Researchers of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Germany, have gained crucial insight into how mechanosensitivity arises. By measuring electrical impulses in the sensory neurons of mice, the neurobiologists and pain researchers Dr. Stefan G. Lechner and Professor Gary Lewin were able to directly elucidate, for the first time, the emergence of mechanosensitivity. At the same time they were able to show that neurons develop their sensitivity to touch and pain during different developmental phases but always coincidentally with the growth of the neuronal pathways. (EMBO Journal, 2009, doi:10.1038/emboj.2009.73).*

The sensory neurons, which are sensitive to touch and pain, are located in the dorsal root ganglia between the intervertebral discs. The neurons receive the stimulus and convert it into electrical signals that are conveyed to the brain.

Signal transduction has been investigated very thoroughly, which has led to the development of drugs that block the transduction of pain signals to the brain. Very little, however, is known about how stimulus sensitivity actually emerges.

Using the patch-clamp technique in isolated cells of mouse embryos, the MDC researchers succeeded in measuring tiny electrical currents in the cell membranes after a mechanosensory stimulus.

“These measurements are extremely difficult,” Dr. Lechner explained, “which is why only very few laboratories in the world are specialized in this area.”

The researchers in Berlin-Buch were able to show that the sensory neurons in the mouse embryo have already fully developed their mechanosensitivity competence on embryonic day 13. That corresponds to about the end of the sixth month of pregnancy in humans.

For this development the neurons do not require any nerve growth factor, which is why the researchers suspect that this process is driven by a genetic program. In contrast, the competence to sense pain in the sensory neurons can only develop with the aid of nerve growth factor (NGF). It takes place at a later stage in embryonic development and even after birth.

*Developmental waves of mechanosensitivity acquisition in sensory neuron subtypes during embryonic development


Stefan G Lechner, Henning Frenzel1, Rui Wang1 and Gary R Lewin*


Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
*Corresponding author

Source:
Barbara Bachtler

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

It is not unlikely that you may develop the disease called Gastroesphogeal Reflux Disease or acid reflux. As a matter-of-fact, one out of every 10 adults may develop the condition in a lifetime.

GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that damages the lining of the esophagus. The symptoms of acid reflux generally persist up to 3 or more months causing significant pain and discomfort. When the symptoms become unbearable, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover a home remedy for acid reflux.

Basically, when the stomach in addition to the acid and enzymes are no longer able to fully break down the food that you eat, then this may suggest that you have developed a digestive problem.

The liquid content in the stomach subsequently travels back in the esophagus. Once there is a build- up of the acid in the esophagus, you will begin experiencing prominent pain and discomfort. The lining of the esophagus is inflamed inducing a painful burning sensation in the chest and/or throat.

Specifically, you may experience heartburn, which is the most common system, as well as belching, regurgitation, dysphagia, and/or chest pain. As medications are the most used treatment to combat these symptoms, physicians often recommend natural home remedies to cure the disease.

A home remedy for acid reflux is the best solution to receive complete productivity. The natural cures have also proven to benefit overall health. There are several reasons that healthcare professionals inevitably suggest home remedies as opposed to prescription or over-the-counter medications.

• No threat of long- term complications or severe medical problems
• Expensive trips to doctors or medication cost
• Safe from toxins or unwanted pathogens in the body
• Cures the disease instead of simply masking the symptoms
• Effective for overall health

There are many factors that contribute to the development and longevity of acid reflux. If you live an unhealthy life- style, make the necessary changes to improve your health. Some of these factors include eating fatty foods, spicy foods, tomato based foods, chocolate, and caffeine.

Other factors to avoid are smoking, alcohol, and obesity. Pregnancy also causes GERD. Each of these factors empowers the development of acid reflux disease, thereby affecting your quality of life and the ability to participate in everyday activities.

However, you can put an end to the pain and suffering by simply avoiding bad, unhealthy habits. Also, you must implement home remedies for acid reflux into your daily routine.

1. Baking Soda - mixed with a glass of lukewarm water. The Alkaline in the baking soda neutralizes the acid

2. Apple Cider Vinegar- taken with water makes it one of the most effective home remedy. Helps with indigestion as well as acid reflux

3. Acid Diet - consist of fruits, vegetables, select low-fat dairy, some types of nuts, and acidophilus yogurt - no red meats, no grains, no sugars, and no foods high in fat- digest celery, bananas, and pineapples everyday

4. Garlic - fresh garlic must be chewed or crushed with spoon by swallowing - eaten everyday, garlic kills pathogenic organisms while also optimizing bowel flora

5. Probiotics - taken with water - organisms that contribute to the health and balance of the intestinal tract - “good” bacteria that acts to maintain healthy intestinal tract as well as fight illness/disease

As the swine flu continues to spread worldwide, it is becoming more worrisome. The spread has not yet reached dangerous levels but it could approach pandemic proportions if it continues to spread as it has been. It seems that the disease is infecting new countries on a weekly basis And due to the rapid spread of swine flu, you should do something to protect your family as well as yourself.

The swine flu symptoms a the same as any other type of flu. Fever, cough, body aches and soreness, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, runny nose and chills are the most common symptoms. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been seen in some of those with the disease. An unusually large percentage of otherwise healthy young people were killed by the disease in Mexico. For that reason, the swine flu is not something you should trivialize. It is a serious matter.

This strain of influenza is transmitted from person to person much like any other flu. The virus is disbursed through the air by the coughing, sneezing, and breathing of infected individuals. The disease is also passed along when you touch objects that have been handled by infected individuals.

When you go out in public, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against swine flu is to wear a swine flu pandemic mask. But unfortunately, many people wear a type of pandemic mask flu mask that is completely useless. They are made of woven paper and are too porous to filter out tiny swine flu virus organisms. To be effective, your pandemic mask should be rated N 95 or better. A Pandemic mask can be an important component in protecting the safety of you and your family.

If you are concerned about your family, take steps today to protect them from the swine flu. Once a pandemic strikes, it may be too late.

If you are concerned about the swine flu and the safety of your family, download my guide on How To Reduce Your Risk Of Swine Flu Infection By 98%. Download the complete system at Swine Flu Prevention!