Life Inspired: 20th Edition
Welcome to the special, 20th edition of Life Inspired, your curated update on the fascinating world of Life Sciences and leadership. This month, we delve into ground-breaking medical technology and bring you some fun science facts to brighten your day.
We're also hiring across Europe and the USA so please do check out our job listings or get in touch with us today if you're looking for a new challenge.
A recent study has developed an in vitro model to explore how muscle contraction influences motor neurons. Using fibrin hydrogels that allow long-term culture of contractile skeletal muscle, the researchers found that factors secreted by exercised muscle promote significant neurite outgrowth and migration in motor neurons. The extent of this effect depends on muscle contraction intensity.
The study also introduced actuating magnetic microparticles to stretch motor neurons, simulating the mechanical impact of muscle contraction. Both mechanical and biochemical stimulation enhanced axon growth, but RNA sequencing revealed distinct molecular responses—biochemical cues were more involved in cell signalling related to axonogenesis and synapse formation.
This work provides robust evidence that muscle contraction affects motor neuron growth through both mechanical and biochemical signals, offering new insights into neuromuscular development and potential therapeutic strategies.
Lesser mealworms feeding on polystyrene.
Recommended by LinkedIn
An exciting new discovery in the battle against plastic pollution has emerged: Kenyan lesser mealworm larvae have been found to consume polystyrene (styrofoam), a plastic that is notoriously difficult to degrade. This marks the first time an insect species native to Africa has shown the ability to break down this widely-used plastic material, which is commonly found in food, electronic, and industrial packaging. Polystyrene is durable and resistant to traditional recycling methods, which are often costly and polluting.
The discovery was made by a team of scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, who found that the larvae of the Alphitobius darkling beetle (the lesser mealworm) can digest polystyrene with the help of bacteria in their gut. These larvae, which have a growth period of 8 to 10 weeks, thrive in warm environments such as poultry houses, where they can access a constant food supply.
This breakthrough offers a potential biological solution to plastic waste, moving beyond chemical and thermal recycling methods to more sustainable, eco-friendly approaches.
We're Hiring...
Looking for a new role or have a space in your team that you need to fill? Get in touch with us today and see why the leading Life Sciences organisations work with ARTO.