratory settings often appear smooth, which raises questions about whether the observed structures are a subset or artefacts of the imaging process.
Further studies are planned to investigate whether these beaded axons are influenced by factors such as sleep or other changes in the brain’s environment. Researchers aim to explore axonal structures in living brains to verify these findings and understand their broader implications.
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New research has drawn inspiration from Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium capable of withstanding extreme radiation levels, to create a potential antioxidant that may protect humans from ionising radiation. Known as “Conan the Bacterium,” this microbe has been studied for its extraordinary resistance to radiation doses far beyond what humans can endure. In a study published on December 12, 2024, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), scientists examined how the bacterium survives conditions that typically damage DNA, proteins, and cells. According to reports, the resilience of D. radiodurans is attributed to its robust cell wall, highly efficient DNA repair mechanisms, and antioxidants that neutralise harmful free radicals.
Unique Antioxidant Complex Developed
Researchers led by Michael Daly, a geneticist at the Uniformed Services University in Maryland, developed a synthetic antioxidant inspired by the bacterium’s protective mechanisms. Speaking to Live Science, Daly explained that exposure to ionising radiation — such as gamma rays and cosmic radiation — poses risks to both bacteria and humans, potentially causing DNA damage, protein oxidation, and severe health conditions.
The team created a lab-made antioxidant complex called manganese-dependent peptide (MDP). This was designed by combining manganese ions, phosphate ions, and a peptide modelled on the amino acids found in D. radiodurans. Co-author Brian Hoffman, a chemistry professor at Northwestern University, stated that the interaction between the components created a powerful protective compound, capable of withstanding radiation levels over 12,000 times higher than the lethal dose for humans.
Potential Applications for Space and Medicine
The antioxidant has sparked interest for space exploration and health care. Daly noted that astronauts on missions to Mars, where exposure to cosmic radiation is prolonged, could benefit from this cost-effective and non-toxic radioprotector. On Earth, it is suggested that MDP might help manage acute radiation syndrome and even combat metabolic ageing, although further studies are needed to ensure its safety and efficacy for human use. Reportedly, the researchers continue to refine the structure of MDP, aiming to enhance its properties for broader applications.
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